RZJHS Impact Report 2021-22

Administrative Team

Tony Frank, Head of School

Rabbi Zachary Silver, Rav Beit Sefer and Director of Jewish Studies

Jason Loeb, Academic Dean

Stu Jacobs, Dean of Faculty

Riv Lynch, Director of Admissions

Stephanie Sanderman, Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Jim Baumstark, Director of Finance and Business Operations

Inez Drazin, Director of Building and Administrative Services

David Martinez, Athletic Director

2021-22 Board of Directors

Karen Peaceman, President

Adam Winick, Executive Vice President

Brad Levin, Lynn S. Schrayer, and Adam Winick, Vice Presidents of Development

Ari Taitz, M.D., Treasurer

Reuben Warshawsky, Secretary

Alan Frankel, Ph.D., Immediate Past President

Lynn S. Schrayer, Second Past President

Larry D. Adler, Founding President

Deanna Abrams

Larry Becker

Jacqueline Kott-Wolle

Anne Lanski

Scott Lederman

Lisa Levitas

Becky Mati

Ron Meisler

Robert Romanoff

Marcos Rosenberg Danit Steinbach

Leslie Rosen Stern

Rachel Treister

Jason Wiznitzer

2022-23 Board of Directors

Adam Winick, President

Brad Levin, Vice President of Development

Ari Taitz, M.D., Treasurer

Robert Romanoff, Assistant Treasurer

Reuben Warshawsky, Secretary

Leslie Rosen Stern, Assistant Secretary

Karen Peaceman, Immediate Past President

Alan Frankel, Ph.D., Second Past President

Larry D. Adler, Founding President

Deanna Abrams

Larry Becker

Beth Bernat

Emily Gottlieb

Jacqueline Kott-Wolle

Anne Lanski

Lisa Levitas

Ron Meisler

Erica Schwab

Sid Singer

Danit Steinbach

Rachel Treister

Message

from the Head of School

Two years after Covid-19 first upended our lives, we now seem to be living in a moment where the desire for normalcy is very strong. But as I reflect on the 2021-22 school year, it strikes me that the concept of “normalcy” has become an ever-moving target. Two years ago, our lives were about as far from normal as we could have possibly imagined. The following year we experienced a slow return to normal and by the time the 2021-22 school year got underway, our mantra at Rochelle Zell was “more normal than not” – fully in-person, freed from social-distancing requirements, and a resumption of all activities and programs including overnight trips and Shabbatonim. As the year progressed, masks became optional and we returned to the Beit Knesset for all-school tefillah, and life at Rochelle Zell progressed from “more normal than not” to simply “normal.” And yet, life doesn’t feel quite normal. The horrific July 4 shooting in Highland Park is but one example of this that has impacted our own community so tragically, and we are witnessing significant disruption in many other aspects of daily life, all throughout our country and around the world. The expectation of going back to normal has given way to a sense that what constitutes “normal” is changing, in ways that are not yet clear to us.

How do Rochelle Zell students make sense of these challenging times? Our recently graduated Class of 2022 chose the following quote by Rabbi Louis Jacobs as their graduation theme: “The Jewish man of faith knows only too well of its confusions and uncertainties. His is a questing faith, in which to search is already to have found.”

But how do we find and maintain faith in a world that is so disrupted, when the future feels so uncertain? One source of inspiration is the history of our Jewish people, which is in part a history of keeping faith through the darkest and most uncertain of times. There is comfort in being able to look back on a history spanning thousands of years, knowing that through all the difficult times, here we still are, strong and resilient, and keeping the faith – a faith that was consecrated for us at Sinai and which with all of its uncertainty and confusion, sustains us to this day.

Message from the Outgoing President

As my time as the Board’s president comes to a close, there is much to reflect on as I look back on the last three years. The years have been challenging, but the school, the students, and their families have met the moment. Throughout the pandemic we have used our mission statement as our “north star” to guide us: Rochelle Zell Jewish High School creates a culture of academic excellence that inspires and prepares our students to think critically, achieve their full potential, and live Judaism as responsible and involved citizens in the modern world. We have continued to teach the students how to learn, how to work together with peers and staff, and how to adapt to changing realities on the ground. We have helped each of them to reach their full potential. Our students have emerged stronger and more adaptable as a result, and they are ready for what comes next.

I am so proud of the work the entire Board of Directors has done in these last three years to provide the normal governance and financial oversight as well as “extra” counsel regarding Covid related matters. It has truly taken a village and we are blessed with a hard-working, caring, and dedicated village. We are also incredibly fortunate to have an outstanding faculty and staff, led by Head of School Tony Frank. Together they have approached the challenges with thoughtfulness, integrity, and wisdom. We cannot thank them enough. And, I know that the school is in good hands with Adam Winick, who has been elected to serve as the school’s next President.

Thank you for trusting us with educating your students. It is my firm belief that Rochelle Zell enables students to become their very best high school selves. This year will be no exception.

Sincerely yours,

Karen

L. Peaceman

Message from the Incoming President

I am honored and humbled to be the President of the Board of Directors of Rochelle Zell Jewish High School. My wife Debbie and I are blessed that our daughters had the opportunity to attend RZJHS with students from across the Chicagoland area. Our oldest daughter graduated with the class of 2020, our middle daughter graduated with the class of 2021, and our third daughter is a senior. I developed my foundation and passion for Jewish learning and leadership as a student at Solomon Schechter Day School. When I went to high school, RZJHS wasn’t an option. Thankfully this community created our school and a vision for the future. We continue to build and expand on it every year.

The RZJHS education provides more than a typical high school as it embodies Jewish values within the curriculum. The relationships students forge with their teachers ground them and inspire them to build relationships with peers and mentors throughout their lives. RZJHS’s emphasis on becoming productive and positive citizens guides them to support and serve their communities. These students graduate with critical thinking skills from the

dual curriculum, allowing them to grasp concepts from multiple perspectives. These skills benefit them through college and beyond. My parents taught me the importance of being involved and giving back. Like them, I am now fortunate to do the same for my community. I am grateful to the founders of the school, past board members, and others who created and maintained this incredible community asset over twenty years ago. Special thanks to Karen Peaceman, who tirelessly led our school over the past three years. I would also like to thank Lynn Schrayer, another past president, who is stepping down from the Board. Her devotion and contributions will be impactful for years. Lastly, I want to thank Alan Frankel for the knowledge and leadership he continually provides to the Board as a past president. The best way for me to thank those who contributed to RZJHS is to serve the school and continue their legacy.

I am proud of how RZJHS handled our challenges over the past few years. The community and education our students find here are needed now more than ever to help them navigate our complex reality. As the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks said, “To defend a country, you need an army, but to defend a civilization, you need schools. You need education as the conversation between the generations.” Adam Winick

Message from the Head of School Continued from the inside cover

Rochelle Zell students are uniquely equipped to navigate an uncertain world. They graduate from our school as young adults who are deeply grounded – in their faith, in our shared humanity, and in deep compassion for others. Most of all, they think profoundly about relationships, in particular the close relationships they develop with their teachers. Students and alumni frequently emphasize these relationships when asked about the school, describing in considerable detail the ways in which their teachers know and value each student as a unique and multifaceted individual. It becomes for them a model of the importance of valuing and tending to all of one’s relationships – an essential ingredient, I believe, in the development of a strong and enduring resilience in the face of life’s many challenges.

With best wishes for the coming year, Tony Frank

Student

Athletics Update

Our students work hard on and off the court. In addition to being competitive in our conference (our Boys Volleyball Team were the Chicago Prep Conference Regular Season Champions), all of our varsity teams were awarded the IHSA Team Academic Achievement Award.

varsity sports of the student body is involved in the athletics program

graduating seniors who will be playing at the collegiate level

students voted as Chicago Prep Conference Player of the Year for their respective sports

Trips and Shabbatonim Recap

Building community around Jewish education serves as a cornerstone of our school. We were thrilled to be able to bring back our Shabbatonim and overnight trips this year, giving our students opportunities to come together as a community.

The freshmen Shabbaton provided an opportunity for connection and bonding as a class. Our Sophomore class overnight stemmed from a need for a shared grade-wide experience after the class of ’24 lost their traditional freshman Shabbaton to the pandemic. Seniors served as mentors for both the freshman Shabbaton and sophomore overnight, fostering community and bringing our newest students into the fullness of our school. After two years without the Junior trip to New York, students thrived on the rebirth of the three-day junior trip, where students explored core institutions to learn about American Jewish immigration, Jewish life in New York, and the events of 9/11 and its continued legacy in America.

For the first time in three years, students gathered for the All-School Shabbaton in April as a school community and celebrated the school, Jewish life, and the ability to have fun and be teenagers. During our communal song session on Saturday evening of the Shabbaton, seniors pushed together the tables and gathered the underclassmen to join them. They sat together arm in arm, eventually standing as one and singing at the top of their lungs. We had waited so long to be together again.

After being delayed from its scheduled time in January, seniors headed to Israel for three weeks in May, coming together as a class and thriving in so many ways as they explored the Jewish homeland. Students voiced that they particularly enjoyed the many new hikes, both in the Negev and north of Israel. The experiences enabled them to connect with teachers and fellow students in new ways, and served as a complement to the many speakers and cultural experiences that spanned the gamut of the Israeli political, religious, and cultural spectrum.

Throughout my four years, I have developed a strong sense of community and connections with the people around me. In addition, the various courses and leadership opportunities that are offered have prepared me for college and beyond. I am lucky that I attended RZJHS, and I will remember the memories I created. I look forward to coming back to visit because it’s a place where I always feel at home.

— Arielle Penn (RZJHS ‘22)

RZJHS Parent Organization

The RZJHS Parent Organization, led by Co-Presidents Beth Bernat and Jodi Weiss, went above and beyond this year as they celebrated our students and staff. Our new tradition of celebrating student birthdays monthly was a big hit this year. Munchkins, cookies, and RZ swag helped our students feel special. Parent volunteers helped our faculty and staff feel appreciated with treats and notes of appreciation all year long.

This year the P.O. was able to bring back a school favorite — the Chanukah Lunch, to RZJHS. Our volunteers set up and served over 200 people a delicious Mizrahi lunch, including latkes and sufganiyot. In addition, the P.O. sponsors adult education opportunities and book discussions. We heard from author Roberta Kwall about her book Remix Judaism and enjoyed discussing The Book of V. with book group facilitator Judy Levin. Rabbi Allan Kensky taught us on the topic of A Jewish Approach to Bioethics.

As we approach the 2022-2023 school year, watch your email for information on our parent kick-off and all of our programs throughout the year. To get involved, please contact Stephanie Sanderman, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, at 847-324-3720 or email ssanderman@rzjhs.org.

Grandparents and Special Friends at RZJHS

Grandparents and Special Friends are a vital part of the Rochelle Zell Jewish High School community. Your support, even if from afar, has meant the world to us and surely to our students. Thank you for being there for them and for the RZJHS community. Over the course of the 21-22 school year we enjoyed seeing many of your faces at our Fall Adult Education program, our October Grandparents Meet and Greet and, of course, our Annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day in May!

As we look towards the new school year, we have many opportunities for grandparents to get involved. Keep your eyes peeled for our weekly e-news for learning opportunities and events. We love and value our grandparent community and are excited to see you visiting our school. We also invite you to support Rochelle Zell Jewish High School by joining the Grandparents and Special Friends Association with an annual donation. Your support empowers students at RZJHS to think critically, live Jewishly, and become responsible and involved citizens in the modern world.

From all of us at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School, thank you! We are looking forward to seeing you soon.

Angie and Larry Adler Chairs, Grandparents and Special Friends Association

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Stephanie Sanderman, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, at ssanderman@rzjhs.org or 847-324-3720.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Grandparents and Special Friends Meet and Greet

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Stay tuned for more to come!

Alumni, We Want to Hear From You

Whether you call us CJ or RZ, we value our alumni as an integral part of our community! We want to be here for you through all stages of your lives and support you along the way. Please make sure you send us news of engagements, marriages, birth announcements, achievements, and sorrows so that we can share.

How can you help us? We are in the process of setting up an alumni database so that you can network and connect with alumni. More information to come. That said, involvement begins with you. If your contact information changes, please be sure to send us your updated email address, phone number, and home address so we can stay in touch.

No matter where you go, Rochelle Zell Jewish High School wants to be a partner on your journey. We can’t wait to hear from you. Contact Stephanie Sanderman, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, at ssanderman@rzjhs.org.

Alumni Parents

Even though your child(ren) may no longer be in high school, you are still a part of our community! We hope you will take advantage of the many opportunities we offer each year, such as Adult Education.

We want to continue to support you in times of sorrow and celebration. If your contact information changes, please be sure to send us your updated email address, phone number, and home address so we can stay in touch. Contact Stephanie Sanderman, Director of Development and Alumni relations, at ssanderman@rzjhs.org.

Mazal Tov to our newest Alumni, the RZJHS

Class of 2022!

We are proud of our graduates who will be attending the following colleges and programs next year: Beloit College • Brown University • Clark University • Elon University • FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Grinnell College • Indiana University • Michigan State University • New York University • Northwestern University Syracuse University • The University of Texas at Austin • Tulane University of Louisiana • University of Central Florida University of Chicago • University of Colorado • University of Illinois • University of Maryland • University of Michigan University of Minnesota • University of Notre Dame • University of South Florida • University of Wisconsin University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee • Vassar College • Wake Forest University

Giving Together

Thank you! Together, we raised over $1,625,000 to support our annual campaign. Together, YOU helped our academic programming and extra-curricular activities thrive. In addition, your support helped provide tuition assistance so that all eligible students were able to attend our school regardless of financial circumstances. Your gift made an impact.

Whether you are a longtime supporter or just joined our community this year, we are grateful to count you among our ranks of donors. Your commitment to providing a quality Jewish education for all of our students is greatly appreciated.

Continue to make a lasting impact on our

community. Donate today.

We are grateful for the financial support we receive from generous funders in the community and the Jewish United Fund. That said, tuition alone does not cover the total cost of educating our students. To meet our annual operating budget, which sustains rigorous academic programs, generous tuition assistance, team-oriented athletics, engaging extracurricular activities, and more, we must raise over $1.5 million each year.

Please consider making a gift to help ensure we meet our financial needs. Your generosity allows us to continue our mission to create well-rounded students who think critically, live Jewishly, and become responsible and involved citizens in the modern world. On behalf of everyone at RZJHS, thank you!

Make your gift online at www.RZJHS.org or mail your donation in the enclosed envelope.

For more information, contact Stephanie Sanderman, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, at ssanderman@rzjhs.org or call 847-324-3720.

At RZJHS, the educational philosophy all three of my kids absorbed is one of ‘learning to understand’. We witnessed a love of learning for its own sake evolve in all three of our kids, thanks in large part to this philosophy. But more than that, RZ is a school that lives its Jewish values. Students are eager to apply the ancient teachings and wisdom learned in Talmud and Bible classes and fuse these ideas to make them relevant in their English, physics and social studies classes. It is this practice that makes our kids stand out. Colleges recognize it too.

RZ is a gift that continues to give long after the students graduate and build their lives. We see it when our older children take on leadership positions at college, when they have reunions, travel and visit with their high school friends and when we, as parents, continue to have shabbat dinners with the families we met at RZ and remained close with. Our entire family made lifelong, meaningful connections at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School.

— Jaqueline Kott-Wolle, Current & Alumni Parent

Easy Ways to Support RZJHS

1.

Make a Gift to the Annual Campaign

The RZJHS Annual Fund provides much-needed tuition assistance and direct support for the day-to-day operations of the school. Give anytime to the Annual Fund to provide an ongoing source of revenue that allows us to offer educational opportunities and extracurricular activities that may otherwise be reduced or eliminated.

2. Tributes and Memorials

Honor or celebrate loved ones and life cycle events by making a gift to RZJHS. We will send the recipient a customized card for gifts of $18 or more and your donation will help support the Annual Fund.

3. A mazon Smile

Sign up for Amazon Smile and select Rochelle Zell Jewish High School. A percentage of all your Amazon shopping will go straight to RZJHS, with zero added cost to you!

1. Go to Smile.Amazon.com

2. Select Rochelle Zell Jewish High School as your charity

3. Shop

4. Celebrate with a Facebook Fundraiser

Set up a birthday fundraiser and help Rochelle Zell Jewish High School raise vital funds to support our school. To create your birthday fundraiser on Facebook follow these simple steps:

1. Visit www.facebook.com/fund/RochelleZellJewishHighSchool

2. Highlight the amount of money you wish to raise

3. Select the date you want your fundraiser to end

4. Create a title and a short description of why you want to support RZJHS.

5. A nd finally, tell people about it! Don’t be afraid to tell everyone you k now about your fundraising and why you’re choosing to support RZJHS.

I am so grateful for my time at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School. Thanks to my well rounded experience, I feel very prepared in college. Through rigorous coursework, I gained critical thinking skills that are helping me immeasurably. I was also given endless opportunities to try new extracurricular activities. My background from RZ has pushed me to challenge myself in ways that I never believed possible.

— David Levin (RZJHS ‘19)

Make sure you are watching our stories to see our popular Tiger Takeovers, where students take over our Instagram for a day to show us what a day-in-the-life of an RZJHS student is like (you can watch old takeovers by using the Highlights feature in Instagram).

RochelleZellJewishHighSchool

Follow our social media accounts to see information about school events, alumni updates, student successes, and more!

RochelleZellJewishHighSchool

Rochelle Zell Jewish High School

1095 Lake Cook Road

Deerfield, IL 60015 847.470.6700

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We are accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year!

Access applications, forms and more on our website, www.RZJHS.org or email admissions@rzjhs.org.

Subscribe

Email admissions@rzjhs.org to get on the list for our Admissions Newsletter.

Prospective Families Open House

Attend our Open House on Sunday, November 6 to learn more about RZJHS.

Apply

Apply by December 15, 2022 for a tuition credit.

Incoming 9th grade placement test

RSVP on our website under admission events to take the test on December 11, 2022 or February 12, 2023. Family tours and student shadow days Please contact the admissions department at 847.324.3706 or admissions@rzjhs.org with any questions.

Save The Date

February 7, 2023 is Curriculum Night for incoming 9th grade students.

Tuition Assistance

We are proud to offer personalized approaches to help Jewish families manage tuition. Apply early – the deadline to complete applications is January 13, 2023.

Mission

Rochelle Zell Jewish High School creates a culture of academic excellence that inspires and prepares our students to think critically, achieve their full potential, and live Judaism as responsible and involved citizens in the modern world.

Rochelle Zell is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. Affiliated with Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools and Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools.

Accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education and The Independent Schools Association of the Central States. www.RZJHS.org