Endof-Year Report
2023-24 | 5784
Mission
To prepare our students to lead meaningful, confident, and thoughtful Modern Orthodox lives by empowering them to discover their passions, grow as individuals, and contribute to our community and the world.
Boilerplate
Since its founding in 1992 by Dr. Jerry Friedman, Shalhevet High School has revolutionized the Jewish education landscape through an innovative educational model that enables transformative personal growth. Guided by values such as critical and creative thinking, empathetic dialogue and discourse, and overall happiness and wellbeing, Shalhevet has graduated thousands of students who have gone on to the finest universities in the world as well as the top yeshivot, seminaries, and study programs in Israel. Today, Shalhevet leads the way in preparing its students to live meaningful, confident, and thoughtful Modern Orthodox lives — committed to Torah values, guided by halacha, and infused with spirituality — by empowering them to discover their passions, grow as individuals, and contribute to our community and the world at large.
2024 | Aviv 5784
Dear Friends,
5784 has been a tough year for Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. With the tragedies of October 7 and its aftermath, our world had been consumed by mourning and grief, all while Am Yisrael has strengthened our people’s unbreakable connection and responsibility for one another. At Shalhevet, we infused everything with our love and advocacy for the State of Israel, memories of those murdered kedoshim, throbbing hearts for the hostages, and the support of our IDF heroes. Our students went to Israel rallies, immersed themselves in chesed for Israel, and davened and davened and davened. Our alumni served (and enlisted!) in the IDF, and on college campuses throughout the country, they led pro-Israel rallies, counterprotests, and the charge to proudly wave Israeli flags on campus.
Shalhevet Stands with Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael
In this unimaginable year for Israel and the Jewish People, Shalhevet integrated advocacy, tefila, and support for Israel into all aspects of school life. You will see this heartfelt work in every section of this report. Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael remain at the fore of our minds and lives.
The world feels upside down, the very notion of morality corrupted. It is our obligation to take charge for what we can control: advocating for Israel, combatting antisemitism, building deeper Zionist identities, living by Torah values, and nurturing our passion for Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. That has defined this year at Shalhevet.
This End-of-Year Report gives a glimpse into all of that — and our vibrant Modern Orthodox school life. It begins with highlights from our Mid-Year Report before turning to our Deep Commitment to Torah and Israel with unparalleled achievements in Talmud Torah and Israel advocacy. Critical Thinking and Academic Inquiry peeks into our proactive support and curriculum for students’ top-quality education.
Students also find Transformative Personal Growth outside of the beit midrash and classroom, with co-curriculars and opportunities that spotlight their unique talents. Empathetic Dialogue and Discourse teaches students to talk with reason, sensitivity, and respect, while Active Engagement in Our Community and Beyond is how students bring chesed to life. That all culminates in students’ Wellness, Joy, and Self-Actualization — the bedrock of Shalhevet culture and ruach.
Like every year, this report ends with our seniors: Over 80% will be in Israel next year, studying at yeshivot, midrashot, or other programs — or enrolling in the IDF. Afterward, they’ll move on to exceptional institutions like YU, Princeton, Stanford, UCLA, and many others. We are endlessly proud of who they are and who they will become as advocates for Torah, Am Yisrael, and Medinat Yisrael — even in the darkest of places.
Rabbi David Block Head of School
Highlight Rewind from Mid-Year
Transformative
Personal Growth
» Choirhawks rocked the house at our annual winter concert.
» Our Boys and Girls Basketball Teams won the 9th Annual Steve Glouberman z”l Basketball Tournament.
» Our Girls Flag Football Team placed second overall in the 2023 Los Angeles Rams Flag Football Tournament.
Deep Commitment
to Torah and Israel
» A delegation of Shalhevet students and staff marched on Washington with 300,000 pro-Israel supporters to support the Jewish state.
» In addition to our robust Israel education, we led special seminars focused on defending Israel from the vitriol aimed against it.
» 75% of our Advanced Gemara Shiur scored in the 90th percentile for second bechina of the YU Bekius Program.
Critical Thinking and Academic Inquiry
» Shalhevet seniors presented their computer sciencebased innovations to nearly 150 professionals at the conference of the California Association of Realtors.
» Our History Department brought sophomores to a special Auschwitz exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum.
» Freshmen studying Athenian society in World History created their own Athenian battle to bring their studies to life.
Active Engagement in Our Community and Beyond
» We welcomed new faculty and students for their first Shabbat of the school year with special gift bags.
» Shalhevet seniors gathered at Our Big Kitchen - Los Angeles to prepare 300 meals for those in need.
» Sophomores partnered with Yachad for a Day of Chesed to support Israel and the IDF.
Empathetic Dialogue and Discourse
» Our Model Congress Team won 11 awards — including two gavels for “Best Delegate” — at Princeton’s annual two-day conference.
» From conversations on social media to religion and state in Israel, Town Halls were ripe with fruitful discussions.
» Shalhevet’s new podcast, “Modern Orthodoxy’s Town Hall,” launched to open new conversations for the Modern Orthodox world.
Wellness, Joy, and Self-Actualization
» This year’s Freshmen-Senior Shabbaton brought our youngest and oldest students together to connect over their past and future four years.
» Renowned Jewish singer Simcha Leiner joined Shalhevet for a special morning kumzits in honor of our IDF soldiers.
» Like every year, students experienced weekly kumzitses and tisches filled with bonding, Torah, ruach, and of course, delicious food.
Between Festive Tefila and Israeli Shuk, a Yom Haatzmaut Like No Other
Israel’s 76th birthday was filled with nonstop fun and ruach. After a special student and family Hallel and Tefila Chagigit, we enjoyed a delicious Israeli breakfast and a special program from alumni serving in the IDF. The day continued with an Israeli shuk, Backgammon, soccer, and a shawarma-falafel lunch in true Israeli spirit. Throughout the day, students wrote letters to soldiers and packed candy for displaced families that our seniors delivered during their Poland-Israel experience.
Student Raises Funds for Torah Dedication with ‘Bring Them Home Now’ Magnets
Ezra Helfand ‘24 designed “Bring Them Home” magnets that raised hundreds of dollars for the writing of a Sefer Torah in memory of Sergeant Noam Haba z”l, who was killed defending the Southern Gaza Strip.
Deep Commitment to Torah and
Israel
Shalhevet is guided by a vision of passionate Modern Orthodoxy that is grounded in halacha and engaged in contemporary issues facing the Jewish community and the world at large. We teach students to recognize and infuse spirituality in every facet of life.
Torat Shalhevet Dives into Philosophy and Ideas
Our beit midrash was packed for our Erev Iyyun programs with Shalhevet community members eager to learn Torah from our expert educators on topics like belief in God, effective education, and Jewish philosophy.
Lunching on Sushi and Learning About True Happiness for Rosh Chodesh
Organized by our mashgichot ruchaniyot, Rosh Chodesh Lunch & Learn featured midday Torah (with sushi) on Purim, Pesach, mussar, and more.
Commemorating the Shoah with Testimonies, Words, and Torah
Yom HaShoah programming began with spotlighting second-generation Holocaust survivors Helen and Abe Sultanik, grandparents of Elisha and Lev Fishman ‘26, followed by words of Torah and a Choirhawks performance to set the day’s tone.
Lone IDF Soldiers in Reserve Duty Explain Why They Serve Israel
IDF reservist soldiers of the 646 Paratroopers Brigade spoke about how their desire to defend Am Yisrael led them to pack up their lives and join the IDF.
Painting for Israeli Evacuees in Night of Creativity and Togetherness
Firehawks 4 Israel hosted an immersive glow art experience with Sheina Yarmush and Maman Nonprofit for Israeli teens who were evacuated from their homes in Southern Israel.
October 7 Survivor Testifies to Her Story in the Face of Horror
Ofri Reiner, a survivor of the Nova Festival massacre, recounted her story of October 7, spoke about Israel’s resilience, and honored her step-brother who died while defending Israel. This was Ofri’s first public appearance and gave her the strength to tell her story more widely.
An Impossible Yom HaZikaron: Remembering Israel’s Soldiers and Terror Victims
After a special tribute to the 766 soldiers and 834 civilians killed since October 7, and the 132 hostages in Gaza, we watched a special Yeshivat Har Etzion film for those who fought and died defending Am Yisrael. We heard personal testimonies of friends who passed, and ended with a candle-lighting ceremony.
Advanced Gemara Shiur Celebrates Torah Milestones with BBQ
Juniors in Advanced Gemara Shiur completed their first unit of Hilchos Tefila with a BBQ and sugya-sharing session at Rabbi Yagil Tsaidi’s home, while sophomores made a siyum on the second and third perakim of Rosh Hashanah.
Students Collect the (Torah) Gold for National Bekiut Program
Shalhevet students Etan Lerner ‘26, Ariel Shapiro ‘25, and Aliza Katz ‘25 swept the YU-NCSY National Bekiut Program’s “Amud” category and received the first, second, and third place awards for their dedicated learning and bechinot performance of Masechet Rosh Hashanah.
A Week of Teaching Students to Study Smart and Stress Less
With activities, lectures, and programs, Stress Less Week gave students key practices, advice, and strategies to bring healthy, stress-free relaxation into their studying. This is vital Educational Support for all students, especially during finals season.
Critical Thinking and Academic Inquiry
Shalhevet cultivates critical and creative thinking through its rigorous and crossdisciplinary educational approach that exposes students to multiple ideas and viewpoints both inside and outside the classroom. By encouraging a deep sense of curiosity, independent thinking, and a love of learning, students attain not only a preeminent General and Judaic studies education, but also the tools and drive to become lifelong learners.
Shoah Education Mini-Mester Preps Seniors for Annual Poland-Israel Experience
Shalhevet seniors dove into a robust, 15-session mini-mester to prepare for their annual PolandIsrael Experience. Between learning history and emotional discussions, we ensure students are prepared for this lifechanging trip.
College Guidance Leads Special Workshop for Class Preparations
In a special workshop led by our College Guidance Department, students received a full, in-depth academic picture of class schedules and course selections for the upcoming year. Breakout groups with our General Studies departments provided deeper insight into their academic options and paths forward.
Learning How Students Can Learn Better
Our Educational Support Team led a working lunch for our General Studies departments to delve into the mechanics of how students best learn and process information, then discuss implementation to enhance classroom learning.
Overnight Learning on a Trip to USS Iowa
Shalhevet Advanced Studies World War II class held an overnight field trip to the legendary battleship USS Iowa in San Pedro. Students received an exclusive VIP tour for an extensive, inside look at naval warfare, ship life, and President Roosevelt.
Group and One-on-One Coaching for Calendars and Time Management
Our Time Management Support program helped students organize their study schedules and final assignments during May and June. Between group and individualized sessions, we helped students personalize their approaches to ensure their academic ease and success.
Students Lead Socratic Seminar on Space Odyssey, AI, and Film
Seniors studying “Film Literature and Composition” led a student-driven Socratic seminar for the 1968 film, “A Space Odyssey.” To prepare, students explored the film’s groundbreaking visual effects and philosophical questions on human beings and AI. The lively classroom dialogue reflected the class’ rigor and breadth.
Learning the Fact and Fiction of Israel
In special programs by Firehawk Alumna and IDF Reservist in media advocacy Rachel Lester ‘12 and social and political commentator Meira Cowland, students learned the essential elements of identifying anti-Israel bias, the truth about the conflict, and defending Israel.
Finesse
Meets
Fashion at Student-Led Tzanua Fashion Show
The Fashion Club led a fabulous show featuring a boutique of clothing and jewelry alongside an excellent runway show — with all tzniut clothing! All proceeds benefited the Widows of Warriors Foundation.
Seniors Experience One of Our Most Impactful Poland-Israel Trips
After a painful year for Israel and the Jewish People, seniors embarked on our Poland-Israel Trip with heavy hearts and hopeful spirits. In Poland, we visited Warsaw cemeteries, made siyumim in Lublin, and encountered the horrors of Auschwitz. When we finally arrived in Israel, we traveled to the memorial site for the Nova Festival massacre, met with survivors of October 7, held a carnival for displaced children, and so much more. It left our seniors with an experience, and an impact, that they will never forget.
Firehawks 4 Israel Meet with Congressmen for Am Yisrael
Members of Firehawks 4 Israel met with Congressman Jon Tester (D-MT) at an intimate AIPAC event and, on a separate occasion, with Congressman Pete Aguilar (D-CA) because of their unwavering support and advocacy for Israel and the Jewish People.
Transformative Personal Growth
Shalhevet inspires each student to maximize their potential, pursue their passions, and become the best version of themselves. By pushing them outside their comfort zones and providing them with engaging co-curriculars, programs, and curricula, students achieve transformative personal growth — morally, religiously, academically, and socially.
Drama Dept. Sings in the Rain in Sold-Out Final
Performance
The Shalhevet Drama Department’s “Singing in the Rain, Jr.” delivered a sold-out and stellar final performance, following excellent reviews from students, faculty, and members of the community.
Girls Volleyball Brings Home the Banner in Tournament Win
Our Girls Volleyball Team won the YULA Girls Volleyball Tournament in an exceptional performance with strong ruach on and off the court.
Teachers Spend Day Reflecting and Planning for Growth
Even for Shalhevet teachers, the growth never stops. Each department met on a professional development day focused on self-assessment, curriculum building, and fine-tuning students’ learning experiences.
Robotics Team 6000 Closes Off a Bustling Year
Celebrating a well-earned season, Shalhevet Robotics Team 6000 held their annual dinner wishing well to its graduating captains and welcoming in their new leadership board to prepare for the year ahead.
Girls Basketball Wins Annual Tournament with 5 Undefeated Seniors
met with Congressman Jon Tester
Our Girls Basketball Team won the 18th Annual Captain Hyman P. Galbut Girls Basketball Tournament in Miami Beach, Florida — starring five seniors with undefeated Shalhevet careers. It’s why the team was ranked No. 1 in the nation by Jewish Hoops America.
Choirhawks Sing
for their unwavering support and advocacy for Israel and the Jewish People.
Boys Basketball Emerge Champions at Mulholland
Our Boys Basketball Team emerged as league champions at the Mulholland League, which is part of the CIF Southern Section.
Boys Volleyball Enter Playoffs Undefeated
After an undefeated season, the Boys Volleyball Team moved into the playoffs ready to rumble.
with the Pros at Second Annual Festival
Between singing, bonding, and learning with clinicians and coaches, our Shalhevet Choirhawks thrived at the Second Annual Milken Choral Festival.
Students Vote To Ban Phones During Future Town Halls
At an Agenda Committeerun Town Hall, students voted to eliminate phone access during future Town Halls to support greater presence, attention, and focus for students. After a deliberation and three-week trial, students instituted the ban as a formal Town Hall rule.
During a Storm, Students Take on Town Hall in Groups
Shalhevet’s Agenda Committee ran its first group-session Town Hall, with committee members leading more personal discussions with students — all while enjoying hot treats during an LA storm.
Empathetic Dialogue and
Discourse
Shalhevet empowers students to find their voices, develop personal views, and effectively communicate through discourse, discussion, and debate. More importantly, they learn how to respectfully listen, engage, and thoughtfully process different perspectives. Our students learn to understand and value each other whether in the classroom, the Beit Midrash, the gym, or our weekly Town Hall.
Rabbis Brawl in ‘Rabbi Rumble’ Over Megillat Esther
Rabbis David Block and Ari Schwarzberg went “head-to-head” over big questions on divine providence and free will in Megillat Esther as part of Torat Shalhevet’s community learning.
As Mongolia and Madagascar, Students Take on YUNMUN with Honorable Mention
Sophomore
Wins First Place at Tikvah Debate Tournament
Ariel Mazar ‘26, a Menachem Begin Fellow at Tikvah, won first place at a Tikvah debate tournament in January over whether Israel should have accepted reparations from Germany after the Holocaust.
Representing Mongolia and Madagascar at the Yeshiva University National Model UN conference, the Shalhevet delegation forcefully debated and negotiated during committee meetings — with junior Ariel Shapiro ‘25 winning an honorable mention for his performance in UNESCO.
Town Hall Talks Social Media, Privacy Rights, and Academic Accommodations
Nowadays, healthy dialogue and debate are almost impossible to find — except with Shalhevet students. Our weekly Town Halls bring students together to discuss with and learn from one another over pressing questions and issues.
The Right to Academic Accommodations: Too Much or Too Little?
Receiving academic assistance is vital for some students to learn in school with their unique challenges out of the way. But what is the limit to testing modifications and accommodations? How will that affect students’ learning capabilities? Our students explored this with sensitivity and curiosity.
Where Privacy Ends and Security Begins:
Government Monitoring
Surveillance technology has assured greater public safety and security, but ensuring it does not infringe on citizens’ privacy rights has been an active debate. This timely issue raised questions about security and freedom, and the potential consequences of pervasive monitorization.
Calling Out the Social Media Monster
Social media has redefined what it means to live in the world today. As a powerful tool for communication and sharing information, it has also been a source of immense misinformation, hate speech, and dangerous content. How should free speech and content moderation be balanced?
New Shalhevet Podcast Talks Poland Trips, Neo-Chassidus, and Defending Israel
Shalhevet’s new podcast — “Modern Orthodoxy’s Town Hall” — sparked conversations on Neo-Chassidus, the necessity of Poland Trips, and how to defend Israel today.
Boiling Point Awarded 10th Gold Crown Award in 12th Consecutive Win
The Boiling Point, Shalhevet’s student newspaper, won its 10th Gold Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for its exceptional journalism, marking the paper’s 12th year of coming home with a win.
Painting with Yachad for Jewish Acceptance and Inclusion
Shalhevet teamed up with Yachad LA and The Paintery for a paint night celebrating disability awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. This fun night of friendship and kindness embodied everything Shalhevet values about genuine giving.
Active Engagement in Our Community and Beyond
Shalhevet encourages its students to think beyond themselves and take an active role in contributing to the common good of our Shalhevet community and the world at large. Dedicated to chesed in all forms, students advocate for meaningful causes, volunteer their time, and learn to become positive leaders and global citizens.
Baking Challah for Healing, Safety, and the Hostages
Throughout the year, students baked Shabbos challah in the merit and healing of many. One particularly special program was baking with Einav Danino, mother of an Israeli hostage held in Gaza, for her son Ori and the other hostages’ safe return and protection.
Shalhevet Robotics Team Teaches Girl Scouts in Special Presentation
Our Robotics Team 6000 explained the fundamental of robotics to a local Girl Scouts troop and simulated brainstorming sessions to give them realistic experiences of this mechanical magic.
One Generation of Stars Teaching Basketball to the Next Generation of Stars
Our championship-winning, nationally-ranked Girls Basketball Team ran a morning clinic for young girls in the community — with drills, skills, and absolute fun.
Students
Organize Annual Blood Drive To Save Lives
Our annual blood drive with Cedars-Sinai Blood Donor Services — which was entirely student-led — gathered our students, faculty, and wider community at a critical time to donate blood to those in need.
Packing Food for Pesach Sedarim in Need
All Jews deserve a Pesach Seder of pride — so our students packaged food with Wisdom Circles of Los Angeles to supply families in need with all their Pesach needs.
Class of ‘28 gets a Taste of Chesed with OBKLA
Students and parents of the prospective Class of 2028 prepared over 250 fresh meals and packs of cookies with Our Big Kitchen - Los Angeles in a fun act of loving chesed, a preview of the chesed to come at Shalhevet.
Fundraising with a Night of Casino Fun
Our annual Casino Night brought raffles, tournaments, and delicious food to fundraise with our community — with the added bonus of watching our Girls Volleyball Team win a tournament via live stream!
Hativkah-Themed Color
War Marks Unforgettable Experience
Shalhevet Color War remains unmatched. This year’s threeday extravaganza featured lively competition, bonding, creativity, and ruach with seniors pulling out the final win. Our “Hatikvah” theme tied our spirits to Israel, with teams of netzach/eternity, geulah/ redemption, atzmaut/independence, and tzion/homeland. Meaningful, masterful, and memorable.
Underclassmen
Hear Preventative Learning for Gambling and Addiction
Elan Javanfard, a professor and therapist specializing in crisis treatment, led a special session with our counselor Gaby Marcus on gambling and addictive behaviors for freshmen and sophomores.
Wellness, Joy, and Self-Actualization
Shalhevet ensures students thrive in our safe and joyful environment, where they feel cared for and are embraced for being their authentic selves. Students form close relationships with peers and faculty that support their overall wellbeing. By creating a warm, energetic, and spirited atmosphere, students are genuinely excited and happy to be in school.
A Solar Eclipse Sighting for the Whole School
Shalhevet spent the morning on the turf for a special (and safe!) solar eclipse viewing with Rabbi Block’s new telescope on full display — and some inspirational Torah to go along with it.
Eitan ‘Tisch
Master’ Katz Rocks the School with Afternoon Kumzits
Renowned Jewish singer Eitan Katz — also known as the “Tisch Master” — led a joyous afternoon kumzits to welcome in Rosh Chodesh Adar, filling our beit midrash with singing, ruach, and smiles.
All-School Shabbaton Connects Firehawks to Each Other — and to Am Yisrael
Our annual all-school Shabbaton focused on Am Yisrael and Jewish unity, with specific attention to the hostages, through our theme, “My heart is in the East, and I am in the ends of the West.” Filled with connection, learning, and our Shali ruach, everyone from freshmen to seniors experienced the very best of Shalhevet in the chilly hills of Simi Valley.
Torah, Bowling, and Bonding on Special Sophomore Shabbaton
For their gradewide in-city Shabbaton, sophomores bowled, learned Torah with Rav Judah Mischel, and entered a Shabbos with delicious food (and more Torah!) at the Ravanshenas, Block, and Schwarzberg homes. It culminated with a lively and spiritually charged havdalah.
Purim Takes Over with Costumes, Talent Show, and Celebration
Following a packed house for our student-led Megillah reading (with an all-women morning reading!), the Shalhevet community celebrated with an all-out chagiga for a joyous Purim — and a special show spotlighting students’ secret talents.
Enjoying Small Treats for a Special Purim Kattan
It may be the “small Purim,” but Shalhevet made a big celebration of Purim Kattan with a full candy bar for students and faculty — and a special animal-balloon making station.
Looking Toward the Future: Israel and College Guidance
Creating an Engaged and Excited Parent Community
Israel Guidance
We are proud to guide students and parents in finding the best path for them post-graduation, specifically through a gap year in Israel. This year, we are proud that over 80% of the Class of 2024 will spend a year in Israel, receiving acceptances from 20+ yeshivot, midrashot, and programs, such as:
Yeshivot
» Ashreinu
» Har Etzion (Gush)
» Ma’ale Gilboa
» Mevaseret
» Orayta
» Reishit
» Torah Tech
» Torat Shraga
» Yeshivat Torah V’Avodah
Programs
» Bar-Ilan XP
» Havruta (Hartman)
» Kivun (Bnei Akiva)
» Mechina Olami (Bnei Akiva)
Midrashot
» Aish Gesher for Women
» B’not Torah (Sharfman’s)
» Midreshet Amit
» Midreshet Ein Hanatziv
» Midreshet Eshel
» Midreshet Harova
» Migdal Oz
» Midreshet Torat Chesed
» Midreshet Torah V’Avodah
We are especially proud of our seniors planning to enlist to the IDF or national service after graduation, joining our many alumni who have served and currently serve Israel.
College Guidance
After all the college counseling classes, one-on-one meetings, application assistance, and more, we are immensely proud of the Class of 2024 receiving acceptances from 90+ universities. Their excellence gained them admissision to institutions such as:
» The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
» Stanford University
» University of California, Los Angeles
» University of Michigan
» Columbia University
» Bard College
» New York University
» Syracuse University
» Tufts University
» Elon University
» University of California, Berkeley
» Binghamton University
» Princeton University
» Washington University in St. Louis
» University of Wisconsin
» University of Maryland
» Tulane University
» Bar-Ilan University
» Yale University
» Yeshiva University
The Shalhevet Parent Association fosters a sense of connection and community for Shalhevet parents, helping them feel engaged and involved in school life.
Building Trust and Faith for Healthy Parent-Child Relationships
Shalhevet hosted an evening with Doug Rosen, a marriage and family therapist and director of partners in prevention at Beit T’Shuva, for parents to enhance mutual trust and faith with their children given the unique challenges facing teens in 2024.
Sharing Fruit, Gifts, and Thanks to Shalhevet Faculty
The Parent Association continuously shows its appreciation to our faculty and staff. From fruit carts to mishloach manot, no thanks can sufficiently express our gratitude for the impact they make.
Sharing and Preserving Stories from the Holocaust
Torat Shalhevet ran a beautiful Israeli model (“Zikaron BaSalon”) for parents to learn, preserve, and share Holocaust stories with one another for generations to come. Parents spoke of their family’s narratives and experiences, which held particular strength and resonance in this post-October 7 world.
Guiding Our Children Toward Good Choices
Freshman parents enjoyed an inspiring talk from Dr. Rivka PressSchwartz of SAR and Machon Siach about a new, research-based parenting initiative for our Shalhevet community to help, guide, and support our children’s growth.
Sharing Shalhevet’s Torah with Torat Shalhevet
Torat Shalhevet’s community learning brings enriching and meaningful Torah learning from our faculty to parents, such as Ms. Malka Popper’s weekly parsha exploration with women of the Shalhevet community.
Hiking for Rosh Chodesh Fun
With options for hiking and walking, parents gathered on Rosh Chodesh at Franklin Canyon Park and La Cienega Park for bonding and fun in nature.
Bonding is for Parents, Not Just Kids!
Parents enjoyed wonderful evenings at grade-specific social events to meet and connect with one another in more intimate settings, with words of inspiration sprinkled throughout.
Meet Some of the Shalhevet Community
Ezra Helfand ‘24
‘I may have begun Shalhevet alone, but I graduated with a family like no other’
“When I decided to attend Shalhevet, I did so without knowing many people who would be in my class. Coming from Yavneh, Shalhevet was not the ‘obvious’ choice, but I was confident it was the school and community for me. Over the last four years, however, I not only connected with my classmates and teachers, but I became a part of their family: the Shalhevet family. Cultivating those relationships on and off campus, with people I truly cared for and trusted, was unforgettable. Especially after the massacre of October 7, our family came together as one, in true Am Yisrael fashion. Shalhevet has instilled in me the values of family, love, and respect for others; they transcend our school walls and extend to all of the Jewish People. I may have begun Shalhevet alone, but I graduated with a family like no other.“
Ezra Helfand ‘24 served as the executive editor of the Boiling Point and captain of Mock Trial. Next year, he will learn at Yeshivat Orayta and then attend Yale University.
Eliana Wainberg ‘24
‘I will always be able to call Shalhevet my home’
“Being part of the Shalhevet community means being part of a family that supports one another through both academic and personal growth. I am extremely grateful for the time I had at Shalhevet, whether in the classroom, on the volleyball court, or in the Boiling Point office. In the classroom, I was challenged to think critically and engage deeply with the material, thanks to the amazing teachers and faculty. On the volleyball court, I learned the values of teamwork and friendship. Working as layout editor in the BP office, I gained experience and confidence in something unexpected. These experiences have shaped who I am, and I know that I will always be able to call Shalhevet my home.”
Eliana Wainberg ‘24 was part of the Volleyball and Flag Football teams, layout editor of the Boiling Point, head of the Yearbook Committee, and class representative in the Fairness Committee. Next year, she will learn at Midresha Harova and then attend the University of Maryland.
Ms. Darlene Grover
‘Our Shalhevet staff cares deeply about our students’
“At Shalhevet, we have the unique opportunity to join a talented faculty made up of many backgrounds, experiences, and disciplines. Our Shalhevet staff cares deeply about our students and think about the long-term impacts of our teaching and connections beyond our current experiences with them. We discuss with students — and as a team — how we can encourage each student to be their best, inside and outside of the classroom. With the world rapidly changing around us, it has been wonderful to see everyone embracing the new and evolving while still holding true to best practices. When a student joins Shalhevet, they will grow with the support of a full team caring for their unique needs.”
Ms. Darlene Grover is the Director of Education Support at Shalhevet.
Rabbi Gabe Falk
‘I am profoundly lucky to work, teach, and learn’ at Shalhevet
“Shalhevet’s community is permeated by a uniquely dynamic culture of growth. Administrators, faculty, and students share a deep commitment to constant iteration, improvement, and innovation: Our students’ relentless curiosity and ambition challenge us — the faculty — to deepen our understanding of the world. The administration’s commitment to innovation means that new ideas, initiatives, and perspectives are welcomed, celebrated and usually approved. Torat Shalhevet, our community learning initiative, is fueled by the parent body’s inspiring thirst for knowledge and love for Talmud Torah. This growth mindset is the heart and soul of Shalhevet’s Limmudei Kodesh department, where we challenge ourselves and our students to actively pursuing a deeper relationship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu through talmud, study, and ma’aseh, prayer and action. I am profoundly lucky to work, teach, and learn in a community centered around this growth mindset.”
Rabbi Gabriel Falk teaches Tanach and Gemara and is the Director of Torat Shalhevet.
Jack Resin ‘21 Shalhevet ‘has shaped my life in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until graduating’
“Being part of the Shalhevet community has shaped my life in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until after graduation. As a junior at WashU, I’ve stayed deeply connected to Shalhevet’s values, which guide me in fighting antisemitism, promoting Israel, and strengthening our Orthodox community on campus. Rabbi Tsaidi’s encouragement to spend a year at Yeshivat Torah V’Avodah in Jerusalem built on my religious foundation, deepening my connection to Eretz Yisrael, Am Yisrael, and halacha. Shalhevet alumni have been key in organizing Jewish life at WashU, and post-October 7, our network has become even more important in campus activism. No matter where I find myself — LA, Israel, or St. Louis — our inspired alumni community is always there, offering real support, belonging, and leadership.”
Jack Resin graduated Shalhevet in 2021 and is now studying at Washington University in St. Louis after having finished a year in Yeshivat Torah V’Avodah. At Shalhevet, he was president of the business club, guard for the varsity basketball team, and a member of the Just Community.
Sharon Gomperts
‘Shalhevet is the dream high school’
“Shalhevet is the dream high school. A school that empowers its students and inspires intellectual curiosity and religious growth. A warm cocoon with graduates who spread their wings and impress the world with their unique talents and abilities. I’m so grateful for the education (and love, and encouragement) that Shalhevet has given to my three daughters. It is always a unique pleasure to attend the parent classes given by the incredible Rabbis and teachers. I never schedule anything for Thursday mornings because I always attend Malka Popper’s weekly Parsha shiur. I love the camaraderie fostered by Shalhevet parent hikes and Book Club. Over the years, I have enjoyed the opportunities to volunteer at school, especially for Teacher Appreciation and baking events. This year, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do more as a co-president of the Shalhevet parent association.”
Sharon Gomperts has been a Shalhevet parent since 2018. Her two daughters, Gabriella (‘22), Alexandra (‘23), are Shalhevet graduates, and her daughter Shevy (‘26) will be a junior this fall.
The Faculty and Staff Bringing Shalhevet to
Tushar
Lili Einalhori
Brian Forrester
Rabbi David Stein
Ana Valladares Rivera Maintenance
Verity Weisz English Teacher Department:
Rabbi Yagil Tsaidi
Ruthie Skaist Art Teacher Department: GS
Juan Verduzco Math & Science Teacher Department:
Jordan Moss
Rose Parekh
Rebecca Mintz Judaics & General
Carmen Pacheco Maintenance
Jennifer Kong Math Teacher Department: GS
$2.6 Million In Tuition Assistance for Nearly 50% of Shalhevet Students
Providing
649 Donors
Relationships
Shalhevet