Mid-Year Report
2024-25
| 5785
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.
History & Vision
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, midrashot, 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.
Winter 2025 | Choref 5785
Dear Friends,
Nearly a year and a half since October 7, 2023, the State of Israel, Israeli soldiers, our hostages, and the Jewish People worldwide remain at the center of our hearts. Alongside that, wildfires recently rampaged through Los Angeles and endangered many in our community. This year, like last year, is similarly nothing like we expected it to be.
I feel especially proud of the work Shalhevet is doing this year for our students, faculty, and staff — and those beyond our school community. In a world that feels itself unraveling, I believe in Shalhevet’s mission now more than ever. Let me share why.
This Mid-Year Report begins by spotlighting our Deep Commitment to Torah and Israel, highlighting our relentless support for Israel and unequivocal dedication to Torah learning. Critical Thinking and Academic Inquiry features immersive class lessons, guest lectures, and hands-on learning. Transformational Personal Growth infuses students with purpose in and out of the classroom, whether in athletics, academics, or programming. Empathetic Dialogue and Discourse continues to model civil discourse and healthy conversation, while Active Engagement in Our Community and Beyond brings our students’ work to the fore: collecting resources, raising funds, and volunteering their time and energy for others. All that culminates with students’ Wellness, Joy, and Self-Actualization — where the heart of Shalhevet beats.
Shalhevet is the beginning of our students’ journeys. Our College Counseling and Israel Guidance teams prepare them to become the best versions of themselves, in their years in Israel, college, and beyond. Our individualized and generalized support begins in freshman year and continues through their senior year. We empower students and parents every step of the way.
When I look at the passion igniting our students’ spirit — for Am Yisrael, Medinat Yisrael, Torat Yisrael, and the world at large — I am filled with hope for the future of the Jewish People. There is so much pain and danger flooding our worlds that it is easy to feel despair. This Mid-Year Report demonstrates the ways in which we, the Shalhevet family, are doing our small part in giving us reason to never lose hope.
This report is far from comprehensive, but we hope it gives you a sense of what we do and why do it.
Rabbi David Block Head of School
One Year Since October 7, Shalhevet Remembers
On the anniversary of October 7, our Shalhevet family gathered for an immersive, half-day program to honor the 1,200 Israelis murdered and pray for the remaining hostages and those still affected by the day’s tragedy. We heard from IDF soldier Mitchell Hoenig ’19, who shared his experience, and Naomi Gal, who presented portraits and stories of the hostages.
Night Seder Booms B’Chavrusa
From shiurim on Gemara, Parsha, or other areas, students opting into our Night Seder program learned Torah with one another on their own time for their own love of Torah.
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.
Supporting the Bravery of Wounded IDF Soldiers
We were honored to welcome soldiers from Belev Echad, an organization supporting wounded IDF soldiers. Their powerful stories of resilience and bravery inspired our students and reminded us of the strength needed to protect Israel.
Torah Leaders Come to Shalhevet
Students enjoyed exceptional shiurim from guest Torah scholars like Rabbi Elazar Muskin (top right) of YICC, Rabbi Jonah Steinmetz (bottom right) of YU’s LA Kollel, and our scholar-inresidence Rabbi Yakov Danishefsky (top left) of Attached Living.
Praying for Israel After Iranian Rocket Attack
Following news of the Iranian rocket attack on Israel, Shalhevet paused classes to recite Tehillim and pray for Israel’s safety. We pivoted during Town Hall to daven together, share context, and offer chizuk.
Finding Resilience at Rosh
Chodesh Lunch & Learn
At our Girls Rosh Chodesh Kislev Lunch and Learn, Jen Airley shared her powerful story of resilience after losing her son, Benjamin Meir Airley z”l, in the Israel-Hamas War. Her words of chizuk and emunah reminded us to continue fighting with purpose and strength.
IDF Veterans and Shin Bet Investigator Speak to Students
Shalhevet was honored to host Brigade General Amir Avivi, Sayeret Matkal veteran Micha Koubi, and Shin Bet senior investigator Galit Valdman, a mother of six whose son, Major Ariel ben Moshe z”l, fell in the October 7 attacks. They were joined by active-duty soldiers who shared their firsthand experiences.
Special Community Shiurim, Every Week
Our special Erev Iyyun series — weekly community shiurim — kicked off just before Yom Kippur to reflect on our relationships with God and teshuva for a new year. It was followed by a host of other Torat Shalhevet shiur programming, including Selichot, Yamim Noraim, and parsha.
Spreading Sparks of Torah Beyond Our Community
Orot Shalhevet featured outstanding Torah from faculty, students, and alumni for local shuls and our wider community to enjoy over the Chagim.
Who Am I?
Tanya Club Explores
During one of its weekly lunch meetings, our student-led Tanya Club ate pizza, sang together, and discussed how their beliefs and actions shape their identities — all while connecting to Hashem.
Shalhevet Visits The Nova Festival Exhibition
The entire Shalhevet school visited The Nova Festival Exhibition in Culver City, which portrayed the horrific events of October 7 with victims’ items and survivor testimonials. Survivors David Bromberg and Rom Elchai shared their personal experiences as well.
Critical Thinking and Academic Inquiry
Sophomores Journey Through U.S. (and Jewish) History
Connecting to their studies of presidential leadership and historical discovery, the sophomore U.S. History class toured the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum, exploring Reagan’s presidency and walking through Air Force One. They also visited a special Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit.
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.
Freshmen Get
Creative with Athenian Shields
Dr. Harris’ 9th-grade World History class designed their own Hoplons (Athenian shields) while learning about unit cohesion and communication. The mini-Phalanxes came to life on the turf.
Computer Science Meets Halachic Times
SAS Computer Science students are calculating prayer times by converting halachic guidelines of calculating time into code, using geolocation, sunrise, and daylight savings data. Advanced students also adjust for elevation and Alot Ha’Shachar (the first light of morning).
Rabbi Schwarzberg Receives 2024 Jewish Educator Award
Rabbi Ari Schwarzberg was the recipient of the 2024 Jewish Educator Award for his exceptional work blending engaging teaching with Torah values; leading Shalhevet’s participation in Yeshiva University’s Gemara Learning Bekiut Program, where his students earned four of the top six nationwide scores; and teaching our Beit Midrash Track and several other classes.
Faculty Prepare for a New Year with Immersive Four-Day Program
With our “More Than a School #Family” theme, Shalhevet faculty spent four days learning, bonding, and exploring through breakout meetings, goal-setting discussions, and workshops on how to make the 2024-25 academic year the best yet.
Science Department
Dives Deep with Hands-On Lab Work
Freshmen Biology students explored anatomy through a hands-on study of fetal pigs in their physiology unit, while sophomore Chemistry students examined spectroscopy and the Visible Light Spectrum.
Discussing Film, Literature, and Composition in Modern Movies
Seniors taking Film, Literature, and Composition partook in a Socratic Seminar on the 1942 film Casablanca and discussed its impact on shaping modern movie narratives in a creative session for all.
JV Basketball Squad Bonds and Plays with Displaced Israelis
Hapoel Eshkol
Basketball, a team of displaced teens from Southern Israel, visited Shalhevet and played an impromptu game against our JV squad with a bonding meal between players afterward.
Shalhevet Students at LA Unites Launch
At the launch of LA Unites, a voting center to inform the LA Jewish community about Jewish issues, students joined Rabbi Block to discuss and promote civic engagement. Shalhevet also works closely with LA Unites to advocate for the Jewish special needs community to receive the services they need.
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 cocurriculars, programs, and curricula, students achieve transformative personal growth — morally, religiously, academically, and socially.
Flag Football Teams Make Headways with Major Wins and Firsts in School History
Girls Flag Football made it to the playoffs for the first time in history, while the Boys Flag Football made it to the Semi-finals.
Girls Volleyball Finishes a Strong Season
Our Girls Volleyball Team finished second place in our league and qualified for the CIF-SS playoffs. The team is ready to defend their title at the YULA Volleyball Team.
Honoring Our Athletes with Team Banquets
Student-athletes from Flag Football, Cross Country, Volleyball, and Tennis teams enjoyed special end-of-season athletic banquets to recognize their athletic efforts, excellent performance, and menschlichkeit — both on and off the court.
Cross Country Races for the Finish Lines with Huge Achievements
In only the second season of league participation, our Boys Cross Country Team and Aliza Katz ‘25 of our Girls Team qualified for southern sectionals. Yosef Mahboubi ‘26 finished in the top 20 with a league record of 16:55 for a 5K.
Shalhevet Honors 9/11
Shalhevet paused to reflect on 9/11, hearing personal stories from Dr. Harris, Dr. Keiter, and Rabbi Stein. We honored the victims with a movie and presentation, ending by reflecting on the pride of our American identity.
Students Step Up at Evening of Heroism
Etan Lerner ‘26 and Kaitlin Smith ‘28 welcomed attendees and led tefillot for Israel, respectively, at Bnei Akiva’s community-wide “Evening of Heroism.”
In 10th Glouberman Tournament, Boys Finish with a Championship Win
Our Boys Basketball Team won the 2024 Annual Steve Glouberman z”l Tournament with excellent athleticism, teamwork, and on-the court performance, while our Girls Basketball Team carried serious wins to the semi-finals. For the last 10 years, this national yeshiva day school tournament taught us Steve Glouberman’s love for basketball, kind spirit, and connection to others. It will continue to do so every year that follows.
Mock Trial Kicks Off the Season with Courtroom Victories
Shalhevet’s Mock Trial Team advanced to the playoffs in the 2024 Los Angeles County Mock Trial Competition after winning their pretrial motion and the trial’s verdict.
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.
Model Congress Takes Home Five Awards — While Defending Israel
At the annual Princeton Model Congress, the Shalhevet Team won five awards — including “Best Delegate” — from among hundreds of students across the country. Our students also excelled in vocally and passionately fighting against many anti-Israel bills proposed by other schools, defending the Jewish state and its relationship with the US.
Town Hall: Cell Phones, Voting, and Mandating Chesed
No conversation is too big — or too small — for our Shalhevet students. Like all years, our Town Halls tackled critical questions while engaging students in thoughtful and spirited discussions with one another. Some topics probed include:
Evaluating the Cell Phone Policy
With our new cell phone policy, students weighed its impact and success on the school environment. The debate centered on the challenges, opportunities, and questions for all things school and smartphones.
Civil Discourse and Elections
As Election Day drew closer, a special Town Hall highlighted the importance of moving beyond the surface-level question of which party voters choose and instead focusing on civil discourse, the major issues, and our responsibility to one another and our country.
Is Mandatory Chesed Still Chesed?
Shalhevet students must fulfill a chesed requirement during high school. Does that compromise the spirit of what chesed is all about? That became a central conversation for students to explore in theory, with real implications of their chesed in practice.
Talking Leadership and Values with Student Leaders
Principal Weslow and Dr. Ravanshenas led a Student Leadership Seminar of elected and nominated Just Community students, as well as those involved in co-curriculars, in bi-monthly sessions that focus on leadership roles, Torah integration, best practices, and personal growth.
Closing Out Chanukah and 2024 with Chesed Students partnered with Wisdom Circle LA to prepare Chanukah gifts for families in need for a lighter and brighter Chanukah (and end to 2024).
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.
Trustee Dinner Honors Generous Supporters with a Beautiful Evening
In a stunning night, we honored our trustees whose contributions make Shalhevet what it is today. We started the evening with a special tribute to our IDF soldiers and hostages still held in Gaza and distributed “Nation Bandz” for our guests to daven and connect with a hostage and fallen soldier each day.
Supporting Our Firefighters as LA Fires Rage On
In the early days of the fires that decimated homes and lives in Los Angeles, Shalhevet students packed and distributed meals for firefighters on the front lines.
Helping Lone Soldier Families However We Can
Carin Arbib ‘22 spoke to Shalhevet parents, students, and alumni about her IDF experience. Organized by the Hebrew Department, this event ended with our community packing and delivering over 60 baskets to the lone soldier families.
Donating Blood with Cedars-Sinai
Our student-run Cedars-Sinai blood drive — led by volunteers Leah Cohen ‘25, Ella Nadel ‘26, and Zach Schechter ‘26 — helped our community step up and donate blood to save lives.
Sophomore and Junior Chesed Shabbatons
Take San Diego
At their annual Chesed Shabbatons in San Diego, our sophomores and juniors volunteered at the San Diego Food Bank and Sharia’s Closet, while fitting in some more fun at Dave & Buster’s.
Class of 2029 Gives Back with OBKLA
Shalhevet and Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles organized an exciting and fast-paced chesed event with students and parents from our prospective Class of 2029, packing over 250 fresh meals and 250 packs of cookies for those less fortunate.
Chesed Fair Kicks Off a Year of More Chesed
Our annual Chesed Fair kicked off the school year by connecting students with organizations like Friendship Circle, Chai Lifeline, Yachad LA, and Sharsheret. Students learned how they can make a difference through giving.
Freshmen Raise $13,000 in Day of Chesed and Bonding
In a day of chesed and bonding, freshmen began the day with a tefilla at the Friendship Circle and raised over $13,000 to support children with special needs. The day wrapped up with a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm.
Exploring the ‘Sacred and the Secular’ at School-Wide Shabbaton
Our School-Wide Shabbaton at the Brandeis Bardin Campus began with a deep dive into the theme of bein kodesh l’chol, Modern Orthodoxy, and integrating Torah into our lives. In a blend of fun and learning, students studied the writings of Rav Soloveitchik, davened together, and crafted beautiful havdalah candles and besamim boxes.
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.
Seniors Start the Year with an Epic Retreat
The Class of 2025 kicked off their senior year with a retreat full of fun and reflection — BBQ, ax throwing, Torah with Rabbi Block, an allnighter of bonding, and a confidencebuilding activity with Rabbi Gormin.
Kumzitses Join Student in Song and Shali Spirit
In high and low times, Shalhevet students join together in song and soul for a kumzits that bonds them together — whether preparing for Chagim or honoring precious lives of soldiers and hostages lost.
Chanukah Cafe Wraps Up 8 Days of Celebration
Our Chanukah Cafe celebrated with a climbing bounce wall, mini golf, and candle-making; incredible treats like latkes, hot cocoa, and sufganiyot; and a school-wide musical hallel. Students also gave back by wrapping gifts for Chai Lifeline’s children battling illness. The fun continued with a memorable “Student-Teacher Switch” where students mimicked their teachers’ style.
Shalhevet Glow Zone for Class of 2029
Shalhevet transformed into a Glow Zone for Class of 2029 prospective students, with games, food, and a Glow-in-the-Dark Havdalah. They also partook in the “You Be The Light” Shabbat Candle Initiative, writing messages and lighting candles for Israeli hostages trapped in Gaza.
Freshmen Taste the Next Four Years at Shalhevet
Our two-day Freshman Orientation brought our newest students together with icebreakers, Torah, art, games at the beach, and bonding for a sneak peek of what lies in store for their high school years.
A Simcha on Sukkot at the Annual Simchat Beis Hashoeva
Dr. and Mrs. Ravanshenas, our Dean of Student Life and Eim Bayit, opened up their home to Shalhevet freshmen for our annual Simchat Beit Hashoevah event, with siyumim by Eitan Lerner ‘26, Jonah Delson ‘26, and Martzi Hirsch ‘26 in honor of the first Yahrtzeit of October 7. The Schwarzbergs hosted our Simchat Torah with delicious breakfast, exciting learning, great music, and amazing vibes.
Freshmen and Seniors Share Unforgettable Shabbaton
While our Freshmen-Senior Shabbaton in Running Springs evacuated early due to the Line Fire, the Shabbos continued with powerful learning, bonding, kumzitses, and ruach — leaving our freshmen and seniors with unforgettable relationships and memories.
Protecting and Caring for Our Mental Health
Psychotherapist Elan Javenfard, LMFT of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services taught students about the basics of mental health — including practical tools for coping and building mental resilience — alongside School Counselor Gaby Marcus.
Preparing for Life Beyond Shalhevet
College Guidance:
Meetings, Classes, and More: Ready for Another Successful Admissions Season
Jordan Moss and Camille Bradshaw of our exceptional College Counseling team prepped our students for another outstanding college admissions season. We ensure that all parents and students are guided and supported at every stage of the process. Underclassmen dissect the basics of college applications while upperclassmen enjoy semester-long college counseling classes — all to ensure they are informed and empowered to take on their future.
Students Receive ‘Early’ Acceptances to Top Schools
Our seniors applied to top schools through binding early decisions before the standard admissions began — with excellent results. Harvard and Emory are among the institutions that recognized our students’ stellar academic abilities and sent them admission offers.
Israel Guidance:
Preparing Students for Their Year in Yeshiva, Midrasha, and Israel
Over 20 yeshivot and midrashot visited Shalhevet students to connect with rebbeim and teachers while learning about the unique opportunities each program offers. Rabbi Yagil Tsaidi and Ms. Malka Popper of our Israel Guidance team hosted ‘Appy’ Hours, guided students and parents, and fostered a warm and personal environment to aid seniors as they prepare for a transformative year in Israel after graduation.
Supporting Our Firehawks, Even After Shalhevet
As our Class of 2024 entered their transformative years in Israeli yeshivot, midrashot, and programs, we remain actively in touch to support them throughout their year. Shalhevet is more than a school — we are a family. The relationships we forge with student last well beyond graduation and serves as a strong connection for alumni as they spend the year in Israel.
Creating an Engaged and Excited Parent Community
The Shalhevet Parent Association fosters a sense of connection and community for Shalhevet parents, helping them feel engaged and involved in school life.
Packing in Parsha Every Week
Ms. Malka Popper leads our community of women in a weekly parsha shiur with probing questions, fresh ideas, and vibrant discussions.
Creativity on Full Display
Shalhevet art teacher Ruthie Skaist leads a community art series on the 7 Elements of Visual Arts for 20 adults from our community to expand and dive into their artistic minds.
Freshmen and Sophomore Parents Meet Up
Socializing isn’t just for students — it’s for parents, too. Freshmen and sophomore parents went to grade-wide meet ups to bond, connect, and learn more about one another.
Showing Appreciation to Our Teachers and Staff
With holiday gifts, coffee carts, and sweet desserts, we express gratitude to Shalhevet faculty and staff every month in every semester.
Rosh Chodesh Hikes Across LA
Parents set out to hike along nature’s beauty at magnificent trails across Los Angeles in a special trip every Rosh Chodesh.
Parents Reading Together in Special Book Club
Our book club of over 90 parents met four times this semester to share our love for reading and ideas with one another.
Guiding Good Choices Today, Tomorrow, and Forever
Shalhevet parents partook in the Guiding Good Choices workshop, focused on relationship building and parenting tools for raising kids in an era of digital technology and substance abuse. Co-facilitators Rabbi David Stein, Ms. Gabriela Marcus, and Rabbi Eli Broner finished the first cohort of parents and will start the second in the spring.
Meet Some of the Shalhevet Community
Sonya Katzin ‘26
‘We have a community that always has our back’
Being a student at Shalhevet means getting a healthy balance between independence and support. On one hand, we are encouraged to grow as individuals —academically, spiritually, and personally. The school fosters an environment where we can challenge ourselves, think critically, and take ownership of our learning. At the same time, we are never alone in that journey. Shalhevet is filled with teachers, administrators, and others who are always available and willing to guide, people who are genuinely invested in our success. Whether it’s in the classroom, through extracurriculars, or personal challenges, there’s a constant support system ready to help us thrive. It’s a place where we can push ourselves while knowing we have a community that always has our back.
Sonya Katzin ‘26 is a captain of the tennis team, a member of The Boiling Point, and a lieutenant on the Model UN team.
Ari Elad ‘26
‘Every single day, I am inspired and so lucky’
Shalhevet nurtures informed, thoughtful, and capable students with the necessary tools to engage with the challenges faced by Jews today — whether in Israel or on college campuses. My teachers and rebbeim play a crucial role in my intellectual growth in the classroom, where they welcome and encourage critical thinking, inquiry, and debate. We discuss complex issues that seldom have a single answer, and are challenged to examine different views. These skills are rigorously developed and are applicable to all of our learning, whether through Talmud Torah, history, math, or science. Every single day, I am inspired and so lucky to feel the embrace of my teachers who are so invested in me as a whole person.
Ari Elad ‘26 is a captain of Model Congress, a captain of the Baseball Team, and vice chair of the Agenda Committee.
Jacqueline Englanoff ‘20
‘Shalhevet shaped who I am today’
My time at Shalhevet shaped who I am today in the most meaningful ways. The deep, thoughtful Jewish studies inspired me to continue growing in my religious journey, strengthening my connection to Torah and mitzvot. Through Firehawks4Israel and YUNMUN, I developed a passion for Israel advocacy and diplomacy, which led me to study Political Science and become a campus leader for Israel. Most importantly, the love for Israel that permeates Shalhevet helped cultivate my passion for making Aliyah. The values, knowledge, and experiences I gained at Shalhevet continue to guide me as I build my future in Israel as a thoughtful Jew.
Jacqueline ‘20 learned at Midreshet Harova, studied Political Science at Yeshiva University, and is now receiving a master’s in Nonprofit Management at Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Omri and Jackie Dahan
‘I wish I could have been a student at Shalhevet!’
I love the confidence of knowing my high school kids are being taken care of by teachers and administrators who love them, love Israel, and love being Jewish. Our kids need to see that it’s beautiful, engaging, and totally normal to show pride in who we are as Jews; and advancing their learning to manifest that pride and knowledge throughout their lives is vital. Truth is, I wish I could have been a student at Shalhevet! Alas, watching my kids come home from a Mishmar or school event is always the highlight of my week.
Omri and Jackie Dahan have three kids at Shalhevet. Maya ‘27 is a sophomore, and Ezra ‘28 and Jonah ‘28 are freshmen.
Justin Khalil
‘The most amazing job any teacher could ask for’
Teaching at Shalhevet is the most amazing job any teacher could ask for. The staff is kind and caring, the students are bright and motivated, and the environment is always supportive and ripe for learning. Students and staff care deeply about one another and their studies, and there’s a real sense of family in the community. Being a chemistry teacher at Shalhevet allows me to do more than just make students think about science — I get the chance to influence a generation of future thought leaders to view the world through a scientific lens and to care deeply about science and one another.
Justin Khalil is a chemistry teacher at Shalhevet High School.
Rebecca Mintz ‘Truly enigmatic’
Shalhevet High School is one of the most unique Modern Orthodox high schools I have ever encountered. It is steeped in both tradition and modernity, in Torah and in secular learning, in Shabbatons and in basketball, in Yiddishkeit and in the pulse of Los Angeles. I have met some of the most passionate faculty and colleagues, a few of the sweetest most mentschlekh students, and learned the 2025 vernacular term for focus (let’s “lock-in”), all at Shalhevet High School. Hailing from the East coast, at Shali, I’m learning what the frum-hip West coast vibe is all about! This hallowed place is truly enigmatic.
Rebecca Mintz is a gemara and math teacher at Shalhevet High School.
