Seriously Engaged

The VBSDS community extends far beyond the classroom. When the campus closed due to COVID-19, our community based Lions’ pride was more important than ever. Our already tight knit community was only elevated and strengthened.

A significant foundation of the strong bond across our community is created through the hard work and creativity of the Parent Organization. Led by a group of dedicated volunteers, VBSDS’ Parent Org. hosted several events this year, including the famous Annual Bingo Afternoon, Comedy Night, Shabbat Across the Day School and Virtual Comedy Night. When we were “safer at home” during the last few months of the school year, our Parent Org. reached out to each and

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every VBSDS family to check-in, offer support and maintain important connections during a difficult time.

Our devoted parent volunteers also boosted morale through a brand new spiritwear line, featuring “Good Vibes” shirts, sweatshirts and swag, which families are encouraged to wear with pride every Monday.

The Parent Organization traditionally hosts VIVA VBS, an annual gala celebration. Though the event was canceled due to the pandemic, we are so grateful to the entire VIVA committee for working tirelessly on event logistics, including an incredible auction.

VIVA VBS 2020 honorees Tahli & Danny Abramovitch and Aileen & Gil Borok have gone above and beyond to support the school in numerous ways for many years, including a recent pledge to our classroom renovation project. We are extremely fortunate to have them as part of our community and to celebrate their generosity.

2020 VIVA Event Chairs Mory Barak Alan Feit Shahab and Natalie Kohen Zion Perets

Auction Chairs Emily Feit and Heela Hadad

Party Book Chairs Shoshana Kapnek and Amanda Waterman

Teacher Generosity Chairs Robin Melameth and Amy Rice

Parent Org Co-Presidents Tammy Temkin and Orit Rappaport

Event Coordinator Shelley Margulies

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Tahli and Danny Abramovitch

2020 VIVA VBS Honorees

Tahli and Danny Abramovitch have been devoted members of the VBSDS community as parents of Noa ’16, Jacob ’18, and Mia ’20. Danny’s connection to the Day School runs deep, having attended VBS Day School himself. Danny is a member of the VBS Board of Directors and spearheaded the first “Shulperbowl” event. Together, they opened their home for countless Day School events, promoting and expanding our community. The couple was also part of the 2019/20 VBS Emerging Leaders Cohort. Tahli served as a member of the Day School Board of Trustees for more than five years. As chair of the Marketing Committee, her support of admissions has been invaluable. Tahli received the Rita Reznikoff Leadership award in 2018 for her personal commitment to the Day School. In addition, Tahli was instrumental in spearheading the playground renovation campaign, as well as many other campus upgrades. Tahli co-chaired the Generations’ Day costume coordination for many years and also served the Parent Organization as either head room parent or room parent each school year. During Rabbi Schuldenfrei’s first year as Head of School, Tahli was an essential leader in the transition and served as part of the Head of School Support and Evaluation Committee.

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Aileen and Gil Borok

2020 VIVA VBS Honorees

Aileen and Gil Borok have been dedicated leaders of the VBS community for more than 15 years. Following a foundational educational experience at VBSDS, their children, Jack ‘15 and Estee ‘18, now attend Oakwood School. Gil has served on the Day School Board of Trustees with great devotion for ten years, including seven years as Vice-President of Finance. Gil has also served on the Head of School Support and Evaluation Committee and the Joint Task Force between the Synagogue and Day School boards. In 2017, Gil was the recipient of the Day School’s prestigious Rita Reznikoff Leadership Award for his dedication to the Day School. Aileen has also been a vital leader in the Day School. She co-chaired the Generations’ Day Committee for eight years and Picture Day for six. She also co-chaired the Sixth Grade Graduation Committee and was a member of the Board Nominating Search Committee. Aileen served as room parent eight out of the ten years that her children were at the School. Even though their children are no longer at VBSDS, the Boroks remain deeply committed to continuity.