DEAR BRANDEIS COMMUNITY,
As I look back on the 2024–2025 school year at The Brandeis School of San Francisco, I am flled with gratitude for all that our community has accomplished together. It was a year defned by academic achievement, joyful Jewish life, and the deep sense of belonging that makes Brandeis such a remarkable place for children to grow.
Our students continue to thrive. Standardized test results confrmed what we see daily in our classrooms—Brandeis students are building strong foundations that prepare them for high school and beyond. In surveys of our recent graduates, the overwhelming majority said they entered high school confdent, well-prepared, and grounded in their Jewish identity and values. Our 8th graders once again carried that strength with them to Israel, where they experienced the complexities and beauty of Jewish peoplehood frsthand, and returned ready to lead with empathy and insight.
Academic excellence was matched by an extraordinary array of co-curricular experiences. Our middle school athletics program celebrated multiple league championships, our student actors flled the JCHS theater with song and spirit in Oliver, Jr., and our Purim spiel (Hamilton-themed, this year!) once again had the entire school singing along. The Tzedek Project, now in its 26th year, reached a new record in fundraising, with students directing over $35,000 to nonproft organizations tackling climate change, homelessness, and antisemitism. Each of these experiences refected the Brandeis way: learning that is rigorous, joyful, and rooted in values.
This year also marked important moments of transition. We celebrated the remarkable legacy of Debby ArztMor, who stepped down after more than two decades as our Director of Jewish Learning, and we welcomed Rabbi Genevieve Greinetz to carry that work forward. Already, her thoughtful leadership and soulful presence are enriching Jewish life at Brandeis, ensuring our traditions remain vibrant and deeply connected to our students’ lives.
The strength of Brandeis lies not only in our students and educators, but in the vitality of our entire community. Enrollment reached its highest point in nearly a decade, with our largest Kindergarten class since 2017 and record-low attrition. Families engaged with passion and creativity—whether at our joyful spring fundraiser, through service projects with GLIDE, or in ongoing learning and dialogue around heritage and identity. The Brandeis Fund surpassed $900,000 this year, with extraordinary participation across parents, trustees, faculty, and staff. This generosity sustains our programs and fuels our vision for the future.
Just as important are the relationships at the heart of our school. Faculty retention remains a point of pride, with many colleagues marking milestone anniversaries of fve, ten, and even eighteen years of service. Their enduring commitment refects the culture of care and collaboration that defnes Brandeis. It is no wonder that faculty, staff, and parents alike describe their experience here as one of deep partnership and shared purpose.
Now more than ten years into my tenure as Head of School, I am prouder than ever of the spirit of this community. Brandeis is a place where students are prepared for success, where Jewish values guide us toward learning and purpose, and where joy infuses our daily lives. Thank you for your partnership, your generosity, and your trust. Together, we are building a future worthy of our children.
Warmly,
Dr. Dan Glass Head of School
PROGRAM IMPACT
EXPANDING HORIZONS: INSPIRING GLOBAL LEARNERS AT BRANDEIS
At The Brandeis School of San Francisco, geography is more than maps and memorization, it is a dynamic way for students to understand their place in the world and their responsibility to others. This year, geographic learning came to life in exciting and meaningful ways. Fifty-three students in grades 5–7 trained for and participated in the Northern California Spring Regional Geo Bee, an academic challenge that inspired curiosity, confdence, and community. Five students qualifed for the national competition in Orlando, and one seventh grader advanced to the international GeoBee in Thailand. This enriching experience refects our commitment to nurturing globallyminded learners who see the world not only as it is, but as it could be. We are grateful to Stuart Kaplan, a founding trustee of Brandeis, for his generous support through a major gift, which made these experiences possible.
COMPETING WITH INTEGRITY, LEADING WITH HEART
The Brandeis Athletics Program had an outstanding 2024–25 season, with over 125 student-athletes competing across multiple sports and bringing home fve league championships: BAIAL Girls’ 6th Grade Basketball (5–2), CYO Boys’ 5th Grade Basketball (9–1), CYO Boys’ Varsity Basketball (9–1), BAIAL Boys’ JV Volleyball (7–1), and CYO Girls’ Varsity Basketball with a perfect 10–0 record.
Brandeis Athletics extend learning beyond the classroom, giving students the chance to practice teamwork, integrity, and compassion. On the courts and felds, students build resilience, leadership, and friendships that last a lifetime. This year’s growth was made possible in part by generous support from The Olympic Club Foundation and donors who helped meet a special matching challenge. We gratefully acknowledge their support: Jessica & Jamie England, Dingli & Brian Graham, Kristi & Greg Grunberg, Michelle & Sue Kletter, Jamie & Seth Lasser, Alanna Klein & Greg Robin, Sharon Karlsberg & Craig Sakowitz, Sustainable Grant Making Partners Fund, Laurie Beijen & Ben Tulchin, and Fraidy Aber & Tani Weiner.
Caption
FROM RESEARCH TO ACTION: SEVENTH GRADE’S TZEDEK JOURNEY
The seventh grade Tzedek Program empowers students to engage deeply with issues of justice, cultivating generosity alongside perspective and responsibility. Partnering with local and global nonprofts, students live the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world) by giving, refecting on impact, and connecting their actions to their values. This year, seventh grade families donated a record $35,000 in donations which were turned into grants which students granted to 27 non-proft organizations. We are deeply grateful to all the seventh grade families whose generosity made this possible.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
This year, Brandeis students stepped out into the wider world, bringing their learning to life through hands-on experiences. More than 28 feld trips—including visits to the Hiller Aviation Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, and Urban Adamah—immersed students in discovery that deepened their knowledge, sharpened their critical thinking, and connected classroom lessons to the world around them.
Equally transformative were the overnight retreats at Camp Newman and Westminster Woods, where over 207 students in grades four through eight built community, embraced outdoor adventures, and experienced the personal growth that stems from independence, refection, and connection with peers.
Gifts to The Brandeis Fund make these moments of discovery and growth possible.
BUILDING CIVIC UNDERSTANDING
engagement and Jewish American history, grounded in a philosophy of encounter and dialogue. The project brought together four strands: Encountering Democracy, a multiyear program connecting students directly with government and civic institutions; Jewish Contributions to American Democracy, Democratic Contributions to American Jewry, a revised social studies curriculum highlighting the mutual infuence of American democracy and the Jewish American experience; Jewish Ethics and Democratic Habits of Mind, embedding Jewish values into civic learning and classroom culture; and Refective Practices in Real Time, equipping faculty to engage current events through Jewish tradition and history. Collectively, the program prepared students to understand, practice, and shape democracy through a distinctly Jewish lens.
Over three years, Brandeis implemented innovative, handson programming that brought these strands to life. Middle school students partnered with younger peers to design and teach lessons on Jewish civic leaders, including Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sandy Koufax, Emma Lazarus, and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, highlighting powerful models of leadership and impact. Eighth graders visited the San Francisco Superior Court to observe proceedings and meet with Alumni Parent Judge Linda Colfax, a Deputy District Attorney, and an Assistant Public Defender. San Francisco Supervisors Rafael Mandelman ‘88 and Myrna Melgar engaged students in dialogue about ethical leadership, and civic leader Manny Yekutiel shared his journey in public service, modeling leadership rooted in Jewish values.
Our Lower School brought civics to life with a joyful Stuffe Election. After an October convention, students campaigned for their favorite plushie candidates, registered voters, cast ballots, and tracked live results. Coverage by J. The Jewish News of Northern California captured the excitement as the race came down to a single vote— Koala won the popular tally, but Ivan the Ibex carried the electoral college. Since then, Ivan has been “meeting with constituents” to hear student ideas and plan new initiatives.
Another milestone was the creation of the Living Ethically, Acting Democratically classroom poster and tool, which pairs Jewish values with democratic habits of mind. Developed with faculty input, the poster now hangs in every classroom and guides civic engagement conversations schoolwide. In addition, through Refective Practices in Real Time, Brandeis developed a current events protocol tailored for three developmental stages for grades K–2, 3–5, and 6–8, equipping teachers to lead responsive, age-appropriate discussions about local, national, and global issues.
Faculty collaboration was also central to the project’s success, with Brandeis educators sharing their work nationally. Project Director Dr. Dan Glass co-presented
THROUGH JEWISH VALUES
at an Institute for Social & Emotional Learning workshop on “Navigating the Election,” joined Elliott Rabin for a Prizmah Podcast Live episode on “Teaching Toward an Ethical Democracy,” and, with three design team members, presented “Think Ethically, Act Locally: Civics as Experiential Education” at the 2024 NAIS Annual Conference, where the team launched the Mifgash Playbook to help other schools integrate civics, democracy, and core values. Most recently, at the 2025 Prizmah Conference in St. Louis, Brandeis presented with organizational partners, A Civic Spirit and A More Perfect Union, on “Democracy as a Jewish Practice,” exploring how Jewish life and civics intersect and how schools can connect civic learning to community life.
The Mifgash Project has energized our faculty, enriched our curriculum, and strengthened Brandeis’s commitment to cultivating engaged, ethical citizens. These experiences have deepened students’ understanding of democracy, strengthened their civic voice, and nurtured a lasting sense of responsibility to lead with Jewish values in the wider world.
Thanks to the vision and support of The Covenant Foundation, this work stands both as a celebration of what we have accomplished and as a foundation for the continued growth of civics education at Brandeis in the years ahead.
Find a copy of the Mifgash Playbook here:
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY: THE DIAMOND FAMILY
The Diamond family’s Brandeis journey began with what many parents face: uncertainty about the right educational path. “When it came time for their eldest son Isadore ‘20 to enroll in kindergarten, we assumed we’d send him to public school,” Ethan refects. “After touring both public and independent schools, we realized that the decision wouldn’t be that simple.” What drew them ultimately to Brandeis was the school’s distinctive approach: “We were drawn to Brandeis’ principled approach to learning, Jewish tradition, and welcoming atmosphere.”
That decision to enroll at Brandeis would prove transformative for the entire family. With Herschel ‘22 following and their youngest, Zelig ‘25, graduating this past year, the Diamonds have experienced the full arc of a Brandeis education. “Our journey at Brandeis has been an important part of our boys’ childhoods and also of our experience as parents,” Liz shares. “We feel fortunate to have been so deeply connected to, and supported by, this remarkable community for 15 years.”
What has made this extended journey so meaningful is Brandeis’ ability to recognize and nurture each child’s unique potential.
“Our boys are all very different, and Brandeis celebrated all three of them as the individuals that they are,” the couple notes with appreciation. “It defnitely isn’t a one-size-fts-all school.” This personalized approach resonates deeply with parents who understand that standardized education rarely serves children well.
The Diamonds became deeply invested in Brandeis beyond the classroom. Both Liz and Ethan have been actively engaged as volunteers and generous donors, serving in roles from room parent to committee chair. Their involvement, they explain, stems from principles instilled by their own parents: “We were both taught by our parents the importance of volunteering and supporting organizations that mean something to us, especially Jewish and educational ones. We hope that our boys will learn from our engagement, as we did with our own parents.”
For the Diamonds, the rewards of this involvement are deeply personal and community-oriented. “The highlights for us are seeing the students thriving and growing into amazing humans,” they share. “It’s particularly wonderful seeing the long-lasting alumni friendships and how they navigate life with confdence and kindness.” This observation speaks to something unique about the Brandeis experience—the way it cultivates not just academic achievement, but character and lasting relationships.
Their philanthropic dedication is driven by a clear understanding of Brandeis’ distinctive mission. “The Jewish, character-focused education at Brandeis is incomparable when it comes to elementary and middle schools in San Francisco,” they emphasize. “We are devoted to supporting a school that continues to foster students who care deeply about their world.” This conviction refects their belief that Jewish education serves not just individual families, but the broader fabric of San Francisco’s Jewish community.
“We want to continue to be a part of the San Francisco Jewish community and Brandeis in particular, as it continues to shape many generations of mensches.”
Even with their children’s Brandeis journey complete, the Diamonds remain optimistic about the school’s future. “We hope Brandeis will continue to be a nurturing, forward-thinking institution where generations of students can grow into thoughtful members of society.”
- Elizabeth Epstein Diamond and Ethan Diamond
The Diamond family’s story illustrates the profound impact of tradition-rooted Jewish education. From that initial decision to tour “just one more school” to their ongoing dedication as alumni parents, they exemplify how Brandeis creates lifelong advocates who understand the importance of giving back. Choosing Brandeis, their journey shows, means joining something larger—a legacy built on nurturing thoughtful, confdent, and caring human beings grounded in Jewish values.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
2024-2025 Board of Trustees
Chair
Joseph Tartakovsky
Vice Chair
Abigail Michelson Porth
Treasurer
Jody Barkin
Secretary Ruth Katz
Trustees
Neal Biskar
Tahlia Bliss
Amy Cohen
Jessica England
Jane Froyd
Steve Ganz
Ellen Ginsberg
Dingli Graham
Dr. Edward Kavalerchik
been a truly successful year (all owed, I add, to the work of others). Let me share some indicators of our school’s success:
• Tremendous high school placements: 95% of students were admitted to their frst or second choice schools, with many advancing into accelerated coursework.
• Our largest Kindergarten class in years: 40 happy, slightly nervous little ones. (Mr. Ferris sent a helpful video reminder to reassure them that, yes, Brandeis has bathrooms.)
• Exceptionally low attrition: Our overall enrollment now exceeds 375 students, approaching the maximum number allowed by the fre department.
• Outstanding accreditation: The California Association of Independent Schools gave us a glowing report—one longtime observer called it the best the school had ever received.
• Record-breaking Brandeis Fund support: We surpassed $900,000 in 2024–2025, with nearly 100% participation from families and staff.
This comes alongside the routine joys and achievements that make Brandeis shine: championship victories by sports teams, routine, instinctive acts of kindness and generosity between students, inspiring performances, engaging family programs, families supporting one another in countless ways, and immense enthusiasm for the seventh-grade Tzedek Project.
These accomplishments refect a few truths. They testify to the talent and dedication of our faculty and staff. They highlight the intellectual partnership that teachers share with parents. They show that those engaged in our community choose to remain part of it long after graduation. They refect
Beth Cousens & Kelsey McPherson
DEEPENING OUR CONNECTION TO ISRAEL AND EMBRACING OUR JEWISH JOURNEY
Throughout the 2024–25 academic year, Brandeis students engaged in transformative experiences that brought Jewish culture and Israeli heritage vividly to life.
The celebrated Tzofm Friendship Caravan, marking ffty years of fostering North American–Israeli connections, flled our campus with energy as ten talented Israeli scouts led traditional games, vibrant musical performances, and joyful cultural celebrations.
In December, our community welcomed Polyphony, a groundbreaking ensemble of Arab and Jewish Israeli musicians who use the arts to promote coexistence. Performing during a Friday afternoon assembly, they wove powerful musical selections with personal stories, showing how music can bridge divides and foster empathy. We are deeply grateful to grandparents Noga and Israel Niv (Shoshana ’32) for their generous support in bringing Polyphony to Brandeis.
Yom Ha’atzmaut took on special meaning this year, celebrating Israel’s 75th birthday with a visit from creative duo Yossi and Yarden Vassa, who captivated students with live storytelling and illustration from their acclaimed graphic novel about Ethiopian Jewish immigration to Israel. The day continued with spirited Israeli folk dancing, song festivals, and the delicious tradition of borekas.
Our seventh and eighth graders had the profound honor of hearing Holocaust testimony from George R., a Kindertransport survivor and member of the JFCS Holocaust Center Speakers Bureau. His personal story of survival and resilience offered students an invaluable connection to Jewish history and the responsibility of bearing witness.
This year we proudly celebrated ffteen years of our beloved eighth grade trip to Israel, the pinnacle of our students’ experiential education. Traveling together across Israel, students explored, learned, prayed, and played while deepening their bonds with one another and also with the land and people of Israel. Time and again, alumni recall this journey as one of the most meaningful and memorable moments of their Brandeis experience, shaping their connection to Jewish life and to each other long after graduation. We are grateful to the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment, whose generous support helps make this milestone journey possible for our students.
Together, these meaningful experiences embody our community’s commitment to fostering authentic, lasting connections to Jewish heritage and to the land and people of Israel.
BRANDEIS GRADUATES
Hazel Aresty
Jonathan Avidan
Noah Azevedo
Eva Barkin
Noah Barlev
Kaya Bierman
Mia Bliss
Inés Boigon
Sara Brass
Daniel Chaudhary
Zelig Diamond
Milton Donald
Eva Duffoo
Leo Ellis
Chloe Fiester
Anna Furman
Daniel Glazer
Hannah Gogerman
Darien Gold
Natalie Goldstein
Ethan Harry
Asa Huang
Eli Hurwitz
Tamar Keith Feinstein
Jasper Kletter
Talia Kletter
Charles Kreitzer
Claire Kutscher
Miles Lasser
Olivia Lieberman
Zohara Luck
Lylah Pozharny
Sadye Przybyla
Marion Rosenblum
Wyatt Sakowitz
Ben Schmorak
Cybelle Scott
Veronica Stern
Everett Youkilis
The Bay School of
San Francisco
The Branson School
Burlingame High School Convent of the Sacred Heart High School
Emma Willard School
The International School of San Francisco
Jewish Community High School of the Bay Lick-Wilmerding High School
CLASS
Lowell High School
Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
San Ramon Valley High School
St. Ignatius College Preparatory
Stuart Hall High School
Tamalpais High School
Urban School of San Francisco
Reed Archer
Kaia Balin
Jacob Barrett
Maya Ben-shaanan
Shayna Blum
Maren Boigon
Zoe Browdy
Alex Cohen
Lev Colvin
Emmanuelle Davis
Josie England
Daniel Eybelman
Noah Fernandez
Ava Ginsberg
Dina Glazer
Ava Gutierrez
Hannah Harris
Jordan Hessekiel
Charlotte Kogan
Hughes
William Keller
Alexander Klein
Isaac Koren
Lola Label
Dana Lakowsky
Noah Lerman
Jonah Lewis
Wyatt Myers
Victoria Nealey
Zachary Newman
Andrew Ozhyndovskyy
Sadelle Poulsen
Emanuel Rapaport
Rachel Rosenzweig
Elisheva Samson
Zoe Schauer
Zachary Weinberg
Michael Weinstein
Ari Zatlin
Bates College
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo Carleton College
Chapman University
Chicago College of Performing Arts
Lewis & Clark College
Northwestern University
Pitzer College
Pratt Institute
2021 CLASS OF OF 2025
Santa Clara University
Stanford University
Tulane University
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Chicago
University of Colorado
Boulder
University of Denver
University of Florida
University of Maryland
University of Michigan
University of Southern California
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin
United States Military
Academy West Point
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
OUR ALUMNI IN ACTION
FROM BRANDEIS TO THE WORLD: ALUMNI MAKING AN IMPACT
This year’s Brandeis Giving Day in November 2024 featured alumna Jenna Waldman ‘08, whose inspiring story of service and commitment to justice helped propel our very successful Brandeis Fund campaign. As a federal law clerk and civil rights attorney, Jenna credits her Brandeis foundation for instilling both a love of learning and an unwavering commitment to public service. Her work defending the most vulnerable—from death row inmates to immigrants and victims of human rights abuses—refects the profound impact of an education that teaches service, integrity, and kindness as core values. Remarkably, all three Waldman sisters have chosen careers in public service, with Mikela ‘10 working in climate policy and Kira ‘12 pursuing water conservation research, demonstrating how Brandeis plants seeds that bloom into lifelong commitments to repairing the world.
In May 2024, we welcomed back alumna and bestselling author Julie Silverstein ’94 for an engaging conversation with students about her international bestseller Chutzpah Girls: 100 Tales of Daring Jewish Women. Now a professional speechwriter who has worked with Israel’s Ambassador to the UN and Foreign Minister, Julie credits Brandeis as “the frst place I learned that stories matter,” recalling how teachers like Mr. Biskar brought history to life through vivid storytelling. Her groundbreaking work amplifying Jewish women’s voices across history stems directly from lessons learned at Brandeis about how narratives shape identity, community, and collective responsibility—lessons she continues to carry forward in her work today.
Last year, Brandeis alumni reunited in Boston, St. Louis, and New York City, flling each gathering with laughter, stories, and connection. Head of School Dr. Dan Glass hosted these joyful evenings, celebrating the enduring friendships and shared experiences that continue to make our Brandeis community so special. We are deeply grateful to our alumni and their families for their continued dedication to our school. These stories highlight the lasting impact of a Brandeis education—one that extends far beyond academic achievement. From courtrooms to classrooms, policy halls to published works, our graduates carry forward the values that defne our mission. Their diverse paths of leadership and service show how Brandeis shapes thoughtful, engaged citizens committed to making a meaningful difference in the world.
STAY CONNECTED
BRANDEIS CONNECTS! Our quarterly alumni newsletter, BrandeisConnects celebrates our incredible alumni and keeps our community updated on what is happening at the school. If you missed an issue visit www. sfbrandeis.org/alumni to access archived installments.
PLAN A REUNION: The development department will help plan class reunions—and the frst two drinks are on Brandeis! Email us at development@sfbrandeis.org.
READY TO NETWORK? Find us on our very own alumni LinkedIn group: The Brandeis School of San Francisco Alumni. This is your chance to connect with fellow alumni, share career opportunities, celebrate milestones, and stay up to date with our alumni doing amazing work in the world. Join today! If you have any questions, or simply want to be in touch, please feel free to email alumni@ sfbrandeis.org. We would love to hear from you!
SHARE YOUR NEWS: Let us know about any personal or professional milestones in your life so we can add your news to the Class Notes section of our website, at www.sfbrandeis.org/alumni/ class-notes, to share the news more widely with our Brandeis community.
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.
INSPIRING CREATIVE THINKING: THE KAUFMAN FAMILY’S COMMITMENT TO THE ARTS
For Ron and Barbara Kaufman, creativity is the foundation of lifelong learning. As proud Brandeis grandparents to Olivia ’16 and Anna ’16, both now recent college graduates, the Kaufmans have made it their mission to ensure that the arts at Brandeis thrive for generations to come.
“From the moment we learned about the art program, we were inspired by its possibilities,” says Ron. “We wanted to help Brandeis create opportunities for students to stretch their imaginations and discover new ways of thinking.”
Their vision was never about producing artists, but about nurturing imagination across all subjects. “We hoped that students would learn to apply creative thinking to everything they do,” Ron explains. “And that Brandeis would also teach art and architectural history, subjects that foster lifelong appreciation for color, shape, and the built environment.”
Through their ongoing annual gifts, the Kaufmans have helped transform the arts program into a bright, inspiring space where creativity fourishes every day. They also hope to inspire others to follow their example. “Different families might have different educational priorities,” says Ron. “If a family has the resources, they can choose a Brandeis subject and make a long-lasting commitment to enrich that program. It’s like sponsoring
a chair at a university, a way to help Brandeis students excel and to honor what matters most to your family, from generation to generation.”
The Kaufmans’ generosity shines as a reminder that every family can make a lasting difference. Whether through the arts, science, geography, or Jewish learning, each gift has the power to transform the Brandeis experience for generations of students to come. As Ron and Barbara have shown, when we invest in what inspires us, we illuminate the path for others to do the same.
YOUR STORY CAN HELP SHAPE BRANDEIS’S FUTURE.
“The pluralism, diversity, and cultural humility at the heart of Brandeis create space for our son to explore and shape his own Jewish identity—something we truly treasure.”
– Kelly Kozak and Josh Donald
Founders of Bernal Cutlery and longtime Bay Area residents, Kelly Kozak and Josh Donald are deeply rooted in San Francisco’s culinary and Jewish communities. When their son Milton enrolled at Brandeis in 2021, they were seeking a school that could offer inspiration, support, and a strong sense of belonging— and they found just that.
Milton, a budding artist, found a place where he could thrive. Guided by art teachers Cathy Withrington and Rebekah Goldstein, he felt seen, encouraged, and creatively nurtured. The experience left a lasting impression on the entire family. In gratitude, Kelly and Josh made a planned gift to Brandeis—a bequest that will help ensure future generations of students are known, celebrated, and inspired, just as Milton was. Planned giving allows donors to create a legacy aligned with their values, often through a gift in a will or trust, while potentially offering tax benefts.
Their commitment is a powerful reminder of how one family’s gratitude can help shape the future of Jewish education.
To explore a legacy gift or share that you have already included Brandeis in your plans, please contact: Stacy Youkilis, Director of Development, a 415-294-4843 or syoukilis@sfbrandeis.org.
ADMISSIONS & OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The Admissions & Outreach Committee is a volunteer committee whose purpose is to support the Admissions Offce in recruiting new students to The Brandeis School of San Francisco.
Staff
Angela Dalfen, Director of Admissions
Polly Sapakie, Assistant Director of Admissions
Volunteers
Jody Barkin
Natalya Belkin
Debbie Bensinger
Tanya Bernstein
Vida Bierman
Jocelyn & Ben Blumenrose
Talia Kesselman Brass ‘94
Laura Burkhauser &
Daniel Bruckner
Beata & Kobi Bukai
Anjali & Peter Cameron
Lauren Cappelloni
Elizabeth & Dain Charette
Victoria & Ash Chaudhary
Beth Cousens
Marisa & Seth Currie-Rose
Daria Davydova
Melanie Derynck
Irina Elman
Jessica England
Dara Friedman
Merav Bloch & Anthony Goldbloom
Heidi Adams & Will Goldfarb
Collin Graham ‘24
Dingli & Brian Graham
Gary Grossman
Kristi Grunberg
Megumi Okamura & Daniel Hollander
Naomi Horton Vienna ‘98
Tanya Hurwitz
MacKenzie Huynh
Jonathan Kahn
Shani & Blake Kaplan
Nadya Cinman & Won Kim
Alanna Klein
Julia Kreitzer
Dan Laser
Erica Lawson
Karen Lempert Stern
Kate Levis Williamson &
Phil Levis
Catherine Miller Lieberman
Maya & Boris Lieberman
Nicole Lipman
Debbie Mansfeld
Samantha Martin
Mollie McLaughlin
Kelsey McPherson
Ariela Morgenstern ‘92
Jennifer Navarrete
David Nebenzhal
Shelli Newman
Lauren Orlick
Kevin Perkins
Monique Pfager
Katie Poplin
Manu Rapaport ‘21
Adina Rauchwerger
Jacynth Roberts
Greg Robin
Ariel Rodriguez
Brett Rosenberg
Rachel Rosenblum
Lianna Rudyak
Valery & Erez Rusovsky
Amanda Russell
Craig Sakowitz
Jennifer Saslaw
Suzanne Schneider
Sarah Shields
Anat Shiwak-Harry
Justine Simpson
Michelle Sintov
Melissa Slivka Goldstein
Lynette Stejskal
Tahlia & Joseph Tartakovsky
Jaysa & Marc Zablatsky
Inna Zilberleyb
THANK YOU PARENT VOLUNTEERS!
THE BRANDEIS SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
The Parents’ Association enriches our school community through events and programs that foster connection, celebrate Jewish life, and support learning. Their partnership is essential to advancing our mission and is felt deeply across campus. Thank you to our PA leaders and all the parents who generously gave their time, talent, and resources this year.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION, PARENT LEADERS LISTED BELOW, AND ALL THE PARENTS WHO STEPPED UP TO GIVE GENEROUSLY OF THEIR TIME, TALENT, AND RESOURCES IN THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR.
Co-Presidents
Beth Cousens
Kelsey McPherson
Treasurer
Amy Cole-Farrell
Jesse Sapakie
All School Shabbat
Dinners
Marisa & Seth Currie-Rose
Dana Summers
Book Fair/Sunday Soiree
Mirit Cohen
Samantha Martin
Brandeis Pride/Swag
Lisa Kant
Chesed
Smadar Salzman
Communications Cochairs
Julia Levy
Joseph Schliffer
Faculty & Staff
Appreciation
Shirley Katz
Anat Shiwak-Harry
Faculty & Staff Gifts
Melanie Derynck Lightstone
Faculty & Staff Snacks
Lauren Cappelloni
Grade Experience/
Teacher Support
Jessica England
Honey Sale
Kate Bedford
Teresa Landry
Lobby Coffees & Back to School Night
Dani Cooper
Parent Education
Lindsey Pierce
Sarah Shields
Room Parent Coordinators
Beata Bukai
Jessica England
Shabbat Babayit
Laura Burkhauser
2025 OR HADASH AWARD
RECIPIENT: EVAN KLETTER
Room Parents
Tanya Bernstein
Mimi Browning
Beata Bukai
Dani Cooper
Jessica England
Rebecca Goodman
Meryl Leavitt
Julie Lewis
Melanie Derynck Lightstone
Shelli Garnice
Sam Gazitt
Kelli Jacobson
Danelle James
Sharon Karlsberg
Shirley Katz
Evan Kletter
Nadra Lisha
Barbara Lowenstein
Debbie Mansfeld
Monique Pfager
Liliana Peliks
Lindsey Pierce
Adina Rauschwerger
Maggie Rothschild
Craig Sakowitz
Anna Salzman
Smadar Salzman
Suzanne Schneider
Lilia Scott
Mieko Selsky
Jess Stein
Tirtza Waisberg
Kara Yugoff
Tikkun Olam
Erica Lawson
Phil Levis
Each year, the Parents’ Association presents the Or Hadash (New Light) Award to an exemplary parent volunteer. This year we are honored to recognize Evan Kletter ‘80 for his extraordinary dedication to our school community. Evan has been a Brandeis parent for 11 years and brings a deeply personal connection to our school as a Class of 1980 alumnus whose family legacy spans generations—his siblings, Michelle ‘92 and Jason ‘83 both attended Brandeis, his two children with Alicia Kletter, Moses ‘23 and Talia ‘25, are both graduates, and his father served on the Board of Trustees. After retiring in 2017, Evan embraced his role as a devoted volunteer, co-chairing the Spring Fundraiser twice and serving on the Brandeis Fund Committee every year since 2020, where he has engaged alumni, secured sponsorships, and encouraged parent stewardship with genuine enthusiasm. As our most dedicated room parent—likely holding the lifetime record for years of service—Evan has consistently gone above and beyond, from organizing teacher appreciation gifts to managing classroom needs with warmth and care. Those who work with Evan describe him as generous, tireless, joyful, steadfast, and devoted—qualities that truly embody the heart of our Brandeis community, and we are deeply grateful for his tremendous leadership and the light he brings to our school.
2024–2025 FACULTY & STAFF MILESTONES
At Brandeis, our faculty and staff are the heart of our community. Their dedication, rooted in Jewish values, shapes the joyful and transformative education that our students experience every day. As our children journey through nine years of discovery and growth, it is the constancy of their teachers and mentors that nurtures confdence, curiosity, and connection.
This year, we are proud to honor:
TEN YEARS OF SERVICE:
• Eitam Koren (STEM Teacher, 5th Grade)
• Liron Lihav (Judaic Studies Teacher, 3rd & 4th Grade)
• Ari Micich (Band Teacher)
• Dr. Dan Glass (Head of School)
EIGHTEEN YEARS OF SERVICE:
• Dr. Alison Frank (Math Teacher, 7th & 8th Grade; High School Placement Counselor)
• Sandra Menachem (Judaic Studies Teacher, 1st & 2nd Grade)
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE:
• Jennifer Baumer (Judaic Studies Teacher, 6th & 8th Grade)
Each milestone is more than a number of years; it is a testament to lives uplifted, Jewish identities strengthened, and futures brightened. We are deeply grateful for their vision, care, and presence. Together, they embody why Brandeis is a place where students and families feel a profound sense of belonging and purpose.
CELEBRATING DEBBY ARZT-MOR: A LEGACY OF JEWISH LEARNING AT BRANDEIS
On June 8, 2025, the Brandeis community gathered to celebrate the retirement of our beloved Director of Jewish Learning, Debby Arzt-Mor. The afternoon was flled with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt tributes to Debby’s extraordinary impact on Jewish life at Brandeis.
For more than two decades, Debby has been at the heart of Jewish learning, shaping curriculum, community, and values with vision and compassion. She redefned Jewish education as something lived, in tefllah, on feld trips, in acts of justice, and in everyday conversation. Her shift from “Director of Judaic Studies and Hebrew” to “Director of Jewish Learning” refected her belief that Jewish learning belongs to all of us.
Debby empowered teachers, inspired students, and created a culture where Jewish practice is joyful and relevant. To honor her legacy, Brandeis commissioned a special artwork by alumni parent Aimee Golant, inscribed with Pirkei Avot: “Be of the disciples of Aaron—loving peace and pursuing peace.”
Mazal tov, Debby—you will be deeply missed.
FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH: OPPORTUNITIES
THE BRANDEIS FUND: Contributions to our annual fund provide fexible, unrestricted income for programs that defne a Brandeis education and are critical to helping us meet our annual budget. Every gift goes to work immediately to ensure we can attract excellent faculty, provide funding for academic initiatives and co-curricular programs, and meet the highest needs in the current year.
THE ANNUAL SPRING FUNDRAISER: This community event raises funds for the Tuition Assistance Program which promotes socio-economic diversity in our school by enabling a broad range of families to access a Brandeis education for their children. There are many meaningful ways to participate, from event sponsorship and the purchase of tickets, to the donation of auction items and experiences.
PLANNED GIVING: Thoughtful estate and charitable gift planning can make a lasting impact on the fnancial stability and future growth of our school. Gifts can be made by placing Brandeis in your will, designating Brandeis as a benefciary of a trust, retirement account, or insurance policy, or by making a gift of real estate or other tangible property.
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