SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026
Sinai Akiba Academy Board
Eszter Neuman, Chair
Elian Ohebshalom,
Vice Chair
Samantha Platt Auerbach
Adam Bakhash
Rob Galperson
Sarah Kamrava
Mayer Nazarian
Ayelet Rosen
Mehrzad Roshan
Mark Shpall
Brad Smiedt
Jessica Smiedt
Anna Tenenblatt
Ashley Waterman
Tamara Weston
Jeff Wolman
GALA CHAIRS
Stacey Jasper
Shaina Simhaee
HONORARY CHAIRS
Samantha Platt Auerbach & Michael Auerbach
Jennifer & Rob Galperson
Rabbis Nicole Guzik & Erez Sherman
Rebecca & David Kekst
Hannah Platt Rosin & Avery Rosin
2025-2026 Gala Committee
Jennifer & Daniel Taban
Amy & Rabbi Avi Taff
Anna Tenenblatt
Drs. Hadar & Cory Waldman
Lesley & Jeff Wolman
Rabbi David Wolpe
AUCTION CHAIR
Jennifer Taban
EVENT COMMITTEE
Natalie Donel
Desiree Ghalili
Sherri Ghodsian
Liza Glucoft
Katie Hed
Rona Heifetz
Shanit Kachan
Laura Kalimian
Sandra Khayat
Roxanna Lavaee
Courtney Platt
Hannah Platt Rosin
Candice Sazegar
Dr. Jessica Shabani
Rebecca Simhaee
Jackie Singer
Rachel Vertun
DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
Ayelet Rosen, Chair
SAA Senior Administration
Dr. Lauren Plant, Head of School
Jennifer Cavalieri, Associate Director, Douglas Family Early Childhood Center
Lauren Dolinka, Associate Head of School for Teaching & Learning
Robyn Fener, Director of Marketing & Communications
Cherie Friedman, Lower & Middle School Director
Shiva Gholami, Director of Technology & Innovation
Elham Makabi, Chief Financial & Operations Officer
Yael Mashbaum, Director of Jewish Education
Jennifer Pearlman, Director, DFECC & The Elaine & Gerald Wolpe Parenting Center
Janet Rosenblum, Director of Philanthropy & Donor Relations
Rabbi Avi Taff, School Rabbi
Lisa Zide, Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement
Sinai Temple Leadership
Mehrzad Roshan, President
Rabbi Nicole Guzik, Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Erez Sherman, Senior Rabbi
Cantor Marcus Feldman
Rabbi Avi Taff
Rabbi Gavriella Kornsgold
Rabbi David Wolpe, Max Webb Rabbi Emeritus of Sinai Temple
Cantor Emeritus, Joseph Gole
Jessica Green, Executive Director
Danielle Kassin, Religious School Director
Randy Schwab, General Manager, Mount Sinai Memorial Parks & Mortuaries
THANK YOU TO OUR ONE-OF-A-KIND SPONSORS!
DJ & DANCE FLOOR | Martha & Bruce Karsh
MAIN BALLROOM BAR | Shaina & David Simhaee
BLACKJACK TABLE | Natasha & Jonathan Kashani
PHOTO BOOTH | Sherri & Brian Ghodsian
TEQUILA CART | Michelle & Adam Bakhash
FEATURED TEQUILA | Greg Sobol
SUSHI STATION | Jennifer & Daniel Taban
DESSERT STATION | SAA Board
SIGNATURE DRINK | Shirley & Rody Mehdizadeh
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS
CROWN JEWEL
Julie & Marc Platt
Jessica & Brad Smiedt
QUEEN ESTHER’S COURT
Rebecca & David Kekst
Mount Sinai Memorial Parks & Mortuaries
Peter Maurice & Tregg Rustad of Rodeo Reality
Marilyn Smiedt
KING’S CIRCLE
Jennifer & Rob Galperson
Jenny Josephson
PALACE PATRON
Cosgrove Family
Holland & Knight
Foley & Lardner LLP
Sheila & Aaron Leibovic
J.P. Morgan
Milken Community School
Meredith & Evan Smiedt
Drs. Hadar & Cory Waldman
Harvard-Westlake School
Anna Tenenblatt
REGAL CHAMPION
Rona Heifetz
Stacey & Eric Jasper
Laura & Jon Kalimian
Jacki & Jeff Karsh
Eszter & Ariel Neuman
Elian & Daniel Ohebshalom
Ayelet & Aaron Rosen
Jennifer & Daniel Taban
ROYAL FRIEND
Samantha Platt Auerbach &
Michael Auerbach
Nicole & Daryoush Dayan
Sherry & Eytan Elbaz
Judy & Tom Flesh
Tiffany & Hami Gabayan
Liza & Evan Glucoft
Sharon & Leon Janks
Sarah & Mitch Kamrava
Melody & Shervin Lalezary
Cary Lerman
Soheila & Mansour Matloob
Elizabeth & Shervin Molayem
Sabrina & Shawn Naim
Marla & Peter Rosen
Janet & Bobby Rosenblum
Miaomiao & Daniel Saparzadeh
Candice & Saad Sazegar
Lida & Ebi Simhaee
Jackie & Andrew Singer
Susan & Joel Stern
Abbie & Daniel Yaghoubzadeh
Ilana Yamtoobian & David Duel
Nora & Soroush Zaghi
DJ & DANCE FLOOR
Martha & Bruce Karsh
MAIN BALLROOM BAR
Shaina & David Simhaee
PHOTO BOOTH
Sherri & Brian Ghodsian
BLACKJACK TABLE
Natasha & Jonathan Kashani
TEQUILA CART
Michelle & Adam Bakhash
FEATURED TEQUILA
Greg Sobol
SUSHI STATION
Jennifer & Daniel Taban
DESSERT STATION SAA Board
SIGNATURE DRINK
Shirley & Rody Mehdizadeh
MISSION & VALUES
OUR MISSION
Sinai Akiba Academy engages students in the joy and discipline of learning. We nurture a community of ethical, critical thinkers who, shaped by our evolving Jewish tradition, walk through the world with confidence and humility.
We are profoundly grateful to the Sinai Akiba Academy community for honoring us with the 2026 Leadership Award.
Over the past twelve years, SAA has been an extraordinary home for our family.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the clergy, lay leaders, faculty, staff and families whose dedication, care and partnership have made this journey so memorable and impactful.
It has been our great privilege to play even a small role in advancing the mission of Sinai Akiba Academy.
At a time when Jewish education is more vital than ever, we remain confident that SAA will continue to uphold its tradition of academic excellence while nurturing the Jewish leaders of tomorrow.
With deep humility and appreciation, Jessica and Brad Smiedt
Mom and Dad, Mazel Tov on this well-deserved honor! We are so proud of you!
Thank you for setting such a great example for us of leadership and commitment.
We are so grateful to you and SAA for providing us with a strong educational foundation and proud Jewish identity.
Thank you for being a lasting inspiration to us and the entire community. We love you!
Jonah and Arielle
Thank you to our CROWN JEWEL Sponsors
Julie & Marc Platt
To our anchorWe couldn’t be more proud of you. Thank you for being you, we are truly the luckiest.
Love, Your forever crew
Jessica and Brad
We are grateful for all you have done and will continue to do for Sinai Akiba and the Jewish community. Your commitment and leadership is impressive. We are honored to call you family and are so very proud of you as compassionate, caring people.
We love you, Mom & Dad
Joanna & Greg Nathan & Jack
IN HONOR OF BRAD AND JESSICA SMIEDT
I am so very proud of you both!
May you continue to support Jewish education and bring your leadership and passion to the broader Jewish community.
WITH LOVE AND PRIDE, Mom/Mal
JESSICA AND BRAD,
So proud of your leadership and dedication. You are a shining example of l’dor v’dor.
WITH ADMIRATION, Marlene and
Richard
Brad & Jessica Smeidt Leadership Award- Mazel Tov!
We are so grateful for your heart, your vision, and everything you’ve poured into our Sinai Akiba community. You truly inspire us all.
Jonah Platt Alumni Award Congratulations, Jonah!
Thank you for using your voice so powerfully to stand up for our community and lead the way for the next generation.
With Gratitude,
Rona Heifetz
Sherri & Brian Ghodsian
Stacey & Eric Jasper
Laura & Jon Kalimian
Our congratulations and love to Gala Chair Shaina Simhaee!
And our deepest gratitude to everyone at
SINAI AKIBA ACADEMY
Every day you provide an extraordinary education and sense of community for our beloved grandchildren.
Martha & Bruce Karsh
MAZEL TOV TO Jessica & Brad Smeidt
2026 Leadership Award Jonah Platt ‘00
2026 Alumni Award
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND INSPIRATION.
You have helped to transform Sinai Akiba Academy into a thriving school where children learn, grow, and create a Lifetime of Belonging.
BRAD AND JESSICA,
Your leadership, generosity, and deep commitment have left an enduring mark on SAA. Serving together as partners and leaders, you set a powerful example and inspire others to step forward and lead. Through your service, philanthropy, and the beautiful family you raised within our community, you embody the very best of our school’s values. We are grateful that your influence remains part of our SAA family.
JONAH,
Your thought leadership, generosity, and enduring connection to SAA inspire our community. You embody the power of strong roots and a Jewish education. Thank you for exemplifying the very best of what it means to be a devoted alum. We are deeply grateful for your leadership.
With admiration and gratitude,
Jacki & Jeff, Eszter & Ariel, Elian & Danny, Ayelet & Aaron, and Shaina & David
TO OUR DEAR FRIENDS, JESSICA AND BRAD
Mazel tov on this most deserved honor.
Your boundless generosity - both as friends and as leaders in our communityis an inspiration to us all. You are extraordinary role models!
TO JONAH
Mazel Tov on this wonderful honor recognizing your commitment to Sinai Akiba and the larger Jewish community.
WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE,
Rebecca and David Kekst
Mazal tov to Brad and Jess Smiedt on this well-deserved honor.
You are both exemplary Jewish leaders and extraordinary role models to all who have the privilege of knowing you. Your dedication, integrity, and commitment to your community inspire everyone around you.
Uncle Julian would have been so incredibly proud of you both, and I am filled with pride watching all that you have accomplished.
With love, Aunt Jenny
Congratulations to this year’s Leadership Award and Alumni Award recipients!
Jessica & Brad, Jonah & Courtney, you and your families are gifts to the SAA community.
Thank you for all that you do inside and outside of SAA.
With love & appreciation,
Gay & Malcolm Cosgrove
Rona & Ben Cosgrove
Gaby & Danny Cosgrove
Debbie & Elliot Cosgrove
Rachael & Jason Cosgrove
Jessica & Brad Smiedt
We celebrate their profound dedication to Sinai Akiba Academy. Their devotion to educational excellence and stewardship has woven stability and growth into the very fabric of the school.
Congratulations on this well-deser ved recognition!
Jessica & Brad Smiedt
Jonah Platt
Honoring Brad and Jess
We are so proud of everything you both do for your community and the impact you have made through your time, energy, and generosity. You always show up and give it your all, are amazing role models, and we love seeing you carry on our family tradition of giving back.
With love,
Ev, Mer, Harrison, Miles and Jacob
Jessica and Brad,
Your leadership, commitment, and endless generosity to Sinai Akiba Academy and our community is inspirational.
You both are among the kindest and most humble people we know, and we are so grateful to you and your beautiful family for our cherished friendship all these years!
With the utmost love and appreciation,
Hadar and Cory Waldman and family
Harvard-Westlake congratulates
J on ah Pl at t ’0 4 and proudly supports all our friends at Sinai Akiba Academy
Mazal Tov to the Honorees.
Many thanks for all you do.
The Tenenblatt family
DEAR SMIEDTS AND PLATTS,
You guys are rockstars, thank you for paving the path and showing us how to be better humans.
MAZAL
TOV! Love, Rona Heifetz
Jonah, Your extraordinary dedication, tireless leadership, and genuine commitment to Sinai Akiba Academy and the Jewish community truly make a difference.
Thank you for using your platform for good and for raising awareness in ways that make a real impact.
Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. We are so proud of you. We love you and your beautiful family!
With love, Jenny, Daniel, Logan & Chelsea Taban
Jonah,
Your dedication, vision, and heartfelt commitment to Sinai Akiba Academy and the Jewish community inspires everyone around you.
Through your actions and your voice, you bring attention to what matters most and make a lasting impact.
We are proud to call you our friend.
With love, Jenny & Daniel Taban, Nikki & Danny Rubin, Arden & Jonny Lieberman, Lauren & Joe Yomtoubian, and Dani & Jonathan Korehe, Alice & Max Sherman, Abby & Andrew Schneider, Kevin Hoiseth, Michelle & Lance Williams
MAZAL TOV TO OUR HONOREES
BRAD
& JESSICA SMIEDT | LEADERSHIP AWARD
With deepest gratitude for your incredible dedication and all you have done to strengthen the Sinai Akiba community.
JONAH PLATT | ALUMNI AWARD
In recognition of your courage and commitment to using your voice to build Jewish community and combat antisemitism.
“All of Israel are responsible for one another another.”
- Talmud, Shevuot 39a With Gratitude and Appreciation, The Jasper & Barkham Family
“IT IS NOT YOUR DUTY TO FINISH THE WORK, BUT NEITHER ARE YOU FREE TO NEGLECT IT.”
— Pirkei Avot 2:16
Jonah, you live this teaching with heart and humility. Through your determined leadership and clear-eyed moral fortitude, you strengthen the Jewish people and inspire all of us to step up and do our part.
We are so proud of the person you are and deeply grateful for the impact you continue to make.
With love and admiration, Sam, Mike, Ryan, Noah, Jordan, and Sawyer
Mazal Tov Jonah
We
are so proud of you!
Love, Aunt Amy, Uncle Bobby and all the Bressmans
Congratulations Brad and Jess on receiving the Leadership Award— an honor that perfectly reflects your vision, integrity, and commitment to others and to your community. Your example inspires those around you. We are so proud of you both!
All our love, Heidi, Russell, Natalie & Anthony
In honor of the remarkable teachers and staff, thank you for the patience, love, and dedication you pour into our children each day. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
With heartfelt gratitude, Nicole, Daryoush, Daniel, Eden, and Lev Dayan
We are proud to honor and support Sinai Akiba Academy and your esteemed honorees.
Judy & Tom Flesh
With appreciation and gratitude
From Tiffany
and Hami Gabayan
Sinai Akiba Academy is a place that brings people together with purpose and heart.
We are grateful to be part of a community that values learning, tradition, and connection.
The care, the leadership, and the commitment that surrounds this school creates something truly special.
Thank you to the teachers, staff, security guards, maintenance team, and the entire Sinai Community for everything you do.
Your dedication shapes lives and strengthens families.
With warm regards,
Tiffany and Hami Gabayan
Brad & Jessica Smeidt
Congratulations on this incredibly well-deserved honor. We want to express our deepest gratitude for the tireless dedication, heart, and vision you have poured into the Sinai Akiba community. Your leadership has not only strengthened our foundation but has inspired us all to give more of ourselves for the benefit of our children, grandchildren, and our future.
Jonah Platt
Congratulations, Jonah, on this special recognition. Thank you for using your incredible talent and platform to be a powerful voice for our people. Your commitment to building Jewish community and your courage in combating antisemitism serve as a beacon of light for the next generation of Sinai Akiba alumni.
“The world stands on three things: on Torah, on service, and on acts of loving-kindness.” — Pirkei Avot 1:2
Thank you all for your service and for the kindness you bring to our community.
With Gratitude and Appreciation,
Sharon & Leon Janks
In great appreciation to Dr. Lauren Plant and Elham Makab, and the entire SAA team, for making SAA the unequaled Jewish Day School in all of California.
Mazel tov to our fabulous honorees, Jessica & Brad Smiedt and Jonah Platt, for your inspired leadership and support of SAA.
Cary Lerman
Jonah, your dedication to the Jewish community and your commitment to speaking your truth serve as a beacon for us all. Whether on the stage or in the heart of our community, you lead with passion, integrity, and a soul-stirring pride in our shared heritage.
“I do not speak because I have the power to speak; I speak because I do not have the power to remain silent.”
Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration and for showing us what it means to lead from the heart.
With love and admiration from your National Young Leadership Cabinet Los Angeles Chevre
Stacey & Eric Jasper
Theresa & Michael Maas
Galya & Andrew Silver
Marlyse & Adam Scherr
Remmie Madden
Hallie Brookman
Michelle Wolff
Rachel Wachtel
Roei Eisenberg
Jaymie Rubin
Melissa David
Lauren Judelson
Jacob Winkler
Josh Eichstein
Mazal Tov to tonight’s honorees and may Sinai Akiba continue to go from strength to strength.
Marla & Peter Rosen
MAZAL TOV TO OUR EXTRAORDINARY HONOREES
Jonah, Jessica & Brad
Your passion and leadership strengthen our Sinai community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to recognize the meaningful impact you have had on us all.
Yasher Koach!
Janet and Bobby Rosenblum
With deep appreciation to our honorees,
Jessica & Brad and Jonah Platt
With gratitude,
The Saparzadeh Family
To the amazing honorees:
Thank you for dedication to our school and to the Jewish community. Your hard work has made such an impact on our lives.
We celebrate you tonight and appreciate you always.
Love, Jaclyn, Andrew, Charles, Celia and Gabriel Singer
Dear Jonah,
We celebrated your receiving the “Mensch of the Month” award in preschool, and are thrilled to join in celebrating your continued menschlichkeit tonight!
Mazal tov on receiving the 2026 Alumni Award!
We remember Marc Becker, z”l, with great love, and appreciate all you’ve done to honor his memory.
All our love, Cousins Susan and Joel Rena (class of 2000) and Max Ethan (class of 2002) and Ariela Anna (class of 2010) and Aaron
Jonah,
It has been our joy watching you grow.
You exemplify a true mensch.
Much love, Sheila & Aaron
Jessica & Brad, Congratulations to both of you for this deserved honor.
We thank you for your leadership and your support of Sinai Akiba.
Sheila & Aaron Leibovic
To our amazing honorees, Jessica & Brad and Jonah
Much appreciation for your dedication and kindness.
Sincerely, Ilana and David Duel
JESSICA AND BRAD, it has been an honor to serve alongside you. Through Jessica’s leadership on the Education Committee and Board Development, and Brad’s steady stewardship as Chair of the Finance Committee and the Head of School Committee, you have led with vision, integrity, and care. By serving together and leading by example, you have not only paved the way for us and future leaders, but have also modeled those values for your own children.
We are deeply grateful for your partnership and lasting impact on SAA.
WITH DEEP APPRECIATION, YOUR COLLEAGUES ON THE SAA BOARD
JONAH, as a distinguished alum, you continue to make SAA proud. Your groundbreaking work addressing antisemitism has elevated our school and placed it firmly on the map.
Just as meaningful is the way you show up—as a dedicated parent, a trusted friend, and a leader who rallies support for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are grateful for your courage, your commitment, and the values you so powerfully represent.
WITH PRIDE AND GRATITUDE, THE SAA BOARD
Sinai Temple Sisterhood extends a heartfelt Yasher Koach to Sinai Akiba’s honorees, Jessica & Brad Smiedt and Jonah Platt.
We are immensely grateful for your vision, your leadership, and the vibrant spirit you bring to our community.
Thank you for your tireless dedication to Sinai Akiba and Sinai Temple.
“Leadership is not only about what you achieve. It is what you become because of it.”
– Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Mazal Tov to Jonah Platt and Jessica and Brad Smiedt, pillars of our community whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to Jewish life exemplify the values we cherish at Sinai Temple and Sinai Akiba Academy.
JONAH, we are proud of your strong advocacy and passionate devotion to the Jewish people. We are honored to celebrate your extraordinary achievements and your dedication to shaping the Jewish future.
JESSICA AND BRAD, your unwavering commitment, generosity of spirit, and dedication to excellence have strengthened our school. We are deeply grateful for your leadership and are proud to honor you as exemplary members of our community.
Rabbi Nicole Guzik
Rabbi Erez Sherman
Rabbi Avi Taff
Rabbi Gavriella Kornsgold
Cantor Marcus Feldman
Jessica Green
Rabbi David Wolpe, Max Webb Rabbi Emeritus
Mehrzad Roshan, President
The Sinai Temple Board of Directors
Mazel tov to Brad and Jessica on this well- deserved honor.
San Diego Jewish Academy proudly honors your passion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to Jewish education.
Brad’s roots as an SDJA alumnus beautifully reflects the enduring power of a Jewish day school experience.
Mazal Tov, Jessica!
Thank you for all that you do and for being such a special part of the Isaiah family.
Dear Brad and Jessica, As your next-door neighbor, I feel so lucky to know and love you as family. It was such a joy helping you design your beautiful new home - we truly made a great team. I am so proud of you and your well-deserved honor. May your home always be filled with love, laughter, and great memories.
♥Janie
CONGRATULATIONS TO HONOREES, JONAH PLATT AND JESSICA & BRAD SMIEDT!
A special message to Jonah, I watched you grow up along with your sisters and brothers while my children, Sarah, Dena, and David were students with you at Sinai Akiba all those years ago.
You have wonderful role models in your parents and a strong Jewish foundation nurtured and strengthened at Sinai Akiba. Thank you for all that you do to promote Jewish values and to advocate for the Jewish community!
And to Janet, my dear friend of more than 40 years
Thank you for your tireless work to ensure that Sinai Akiba continues to provide a stellar Jewish education and has the financial resources needed to do so.
With love and gratitude,
Enid Lieber
Brean Capital congratulates Jessica & Brad on this well-deserved honor.
Your friends at Brean Capital
Camp Ramah is grateful for our partnership with Sinai Akiba Academy and is honored to recognize two Ramah alumni families, the Smiedts and the Platts, whose legacy and eadership continue to strengthen our community.
- The Ramah Team
Congratulations Jonah
You have contributed so much to Sinai Akiba.
We love you and your family so much
Honoring Jessica and Brad for their commitment and leadership
Michelle, Jeremy, Abigail, and Jacob Weiner
With Love, The Zinn family
Congratulations Jessica, Brad, and Jonah. Thank you for your incredible leadership and advocacy!
Ashley and Ben Waterman
Congratulations to tonight’s honorees, and especially to Jonah Platt.
We are so proud of the clarity, courage, and heart with which you use your voice on behalf of the Jewish people.
With much love always, The Wolman Family #ChosenFamily
Dear Jonah, Kol Hakavod! For all you have done and continue to do for the Jewish community we say “THANK YOU!” We love you!
Gail and Kenny Nussen
Celebrating “JAE.RAD” (Jessica and Brad) for their tireless commitment to this extraordinary community
With love and admiration, Dr. Bob and Joan Gamson
Congratulations to Jessica and Brad Smiedt for their generous service of time and energy to SAA and as honorees to the Masquarade Ball
Deborah & Howard Brandes
Jessica and Brad, you embody the highest ideals of philanthropy, generosity, and community leadership. Through your kindness and unwavering dedication, you have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of so many.
Mazel Tov on such an accomplishment. We love you, are deeply grateful for our friendship and feel blessed to have you in our lives.
Love, Ailee and Jordan
Mazal Tov to our Honorees!
Bobby Matian
Mehrzad Roshan
Candice Sazegar
Greg Sobol
Thank you to Anita Gohari for your hard work and amazing energy on making this event a success!
Thank you to DJ Oren for helping to make this event a success!
Thank you to all of our wonderful vendors who went above and beyond to make the SAA Masquerade Ball a success!
Arcade Rental Zone
Beverly Hills Liquor & Wine Inc.
Butterfly Floral and Event Design
Curtis Dahl Photography
DJ Oren
La Gondola
Hollywood Event Rentals
Anita Gohari Events
LIV Entertainment Group
Pixstar
Grant Synder, Auctioneer
Tekiah Kosher Spirits
Wolfdog Creative
