Schechter Bergen Annual Report 2021-2022 by Ruthie Hollander

YEAR IN REVIEW 2021-2022

CONTENTS Board of Trustees & Administration Letter from our Head of School & Board President Our Mission & By the Numbers Core Values & Portrait of a Graduate 5 Key Character Strengths Year in Review AHAVA Parents' Association Etz Haim Endowment Revenue & Expenses Annual Campaign Thank You to Our Donors Grandparents' Giving Circle 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 36 37 38 39 40 41-42 43-48 49-50 1

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICERS

President YoniSaposh

VicePresidents RabbiAmiHersh

RabbiDaraKlarfeld Secretary BrandiKatzRubin Treasurer Dr.ErikaHenik

OfficeratLarge HarmanAveryGrossman ImmediatePastPresident DavidNanus

HONORARY TRUSTEES

TRUSTEES

Jonathan Apter Samantha Asulin Debbi Bohnen Amy Winiker Forrest Dr Joshua Gleis Zachary Kahn

AHAVA EXECUTIVE BOARD

Presidents

Ariella Adika Shepard Grinker Tammy Ween

Dalia Lerner Bruce Maier Rabbi Loren Monosov Caryn Shaw Ira Zaretsky

Rabbi Kenneth Berger

Adam Brown* David Brown Bernard Chalfin z"l* Amy Cushmaro* Jules Edelman z"l* Ray Goldberg Milton Gralla z"l Erich Holzer z"l Arthur Joseph z"l* Jerome Kantor z"l*

Herman S Kaufman z"l* Freddie Kotek* Shari Leventhal* Geoffrey Lewis Elissa Maier* Gil Makleff* David Nanus* Abe Oster z"l Jan Popkin* Adi Rabinowitz* Sy Sadinoff z"l* 2022 2023

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

STEVE FREEDMAN

Head of School

RICKY STAMLER GOLDBERG

Assistant Head of School for General & Jewish Education

RABBI EFREM REIS School Rabbi

DR. ILANA KUSTANOWITZ

School Psychologist

GENA KHELEMSKY

Director of Early Childhood

LAUREN GOLDMAN BROWN

Director of the 1 8 Kehillot

Trudy Sadinoff

Larry Schwartz* Harris Shapiro z"l Eli Spielman* Deborah Tuchman* Eli Ungar* Henry Voremberg z"l

*Past President

LIAV SHAPIRO

Director of Instruction & Learning

JENNIFER COXE

Director of STEAM

BERYL BRESGI

Director of Language Arts & Humanities

RONNI BRENNER

Chief Operating Officer

CHARLOTTE CARTER

Director of Admissions

MICHELLE WEINRAUB

Director of Institutional Advancement

2022 2023

Dear Schechter Families and Friends,

We are pleased to report that the 2021 2022 school year was one in which we were all able to return our primary focus to the education of our children and to planning the future of our Schechter Kehillah While the pandemic was still with

us, our ability to keep our Kehillah safe enabled us to return to more familiar operations as the year progressed By the end of the year parents and guests were back in the building and our cherished special events, including the seminal Eighth Grade Israel Encounter had returned Our school is more vital than ever and we have accomplished much in spite of the challenges COVID 19 presented

The 2021 2022 school year was also a year of self reflection as we plan for an even more robust future The school’s strategic plan in concert with our required NJAIS (New Jersey Association of Independent Schools) self study for re accreditation provided us with the opportunity to do a deep dive in all aspects of our school Our self evaluation affirms that we do many things well in preparing our students with the skills that will help them to successfully navigate their lives, no matter where they go and the ever evolving changes in our world.

We are well positioned to proceed with our work in ensuring that Schechter Bergen continues to be a necessary and vital Jewish day school in Bergen county. As we approach our 50th year in 2023 24 we look forward to celebrating our achievements and setting a vibrant course for the next 50 years. We have a clear vision, a drive to succeed, and we look forward to partnering with you on this sacred journey.

This past year a record number of parents participated in the Annual Fund nearly 100%. This combined with amazing support from our alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and greater community enabled us to raise $1 million dollars! This commitment to our children truly makes a difference and is profoundly appreciated.

As we look to the future, please take a moment and pause to enjoy looking through this Year in Review to get a glimpse of all the great learning and meaningful events that took place during the 2021 2022 school year. Thank you again for your participation, trust, and support.

B'Shalom,

Steve Freedman Head of School

Yoni Saposh President, Board of Trustees

LETTER FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL & BOARD PRESIDENT

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO 2021-2022 BY THE NUMBERS ENROLLED STUDENTS 416 82 193 42 NEW STUDENTS ENROLLED SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED TOWNS REPRESENTED Solomon Schechter Day School of

County is a warm, inclusive Jewish day school that educates children from Early Childhood through Eighth Grade with a vigorous dual curriculum in General and Judaic studies. We inspire our students to be engaged, independent learners who embrace Jewish values and practices and strive with confidence and compassion to better the world. OUR MISSION 35 CHILDREN OF ALUMNI 36 NEW FAMILIES 1,673 FOLLOWERS ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM 500+ HOURS ON CLASS TRIPS 4

Bergen

CORE VALUES

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

תימדקא תונייוצמ

We provide our students with a first rate education, allowing each to realize their full academic potential through independent, critical inquiry, and authentic self expression.

SACRED COMMUNITY

השודק הליהק

We create a sacred community of students, families, and educators based on a shared commitment to each other and to Jewish life and learning. We promote positive, healthy relationships in an environment of mutual respect.

UNITY OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE

לארשי ללכ

We embrace diverse Jewish beliefs, practices, and backgrounds, guided by our dual commitment to Halakha and egalitarianism. We are united by our shared values and strengthened by our differences

INSPIRED

JEWISH LEARNING

הרות דומלת

We instill a deep love of Judaism, while helping students sanctify their lives and elevate the everyday. We guide our students to work collaboratively and creatively in their serious study of Jewish texts.

IMPROVING THE WORLD

םלוע ןוקית

We inspire our students to pursue peace, compassion, freedom, and equality We empower our students to make a difference by doing acts of Tzedek (justice) and Gemilut Hasadim (loving kindness).

ZIONISM

תונויצ

We foster a love of the State of Israel, Zionism, and the Hebrew language as an essential part of each student’s Jewish identity. Our Annual Eighth Grade Israel Encounter solidifies our students’ connection to the land, culture, and people of Israel.

PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE

WE PRACTICE A THOUGHTFUL AND JOYFUL JUDAISM:

We incorporate Jewish values, culture, and rituals, as well as the Hebrew language into our lives. We understand and appreciate our responsibility and uniqueness within the tapestry of the Jewish people.

WE ENGAGE IN DEEP AND NUANCED THINKING:

We approach complex situations and sources General and Judaic with curiosity, confidence, introspection, and resilience. We are active learners asking challenging questions well beyond our time in the classroom

WE LOVE AND SUPPORT ISRAEL:

We celebrate and advocate for the State of Israel as the home of the Jewish people and appreciate its full complexity. We understand and promote Israel’s history, vibrant culture, and innovative spirit.

WE ENCOURAGE AND APPRECIATE DIVERSITY:

We practice Mahloket L’Shem Shamayim constructive, principled, civil discourse with respect, empathy, and kindness We distinguish between a person and their viewpoints and treat everyone as created B’tzelem Elokim in the image of God.

WE ASPIRE TO IMPROVE THE WORLD:

We transform our Jewish values with compassion and skill into action. We lead with humility and a desire to better our community and world.

GRATITUDE

PERSEVERANCE KINDNESS

As part of our commitment to the well being of our Schechter Bergen Kehillah, we have identified Five Key Character Strengths as the cornerstone to our social emotional framework: Gratitude, Perseverance, Kindness, Empathy, and Curiosity. Through intentional instruction, activities, and Torah study, students will learn to successfully exhibit and incorporate these character strengths into their daily lives.

EMPATHY

To kick off this initiative, during the 2021 2022 school year, each character strength was celebrated through a dedicated day of study Yom Gratitude, Yom Curiosity, Yom Kindness & Empathy, and Yom Perseverance. These days were opportunities to teach our students the meaning of these strengths and experience hands on learning that illustrated the value of each strength.

CURIOSITY

KEY CHARACTER STRENGTHS

YOM GRATITUDE הידוה םוי YOM KINDNESS & EMPATHY היט YOM PERSEVERANCE הדמתה םוי 5 KEY CHARACTER STRENGTHS 8

OUR STUDENTS Familiar sounds of laughing and learning filled the building as we welcomed our students back to campus for the 2021 2022 School Year. 1|AKindergartenstudent createdamosaicoflooseparts aspartofourReggioinspired playbasedcurriculum 2|Gan3’sstudentslearned abouttheactofgiving tzedakahduringtheirfirst weeklyShabbatcelebration. 1 3|58Kehillot studentsjumped intoanew schoolyear, participatingin icebreakers, andacclimating tonewroutines. 3 3 9

WELCOMING BACK

4|Foundmymatch!Takingadvantageofthe beautifulweather,FourthGradestudents usedtheirknowledgeofHebrewlanguageto finda"match”andcompleteHagimthemed phrasesduringthisinteractiveexercise. 5|ThirdGradestudentsvisitedNurseDebbie onafirstweekscavengerhuntasthey learnedtonavigatetheschool. 6|Studentsbegineachdayconnectingwith theirteacherandpeersasapartofour ResponsiveClassroommodel. 4 7|LowerSchoolstudentsworkintheir dynamiclearninggroupsasapartofthe newKehillahmodel.TheKehillahmodel valuesateamteachingapproachwhere teachersworkcollaborativelytoobserve, guide,teach,andassesseachchild’s learning providingdevelopmentally appropriate,challengingandmeaningful learningexperiencesthatwillserveto furthermeettheneedsofeachchildona continuousbasis. 5 6 7 10

Joy could be felt throughout the campus as our Kehillah celebrated the 5782 Hagim through immersive and sensory experiences, performing mitzvot, singing, dancing, dining in the Sukkah, and showing their ruach during Z'man Simhateinu (Season of our Rejoicing).

HAGIM

8|Thrilledtoonceagainjoin togetheroncampus,our parentsandextended familiescelebratedwithart, games,andtreatsduringour Sunday@Schechter. 7 7|Workingwithspecifiedcriteria andconstraints,whileusingthe slotmethod(noglueortape allowed),FourthGraderscreated modeljunglesinthePopkin InnovationLab("POPLab"). 9|BruchimHa'Ba'im!Duringour202122inpersonOpenHousewe welcomedover100prospectiveparentsontocampusforatasteof "SchechterMagic". 8 9 14

|Nearly300students,faculty,family,andcommunity memberswereprivilegedtowitnesstheextraordinary testimonyofHiddenChildSurvivor,MaudDahme,during ourannualKristallnachtCommemorationsponsoredby theMorrisandRuthKotekz”lHolocaustandHeritage ResourceCenter.

|TothedelightofourKindergartenandEighth Graders,ourbelovedBinyanBuddyprogrammadea welcomereturn creatingmeaningfulandlasting bondsbetweenouryoungestandoldeststudents.

|Learningtheimportanceofcommunityworkersand helpingothers,ourFirstGradestudents(“Firsties”)took actiontomakeadifference.Theyheldahomemade bookmarksaletosupporttheHelpingHandFoodPantry providemealstothoseinneed.

|Thereturnof58KehillotClubslike“TinkerTime”and “NewsTeam”providedourstudentswiththechanceto exploretheirextracurricularareasofinterest.

1 2 3 4 15

5|Weweresoexcitedtokickoffour2021Mishpahah Campaignwith#SchechterSpiritDay. 6|The2021MishpahahCampaignwasahugesuccesswith 97%ofourfamiliesparticipating 6 5 5 7|Forthefirsttimeinovertwoyears,ourfullKehillah Gan3’sthroughEighthGrade joinedtogetherinsong,dance,andgratitudeforaschoolwideThanksgivingCelebration. 7 16

Latkeanddoordecoratingcompetitions,themeddressupdays,aRabbi “RoundRobin”learningsession,andaruachfilledZimriyahbrightenedour schoolduringaweekfilledwithjoyousHanukahcelebrations! 1|EarlyChildhoodstudentscreatedoriginalHanukiahdesigns. 2|SchoolwideDoorDecorating! 3|OurRabbi“RoundRobin”welcomedtencommunityrabbisfromvarying denominationstoteachaHanukahD'varTorah. 4|Recessfun ahumanblue&whiteHanukiah! 5|"Fourlittlecandles" StudentscelebratedatourannualHanukah Zimriyah! 6|SeventhGradestudentsconstructedandprogrammedinteractive dreidelsinthePopkinInnovationLab. 7|LatkeMaking! 1 6 7 5 2 3 4 17

8|Sheheheyanu!FifthGrade studentsleynedfromtheTorahfor thefirsttime. 9|Inspiringfutureauthorsanda loveofstorytelling,ChanaStiefel, authorofover30children'sbooks, visitedwithour14Kehillottoread hernewbookLetLibertyRise 10|Kindergartenculminatedtheir learningofSeferBereishitwitha siyum,celebratingtheir accomplishmentbyactingout storiesanddisplayingtheir handmadeSifreiTorah 8 9 10 18

THE

LEARNING CONTINUES Students

1|"PlantingtheSeedsofChange,"wastheoverarchingthemeforaspecialday oflearninginwhichourstudentsexploredtheintersectionofTuB'Shevatandthe legacyofRev.MartinLutherKing,Jr.Studentswrotenotesandpackedcare packagestodistributetolocalassistedlivingfacilitiesandfirstresponders. RevJacquesDegraffoftheOneHundredBlackMenOrganizationandRabbi MichaelMiller,oftheJCRCofNY,spokewithstudentsaboutequality,fairness, andthewaysinwhichtheyworktogethertoeffectchangeandbuildbridgesin theircommunities. 2|Learningaboutthebuildingblocksoflife,SeventhGradestudents studiedthestructureandfunctionofcells building3D representationsinthePopkinInnovationLab. 3|AsapartofanexpansiveunitontheLenniLenape,FourthGrade studentsappliedtheirknowledgeofthetribe’sclanstructureto createandreflectuponpersonalfamilycrests. 1 1 2 3 19

explored themes of unity and change, diving into robust and deep study that ranged from space exploration and early American History, to the origins of the Jewish people and exploring the limits of their imagination in the Popkin Innovation and Science Labs. Our Kehillah members were marbim b’simcha as we celebrated our way through Adar.

4|Our“Firsties”wereexcitedto collaboratewithourSixthGrade designersbytestingtheirfidget toysandprovidingfeedback all partofthedesignprocess. 5|FourthGradestudentswrote letterstotheirpenpalsinthe MakomLigdolSchoolinK'far Sirkin anexercisedesignedto buildconnectionswithIsraeli peers. 6|Gan3’sexploredtheideaof silhouettesbycreatingtheirown shadowsforGroundhogDay. 7|Afterviewing"thenandnow" photosofNYCasapartoftheir socialstudiescurriculum, SecondGradestudentsapplied theirlearningofchronological ordertodevelopandpresent timelinesoftheirownlives 8|FifthGradestudents combinedtheirknowledgeofthe AmericanRevolutionandboard gamedesigntocreate“Roadto RevolutionBoardGames,” demonstratingtheirknowledgeof thetimeperiod 4 5 6 7 8 20

|Asapartofourprogrammingon YomMahloketL’ShemShamayim (ourdayofconstructiveconflict), CongressmanJoshGottheimerspoke toour58Kehillotstudentsabout differentapproachestoconflict resolution

2|Our14Kehillotstudentsreflected ontheimportanceofconstructive dialoguebyimagininghowto disagreeinarespectfulway.

3|Studentsinvestigateddifferent waystohavewinterfunwithsnow!

4|TakingAction OurKnesset Ha’Talmidim(StudentCouncil)worked togethertopackitemsdonatedby ourKehillahduringourYadLeah clothingdrive.

|BringingbackaFridaymorning SchechterBergentradition!Seventh GradestudentsjoinedourfirstMisdar Bokerinovertwoyearstoshareinthe ruachandleadthedancingfortheir 14Kehillotpeers.

1 2

3 4 5

6|DevelopinginterKehillahbonds PreKstudentsvisited aSixthGradeHebrewclasstolearnabouttheDream SchoolstheydesignedInreturn,theSixthGraderswere excitedtovisitthe”Doctor'sOffice”theyoungerstudents builtaspartoftheiremergentcurriculum.

7|AFourthGradestudentproudlydisplaysanotefrom PresidentBideninresponsetotheclasses’outreach regardingchildren’srights.

8|Nurturingaloveofreading!Asanalternativetothe classicbookreport,ourEighthGraderspresentedtheir book“teesers”totheirclassmates

9|Mirroringthe 2022WinterGames inBeijing,14 KehillotStudents competedthrough threespiritedweeks ofSchechter Olympicsintheir PhysicalEducation classes.

8 9 9 22

1|LearningaboutAbraham’sbrit, thesignificanceofhisname changeandhiscovenantwithGod, ThirdGradestudentstransferred theirknowledgeofthetextto createmuralsdepictingmeaningful momentsfromthisbiblical narrative.Thisstudyledintoan explorationoftheirownHebrew namesandfamilyhistory.

2|Aspartofayearlong partnershipwiththeALYNHospital inIsrael,ourstudentspresented theirassistivetechnology prototypestoavisitingpanelof experts,beforehavingthe opportunitytopresenttheirfinal projectsinpersonduringtheir EighthGradeIsraelEncounter.

present their Science Fair experiments

The annual Science Fair is an authentic hands on learning opportunity that allows students to continue to grow and refine problem solving, project management, public speaking, and research skills With the full use of the "POPLab" and Science Labs this year, students were provided with endless opportunities to explore their areas of interest We were thrilled to have parents and judges back into the building this year once again

3 3 23

RuachfilledthehallwaysduringAdaraswewereallMarbim B’SimchaduringSpiritWeekandPurimcelebrations. 4|FourthGradersproudlyshowedofftheirra 'ashanim (noisemakers,or"groggers")madeofrecycledmaterials. 5|HappilyplayinggamesattheEarlyChildhoodPurim Carnival. 6|ThirdGradestudentsshowedofftheirPurimmasks. 7|EighthGradersjoyfullyperformedaPurimspielfortheir 14Kehillotpeers. 8|SeventhGradestudentsenjoyedafestivePurimmealat ourannualAHAVAsponsoredPurimSeudah. 9|StudentsbakedHamantaschenincelebrationofPurim. 10|ReflectingonthestoriesofEsther,Mordechai,and Haman,Kindergartenstudentstransportedthemselvesback tothepalaceinShushanthroughimaginaryplay 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 24

3|OurSchechterBergen studentsingersandmusicians werethrilledto,onceagain, bringthejoyofmusictoour friendsatBrightviewinTeaneck forthefirsttimeintwoyears 4|Fourthgradestudents presentresearchprojects focusingoninspirationalfigures inBlackHistoryandAmerican History(onPurim). InthespiritofTikkunOlam,ourKehillahcame togethertohelpthoseinneedbyprovidingessential suppliestofamiliesinUkraine. 1|StudentsontheKnessetHa’Talmidim(Student Council)assembledfirstaidkitstobesentwithour Kehillah'sdonationstoUkraine 2|SchechterBergenstudentshelpedsortthrough suppliesdonatedbyschoolfamiliestosendto familiesinUkraine 1 2 3 4 25

LEAPING INTO

SPRING

AsPesachapproached,students revisitedtraditionsandprayers, extendingtheirunderstandingofthese

5|OurEarlyChildhoodstudents recreatedthestoryofPesachduring interactivesedarim. 6|SeventhGradestudentsplanted parsleyinRabbinics,thattheythen harvestedtouseasKarpasontheir SederPlates 7|FirstGradestudentsdisplayedtheir knowledgeofthebrachotand traditionsofPesachduringa modelseder 5 6 7 26

Spring was full of off campus adventures, culminating projects, and milestone celebrations! A sense of nachat filled our campus as students proudly exhibited all they learned throughout the year.

themesincreativenewways

|Filledwithexcitement,Eighth

Followingatwoyearhiatus,andwith immensegratitude,ourEighthGrade IsraelEncounterreturned! 2|TheEighthGradeKehillah gatheredinfrontoftheKotelin Jerusalem. 3|Studentsrodecamelsduringtheir BedouinexperienceattheK'far Hanokdimdesertencampment. 4|Studentsonthebeach promenadeontheirwaytoaTelAviv scavengerhunt. 5|Studentsdavenedon

6|Studentsemulatedlifeduring Mishnaictimes,bakingpitaandriding donkeysinHoshaya K'farKedem. 1 6 5 2 3 4 27

Grade studentsjoinedtogetherinsongand danceduringourschoolwideIsrael Encountersend off.

Masada

sunrise.

3 | Third Grade students came

families,

4|FourthGradestudentsventuredtoWinakung anativeLenapewoodlandforest toexperiencewhatlifewaslike livinginaLenapevillageasapartofanexpansiveunitontheLenniLenapetribe. 5|Bringingtheirstudyofecologytolife,SixthGradestudentsenjoyedhiking,exploring,andcollectingdataduringa triptothePoconoEnvironmentalEducationCenter. 6|LearningabouttheAmericanimmigrationexperience,FifthGradestudentsvisitedEllisIslandtoresearchand preparefortheirupcomingHeritageFair. 4 5 6 3 28

together with their

proudly sharing their knowledge during their annual Havdalah Ceremony.

1|SixthGradestudentssharedpoetry,music,andprayerduringaYomHaZikaron commemorationceremonyhonoringsoldierswholosttheirlivesfortheestablishmentofthe stateofIsrael 2|MarkingYomHaShoahandvowingto“neverforget,”56Kehillotstudentshadthehonor ofbearingwitnesstothetestimonyofchildsurvivorJudithBihaly 3|Studentsdanced,sang,andcreated beautifulmusicduringourYomHa’Atzma'ut rikudiyahandzimriyahcelebrations. 4|OurEarlyChildhoodtooka“sensorytrip” throughIsrael,“visiting”acafeinTelAviv, “fishing”inEilat,barteringforitemshand madebyourEarlyChildhoodstudentsat theshuk(marketplace)inYerushalayim,and creatingclayandstonesculpturesinTzfat. 1 4 2 3 29

6|Aspartofthe

Fifth Grade HeritageFair, studentsshared thestoriesof theirfamilies throughartifacts, interviews, andvideo presentations demonstratingthe vibrantmosaicof Jewishlifeand history

5|DuringastudyofEarly RiverValleycivilizations, SixthGradestudentswrote, researched,developed,and performedtalkshows steppingintotheshoesof Confucious,Laozi,andHan Fei showcasingtheir knowledgeofConfucianism, Daoism,andLegalism

withruach,ourSecond Gradestudentssang anddancedduringtheirbeautifulHumash Ceremony ThismilestoneSchechterBergen eventcelebratesthestudents'receiptoftheir veryownHumashandreinforcestheimportant valueofTorahstudy,midorl'dor(from generationtogeneration).

5 7

1|SeventhGradestudents’ studyofgovernmentand AmericanHistorycamealive duringafewexcitingdaysin WashingtonDC 2|OurThirdGradershada fascinatingdayvisitingthe LibertyScienceCenter, exploringexhibitsrelatedto theirstudyofanimal adaptations,traits,and behaviors. 3|FourthGradestudents visitedtheMeadowlands EnvironmentCenterduring theirexplorationof environmentalscience 4 | Together Again! Our Schechter Bergen family was thrilled to be back marching proudly down Fifth Avenue with our greater Kehillah during the 58th Celebrate Israel Day Parade in NYC. 1 2 3 4 31

5|ReadySetGo! DuringaMarvel themedLagBa’Omer Maccabiahthered, green,blue,and yellowteams displayedtheirruach singing,dancing, cheering,designing banners,and participatingina spiritedfieldday. 5 5 7 6 6|SchechterBergenstudents performedatBergenCountySings aninterschoolchoralfestivalheldin VoteePark. 7|Celebratingmilestonesasa Kehillah,SixthGradersjoined togetherfortheirB'naiMitzvah Breakfast 32

2|TheEarlyChildhoodGalleryShowcase wasanopportunitytoreflectonthe amazinglearningandemergent curriculumthathappenedinourclasses overtheyear. 1 2 1|"Youcanmakeadifference” StudentsproudlydisplayedtheirprojectsduringourannualSocialActionFair.Some oftheprojectsfeaturedincluded“LookUpFromScreens,”whichpromotedhealthyphonehabits,and"PavingtheWay: DisabilityAwareness,"whichemphasizedtheimportanceoflearningaboutdifferenttypesofdisabilities 2 2 33

3| Gr

5|OurFirstGradestudentsproudlyreceivedtheirfirst

5 4 3 34

Ga constructedgamesfromnaturalandrecycledmaterials.

|Baloo,theTherapyDog,joinedourSchechterBergen familythisyearforapilotprogramwithour“Firsties”The studentslovedreadingtoandcuddlingwithhim,helping themcreatepositiveassociationsandconfidencewhen readingaloud

SiddurimduringtheirmilestoneSiddurceremony.

MAZAL TOV! Congratulations to our 2022 Graduates! 1|Whatanextraordinaryyear buildingrelationshipsbetweenour youngestandoldeststudents!There wasnotadryeyeinthehouseas Kindergartenstudentssaidfarewell atafinalmeetingwiththeirEighth GradeBinyanBuddies 2|OurentireKehillahjoinedtogether to"clapout"theClassof2022on GraduationDay 1 2 35

you

!בוט לזמ 36

Congratulations and Lehitra'ot (see

again) to our Schechter Bergen Class of 2022!

Rabah to AHAVA, our extraordinary parent volunteers, for their enthusiasm, commitment, and energy. Their hard work and dedication drive many of our school projects and events throughout the year and they are essential in forming our warm, inclusive community!

AHAVA PARENTS' ASSOCIATION !הבר הדות

1|EighthGradersworkedwith ourAHAVAvolunteerstoprepare LulavandEtrogsetsforour Kehillah 2|SchechterBergenparents bondingduringourfallMoms' andDads'NightsOut 3|Nothingbetterthanhavingour parentvolunteersbackinthe buildingforourPurimSeudah andEarlyChildhoodcarnival.A hugetodahrabahforcreating amazingMishloahManot packagesforourentireKehillah! 1 2 3 37

Todah

8|TodahRabah toourdedicated AHAVAlunch volunteerswho keepourstudents fedandhappyall yearlong.We couldn’tdoit withoutyou! 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 4|OurAHAVA volunteers “showingthelove” duringfacultyand staffappreciation week. 5|Ready.Set. Bake!AuthorJake Cohenledour Kehillahina delectablevirtual Hamantaschen Bake 6|AbsolutelyDoughlicious!Parentsandstudentsjoinedtogether foraChallahBakeinMay 7|Whata spectacular AHAVAYom Ha’atzma'ut evening celebration withour Schechter families. 38

$100,000+

Amy and Phil Cushmaro

Deborah and Gerald Davis Reba Herson Ellen and Robert Kapito Beth and Freddie Kotek Trudy and Sy z”l Sadinoff

In Memory of William Schumer z”l Tannenbaum Family

$50,000+

In Memory of Mona Leventhal z”l Jackie and Avi Oz

Jody and David Perla Popkin Family

$25,000+

Anonymous Brown Family Dachille Family

Suzette and Harold Diamond Nina and Gary Glaser Dina and Andrew Goldberg Nitza and Steven Hockstein Beth and Rafael Levin Litt Family

WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE?

JoinagrowinglistofdonorsthatinvestinSchechter Bergen'scontinuityandourJewishfuturewithagiftto theEtzHaimEndowmentCampaign

AJewishdayschooleducationshouldbeaccessibleto everyfamilythatdesiresone.Schechterhasestablished athrivingannualgivingcampaign,enablingusto providegeneroustuitionassistancetofamiliesinneed. Inordertoguaranteelong termviability,ourschool continuesbuildingtheendowmentfortwoprimary needs:tuitionassistanceandfirst rateeducation

Joinus.Makeadifferencetoday.

AmyCushmaro Chair,EndowmentCampaign

Sarah and David Nanus Marlene and Philip Rhodes Arielle and Yoni Saposh

$10,000+

Ronni and Michael Brenner Sharon and Neil Danzger Edwards/Brenner Family Susan and George Freed Sylvia z”l and Seymour z”l Fried Lynne and Dr Marvin Garelick Joyce z”l and Arthur z”l Joseph Dori and Rabbi David Seth Kirshner Bev and Brynn Levy Diane and Reuben Romirowsky Carolyn and Mark Shapiro

$5,000+

Rachel and Charles Berkowitz Rochel and Leonard David

In Memory of Yigal Gafni z”l Rhonda and Richard Kahn

In Memory of Jane Maier z”l Oster Family Foundation Annette Tauber Stern Sheri and Craig Tendler

LEGACY GIFTS FOR OUR FUTURE

”lSadinoff HarleyandEliUngar LeahandIraZaretsky

Gifts to the Etz Haim endowment campaign may be funded through a real time gift (payable over five years) as well as through a bequest and other planned gift vehicles Thank you to our Etz Haim endowment donors

Anonymous Anonymous AmyandPhilCushmaro AmyWinikerForrestandAndrewForrest RuthGafni ElanaandRayGoldberg RebeccaGordon AdinaandHarmanAveryGrossman JuneandBarryKaplan TracyandKarlKaplan ShariLeventhalandSteveKauderer BethandFreddieKotek LoriandKevinLemmer BurtonLeventhalz"l CarolynandRichardLieblich ElissaandBruceMaier ShlomitandGilMakleff HeatherandAdiRabinowitz RenahandRabbiMayerRabinowitz TrudyandSyz

The Schechter Annual Campaign is critical to meeting our annual operating shortfall Your generosity helps to fill the budget gap

REVENUE EXPENSES TOTAL: $9,540,000 TOTAL: $9,610,000 Net Tuition & Fees 83% Net Grants & Contributions 17% Education 70% Facilities 16% Administration & Operations 11% Other 3% REVENUE & EXPENSES 40

WITH GRATITUDE The 2021 2022 school year demonstrated the unwavering strength, commitment and support of our entire Kehillah. With the help and generosity of our extraordinary community, we were able to raise more than one million dollars towards our Schechter Bergen Annual Campaign. These funds allowed us to enhance student programming, provide professional development to our amazing teachers, maintain and improve our facilities, and provide financial assistance to our families in need. Todah Rabah to the over 470 donors consisting of current and alumni parents and grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of our greater community for their meaningful gifts! RAISED $1,000,000 בוטה תרכה םע TOTAL DONORS 471 OVER RAISED BY OUR GRATEFUL GRANDPARENTS $87,450 41

PARENT PARTICIPATION THROUGH THE MISHPAHAH CAMPAIGN 97% FAMILIES JOINED THE MA'AYAN SOCIETY 65 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED 193 GIVEN IN TUITION ASSISTANCE $1,475,000 OVER Onlineatssdsbergen.org/donation Byphone,mailore-mail: MichelleWeinraub DirectorofInstitutionalAdvancement 275McKinleyAvenue NewMilford,NJ07646 201.262.9898x277 mweinraub@ssdsbergen.org HOW DO I DONATE? 42

It is with gratitude that we share the success of the 2021 2022 Schechter Bergen Annual Campaign. Thank you to parents, alumni parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, and friends who helped us reach our goal.

VISIONARY

In Loving Memory of Dr. Walter Brenner z”l

The Brenner Family Congregation Beth Sholom

Susan and Mike Edwards & Family Gittelman Education Fund Sarah and Robert Goodman Beth and Freddie Kotek Master Bond, Inc. Sarah and David Nanus Shirley Shapiro

INNOVATOR

Center for Contemporary Judaica

Deborah Goodman Davis and Gerald Davis Dara and Simon Klarfeld Trudy, Alexandra and Deborah Sadinoff

PIONEER

Charlotte and Joel Carter Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey

Dalia and Joseph Lerner Heather and Adi Rabinowitz Arielle and Yoni Saposh Harley and Eli Ungar

EXPLORER

Anonymous

Samantha and Yitzhack Asulin James Brenner

Robert Brenner Amy and Philip Cushmaro Tracy and Karl Kaplan Rachel and Evan Karsch Lori and Kevin Lemmer

Susan and Larry Levine Marlene and Philip Rhodes Richard H. Holzer Memorial Foundation Jenna and Paul Segal Roselyn and Brad Stanger Deborah and Kenneth Tuchman

THANK YOU! !הבר הדות

VOYAGER

Adelson Family Foundation

Anonymous

Rachel Wainer Apter and Jonathan Apter Ronni and Michael Brenner Rochel and Leonard David Joan and Steve Freedman Sharon and Kenneth Fried Nina and Gary Glaser Chelsea and Joshua Gleis Ronit Wolff Hanan Viviana and Robert Holzer Rhonda and Richard Kahn Shari Leventhal and Steven Kauderer Gena and Yury Khelemsky Beth and Rafael Levin Brandi and Jed Rubin Shirley and Larry Rubin Linda Holof Saposh and Rabbi Stuart Saposh Sheri and Craig Tendler Michelle and Kfir Weinraub

LEADER

Anonymous Beth and Ari Becher Beryl and Ivan Bresgi Susie and Aaron Cohen Debbie and Mark Druck Ronnie and Martin Eisen Bobbie and Marty Goldstein Adina and Harman Avery Grossman Linda and George Hiltzik Dori and Rabbi David Seth Kirshner, Temple Emanu El Elissa and Bruce Maier Aliza and Benjamin Mann Sarit and Shai Perry Caren and Gene Pillet

Lauren and Rabbi Efrem Reis Ilana Kahn Rosenberg and Paul Rosenberg Caryn and John Shaw Sisterhood of Temple Emanu El

PATRON

Deborah Beran and Jason Advocate Merav and Sanford Brown Nancy Greenberg Concool and Barry Concool Shlomit and Adam Davies Suzette and Harold Diamond Else N. and Jack Gerstle Endowment Fund Marsha and Gary Forman Amy Winiker Forrest and Andrew Forrest Susan and George Freed Arielle and Gregory Friedman Micaela and Richard Gold Peggy and Louis Gold Jennifer Mandell and Ryan Goldberg

Ricky Stamler Goldberg and Stan Goldberg Sandra and Shepard Grinker Michal and Shalom Halevy Melissa Kushner and Jeremy Kaplan Judy and Uri Kaufthal Amy and Alex Kontorovich Ilana and Simmy Kustanowitz

Lawrence Schacht Memorial Foundation Maxine and Robert Peckar Diane and Reuben Romirowsky Linda and Steven Rothschild Eileen and Daniel Rubin Shelah and Burton Scherl Devorah and Mark Schwed Claire Seligman Jessica and Le el Sinai Naomi and Lawrence Solomon Leslie and Jeremy Teicher Debbi Bohnen and Adam Wall Dana and Golan Yehuda Leah and Ira Zaretsky Erika Henik and Amihai Zeltzer

BUILDER

Robin and Steven Abramow

Trudy Abramson

Elaine and Naftali Apter

Joanne and Tuvia Barak

Catherine and Jeffrey Brown

Tamar Goldstein and Thomas Cassidy

Susan and Julius Eisen

Dov Gertzulin

Liav Shapiro and Noam Gilboord

Bonnie and Edward Guttenplan

Lara and Solomon Halioua

Loni and Rabbi Ami Hersh

Janet and Kenny Hoffman

Eva Holzer

Darpan Kapadia

Sherryl and Mickey Kaufman

Shira and Jim Levin

Meryl and Joseph Mark

Rabbi Loren and Jeremy Monosov

Marcy and Jeremy Nanus

Jane and Jack Nelson

Deborah and Phil Ohana

Nettie and Haim Perry

Martha and Hugh Pollack

Renah and Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz

Marcy and Larry Rubin

Amy and Steve Schonfeld

Shelly and Ian Schorr

Elyce and Steve Smedresman

Rebecca Ivry and Cliff Stein

Ilana and Steven Tennenbaum

Suzi Wainer

Lisa and Burton Wisotsky

SUPPORTER

Rabbi Moshe Edelman

Ilyse Goldman Krebs and Daniel Krebs

Carey White and Jonathan Miller

Karen and Eric Nadel

Ilana and Saul Picker

Elizabeth and Michael Rotenberg Schwartz

Leah Krakinowski Silberstein and Andrew Silberstein

Ilona and Burton Surick Alexandra and Josh Tal

CONTRIBUTOR

Anonymous

Maris and Robert Appelbaum

Ronit Friedman and Natan Bar Chama Drs Rabin Fremed Prince PC Rue and Donald Eisen Wendy and Mitchell Engler George Gladman Toby and Peter Glick Arielle Miller and Zachary Goodwin Keren Schaffer and Robert Hart

Judith and Martin Lebson Alyssa and Sam Levy Elisheva and Gavriel Mayerhoff Sheryl and Julian Millstein Ruth and Howard Rosenberg

Marci and Jonathan Scherl Charlene and Myron Schulman

Arlene and Stewart Semaya Elena and Peter Shapiro

Ranit and Gabriel Shiff Liliya and Emil Shikh Shani and Yaakov Sidikman Susie and Scott Smedresman Yael and Eli Spielman Karen and Michael Tannenholtz Rose and Harry Tuvel Eillene Leistner and Barry Winiker

FRIEND

Anonymous Stacey and Eytan Apter

George Bean

Stephanie and Justin Brandt Sarah and Mitchell Brie

Simara and Ilan Bruhim

Elaine Cohen

Leah and Devin Cohen

Briana Feirstein

Suzan and Marvin Fenichel

JoAnne and David Forman

Robin and Stephen Garfinkel

Betsy and Ron Gold

Shirley Goodman

Adina and James Greenfield

Leah and Peter Greenspan

Jewish Family & Children’s Services

Inbal and Doron Joseph

Libby and Dennis Klein

Maya and Gil Kovalsky

Sara and Benjamin Levin

David Luria

Leah and Rabbi Aryeh Meir

Lindsay Melloul

Susan and Martin Pelavin

Lainie and Harvey Rosen

Lori and Mitchell Rothschild

Carole Rothstein

Alizah and Jeremy Schall Rabbi Jennifer Schlosberg

Emiliya Sherman

Rebecca and Judah Skoff

David Standig

Beryl and Harold Steinbach

Klara Welkovics

Linda and Edward Zizmor

SUSTAINER

Rachel Adler

Lauren and Jason Gross

Jocelyn and Shmuel Jonas

Ruth and Marty Kornheiser

Amy and Jordan Lissauer

Rona and Ori Lotan

Rabbis Amy Roth and Noam Marans

Rosalind and Harry Melzer

Michal Telem and Marc Melzer

Donna Pasternak

Cynthia and Abe Steinberger

LISTING

Renee Zeiger and Moshe Abed

Ariella and Barry Adika

Anonymous

Arielle and Ruben Bakhash

Jennifer and Barry Bayarin

Diane and Gregory Belok

Cheryl and Rabbi Kenneth Berger

Batsheva Lam and Noah Bernstein

Audrey and Jack Bickel

Hannah Solomon and Bill Cooke

Sharon and Neil Danzger

Jamie Edwards and Ilan Elkobi

Jaime and Stu Entner

Juliana Feerer

Elizabeth Fine Amy Fisher

Kimberly and Zachary Fuld

Esther and Richard Garden

Janice Lieberman and Steven Gerber

Reena and David Glick

Becca and Ian Goldberg

Helaine and Alvin Goldberg

Lenore Goldman

Lauren and Joshua Goldman Brown

Steven Goodman

Rebecca Gordon

Inbal Hagag Gould and Joshua Gould

Ilene and Jeffrey Greenbaum

Rivke and Meyer Gross

Jacqueline and Erno Grunstein

Debbie and Nuriel Guedalia

Haley and Seth Guttenplan

Lauren and Frederic Hassan

Miriam and Michael Hoffman

Ruthie and Max Hollander

Tal and Guy Ironi

Johanna and Alex Israel

Marina Mats Jackson and Michael Jackson

Nanette and Danny Jiji

Donna and Alan Kaminsky

Robin and Yaron Karl Aliza Romirowsky and Sam Kerbel Anna and Valery Khelemsky Deborah and Lowell Kirschner

Henry Klein

Judi and Gary Krasna Karen and Howard Liss Rachel Lombardo

Rebecca Kirsh and David Lurie Ilana and Shay Malul Solange Captan and Dean Mansdorf Alizah and Itai Maytal Elaine and Manfred Meiseles Rona and Steven Montag

Rabbi Rachel Kahn Troster and Paul Pelavin

Jody and David Perla

Suzana and Jacky Piamenta Miriam and Bruce Pomeranz

Ora and Rabbi Joseph Prouser

Judi and David Rabkin

Lital and Lihod Rachmilevitch Taly and Eyal Reggev

Martha and Rabbi Paul Resnick Samantha Robins Dana Wolfe and Scott Rocco Jill Berkin and Eric Rose

Ethan Rotenberg

Menorah Rotenberg

Renee and Irving Rubinson

Jodi Saitowitz

Lori Schuldiner Schor and Joshua Schor

Alex Frankel Schorr and David Schorr

Rita Schuldiner

Roberta Solar and Robert Schumeister

Jessica Schwab

Deborah Schwartz

Gavi and Dan Semaya

Leanne Baxter and Assaf Shalvi

Maria and Ariel Shiloh

Marilyn and Leon Sokol

Jennifer Dugdale and Benjamin Sommer

Linda Korman Spiegel and Phil Spiegel

Melody and Jonathan Spira

Margaret and Abner Strauss

David Tennenbaum

Moran Erde and Ron Vaksin

Deann Forman and Sidney Vidaver

Florence and Abe Waldman

Janet and Michael Wanderman

Lola and Henry Weber

Tamara and Rob Ween

Shira and Rabbi Arthur Weiner

Shani and Ari Weinstock

Charles Wimpfheimer

Sara Winikoff

Evelyn and Donald Winikoff

Frances Ginsburg Wolf and Edwin Wolf

DONOR

Rachel and Zez Abboudi

Charlotte Abramson

Lital and Yaakov Afek

Tannis Weinstein and Dudi Afriat

Rabbi Iscah Waldman and Matthew Agin

Rishy Tzivin Alter and Ethan Alter

Iryna and Ezra Alter

Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous

Alan Arenson

Elana Attali

Susan and Zion Avidan

Lynne Ball

Yamit and Eliav Bar Oz

Dina and Michael Basin Denise and Barry Bass

Rose and Shimon Baum

Ariel and Adam Behrman

Deborah and Amit Bejar

Tova Ben Harosh

Tzipora and Jason Ben Maier

Dalya and Jonathan Berger

Jessica and Randall Berman

Jessica Blumenfeld and Joshua Blank

Renee and Ariel Charytan

Stefanie and Jared Cohen

Lana Cohen

Lauren and Alexander Crane

Batsheva and Ari Daskal

Michal Gitman and Dan Drillich

Ainat and Giora Drotman

Inbar and Nir Eshed

Inbal and Gil Eyal

Marina and Serge Gabovich Ruth Gafni

Samuel Garden

Lynne and Marvin Garelick Lesley Gendelman

Dina and Michael Gluck

Hillary Goldberg

Joanne and Murray Goldstein Rabbi Claire and Laurence Goldstein Hope Schlossberg and David Goodman

Angela and Eugene Gozenput Rabbi Daniel Graber

Liat Graber

Jodi Grill

Leya Adler Hakim and Daniel Hakim Limor and Nissan Hakimian Samantha Kur and Evan Hochberg

Amy and Lee Igel

Roni and Stephen Igel Dafna and Yossi Israeli Rebecca Kahn

Illyse Kaplan

Jill and Matthew Kaplan

Jane and Gene Kelsey Hillary and Joseph Kessler Godin Julia and Adam Knapp

Donna and Stephen Krasner

Shira and Avi Kravitz

Rachel and Jason Lacher Aviva and David Lehmann

Ilana and Alex Lerner Madelon Lester

Tomer Levin

Deborah and Rabbi Micah Liben

Lyn Light Geller Esther and Aron Lunger Rachel Markowitz

Debbie and Gary Mendeloff

Stacey and Eric Model

Judy and Nathaniel Montag

Judi and Noam Nahary

Deborah Murad Nesser and Isaac Nesser

Tandis and Payam Nili

Jessica and Meir Olcha

Rebecca and Rabbi Ari Perten

Danielle Phillips

Rabbi Lindsey Healey Pollack and David Pollack

Elana and Jeffrey Prezant

Gal and Sharon Rosenschein

Catherine and Roi Rosilio

Geraldine Roth

Jamie and Russell Rubin

Alana and Slava Rubin

April Rudin

Corey Saftler

Tami and Yoav Sapir

Gabrielle and Adam Schwartzbard

Sandra and Eric Shakun

Anafa and Eyal Shay

Navit and Eytan Shaya

Judith Simansky

Tamar and Yonatan Simansky

Liza and Garrett Smith

Sarah and Jeremy Sokolic

Shira and Joseph Steinberg

Cheryl Svei

Liat and Shai Tzefadia

Sara and Yitzchok Vizel

Hillary and Joshua Wasserman

Alexandra and Joseph Yankovich

Silvia and Guy Yehezkel

Carmit Zagelbaum

Robin and Edward Zimmerman Betsy and Avner Zvulun

48 THANK YOU! !הבר הדות

GRANDPARENTS' GIVING CIRCLE

The Grandparents' Giving Circle is an impressive group of dedicated donors whose gifts range from $18 $5,000+. With the support and involvement of our grandparent community, the Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County will continue to go from strength to strength for our grandchildren and our collective Jewish future

Trudy Abramson

Elaine and Naftali Apter

Lynne Ball

Joanne and Tuvia Barak Beryl and Ivan Bresgi

Nancy Greenberg Concool and Barry Concool Rabbi Moshe Edelman

"Wearetheproudparentsoffour daughterswhoattendedSchechterat thesametime Throughtheir experienceinthenurturingenvironment Schechteroffered,theyeachbecame thewonderfullyindependentyoung womentheyaretoday!

Now,amazingly,wearegrandparents ofSadiewhoisenteringthirdgrade andOliviawhoisstartinginthe3s program…werealizethattheguidance andloveourchildrenreceivedhasbeen notonlymaintained,butenhancedwith thisnextgenerationofteachersand pupils.

Wearethrilledtobepartof,andto sharethisexperienceourgrandchildren areluckytohave."

Ronnie and Martin Eisen Juliana Feerer Susan and George Freed Sharon and Kenneth Fried

Lynne and Marvin Garelick

Peggy and Louis Gold Helaine and Alvin Goldberg Bobbie and Marty Goldstein

Joanne and Murray Goldstein Shirley Goodman Rebecca Gordon

Ilene and Jeffrey Greenbaum

Bonnie and Edward Guttenplan

Eva Holzer

Roni and Stephen Igel Johanna and Alex Israel Rhonda and Richard Kahn

Judy and Uri Kaufthal

Anna and Valery Khelemsky

Ruth and Martin Kornheiser Shira and James Levin

Karen and Geoffrey Lewis David Luria

SHARON&KENNYFRIED Parentsof ArielBehrman('99),AdinaFried('04),Ilana FriedGalond('00),andNessaFried('07) GrandmaandZaidieof Sadie('28)&Olivia('33)

Elaine and Manfred Meiseles

Rosalind and Harry Melzer

Susan and Larry Levine

Jane and Jacob Nelson

Maxine and Robert Peckar

Susan and Martin Pelavin

Nettie and Haim Perry

Martha and Hugh Pollack

Ora and Rabbi Joseph Prouser

Renah and Rabbi Mayer Rabinowitz

Ruth and Howard Rosenberg

Menorah Rotenberg

Linda and Steven Rothschild

Carole Rothstein

Shirley and Larry Rubin

Eileen and Daniel Rubin

Linda Holof Saposh and Rabbi Stuart Saposh

Shelah and Burton Scherl

Shelly and Ian Schorr

Rita Schuldiner

Claire Seligman

Emiliya Sherman

Liliya and Emil Shikh

Elyce and Steve Smedresman

Cheryl Svei

Ilana and Steven Tennenbaum

Suzi Wainer

Klara Welkovics

Evelyn and Donald Winikoff

Fran Ginsburg Wolf and Edwin Wolf

Grandchildren are the crowning

of their Grandparents... םינב ינב םינקז תרטע

MARTY&BOBBIEGOLDSTEIN GrammyandZaydeof EliWeinger('18)andMax('29), Ben('29)&Zev('32)Karsch GRANDPARENTS' GIVING CIRCLE

glory

"As grandparents of a graduate and great grandparents of three current students, we are committed to a meaningful Jewish Education. Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County provides a relevant foundation to Jewish Education while teaching ethics, kindness, and values of daily living."