ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020
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CONTENT
Message from the Head of School
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2019-20 Financials
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Message from the Chair of the Board of Trustees
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Donor Spotlight: Kletter Family Profile
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Community Giving
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High School Matriculations
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Alumni Highlights
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Volunteers 15 Community Highlights
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Faculty & Staff Milestones
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Head of School Dr. Dan Glass
Director of Special Projects Cameron Yuen-Shore
Director of Finance & Operations David Royal
Director of Lower School Jenny Rinn
Director of Admissions & Marketing Tania Lowenthal
Director of Technology & Making Nicholas Cole-Farrell
Director of Middle School Dr. Sivan Tarle Director of Jewish Learning Debby Arzt-Mor
Director of Development Stacy Youkilis
This annual report is published once a year to recognize pledges and gifts received in the fiscal year. The unaudited financial information set forth in this report is preliminary and subject to adjustments and modifications. We sincerely regret any errors or omissions. If you have any corrections or changes, please contact development at 415-406-1035 or development@sfbrandeis.org. ©2021 The Brandeis School of San Francisco
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DEAR BRANDEIS COMMUNITY, It is not every day, or every year, that we are aware of history as it is happening. The cliché we exchange with one another now, about living in “unprecedented times,” is the linguistic marker of that awareness, a reminder we share back and forth about the uncertainty and unfamiliarity of our days. I will never forget the days and weeks surrounding our decision to close school in March of 2020: the worried conversations with public health officials and fellow heads; convening a “war room” around the school’s conference table with our leadership team to sketch out plans; standing in CREATE with our faculty and staff to deliver the news (at the time, a planned closure of a couple weeks!); the many, many conversations with community members about what this all meant, about the health and wellbeing of themselves and their children. We all have memories from this time that will stick with us all our days, and because of that it is hard to think of the 2019-2020 school year as anything other than the year we learned what it meant to live in a pandemic. But of course, it was a year of many other notable moments and highlights. They included: • Piloting our new pinwheel schedule model, that gave our students opportunities to thrive in small-group settings, led by master educators. • Continuing our new tradition of celebrating Justice Louis Brandeis Day, and learning about constructive and ethical disagreement as a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. • Sharing about our model of Social Emotional and Spiritual Learning at Columbia University’s Conference on Spirituality in Education, and our approach to giving students agency in developing Jewish identity at Jewish Learning Works’ Elevate: Inspiring New Paths in Jewish Education. • Renewing the partnership between the Parents’ Association and our team here at school, and working together to create new opportunities for our families to build community together. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without significant support of our donor community. In a year marked by a financial crisis caused by the pandemic, we still grew The Brandeis Fund by 10% year over year, and raised over $1.1M for the Campaign for Brandeis 2023, to support the core pillars of our strategic plan. I am humbled and so grateful to each of you who contributed to our success and ongoing strength. Thank you. Warmly,
Dr. Dan Glass Head of School
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2019–2020 FUNDRAISING REPORT FISCAL YEAR END JUNE 30, 2020
88% Tuition 1% Auxiliary Programs 6% Gift, Grants & Fundraising Events
INCOME
1% Investment Income 4% Net Assets Released From Restriction 62% Salaries and Benefits 3% Debt Interest 9% Facilities
EXPENSES
3% Instructional &
Auxiliary Programs
5% General Administrative 18% Tuition Assistance CONTRIBUTION INCOME ALL SOURCES FROM AUDITED FINANCIALS: $1,152,171 $461,214 Annual Fund
$227,338
Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco (Tuition Assistance)
$166,224
Brandeis 2023
$138,070
Spring Fundraiser
$155,825
Grants, Major Gifts, misc.
$3,500
Endowment Gifts
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A MESSAGE FROM
THE BOARD CHAIR
2019-20 Board of Trustees Chair Hadara Stanton Hersh Vice Chair Michelle Kletter Treasurer Ed Schaffer Secretary Charlene Schachter Trustees Jody Barkin Tahlia Bliss Mimi Gauss Paul Ginocchio Ellen Ginsberg Alex Gleser Jason Goldblatt Marc Katz Ruth Katz David Samson Lara Edelbaum Sunshine Dr. Jonathan Terdiman Rabbi Batshir Torchio Ben Tulchin Jamie Weinstein Parents’ Association Co-Presidents Julie Lewis Lynette Stejskal
Dear Brandeis Community, As I write this, we are starting the 20202021 school year, and approaching the Jewish new year 5781. There is a lot to reflect on during these challenging and strange times for our world. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are so grateful for the extraordinary leadership of our Head of School, Dr. Dan Glass, especially during this unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic. We appreciate the administration, faculty, and staff members at Brandeis who work so hard to support our students in navigating these times. They continue to provide our students with an exemplary education, while inspiring them to lead lives of learning and purpose. We recognize each person, including parents and community members, who has stepped up and supported our school and our broader community. We are grateful to each of you for the way that you bring to life our core values of kindness (chesed), integrity (ometz lev), and service (tikkun olam). During my remaining tenure as board chair, I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to further our mission, and specifically, to advance the vision set out in the Brandeis 2023 Strategic Plan. We have begun this year with an important focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, and nurturing the culture of belonging at Brandeis. We look forward to the year ahead, and to working together to support Brandeis in inspiring and educating our students, so that they may continue to make our world a better place for all. Thank you to each one of you for all you do to support our community. Hadara Stanton Hersh Chair, Board of Trustees 2019-2020 2020-2021
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CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY
MICHELLE & SUE KLETTER Tzedakah and mitzvot are not simply words to Michelle and Sue Kletter, they are actions and the driving force behind their philanthropy and world view. Making the trek west from Naples, Florida almost 20 years ago, Sue with a successful career in audio visual production met Michelle, a San Francisco native, Brandeis alumna and healthcare executive, establishing roots together and ultimately building a family in the Bay Area. When it was time to decide which school would be best for their children, Jasper and Jevny, two elements were their priorities; they wanted a well-integrated Jewish education and a values based learning environment. They also wanted a school that would support and celebrate both of their childrens’ unique and individual qualities. Brandeis was a known quantity for Michelle, as she along with both her brothers, Evan and Jason attended the school. Even with that rich history, making the right choice for their children was a work in progress. “The focus on areas such as social and emotional development, commitment to diversity, rigorous academics and the maker/builders program, were very important. We are also very privileged and we acknowledge our privilege. We wanted to teach and model for our children the importance of equity and giving to others and to give to organizations whose values align with our own.” This philosophy and learning environment, ultimately established Brandeis as the perfect choice for their children. A decision that has only been reinforced as Jasper and Jevny have progressed, “our kids are learning academics and how to be good people.” When it comes to giving, part of what drives both Sue and Michelle is a focus on Jewish education and making sure that education is well-funded and that top notch, values based learning is accessible to the Jewish community. When asked why they gave generously to the Brandeis 2023 campaign, the reply was quick, “we want to see Brandeis continue to provide excellent academics and be a lasting community for generations to come.” They both also recognize the incredible leadership of Brandeis’ Head of School, Dr. Dan Glass, and the wonderful support from the entire community. While their giving isn’t limited to supporting Brandeis, it is their focus, “we like to give to a variety of
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organizations but Brandeis is important because it is the salve to what our community and our nation needs in response to the horrible things going on in the world. It is organizations like Brandeis that will make our children great people who will make positive change in the world.” Michelle and Sue are also very involved in the Brandeis community, not only from a philanthropic standpoint, but just as importantly through volunteerism and engagement. “Providing time and energy is crucial support for nonprofit organizations and oftentimes without the help of volunteers, nonprofits would not be able to fulfill their mission.” The result of this activism has also meant embracing the Brandeis community and making lifelong friendships along the way. In Pirke Avot 1:2, we learn that acts of generosity and kindness (gemilut chasadim) are one of the three pillars which uphold the world. Thank you, Michelle and Sue, for being a pillar for our Brandeis community and for exemplifying the impact activism and giving has on our children and their future.
CUMULATIVE GIVING IN 2019–20
Thank you to Brandeis families and community members for your leadership in giving through cumulative annual gifts of $1,800 or more to all fundraising campaigns in the 2019-20 school year. $200,000+ Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund $100,000+ Erica & Jeffrey Lawson $75,000+ Sue & Michelle Kletter ‘93 $50,000+ Anonymous $25,000+ Leslie & Alex Gleser Barbara & Ron Kaufman Alicia & Evan Kletter ‘80 Rory & Jamie Weinstein $15,000+ Tahlia & Jordan Bliss Mariela & Richard Gerstein Koret Foundation Holly Hagens & Todd Sisitsky $10,000+ The England Family The Friedman-Lowenthal Family Amy & Jon Seff The Seligman Family Foundation Laurie Beijen & Ben Tulchin $5,000+ Apple Marina Gershberg & Anthony Azevedo The Barkin Family Lynette Stejskal & Russell Cohen Louise & Jacob Epstein
TOTAL BRANDEIS FUND GIVING: $461K Nicole Lipman & Michael Ellis Mary & Brian Fox Miriam Gauss & Arthur Gauss z”l Ellen & David Ginsberg Ilysa & Jason Goldblatt Melissa Slivka-Goldstein & Evan Goldstein Jeanne & David Himy Karen Kaufman Perlman & Brian Perlman Laurie Brown & Jason Pollack Lindsy & Jason Sanders Charlene & Bart Schachter Tatiana Goldstein Schaffer & Edward Schaffer Lara Edelbaum Sunshine & Paul Sunshine Madhulika Varma & Jonathan Terdiman United California
$3,600+ Shannon Atlas & Howard Caro Deborah & Moise Cohen Jacqueline Dolev & Matthew Cooperberg Elizabeth Epstein Diamond & Ethan Diamond The Drummond-Dulberg Family Lindy & Ken Fox Carla Fenves & David Frommer Pamela & Paul Ginocchio Kate & Dan Glass Nancy & Leonard Goldberg Google Rebecca Berman & Franklin Huang Jodi & Sejo Jahic Laura Hauben & Anthony Label Pamela Lyss-Lerman & Jason Lerman The Miller-McCallister Family Amy Goodman & Jesse Purewal Ruth Katz & Michael Rapaport Julie & Joseph Ratner The Robin Family Kathleen Bedford & Andrew Robbins The Rosenblum Family Kathryn & Avidan Rose Daniel Safier David Samson Karen Hall & Steven Sherr Wells Fargo Foundation
$25K IN TZEDAKAH DONATIONS FROM SEVENTH GRADERS GRANTED TO 14 CHARITIES Danelle James & Edward Kavalerchik Laura Gasser & Marc Katz Loren Pogir & Neil Kaye Roberta Keller & Bruce Keller z”l Wendy & Howard Kleckner Beth & Jeff Klugman Lucy & Aaron Kornblith Sophi Jacobs & Jonathan Krause Levi Strauss Foundation Julie & Ari Lewis Marsh & McLennan Companies Jacqueline Shelton-Miller & Craig Miller Abra Castle & Eric Potashner Jennifer Zagofsky & Gordon Rothstein Janet Wojcicki & Gregor Schauer z”l
Kelsey McPherson & Steve Siger Jennifer Saslaw & Max Simkoff Louise Sunshine TPG Global Fraidy Aber & Nathaniel Weiner VISA Inna & Stan Zilberleyb Anonymous
$1,800+ Judith & Robert Aptekar Beacon Pointe Advisors Tanya & Mark Bernstein Dale Fishman & Joe Beson Tessa Burns & John Cowan Elinor & Gareth Davies Sarah Antle & David Donn Lenny & Nikki Flom Robert Fox Inbal & Toby Frankenstein Irina Elman & Steven Gold Marsha & Ralph Guggenheim Jennifer Kaufman & Stephen Hegedus
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PARENT VOLUNTEERS 2019-2020
The Brandeis School of San Francisco is grateful to all The Brandeis Fund parent volunteers who have given generously of their time as advocates for growing annual giving support for our school. Cochairs Jessica England Evan Goldstein Committee Members Tahlia Bliss Abra Castle Sharon Dulberg Diane Epstein-Porter Lindy Fox David Frommer Mariela Gerstein Paul Ginocchio Steven Katz Michelle Kletter Jamie Lasser Pamela Lyss-Lerman Jason Pollack Katie Rose Renee Samson Charlene Schachter Amy Seff Sheila Yturri Sigal Melissa Slivka-Goldstein Lara Edelbaum Sunshine
15 FIELD TRIPS AND EDUCATION RETREATS
The Brandeis Fund TOTAL GIVING
Parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, alumni, teachers, and community members invest in our school every year, ensuring that the educational experience of our students remains exceptional. Donors to The Brandeis Fund are the cornerstone of our school’s success, providing the means by which The Brandeis School of San Francisco can carry out its mission of inspiring students to lead lives of learning and purpose. We rely on the continued generosity of our community to help strengthen our program, explore new opportunities, and attract exemplary faculty and staff. These experiences continue to develop students who will go on to become leaders who will make meaningful change in the world. Changemaker ($20,000+) Alicia & Evan Kletter ‘80 Sue & Michelle Kletter ‘93 Holly Hagens & Todd Sisitsky Visionary ($15,000+) Mariela & Richard Gerstein Leslie & Alex Gleser Rory & Jamie Weinstein Benefactor ($10,000+) The Friedman-Lowenthal Family
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Innovator ($5,000+) Marina Gershberg & Anthony Azevedo Tahlia & Jordan Bliss Nicole Lipman & Michael Ellis The England Family Louise & Jacob Epstein Mimi Gauss & Arthur Gauss z”l Ilysa & Jason Goldblatt Melissa Slivka-Goldstein & Evan Goldstein Karen Kaufman Perlman & Brian Perlman Laurie Brown & Jason Pollack Lindsy & Jason Sanders Tatiana Goldstein Schaffer & Edward Schaffer Amy & Jon Seff Madhulika Varma & Jonathan Terdiman Laurie Beijen & Ben Tulchin Advocate ($3,600+) The Barkin Family Deborah & Moise Cohen Lynette Stejskal & Russell Cohen Jacqueline Dolev & Matthew Cooperberg Carla Fenves & David Frommer Pamela & Paul Ginocchio Nancy & Leonard Goldberg Laura Hauben & Anthony Label The Miller-McCallister Family Amy Goodman & Jesse Purewal Ruth Katz & Michael Rapaport Kathleen Bedford & Andrew Robbins Kathryn & Avidan Rose The Rosenblum Family David Samson Charlene & Bart Schachter Karen Hall & Steven Sherr Lara Edelbaum Sunshine & Paul Sunshine
Chai ($1,800+) Judith & Robert Aptekar Tanya & Mark Bernstein Dale Fishman & Joe Beson Shannon Atlas & Howard Caro Tessa Burns & John Cowan Elizabeth Epstein Diamond & Ethan Diamond Sarah Antle & David Donn The Drummond-Dulberg Family Lenny & Nikki Flom Mary & Brian Fox Lindy & Ken Fox Robert Fox Inbal & Toby Frankenstein Ellen & David Ginsberg Kate & Dan Glass Irina Elman & Steven Gold Marsha & Ralph Guggenheim Jennifer Kaufman & Stephen Hegedus Jeanne & David Himy Rebecca Berman & Franklin Huang Jodi & Sejo Jahic Laura Gasser & Marc Katz Loren Pogir & Neil Kaye Roberta Keller & Bruce Keller z”l Wendy & Howard Kleckner Beth & Jeff Klugman Lucy & Aaron Kornblith Sophi Jacobs & Jonathan Krause Pamela Lyss-Lerman & Jason Lerman Abra Castle & Eric Potashner The Robin Family Jennifer Zagofsky & Gordon Rothstein Janet Wojcicki & Gregor Schauer z”l Kelsey McPherson & Steve Siger Anonymous Partner ($720+) Shelley & William Atlas Jessica & James Bassuk Alessandra Beck z”l & Jonathan Beck Renen Amir & Josh Brajtman Sheryl & Ivor Caro Aimee Golant Casella & David Casella Melissa & Scott Cooper Vicki Green & Robert Curry Elinor & Gareth Davies Shelly Dolev Beth Eiselman Wendy & Herb England Olga Urman & Ilya Eybelman
50+ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAININGS FOR FACULTY Vicki & Silas Ford Judith Tick & Steven Ganz Helen & Dimitry Goldshteyn Jessica Kogan & Cameron Hughes Tanya & Matthew Hurwitz Eva & Richard Klein Joanna Lipinski & Ken Kruszka Jamie & Seth Lasser Julie & Ari Lewis Merle Lustig Suzanne Browne Mead & Max Mead Jacqueline Shelton-Miller & Craig Miller Bonnie Tang & Scott Nealey Abigail Michelson Porth & Jason Porth Jennifer Wegbreit & Matthew Powers Judith & David Rose Juliana & Leonardo Salgado Parents of Eben Simpson Sports Basement Fraidy Aber & Nathaniel Weiner Lauren Cappelloni & Keith Welter Lyn & Adam Werbach Irit Miller Zmora & Yohai Zmora Anonymous Friend ($360+) Rabbi Katie Mizrahi & Raj Abbasi Aliza Aber Angela Sabella & Paul Ainslie Tristan Seifer & Brian Aubry Laura Albers & Ariel Backenroth Louise & Benjamin Barrett Tamar & Yair Ben-shaanan Ardath Kirchner & Neal Biskar Elyse Blatt Hillary & Pete Blum Michelle Brandt Browdy & Jonathan Browdy Inna & Ryan Buschell Renee & Arnold Cinman Elena Cohen Jessica & Mathew Colvin Olga & Robert Eber
THIRD ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF JUSTICE LOUIS BRANDEIS DAY Justice Brandeis, who proudly was the first Jewish person to sit on the United States Supreme Court, embraced civic engagement and promoted the importance of this responsibility to all American citizens. “In the frank expression of conflicting opinions lies the greatest promise of wisdom,” he posited, and it is upon that principle that we wrote the Seven Ways We Learn and Work Together, a guide to civil discourse at Brandeis. It is this foundation upon which we built the third annual celebration of Justice Louis Brandeis Day. Brandeis students learned about the life and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis during this year’s programming that centered around the exploration of questions of ethical leadership. Lower school students began the day practicing the language of disagreeing respectfully as they worked with partners to solve math modeling problems with more than one possible solution. The goal was for students to learn to respectfully disagree with another’s opinions while still valuing them as people. Middle school student mentors paired with their lower school mentees in reading Tom Sullivan’s book Blue vs. Yellow. The partners worked together to imagine and illustrate how the conflict might be resolved, using civil discourse and compromise.
Elena & David Ehrlich Marina Eybelman & Alex Furman Brian P. Goldman ‘97 Rebecca & Jason Goodman Rivka Greenberg Joanne & Willie Greenspan Kristi & Gregory Grunberg The Gunsberg-Pelkey Family Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Jeffrey Hessekiel Melissa Hessekiel Riva Barak & Jonah Jacobson Samantha & Jeremy Kamras Jane Froyd & Christopher Kamrath Philip N. Kaplan Kristen Borland Katz & Ori Katz ‘87 Marcia & David Kornblith Andra & Alexander Lakowsky Udi & Guy Ledergor Kathy & Richard Leventhal Martin Lipman Erin Gordon & Steven Lurie Rabbi Batshir Torchio & Dean Macdonald The Malka-Arnold Family Carolyn Meyer & Alan Meyer z”l Deborah Arzt-Mor & Boaz Mor Richard Oh Ruth Carlton & Lauren Orlick Yonat Shain & Gili Ovadia
The Peliks Family Joel Rubinstein & Edward Pertcheck Lauren Gelman & Kevin Poulsen David Royal Alison Scott Sheila Yturri & Mark Sigal Jennifer Saslaw & Max Simkoff The Summers Family Josi Taylor Dana & Idan Tendler Leslie & Stephen Ticktin Amy & Allan Tuckman Bambi Zilberstein-Twersky & Roy Twersky Garrett Vachal Sharon & Joshua Weinberg Marla & Robert Weiner Carolyn Youkilis & Mike Youkilis z”l Stacy & Scott Youkilis Julie Landau & Kenneth Young Inna & Stan Zilberleyb Anonymous (4) Builder (Up to $359) Madeline Adler Patrick Alcasabas AmazonSmile Foundation Veronica & Ludo Antonova Rebecca Aptekar Rebecca Sugerman & Chris Archer Keren Asayag Beth Cousens & Joel Aufrecht Jessica Austin Erik Balin
$2.7M IN TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANTS FOR 42% OF STUDENTS Julie Beck Daniel Bedford Rebecca Beeson Dirk Beijen Robin Braun Belinsky & Gabriel Belinsky Evelynne & Morton Belinsky Teresa Landry & Joel Berman Tila Bibliowicz Vida & Ron Bierman Sandee Bisson Ashley Bitton Diane Goldstein-Block & Ed Block Jody & Joshua Bloom Kay & Arthur Brief Bright Funds Marci Schleifer Briskin Karen Broido Crystal Brown Elizabeth Calderon Kate Callan Nancy & Robert Cappelloni Gina Cargas Helene & Dan Casella Adina & Brian Chaikelson Bessie Chekunov ‘06
May Cohen Nicholas Cole-Farrell Suzanne & Andrew Colvin Rusty Dalfen Irit & Finbarr Daly Adele & Avron Daniller Malika Densby Pamela Wellner & Eugene Dickey Lisa Rogoff & Zachary Dietch Sam Dossick Larisa Rapoport & Ian Druch Kfir Elad Ayala Mirande & Scott Falcone David Fein ‘87 Karen Keith & Anat Feinstein Jacqueline & Jonathan Ferris Janet Shalwitz & Burt Feuerstein Ariel Ford Susan Fox Alison Frank Peggy & Dennis Frank Julie Frank Susan Franklin Barbara & Dan Freeman Evelyn & Fred Freeman Rachel Freeman ‘02 Sarah Freilich Janet Fung Lori Birnbaum Galante & Philip Galante Dena & John Gardi Elizabeth Gasser The Gatz-Levine Family Ron Glass
Lori & Avram Goldman Maureen Ellis-Goldrath & Marc Goldrath Sara Goldrath Elizabet & Gregory Goldstein Barbara & Gordon Goodman Deborah & John Greenspan Cherie Golant & Ronald Gutierrez Shannon & Dennis Gutierrez Courtney Beck & Jonathan Harris Katherine Fiester & Ben Hetherington Jennifer Baumer & Adam Hochman Simha Hoze Caitlin Hunter Elena & Eugene Ingerman Nicole Schoentag & Isaac Jacobs-Gomes ‘98 Ed Janon Sari & David Jefferies Jean & Stuart Johnston Lila & Alexander Katz Rita & Eugene Katz Gia Daniller-Katz & Steven Katz Alexandra & Matthew Kelly Rachel & Michael Kesselman Vicky Keston Susan Rothstein & John Koeppel Eitam Kohen Barbara Bona & Piotr Komorowski Jenny Zitser Koren & Dany Koren Molly & Yuval Koren
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Cynthia & Dan Laser Gail Billings-Beck & Alyce Laviolette Rebecca Lazarus Denise & Andrew Lefberg Sharon Lefberg Kate Levis Williamson & Phil Levis Craig Lipton Rachel Klein & Bill Litz Mr. & Mrs. William Lopez Kimberly Lostetter Shira Rutman & Adam Lowy Madeleine Mackenzie Aaron McCullough Limor Elbaz & Kyle McMahan Alexandra & Chanan Menachem Joyce Mendoza Michelle Melamed-Merin & David Merin ‘85 Ari Micich Diane & Ovvie Miller Janice & Richard Miller Orit Ben-Shitrit & Greg Minevich Minted, LLC Patricia & Albert Mizrahi Corrie Mizusawa Julie Chronister & Mark Myers Carol Nathan Vika Nebeker Elissa & Joseph Newman ‘85 The Noteware Dalfen Family Svitlana & Igor Ozhyndovskyy Liza Padua Andrea Leonard & Hal Pearlman Susan & Gerald Peliks
Mira Peretz The Perman Family Jane & James Perman Lindsey & Douglas Pierce Alexa & Brandon Pollack Ann Ritzma & Elaine Porter Diane Epstein-Porter & Ken Porter Anna Rentz Jenny Rinn Jenia Semyonov & Robert Rintel Lee-Lan Yip-Rogers & Dale Rogers Frances Wittman-Rosenzweig & Carl Rosenzweig The Rubinstein Family Frankie Whitman & Sam Salkin Smadar & Noah Salzman Renee Samson Polly & Jesse Sapakie Ariella Hyman & Dean Schillinger Priscille Schwarcz-Besson & Fred Schwarcz Naomi Schwartz Hemp Jorun & Harmon Shragge Samantha Silvestri Emma Simmons Evelyn Scalora & Martin Singer Diane Shapiro & John Sommerfield Kristen Beck & Damon Sperber ‘82 Evan Spiler Callie & George Stemerman Christine Tamez Sivan Tarle Dana Lazarovitz & Scot Thompson Christine & Joseph Toscano
Anatoliy Tsibulskiy Julie & Mark Ugar Alevtina Mokshina & Yakov Volkov Lironne Wein & Alex Voskoboinik Sheila Wagner Abbe Wainwright Mairin & Matthew Weiner ‘86 Valerie Welsh Tina Ogawa Will & Ron Will Amy Cohen & David Williams Catherine Withrington Susan & Robert Wolfe David Worton The Wunsh Family Cameron Yuen-Shore Irina & Avraham Yusupov Miriam & Richard Zimmerman Kate Swanson & Ben Zion Kali Zivitz Susan & Alan Zuckerman Anonymous (5)
Live Ramp Microsoft Oath, Inc TPG Global Visa Wells Fargo Foundation Gifts in Kind Tahlia & Jordan Bliss Leslie & Alex Gleser Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Laura Gasser & Marc Katz Ruth Katz & Michael Rapaport David Samson Charlene & Bart Schachter Tatiana Goldstein Schaffer & Edward Schaffer Madhulika Varma & Jonathan Terdiman
GIFTS
Grants Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund Barbara & Ronald Kaufman Koret Foundation Legacy Heritage Foundation Dan Safier United States Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Matching Gifts Apple Cisco Systems Deutsche Bank America Foundation DocuSign Gap Foundation Genentech, Inc. Google Levi Strauss Foundation
The Brandeis School of San Francisco Endowment Fund Shannon Atlas & Howard Caro The Drummond-Dulberg Family Jacqueline Shelton-Miller & Craig Miller Sheila Yturri & Mark Sigal
$24K IN MATCHING
Insurance Policy Endowment Randall Dick z”l Grandparents Angela Sabella & Paul Ainslie Judith & Robert Aptekar Shelley & William Atlas Daniel Bedford Dirk Beijen Evelynne & Morton Belinsky Dale Fishman & Joe Beson Diane Goldstein-Block & Ed Block Kay & Arthur Brief Nancy & Robert Cappelloni Sheryl & Ivor Caro Dan & Helene Casella Renee & Arnold Cinman
GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY A beloved Brandeis tradition, grandparents and special friends joined their Brandeis students on November 26 for a morning program, followed by classroom visits to work together on special projects. Grandparents and special friends arrived at the school abuzz with excitement to see their loved ones. Seeing multiple generations sharing their love of learning at Brandeis seals the day as a happy one for our school, a sweet memory we hope all carry with them after the event.
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AVERAGE ANNUAL FUND GIFT: $983 May Cohen Suzanne & Andrew Colvin Vicki Green & Robert Curry Rusty Dalfen Adele & Avron Daniller Beth Eiselman Wendy & Herb England Louise & Jacob Epstein Vicki & Silas Ford Robert Fox Susan Fox Peggy & Dennis Frank Evelyn & Fred Freeman Elizabeth Gasser Ron Glass Lori & Avram Goldman Maureen Ellis-Goldrath & Marc Goldrath Elizabet & Gregory Goldstein Barbara & Gordon Goodman Rivka Greenberg Deborah & John Greenspan Joanne & Willie Greenspan Marsha & Ralph Guggenheim Jeanne & David Himy Ed Janon Jean & Stuart Johnston Lila & Alexander Katz Wendy & Howard Kleckner Eva & Richard Klein Marcia & David Kornblith Gail Billings-Beck & Alyce Laviolette Sharon Lefberg Kathy & Richard Leventhal Merle Lustig
Carolyn & Alan Meyer z”l Diane & Ovvie Miller Patricia & Albert Mizrahi Susan & Gerald Peliks Jane & James Perman Judith & David Rose Amy & Allan Tuckman Sheila Wagner Marla & Robert Weiner Susan & Robert Wolfe Carolyn Youkilis & Mike Youkilis z”l Miriam & Richard Zimmerman Susan & Alan Zuckerman Anonymous (2) Faculty & Staff Madeline Adler Patrick Alcasabas Deborah Arzt-Mor Keren Asayag Jennifer Baumer Rebecca Beeson Neal Biskar Sandee Bisson Ashley Bitton Jody Bloom Crystal Brown Elizabeth Calderon Kate Callan Gina Cargas Bessie Chekunov ‘06 Nicholas Cole-Farrell Irit & Finbarr Daly Malika Densby Sam Dossick Jonathan Ferris Alison Frank Rachel Freeman ‘02 Sarah Freilich
Janet Fung Lori Birnbaum Galante Dan Glass Sara Goldrath Ali Gunsberg Shannon Gutierrez Simha Hoze Caitlin Hunter Isaac Jacobs-Gomes ‘98 David Jefferies Alexandra Kelly Ardath Kirchner Rachel Klein Eitam Kohen Martin Lipman Kimberly Lostetter Tania Lowenthal Madeleine Mackenzie Aaron McCullough Alexandra Menachem Joyce Mendoza Ari Micich Corrie Mizusawa Vika Nebeker Liza Padua Mira Peretz Anna Rentz Jenny Rinn David Royal Nicole Schoentag Samantha Silvestri Emma Simmons Evan Spiler Christine Tamez Sivan Tarle Anatoliy Tsibulskiy Abbe Wainwright Mairin Weiner Valerie Welsh Catherine Withrington David Worton Stacy Youkilis Cameron Yuen-Shore Alumni Donors Bessie Chekunov ‘06 David Fein ‘87 Rachel Freeman ‘02 Brian P. Goldman ‘97 Nicole Schoentag & Isaac Jacobs-Gomes ‘98 Kristen Borland Katz & Ori Katz ‘87 Alicia & Evan Kletter ‘80 Sue & Michelle Kletter ‘93 Michelle Melamed-Merin & David Merin ‘85 Elissa & Joseph Newman ‘85 Kristen Beck & Damon Sperber ‘82 Mairin & Matthew Weiner ‘86
VISITING ARTIST JEN FEDRIZZI CREATES ART FOR SOCIAL AWARENESS Ethics and the Arts Visiting Artist Jen Fedrizzi spent two days on campus leading students of all grade levels in lively Q&A sessions and arts workshops, all designed to raise students' awareness of the environmental crisis we are creating through plastic pollution and food waste. Ms. Fedrizzi is a photographer, collaborative performing artist, and former member of the Convent Arts Collective in San Francisco. Crystal Brown, Brandeis drama teacher and arts outreach coordinator, arranged the schedule of Ms. Fedrizzi's presentations to our classes. Summing up the impact on our students, Ms. Brown said, "The Ethics and the Arts Visiting Artist Program allows our students to experience real-world artists whose works affect our communities. Jen's visit is inspiring our students to rethink the ways they engage with their own garbage and recycling. Through discussion and artistic exploration, our students are able to view an everyday item in a new light." The Ethics and the Arts Program was made possible by a generous grant from Al (Bumpy) Friedman and Lois Friedman z"l, grandparents of Brandeis alumnae Noa, Emma, and Elie Friedman-Lowenthal and former Brandeis student, Nathan Friedman-Lowenthal.
33 SINGERS IN CHORUS AND THE TREBLES 9
MIDDLE SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS STUDENTS SHINE IN WILLY WONKA JR. The middle school fall musical elective staged a lively production of Willy Wonka Jr. for three successive performances at the Jewish Community High School Performing Arts Center. The cast and crew totaled 41 students, including those students running lights, sound, and set construction. Parents of Alumni Donors Tristan Seifer & Brian Aubry Jessica & James Bassuk Tila Bibliowicz Ardath Kirchner & Neal Biskar Elyse Blatt Shannon Atlas & Howard Caro Elena Cohen Deborah & Moise Cohen Lynette Stejskal & Russell Cohen Irit & Finbarr Daly Pamela Wellner & Eugene Dickey Larisa Rapoport & Ian Druch Jacqueline & Jonathan Ferris Janet Shalwitz & Burt Feuerstein Nikki & Lenny Flom Barbara & Dan Freeman Judith Tick & Steven Ganz Dena & John Gardi Miriam Gauss & Arthur Gauss z"l Pamela & Paul Ginocchio Ilysa & Jason Goldblatt Elena & Eugene Ingerman Sari & David Jefferies Laura Gasser & Marc Katz Rachel & Michael Kesselman Craig Lipton Alexandra & Chanan Menachem Michelle Melamed-Merin & David Merin ‘85 Jacqueline Shelton-Miller & Craig Miller Deborah Arzt-Mor & Boaz Mor Karen Kaufman Perlman & Brian Perlman Ann Ritzma & Elaine Porter Diane Epstein-Porter & Ken Porter
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36 INSTRUMENTS PLAYED BY STUDENTS IN THE BAND Ruth Katz & Michael Rapaport Frances Wittman-Rosenzweig & Carl Rosenzweig Marci Schleifer Briskin Karen Hall & Steven Sherr Sheila Yturri & Mark Sigal Madhulika Varma & Jonathan Terdiman Leslie & Stephen Ticktin Rabbi Batshir Torchio & Dean Macdonald Bambi Zilberstein-Twersky & Roy Twersky Lyn & Adam Werbach Adrian & David Worton Julie Landau & Kenneth Young Tribute Gifts In honor of ... Debby Arzt-Mor Jacqueline & Jonathan Ferris The Friedman-Lowenthal Family Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh The Athletics Department The Miller-McCallister Family Kathleen & Wolfgang Baer Susan Franklin Reese Bassuk ‘20 Jessica & James Bassuk Bel Beeson & the Library Rachel Freeman ‘02
Bel Beeson Shannon Gutierrez Samantha Silvestri Laurie Beijen Marsha & Ralph Guggenheim Susan Rothstein & John Koeppel Carol Nathan The Noteware Dalfen Family Harris Berman Rebecca Berman & Franklin Huang Neal Biskar Frances Wittman-Rosenzweig & Carl Rosenzweig Sandee Bisson Rachel Freeman ‘02 Catherine Withrington Zack Blatt ‘07 Elyse Blatt Zoe Blatt ‘08 Elyse Blatt Jody Bloom Karen Broido Alison Frank Crystal Brown Kimberly Lostetter The Brandeis Community Lee-Lan Yip-Rogers & Dale Rogers The Brandeis Development Team Vika Nebeker The Brandeis Educators Megan O’Connor The Brandeis Middle School Team The Miller-McCallister Family Sophia Caro ‘20 Shannon Atlas & Howard Caro Sarah & David Cogan Jessica Kogan & Cameron Hughes
Nicholas Cole-Farrell Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Angie Dalfen Rusty Dalfen Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Malika Densby Joyce Mendoza Sam Dossick Isaac Jacobs-Gomes ‘98 Micha DrummondDulberg ‘20 The Drummond-Dulberg Family Ethical Creativity Institute Alexandra & Chanan Menachem Jonathan Ferris Carla Fenves & David Frommer The Fourth Grade Team Valerie Welsh Zuri Fox ‘24 Robert Fox Ali Frank Jody Bloom Gilana Frank ‘23 Peggy & Dennis Frank Ali Frank Sara Goldrath Rachel Freeman ‘02 Shannon Gutierrez Janet Fung Lori Birnbaum Galante Lori Galante Janet Fung Gabrielle Ginocchio ‘19 Pamela & Paul Ginocchio
Gray Ginocchio ‘21 Pamela & Paul Ginocchio Dr. Dan Glass Rachel Freeman ‘02 Kate & Dan Glass Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Merle Lustig Jason Goldblatt Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Sara Goldrath Bel Beeson Maureen Ellis-Goldrath & Marc Goldrath Ali Gunsberg Caitlin Hunter Shannon Gutierrez Rachel Freeman ‘02 Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Leor Hersh ‘22 Rivka Greenberg Nadav Hersh ‘26 Rivka Greenberg Hila, Tal & Lior Mira Peretz Alina Katz ‘27 Lila & Alexander Katz Isaac Katz ‘23 Toby & Stuart Katz Maxwell Katz ‘19 Laura Gasser & Marc Katz Benjamin Kaye ‘24 Olga & Terry Gordon Ardath Kirchner Kate & Dan Glass David Worton
THE CLASS WITH THE BEST PARENT PARTICIPATION IN THE BRANDEIS FUND— SIXTH GRADE WITH 94%
101 IPADS FOR EVERY K-2 STUDENT
Wyatt Klugman ‘23 Joanne & Willie Greenspan Emma Larson Carla Fenves & David Frommer The Lawson Family Evelyn & Fred Freeman Natalie Lefberg ‘24 Sharon Lefberg Hanah Levi Oppenheimer Iryse Ann Starr
Jonah Lewis ‘21 Cheryl & Stephen Eiselman Ruby Lewis ‘26 Cheryl & Stephen Eiselman Julie Lewis Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Kimberly Lostetter Sandee Bisson Crystal Brown Rachel Freeman ‘02 Courtney Beck & Jonathan Harris Nicole Schoentag & Isaac Jacobs-Gomes ‘98 Tania Lowenthal Rachel Freeman ‘02 Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh The Miller-McCallister Family Sandra Menachem Malika Densby Joyce Mendoza Liza Padua Joshua Miller ‘23 Jacqueline Shelton-Miller & Craig Miller
Bonny Nahmias Carla Fenves & David Frommer Ruth Nemzoff Rebecca Berman & Franklin Huang Robert Perez Patrick Alcasabas Anatoliy Tsibulskiy Abby Michelson Porth Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Jenny Rinn Rachel Freeman ‘02 The Friedman-Lowenthal Family Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Alanna Klein & Greg Robin Eva & Richard Klein Simon Rose ‘23 Judith & David Rose David Royal Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Charlene Schachter Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Jacqueline Shelton-Miller Frankie Whitman & Sam Salkin Jorun & Harmon Shragge Gabriel Sigal ‘20 Sheila Yturri & Mark Sigal
Samantha Silvestri Eitam Kohen Damon Sperber ‘82 Gail Billings-Beck & Alyce Laviolette Doris & Reuben Sperber Kristen Beck & Damon Sperber ‘82 Allison Stine Dr. Sivan Tarle Lara Edelbaum Sunshine Debra Nelson & Adam Belsky Sivan Tarle The Friedman-Lowenthal Family Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Mairin Weiner Anna Rentz Michael Weinstein ‘21 Kathy & Richard Leventhal Steven Weinstein ‘23 Kathy & Richard Leventhal Charlie Youkilis ‘27 Carolyn Youkilis & Mike Youkilis z”l
Everett Youkilis ‘25 Carolyn Youkilis & Mike Youkilis z”l Stacy Youkilis Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Jenny Rinn Cameron Yuen-Shore Hadara Stanton Hersh & Jerold Hersh Memorial Gifts In memory of... Harry Eigner z”l Emma Simmons Gina & David Gershberg z”l Marina Gershberg & Anthony Azevedo GG z”l Cherie Golant & Ronald Gutierrez Bill & Evelyn Helmcke z”l Polly & Jesse Sapakie Fanny Jakubowitz z”l Kristi & Gregory Grunberg Julia z”l Cherie Golant & Ronald Gutierrez
217 MACBOOKS FOR EVERY STUDENT IN GRADES 3 TO 8
INTEGRITY AND AUTHENTICITY WITH SCHUYLER BAILAR Schuyler Bailar, a former member of the Harvard men’s swimming team and the first openly trans athlete to compete on an NCAA division 1 men’s team, presented to our parent community as well as to our students. Schuyler shared his story of being a swimmer, how he was assigned female at birth but felt like a boy inside, and how he got the help he needed to navigate his feelings and transition. He focused on the challenges of trying to “fit-in” while keeping one’s integrity and authenticity intact and the reasons he chose to put many potential accolades and opportunities at risk to be true to himself. Our community was blown away by his story, as well as his poise, vulnerability, and candor. Schuyler is a positive, self-accepting, confident role model for all of our students, but most specifically for those kids who may find it difficult to live in the world as they are. “I have never felt prouder to be part of the Brandeis community. Dedicating time and resources to having Schuyler speak to both our adult and youth audiences is another proof point that Brandeis places the highest value on educating all of us to be knowledgeable, kind, aware, justice-seeking citizens. I wish everyone could hear Schuyler speak.” – RACHEL ROSENBLUM, PARENT OF 1ST AND 3RD GRADE STUDENTS
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Jane Kahn z”l Sari & David Jefferies Roy Kornblith z”l Marcia & David Kornblith Tyler Kornblith z”l Lucy & Aaron Kornblith Sam Lustig z”l Merle Lustig Morris & Jeong z”l Richard Oh
Paul Beck & Anne Parizat z”l Alessandra Beck z’’l & Jonathan Beck Julius Schoneberg & Lillian Reich z”l Marcia & David Kornblith Samson Zelig Rubinstein z”l The Rubinstein Family
Gregor Schauer z”l Janet Wojcicki Mila & Armin Trieser z”l Jessica Kogan & Cameron Hughes Henry & Eva Wellner z”l Pamela Wellner & Eugene Dickey
Even though we couldn’t gather together, our community showed up for the virtual spring fundraiser, “Roaring into the 20’s,” on May 16 to celebrate everything we love about Brandeis. Our generous attendees contributed more than $203,000 to support socio-economic diversity via the fund-a-need for tuition assistance. Brandeis thrives in times of celebration and in times of challenge because of the generosity of community members who care deeply about Jewish education today and for future generations. To the generous donors who contributed auction items, time, and talents, and who bought event and raffle tickets, thank you for supporting our students and our school. Thanks to your participation in this event, Brandeis students’ lives are made better every day.
MANY THANKS TO THE VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING ROARING INTO THE 20’S AN EVENT LIKE NO OTHER! Cochairs Doug Pierce Lara Edelbaum Sunshine Committee Members Laurie Beijen Tahlia Bliss Lauren Cappelloni Shelly Dolev Kristi Grunberg Alanna Klein Jacqueline Shelton-Miller Loren Pogir Stephen Yugoff
FUND-A-NEED FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE Katie Mizrahi & Raj Abbasi The Barkin Family Ardath Kirchner & Neal Biskar Sandee Bisson Tahlia & Jordan Bliss Elizabeth Epstein Diamond & Ethan Diamond The Drummond-Dulberg Family Olga & Robert Eber Nicole Lipman & Michael Ellis The England Family Mary & Brian Fox Lindy & Ken Fox Rachel Freeman ‘02 The Gatz-Levine Family Mimi Gauss & Arthur Gauss z”l Ellen & David Ginsberg Kate & Dan Glass Leslie & Alex Gleser Olga & Terry Gordon Rivka Greenberg
Kristi & Gregory Grunberg The Gunsberg-Pelkey Family Courtney Beck & Jonathan Harris Tami Cho Heller & Adam Heller Rebecca Berman & Franklin Huang Jodi & Sejo Jahic Laura Gasser & Marc Katz Toby & Stuart Katz Danelle James & Edward Kavalerchik Roberta Keller & Bruce Keller z”l Alicia & Evan Kletter ‘80 Sue & Michelle Kletter ‘93 Barbara Bona & Piotr Komorowski Jamie & Seth Lasser Gail Billings-Beck & Alyce Laviolette Udi & Guy Ledergor
Pamela Lyss-Lerman & Jason Lerman Julie & Ari Lewis The Friedman-Lowenthal Family Lisa Pollack Mann & Alex Mann Jacqueline Shelton-Miller & Craig Miller Deborah Arzt-Mor & Boaz Mor The Noteware Dalfen Family Diane Epstein-Porter & Ken Porter Abra Castle & Eric Potashner Lauren Gelman & Kevin Poulsen Ruth Katz & Michael Rapaport Julie & Joseph Ratner Jenny Rinn The Robin Family Kathryn & Avidan Rose Judith & David Rose
The Top Dawg ($1,000) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co Tahlia & Jordan Bliss Kimberly & Jared Boigon Shannon Atlas & Howard Caro Lynette Stejskal & Russell Cohen Elizabeth Epstein Diamond & Ethan Diamond The England Family Miriam Gauss & Arthur Gauss z"l
Leslie & Alex Gleser Roberta Keller & Bruce Keller z"l Sue & Michelle Kletter '93 Julie & Ari Lewis The Robin Family Lindsy & Jason Sanders Jennifer Saslaw & Max Simkoff Madhulika Varma & Jonathan Terdiman Inna & Stan Zilberleyb
LIVE AUCTION DONORS
EVENT SPONSORS The Great Gatsby ($10,000) The Seligman Family Foundation
The Bee's Knees ($2,500) Beacon Pointe Advisors Ellen & David Ginsberg Danelle James & Edward Kavalerchik The Cat's Pajamas ($5,000) Alicia & Evan Kletter '80 Lara Edelbaum Sunshine & Amy & Jon Seff Paul Sunshine Holly Hagens & Laurie Beijen & Ben Tulchin Todd Sisitsky United California Rory & Jamie Weinstein
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Lindsy & Jason Sanders Polly & Jesse Sapakie Charlene & Bart Schachter Tatiana Goldstein Schaffer & Edward Schaffer Amy & Jon Seff Jennifer Saslaw & Max Simkoff Justine Simpson Carol Sperber Kristen Beck & Damon Sperber ‘82 Iryse Ann Starr Louise Sunshine Christine Tamez Laurie Beijen & Ben Tulchin Alevtina Mokshina & Yakov Volkov Sharon & Joshua Weinberg Fraidy Aber & Nathaniel Weiner Laurie Welstand Stacy & Scott Youkilis Kara & Stephen Yugoff Inna & Stan Zilberleyb
bouchon Santa Barbara Alicia & Evan Kletter The Lipman Ellis Family Montecito Inn Tim Quaintance The Schachter Family Aliza Grayevsky Somekh Congresswoman Jackie Speier Laurie Beijen & Ben Tulchin
CLASS OF
Gilad A Amir A Adam A Reese B Maxwell B-R Sophia C Isadore D Leah D Micha D Luka E Kaila E
Andrew E Gil F Jacob F Carolina F Elie F-L Noa F-L Emma F-L Michael G John G Alexandra H Chloe H-S
Leila J George K Madeline L Jacob M Alana M Ava M Joshua M Lily M Nick N Eli P Eleanor P
Evan P Jacob R Micaela S-H Gabriel S Bennett T Nathaniel T Lelia T Lauren W Pearl W Ben W Arianna Z
Burlingame High School French-American International High School Jewish Community High School Lick-Wilmerding High School Lowell High School Marin Academy Mercy Burlingame Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
Saint Ignatius High School Stuart Hall High School Tamalpias High School The College Preparatory School The Bay School The Drew School The Nueva School The Waldorf School University High School Urban School of San Francisco
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BRANDEIS ALUMNI: L’DOR V’DOR— PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OUR BRANDEIS ALUMNI REGULARLY LIVE OUT THE VALUE OF RADICAL EMPATHY AND WE ARE PROUD TO SHARE THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF FOUR BRANDEIS ALUMNI MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.
BRANDEIS ALUMNI CARRYING THE LEGACY OF JUSTICE LOUIS BRANDEIS OUT INTO THE WORLD
BRANDEIS ALUMNI SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE WITH OUR STUDENTS!
BRIAN GOLDMAN ‘07 Brian has pursued a path that embodies the American ideals of democracy and civil discourse, the same ideals that Justice Brandeis practiced and that our school encourages our students to explore. Brian served as a law clerk for Judge Stephen Reinhardt of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and as a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina justice of the Supreme Court. Now, he is a partner at the law firm Orrick, Herrington, & Sutcliffe LLP in San Francisco. “Brandeis taught me the value of tikkun olam, which has shaped my commitment to public service throughout my education and career, and Brandeis instilled in me a lifelong passion for learning.”
ETHAN GOLDSTEIN ‘08 VISITS ADVANCED HEBREW CLASSES Ethan Goldstein ‘08, returned to campus in October, to visit with middle school Hebrew students. In fluent Hebrew, Ethan shared with our students about his time at Brandeis as well as his involvement with Habonim Dror, an organization dedicated to building the bond between North American Jewish youth and Israel while creating Jewish leaders who will actualize the principles of social justice, equality, peace, and coexistence in Israel and North America.
SAMANTHA SCHIRESON ‘04 In her role as library technician at the Library of Congress, Samantha teaches and mentors other librarians and other library service staff from across the country. “I was part social worker, part therapist, and part resource officer, and really had to wear every hat to know people on a very personal level. I was challenged to be part of my community and to look for ways to help and be present.”
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HANNAH SAFFORD ’05 VISITS WITH THE 6TH GRADE HUMANITIES CLASS This year, the sixth grade Humanities team taught by faculty Gina Cargas and Lindsay Teeples-Mitchell hosted a Zoom speaker series inviting experts from the broader Brandeis community to speak with our students about real-world issues. Brandeis alumna Hannah Safford ‘05, who is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at U.C. Davis in environmental engineering, with a focus on water treatment and water reuse, and who also served two years in the Obama White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, visited with students in a lively and informative discussion, focused on themes of displacement and equitable access to clean water in California.
ALUMNI EVENTS
ALUMNI: STAY CONNECTED
WHAT WOULD COLLEGE BE WITHOUT A CARE PACKAGE? For the first time, we hosted parents of the Brandeis Class of 2015 to assemble graduate care packages for our alumni in their first year in college. The parents who attended were so proud to share details of how their children were taking in their new experiences across the state, country, and world. It was evident at this gathering that the bonds of friendship forged during their many years at Brandeis were lasting ones.
NEW—BRANDEIS CONNECT! Drawing from the rich expertise of our Brandeis alumni and in partnership with our faculty, we would like to help students connect with our alumni to explore and learn about real-world issues through speaking engagements and visits to our campus. Learn more at www.sfbrandeis.org/brandeisconnects. UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION: Go to www.sfbrandeis.org/stayconnected to enter your contact information so we can keep you posted on Brandeis news and special events.
SHARE YOUR NEWS: Let us know about any personal or professional milestones in your life so we may add your news to the Class Notes section of our website, at www.sfbrandeis.org/alumni/class-notes. PLAN A REUNION: The development department will help plan class reunions—and the first two drinks are on Brandeis! Email us at development@sfbrandeis.org.
THANK YOU PARENT VOLUNTEERS! THE BRANDEIS SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO THE YEAR, PARENT VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT MATTER BY PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION THROUGHOUT ENRICHING THE BRANDEIS EXPERIENCE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
We would like to thank our Parents’ Association (PA) for supporting our school through the 2019-20 school year. The commitment of our parents and volunteers makes Brandeis a positive learning environment for each of our children.
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING PARENTS WHO DONATED GENEROUSLY THEIR TIME, TALENT, AND RESOURCES IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS Co-Presidents Julie Lewis Lynette Stejskal Vice President Andrea Leonard Immediate Past President Oren Rubinstein Secretary Polly Sapakie Treasurer Jason Sanders Book Fair Robin Braun Belinsky Kate Glass Brandeis Runs Liz Noteware
BWear Alessandra Beck z”l Catering & Refreshments Laurie Beijen Smadar Salzman Challah Bake Inna Buschell Sharon Weinberg Chesed Jennifer Kaufman Jacqueline Shelton-Miller Communications Amy Cohen Diane Shapiro Environmental Andrea Leonard
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Denise Lefberg Polly Sapakie Faculty & Staff Snacks Ariel Ford Honey Sale Jacqueline Shelton-Miller Liaison to Jewish Studies and Hebrew Elinor Davies Morning Minyan Ilana Drummond
Ruach Lindy Fox Lauren Orlick Shabbat Ba’Bayit Laurie Beijen Amy Cohen Jacqueline Shelton-Miller Sukkot Dinner Nicole Lipman Polly Sapakie Dana Summers Tikkun Olam Inna Buschell Gia Daniller-Katz
Room Parents Joel Rubinstein
ADMISSIONS AND OUTREACH COMMITTEE The admissions and outreach committee assists our admissions department in all aspects of the admissions program, including retention and recruitment of students. Thank you to the following members of the admissions and outreach committee, who helped make the 2019-20 school year such a success! Staff Tania Lowenthal, Director of Admissions & Marketing Polly Sapakie, Admissions Assistant
Parent Volunteers Alessandra Beck z”l Tanya Bernstein Tahlia Bliss Michelle Brandt Browdy Inna Buschell Beth Cousens Gia Daniller-Katz Jackie Dolev Elizabeth Epstein Diamond Jessica England Lindy Fox
Mary Fox Leslie Gleser Amy Goodman Ruth Katz Edward Kavalerchik Aaron Kornblith Jamie Lasser Erica Lawson Craig Levine Julie Lewis Pamela Lyss-Lerman Elissa Newman Lauren Orlick
Liliana Peliks Doug Pierce Jason Pollack Rachel Rosenblum Justine Simpson Diane Shapiro Anat Shiwak Evelyn Singer Melissa Slivka Goldstein Damon Sperber Lynette Stejskal Jessica Wallack-Cohen
OR HADASH AWARD
The Parents’ Association is dedicated to building community; every year the PA offers a variety of activities and events that enrich the lives of our students, families, and our faculty and staff. The support of these dedicated volunteers is critical to fulfilling the mission of our school. The PA brings our school to life with its support of the curriculum and building community. The PA fosters inclusivity and collaboration through their many programs from Jewish holiday events to parent education programs and more.
“Being involved has touched me so profoundly because it’s been a way to connect and create belonging around deeply held Jewish values, actions and Torah to make our Brandeis community and world a better place.”
RECIPIENT: JACQUELINE SHELTON-MILLER The Or Hadash (New Light) Award is presented to a parent volunteer who has given above and beyond and who serves as a model of volunteerism for us all. The recipient of the 2019-20 award is Jacqueline Shelton-Miller, who was recognized for her volunteerism, generosity of time and talent, dedication, and leadership. Jackie and her husband, Craig Miller, are parents to Aaron ’17, and Joshua ’20, and fifth-grader Ilan.
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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
THE 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR WAS FILLED WITH MANY MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS FOR OUR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES LED BY THE DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS IN THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION. HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS:
SHABBAT BA’BAYIT Over 240 community members gathered for a night of radical hospitality to celebrate Shabbat Ba’Bayit. Families across the Bay Area hosted Shabbat dinners and welcomed members of their kehillot into their homes to experience the joy of Shabbat.
BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC Brandeis families reunited with each other after the summer at a casual Sunday picnic in September. Old friends reconnected and new ones joined the mix to enjoy some unstructured time with each other in the natural beauty of Golden Gate Park.
FALL SUKKOT HARVEST SUPPER Sukkot at Brandeis was marked by a joyous community gathering at our Fall Harvest Sukkot Supper—an uplifting example of how our community celebrates together and strengthens our connections to one another. Shaking the lulav, decorating the sukkah, playing and dancing with friends to the beats of Brandeis alumnus DJ Maurice Lichaa ‘18, and schmoozing over a delicious meal all made for a wonderful holiday.
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RUACH COMMITTEE PROMOTES CELEBRATION OF WORLD KINDNESS DAY AT BRANDEIS The overarching goal of the newly introduced Ruach Committee (ruach means “spirit” in Hebrew) is to promote inclusion and strong community by supporting specific Brandeis initiatives and programming. On Wednesday, November 13, the committee encouraged the school-wide celebration of World Kindness Day. Each Brandeis student received a small kindness packet to mark this special day. Lower school teachers and middle school advisors led student discussions about the importance and value of kindness, in morning meetings and mifgashim boker, respectively.
KOL HA’KAVOD GRATITUDE FOR TANIA LOWENTHAL’S SERVICE
For the past 22 years, Tania Lowenthal, Director of Admissions & Marketing gave this simple welcome to thousands of Brandeis students and families who walked through our front door, “Welcome. We build a better mensch. We’re glad you’re here.” She joined the Brandeis Hillel Day School in 1997 when the leadership, faculty, staff, and community opened its doors and their hearts to her. They shared one vision—that a child could grow and thrive with integrity, kindness, and service as their anchors. For more than two decades she has seen the school grow into the strong, future-focused Jewish day school it is today. Tania shares, “Now, I feel that my professional contributions to Brandeis are complete. My family will be forever grateful for the life we’ve shared in community and for our children’s Brandeis education.” Thank you for your support, your dedication, and your passion through the decades, Tania. Everyone in the Brandeis community will miss you.
2019-20 FACULTY & STAFF MILESTONES Every spring we acknowledge and honor those faculty and staff members who’ve completed milestone years of service.
40 YEARS: NEAL BISKAR, U.S. HISTORY TEACHER
18 YEARS: DEBBY ARZT-MOR, DIRECTOR OF JEWISH LEARNING
10 YEARS: REBEKAH GOLDSTEIN, ART TEACHER
10 YEARS: RACHEL WIRTH, AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM TEACHER
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The Brandeis MAKE AN IMPACT! Fund
Tuition and fees do not fund the entire Brandeis experience. Gifts to The Brandeis Fund cover a critical portion of the school’s annual operating budget. Your gift sustains our mission and makes an immediate and meaningful impact on the educational program, advancing our faculty, tuition assistance, and campus improvements. With your investment in The Brandeis Fund we are able to create exceptional experiences for our students that develop their skills and abilities to prepare them to make a difference in the world today and in the future.
MAKE A GIFT TODAY! ONLINE: give.sfbrandeis.org
BY PHONE: 415-294-4839
BY MAIL: Office of Development The Brandeis School of San Francisco 655 Brotherhood Way San Francisco, CA 94132
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Stacy Youkilis, Director of Development 415-294-4839 syoukilis@sfbrandeis.org
OUR MISSION
OUR VALUES
The Brandeis School of San Francisco inspires students to lead lives of learning and purpose. We provide a challenging academic environment and a welcoming, inclusive community, each deeply enriched by Jewish thought, values, and traditions.
Kindness – Chesed We treat one another and ourselves with empathy and compassion.
www.sfbrandeis.org 18
Integrity – Ometz Lev We act honestly, responsibly, and courageously. Service – Tikkun Olam We embrace our collective responsibility to help repair the world. 655 Brotherhood Way San Francisco, CA 94132
415.406.1035
