Adam Winick, Immediate Past President and Development Chair
Karen Peaceman, Second Past President
Larry D. Adler, Founding President
Deanna Abrams (CJHS ’05)
Meredith Grossman Anders
Larry Becker
Rabbi Benjy Forester (CJHS ’12)
Zach Frankel (CJHS ’05)
Lori Goldberg
Jacqueline Kott-Wolle
Board of Trustees
Larry D. Adler
Gigi Cohen
Cortney Stark Cope
David Fishbaum
Stewart Flink
Larry Gerber
Maynard Grossman
Nina Harris
Leadership Team
Tony Frank, Head of School
Jason Loeb, Academic Dean
Stu Jacobs, Dean of Faculty
Anne Lanski
Ron Meisler
Rob Romanoff
Shana Scholder
Heidi Shapiro
Sid Singer
Cindy Pogrund
Richard Rabinowitz
Ken Saffir
Lynn Schrayer
Michael Small
Rabbi David Soloff
Lynn Wiznitzer
Stephanie Sanderman, Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Staci Studnitzer, Director of Recruitment and Admissions
Jim Baumstark, Director of Finance and Operations
David Martinez, Director of Athletics and Facilities
Binyamin Cohen, Director of Jewish Life
Becca Bubis, Jewish Studies Department Chair
Follow our social media accounts to see information about school events, alumni updates, student success stories, and more! 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
RochelleZellJewishHighSchool
Message from the Head of School
As we bid farewell to our graduating Class of 2024, I am mindful of the years that bookended their time at Rochelle Zell They arrived as freshmen during Covid in the fall of 2020, beginning the school year fully masked, socially distanced, and in hybrid mode – a very abnormal and disconcerting start not only to the school year, but to their four years of high school
Fast forward from that difficult time to their senior year, and it was another very difficult year marked by the dark events of October 7th in Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza, a wave of anti-Semitism in this country and around the world, and disturbing protests on college campuses Since that terrible day in October of last year, Jews have struggled to calibrate days and moments of celebration with a larger sense of mourning and crisis Such was our celebration of the Class of 2024’s graduation in June
Our students are understandably concerned about the situation in Israel, and closer to home At the same time, they yearn for a sense of normalcy Many of the anticipated milestones of childhood and the teen years were disrupted for them during the Covid years –b’nai mitvah celebrations, middle-school graduations, school trips to Israel and other destinations, and more They are mourning, to varying degrees, the disruption of a normal childhood
We know that often it is not easy being Jewish . Until recently, this may have seemed to this generation of students more like a history lesson than their actual, lived reality But this is now their reality, too Living fully in the historical moment, while also maintaining a sense of normalcy, has become the order of the day for us at
Rochelle Zell . Our graduating seniors demonstrated this last year most notably during our school Shabbatonim, which they led with great energy and spirit, and a tremendous sense of community Then they traveled to Israel, where they fully immersed themselves in all of the complexity, pain, and joy that a journey to Israel entails during these very challenging times They hiked and swam and enjoyed the Israeli cuisine . They also visited the site of the Nova Festival near Gaza, to bear witness to the many young lives cruelly cut short there on October 7th
How do Rochelle Zell students make sense of these challenging times? One indication is the following quote, by Rabbi Shai Held, which the Class of 2024 chose as a graduation theme:
“ God’s dream is of a world in which human dignity is real and the presence of God is manifest. To be a covenantal Jew is to dare to dream with God.”
This quote reminds us that the long arc of Jewish history is endowed with a sacred purpose; the selection of this quote by our graduates shows us how Rochelle Zell students are uniquely equipped to navigate an uncertain world – deeply grounded in their faith, in our shared humanity, and in compassion for others . We will miss our Class of 2024 graduates, but we are incredibly grateful and proud to share them with the world that awaits their arrival
With best wishes for the 5785 New Year,
Tony Frank
We are pleased to support Rochelle Zell for many reasons. The school provides an outstanding education. With excellent teachers and small class sizes that enable teachers to really know their students, it is an ideal learning environment for students to learn and be challenged academically. The RZ community is warm and caring. We saw this when our son transferred in as a junior; the transition to Rochelle Zell was made easy by his classmates who welcomed him. Finally, Rochelle Zell embraces Jewish values in a communal way. No matter what your background or experience, all students and families are made to feel at home and welcome.
— Steve Erlebacher and Marcy Horwitz, Parents of Ezra (RZJHS ‘24)
Message from the Outgoing President
For the past two years, it has been an honor to serve as the President of the Board of Directors at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School My wife, Debbie, and I are blessed that our three daughters had the opportunity to attend RZJHS alongside students from across the Chicagoland area . Our family has experienced the exceptionality of a Rochelle Zell education and how this high school uniquely prepares its graduates for the next phase of their journey
As we all know, RZJHS provides education beyond the typical high school experience by incorporating Jewish values into the curriculum Rochelle Zell’s emphasis on becoming productive citizens guides students in supporting and serving their communities The relationships students form with their teachers ground them and inspire them to build powerful connections with mentors . Graduates leave with critical thinking skills acquired through the dual curriculum, enabling them to understand concepts from multiple perspectives Rochelle Zell imparts its students with lifelong skills for being a successful student, compassionate friends, and engaged community members
Reflecting on the past year, I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments The RZJHS Board led the way to a successful 2023-2024 campaign year by ensuring financial commitments and continuing the meaningful culture of giving within our community . In January, we held our annual Community Event, bringing together over 150 current and alumni parents We sent our seniors to Israel in May to conclude their high school experience Finally, we ended the school year by celebrating the career of Inez Drazin, our Director of Building and Administrative Service A member of the school’s original faculty, Inez has served at RZJHS since the school opened, and her contributions have been a critical part of the school’s continued prosperity Thank you, Inez!
I am also immensely proud of our staff and Board of Directors dedication and perseverance this year . The board’s efforts have ensured the continuity of our school’s governance, financial stability, and devotion to each student We appreciate their commitment to providing counsel and support to Rochelle Zell, and I extend my deepest gratitude to each board member Rochelle Zell continues to be incredibly fortunate to have a remarkable faculty and staff led by our Head of School, Tony Frank Their collective approach embodies compassion and understanding, upholding our culture of academic excellence
In my graduation speech to the Class of 2024, I spoke about people who are “don’t-ers” and those who are “do-ers”, stating, “Our community needs do-ers, and you are the most prepared do-ers because of your Rochell Zell graduation…Through the gift of an RZ education, you have been equipped with the tools necessary to become the next generation of Jewish and community leaders ”
As the Class of 2024 graduated, I emphasized the importance of staying connected to their roots and supporting RZJHS as they progress They received a Rochelle Zell education because of the generosity and vision of previous generations who founded the school Just as others have done before them, it is through their contributions and dedication that future generations will benefit from the same excellent education they received
We wish our graduating seniors well in their future endeavors We look forward to beginning a successful school year, continuing to grow with our returning students, and welcoming the incoming freshmen as they start their RZJHS experience
I sincerely appreciate my time in this role and look forward to continuing my work at this exceptional high school
Adam Winick
I walk into school every day genuinely excited to learn and so grateful for how much this school has helped me grow. Sending me to RZ was the greatest gift my parents gave me and probably the best life choice I have ever made. At the end of every Tefillah, we begin our day with the words, “Let’s go learn a lot today.” I truly believe this phrase encapsulates the RZ experience. Each and every day at RZ, the student body is encouraged to not only develop as students, but as human beings. This learning happens at our sports, the Shabbatonim, our volunteer work in the community, and in countless other ways at RZ. — Mitchell Gottlieb (RZJHS’24)
Message from the Incoming President
As I step into my new role as President of the RZJHS Board, I am honored to share a bit about my journey and why I believe so strongly in RZJHS
I was born in Chicago and entered Kindergarten at Solomon Schechter Day School When my family moved to Allentown, PA during the school year, I enrolled at the Jewish Day School of Allentown from Kindergarten through 7th grade before transitioning to public school . Despite living in Pennsylvania, I spent summers bonding with my Chicago aunts, uncles, and cousins at our grandparents’ summer home in South Haven, Michigan
My parents were very engaged in the Allentown Jewish community, and my father served as President of both the day school and our synagogue In high school I was active in USY, was President of the Eastern Pennsylvania Region, and it was in USY that I met my wife, Tami After USY we went our separate ways but we said we hoped to meet again one day on the street And we did, in West Philadelphia, when I was in law school and she was in graduate school After taking Tami to visit Chicago and South Haven in the summer (good call on my part) we decided to begin our married life in Chicago . We thought we would stay here for a year or two . Now, nearly 40 years later, we are happy to call Chicago our home .
Tami and I are the proud parents of two RZJHS graduates and we witnessed firsthand the exceptional education and transformative experiences our sons received at RZJHS And now, with the rise of antisemitism and anti-Zionism, I am more convinced than ever of the impact of RZJHS The education, skills, confidence, and personal connection to Judaism and Israel that students gain at
RZJHS are essential to shape resilient, informed leaders who can positively impact our complex world .
Having served on the RZJHS Board for many years, I am excited to assume the role of President Together with the 2024-25 Board— comprised of dedicated community members and an RZJHS graduate—I am committed to supporting Head of School Tony Frank and the entire RZJHS team . Our focus will be on providing the necessary financial support and governance to navigate future challenges and opportunities
I extend sincere gratitude to RZJHS’s founders, past Board members, and the committed administration and faculty for their unwavering dedication to our mission and values Special thanks to outgoing President Adam Winick for his guidance and to Alan Frankel, stepping off the Board, for his distinguished service
To all former Presidents, your contributions have been invaluable, and I look forward to our continued collaboration as we transition to the newly formed Board of Trustees
Finally, my heartfelt thanks go to all RZJHS graduates, current students, and their families You are the heart and soul of our school community, and your ongoing trust, efforts, and support are essential to RZJHS’s continued growth and success . I hope you will always be proud to be a part of the RZJHS family
Go Tigers!
Reuben Warshawsky
Board of Trustees
Rochelle Zell Jewish High School is pleased to announce the formation of a Board of Trustees composed of former CJHS/RZJHS presidents and former members of our Board of Directors These experienced leaders collectively hold much of our school’s institutional memory and we look forward to the valuable insight and guidance they will offer our Board President and Head of School
We have watched all four of our now graduate children thrive at RZJHS and beyond. It’s a school that finds what is amazing about each student and celebrates that. As I watch my children and their friends go out into the world, it is clear to me that they will be the next generation of Jewish leaders who care about Israel and Judaism. Educating these students is a sacred responsibility and I can think of no organization that deserves my leadership and attention more. Being part of the leadership makes me feel like I’m making a difference and playing a necessary part in repairing the world.
— Cortney Stark Cope, Parent of Alumni and member of the Board of Trustees
Mazal Tov to Inez Drazin on her Retirement!
Inez Drazin has the distinction of being the longest serving member of our staff Even among the pioneers she was a pioneer since her work here began well before the school opened to students in the fall of 2001!
On June 9th, we celebrated Inez’s contributions with friends, family, faculty and staff, former faculty, alumni, and pioneer families
In honor of Inez’s support of our students and our school, we have dedicated the supporting beam in the Caplan Gymnasium signed by our founding students from classes 2004-2010 Their signatures serve as a testament to their enduring influence on our school, shaping its character and fostering a legacy of excellence .
Just as this beam provides support for our school building, Inez’s dedication and support helped lay the foundation for our success Inez shared, “As I walk out of the school today, I look back on my nearly 24 years as the truly defining moment of my career and my life It has meant so much to me to be part of this amazing school and this amazing community I know that the mission and values of this institution will continue to guide me for the rest of my life ”
We cherish Inez’s lasting impact and will miss seeing her face daily in our hallways
Thank you Inez!
Our Pioneer Families have paved the way for our students of today. Use this QR code to see students and alumni share how RZJHS has impacted their lives.
Welcome Rabbi Miriam Lichtenberg!
We are thrilled to be welcoming Miriam Lichtenberg as our new Rav Beit Sefer (School Rabbi) effective August 1, 2024
In a visit to Rochelle Zell this past winter, Rabbi Lichtenberg met with many members of our community including students, staff, parents and Board members, in addition to teaching Judaics classes and sharing words of Torah with our students during tefillah Her depth of learning and knowledge, along with her considerable warmth and strong commitment to Jewish high-school education, made a very positive impression upon all who had the opportunity to meet and learn from her
As our Rav Beit Sefer, Rabbi Lichtenberg will teach in our Jewish Studies department, provide guidance to our tefillah program under the direction of Binyamin Cohen, Director of Jewish Life, provide pastoral support to all members of our community, and serve as a rabbinic advisor in matters of Jewish law to the staff, administration, and Board of Directors
Rabbi Lichtenberg commented, “My time at Hadar has instilled in me a profound appreciation of the power of education and community I am committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported in their journey of learning and personal growth I look forward to building meaningful relationships and furthering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and kavod (respect) within our school community ”
As we welcome Rabbi Lichtenberg to the RZJHS Community, we thank Rabbi Allan Kensky, who graciously answered the call to serve this year as our Rabbinic Advisor . His counsel this past year has been invaluable, as will be his assistance in ensuring a smooth transition .
L’hitraot to the Class of 2024
We are proud of our graduates who will be attending the following colleges and programs next year: Binghamton University • College of Charleston • College of Lake County • Duke University • Emory University Indiana University-Bloomington • Muhlenberg College • Oakton Community College • Paul Mitchell the School-Chicago
Reichman University (IDC Herzliya) • Syracuse University • Tufts University • Tulane University of Louisiana • University of Georgia University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign • University of Kansas • University of Maryland-College Park • University of Miami University of Michigan-Ann Arbor • University of Pennsylvania • University of South Carolina-Columbia University of Wisconsin-Madison • Vanderbilt University • Young Judaea Year Course
The learning environment at RZJHS emphasizes creativity and critical thinking in both general and Jewish studies, and the ability to question is embraced. Highlights from the academic 2023-24 year include:
• One member of the Class of 2024 was named a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program .
• QuarkNet, the Rochelle Zell cosmic ray research team, placed second at the poster competition in New Orleans at the annual meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers
• 13 members of the DECA Team won 24 medals at the annual DECA Competition
• More than 200 tickets were sold to see our students shine on stage at the RZJHS Musical, The Lightning Thief.
• The RZJHS Math Team once again competed in the North Suburban Math League With over 45 teams in attendance at the finals, Rochelle Zell received 2nd place in orals and 3rd in seniors
• Rochelle Zell Model UN received the National High School Model UN Conference’s Top Team Award for the 10th Consecutive Year, representing the Argentine Republic!
• RZJHS Studio Artists displayed their artwork at an exhibit called “Pop ” It celebrated a new selection of artwork that “pops ”
RZJHS by the numbers
Student life at Rochelle Zell is full of spirit and a tremendous sense of community. There are numerous opportunities for students to get involved socially through extracurricular activities, clubs, and leadership programs both in school and in the Jewish community. clubs offered 25+ club leaders
54
$15,000+ distributed to Israeli organizations since October 7 patients helped through RZJHS Blood Drive
100% of students attended All-School Shabbaton at Camp Chi Pearlstein 80%
4 of students participate in clubs
48 students selected as honorees in this year’s cohort of 18 Under 18, a program of Springboard & Jewish United Fund of Chicago
Student Ambassadors
Our Student Ambassadors continue to be a critical part of the recruitment and engagement experience at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School Student ambassadors volunteered at our community Open House in the Fall and our Curriculum Night in the winter, spoke at parlor meetings and with prospective families on tours, hosted students who shadowed to experience a day at RZJHS, and more!
RZJHS students learn what it means to be Jewish in the modern world and celebrate often Our calendar is built around the rhythm of Jewish life and the school year revolves around the Jewish calendar Many of the highlights of our year are when students and faculty gather as a community to celebrate holidays and events . We are proud to offer memory-making opportunities for our students to let their school spirit shine! Some of these moments included:
• A fun-filled welcome back BBQ, attended by over 360 people who enjoyed food and fun with their RZJHS community.
• The RZJHS Sukkah bustled as many classes met outside, and the annual Sunny Sukkah Stop featured activities, games, and treats, bringing students and staff together to exemplify zman simchateinu (the time of our joy).
• School spirit was palpable at our traditional fall Spirit Week and Pep Rally followed by our Homecoming Dance.
• Students and faculty enjoyed a festive Chanukah lunch with latkes, sufganiyot, and dreidel games, followed by “Holla for Chanukah” where students filled their own sufganiyot.
• Our all-day Purim festivities included a spirited tefillah followed by a brunch seudah, volunteer experience at Feed My Starving Children, and concluded with shpiels and hamantaschen
• Yom HaShoah was commemorated with an educational and inspirational presentation by survivor Steen Metz. Yom HaZikaron featured a ceremony honoring fallen soldiers. Yom HaAtzmaut was celebrated with a shawarma lunch, a talk from Yinam Cohen, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, and a carnival with various activities. !!
• The Juniors and Seniors capped off the year with their Spring Prom.
Participation in athletics is an integral aspect of the overall Rochelle Zell Jewish High School experience. Student athletes are challenged to strive for excellence, learn self-discipline, and attain a strong work ethic that help them succeed in athletics, in the classroom, and in the community.
14 varsity sports
78% of the student body participates in athletics programs
46% are two-sport athletes
17% are three-sport athletes
1 state qualifier
2 regular season conference champions
1 regional championship
Honoring the Memory of Seth Sugar
At halftime of the Boys Varsity Basketball Game on November 21, RZJHS honored the memory of Seth Sugar (RZJHS ‘20) Seth’s teammates and his family spoke about his love of RZJHS basketball Seth was a member of the team from 2017 to 2020, helping the Tigers win a regional championship in 2019 He was the consummate teammate, always cheering his heart out, practicing his hardest, and giving his all on the court during games His energy was infectious and seemingly limitless While playing basketball gave students like Seth a chance to compete on the court, the lessons learned and bonds created while being part of the team were far more important
Seth’s teammates came together to dedicate the home team bench in the Caplan gymnasium in Seth’s memory
Rochelle Zell Jewish High School stands with Israel, and our school community offered many ways for students and staff to process the events in Israel and come together as a community this year.
All School Gathering: Immediately following October 7, RZJHS held an all school gathering to mourn the many lives lost, to pray for the injured, and to pray for the welfare of Israel and all who live there, and for peace throughout the region
JUF Solidarity Rally: Our entire school community joined together at the Jewish United Fund’s gathering for Israel, proudly waving Israeli flags and showing solidarity with our Jewish homeland .
Welcoming Israeli Students: RZJHS welcomed visiting students from Israel, with the community coming together to support them .
Hebrew Class Activities: Students wrote letters and made bracelets expressing solidarity with Israel, with funds raised going to support Israel
Advisory Sessions: Special sessions were held to discuss the Israel-Hamas War, offering historical context, emotional processing, and guest speakers
March for Israel: Over 40 RZJHS students and community members joined the 300,000 strong March for Israel in Washington D C , with others watching the rally at school .
Forest for Hope Program: To commemorate the six-month anniversary of October 7, names of hostages and fallen soldiers were tied to trees outside the school
Art for Solidarity: Studio Artists created a collaborative piece for the Shapiro Dining Hall, with the Community Service Club adding messages of hope .
Reflection on the Senior Israel Experience
Although visiting the Nova Festival site was extremely emotionally challenging, I feel so lucky that I got the opportunity to experience it. Initially I was nervous to come to Israel during a time of war, but honestly I have never felt more safe. This is exactly where we need to be right now... The staff has been with us every step of the way and offer so much support to help us process what we are going through. I feel so lucky that I get to be here.
— Ahava Cohen (RZJHS
‘24)
we are Explorers
Senior Israel Experience
Shabbatonim & Trips
The RZJHS Senior Israel Experience is the capstone of our RZJHS Jewish education Despite the ongoing war delaying the trip, seniors were able to explore Israel’s rich history and culture through hikes, meaningful religious and spiritual experiences, and volunteer projects this past May
In Tel Aviv, students volunteered, explored, and reflected They traveled to the site of the Nova music festival, where they bore witness to the atrocities of October 7th They visited Shuk HaCarmel, learned about the Druze community in Haifa, and experienced the Negev and Eilat . The trip concluded in Jerusalem with visits to Yad Vashem, Har Herzl, and Shabbat at the Kotel Senior Lilly Cope reflected, “After a truly incredible trip, I feel closer than ever to my grade, this land, and my faith and I can’t wait to return to this amazing country . Although I am sad it is coming to an end, I feel so lucky to have been a part of such a meaningful and important trip ”
Building community around Jewish education serves as a cornerstone of our school We offer Shabbatonim (retreats over Shabbat) and overnight trips, giving our students an opportunity to come together as a community
The Freshman Shabbaton provides an opportunity for connection and bonding as a class Seniors serve as mentors, fostering community and bringing our newest students into the fullness of our school Tefillah experiences, a ruach filled tisch, and a mini-Maccabi games allowed our Class of 2027 to make connections with each other
Our first-ever Sophomore Shabbaton was a success and included Kabbalat Shabbat, tisch, board games, swimming, cake decorating, multiple minyan options, and plenty of food
Our Juniors traveled to Washington, D C The trip focused on historical and current events and including a meeting with White House staff and Congressman Brad Schneider (RZJHS Parent of Alum), as well as a tour of the U S Capitol They also were able to participate in the Rally for Israel on the National Mall, which was an incredibly special way for our students to participate in this moment in history together
At the April All-School Shabbaton, 140 students and staff gathered at Perlstein Resort for a weekend of spirited tefillah, maccabiah, discussions, and s’mores at the bonfire, celebrating Jewish life and having fun
Alumni Standing Strong
RZJHS recognizes the challenges faced by alumni in Israel, in the IDF, and on college campuses Throughout the year Rochelle Zell offered support to our alumni and their families through outreach and in-person meetings
In November, RZJHS supported alumni families with a special tefillah, featuring Ayelet Cohen, RZJHS parent and spouse of Consul General Yinam Cohen, who praised the community’s strong, moral values
Rochelle Zell’s college campus initiative was kicked off with our Dean of Faculty, Stu Jacobs, and Director of Finance and Operations, Jim Baumstark, as they visited alumni at the University of Illinois, including Maton Mlotek (RZJHS ‘22), Gabi Zuckerman (RZJHS ‘22), Jordan Melman (RZJHS ‘23), Avi Wilens (RZJHS ‘23), and Jacob Breitman (RZJHS ‘23), as well as at Washington University with Lila Steinbach (RZJHS ‘20), Josh Houston (RZJHS ‘23), and Rikki Drexler (RZJHS ‘20) More visits are planned for the 2024-2025 academic year
We are proud of our RZJHS alumni who are standing strong against antisemitism on college campuses, with Janie Levitan (RZJHS ‘22) featured on Fox News, Matt Weiss (RZJHS ‘20) on NBC Chicago and NBC Today, Dina Barrish (RZJHS ‘20) in the Austin-American Statesman, and Charlie and Alex Bernat (RZJHS ‘23 and ‘20) publicly practicing their faith at Harvard
Alumni back in the halls
Over 40 alumni visited RZJHS during the week before Thanksgiving, visiting with faculty, participating in tefillah, enjoying a bagel breakfast, schmoozing with current students, and cheering on the RZJHS basketball teams
Save the date for our all-school tefillah with alumni on Tuesday, November 26!
Class reunions !
We are looking for volunteers to help us reconnect with our Alumni! If you would like to represent your class, please contact Stephanie Sanderman .
RZJHS Parent Organization
The goal of the RZJHS Parent Organization is to build and engage the parent community, support RZJHS events and faculty, provide spirit and fun for students, and act as ambassadors for the school Co-Presidents Meredith Grossman Anders and Jen Koplow led the organization with enthusiasm this year, celebrating both students and staff
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 school year, Meredith Grossman Anders and Jen Koplow will remain as Co-Presidents For information on the upcoming year’s events or to get involved, contact Stephanie Sanderman, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, at 847-324-3720 or email ssanderman@rzjhs .org .
Parent and Alumni Parent Evening
Over 120 parents and alumni parents who joined together on a chilly January evening for an evening of cocktails, conversation, and community . Thank you to our wonderful chairs and host committee members: Meredith Grossman Anders and Darren Anders, Beth and Bob Bernat, Jennifer and Jonathan Koplow, Lisa and Jim Levitas, Jodi and Danny Weiss, and Adam and Debbie Winick
we are Grandparents and Special Friends
The presence and support of Grandparents and Special Friends are not just appreciated, but are an integral part of the Rochelle Zell Jewish High School community . Your support, even if from afar, has had a profound impact on our students’ experiences
This year, RZJHS held our first-ever Grandparents and Special Friend’s all-school tefillah and our traditional spring annual Grandparents and Special Friends event .
We cherish our grandparent community and are excited to see you visiting our school Sign up for our weekly e-news for learning opportunities and events by emailing Stephanie Sanderman
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
we are Community
Thank you! Together, as a community, we met our goal and raised over $1,725,000 to support our annual campaign . You led the way by helping our academic programming, athletics, and extra-curricular activities thrive In addition, your support helped provide heightened security during this challenging year and 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 our students is greatly appreciated
Continue to make a lasting impact on our community.
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
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
For more information, contact Stephanie Sanderman, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, at ssanderman@rzjhs org or call 847-324-3720
Over $1,725,000 100%
raised for the annual fund (exceeding goal)!
of Empower Illinois eligible students were funded
$18,000 raised in one day with our first ever Tiger Tuesday
Today
Easy Ways to Support RZJHS
1. Make a Gift to the Annual Campaign – Give to the Annual Campaign 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. Become part of our Legacy Society – We invite you to join the RZJHS Legacy Society by including a legacy gift to RZJHS in your will or estate plans or if you are just thinking about including RZJHS in your legacy plans and would like to learn more, contact Stephanie Sanderman, Director of Development at ssanderman@rzjhs org
2023-24 HONOR ROLL
We are proud to share our Fiscal Year 2024 Donor Honor Roll. We hope you are moved by the number of donors that have made a gift to the Rochelle Zell Jewish High School Annual Fund this year. Together we make up a caring community of students, alumni, family, and friends with the same goal to support RZJHS. Thank you for your generosity, care and commitment.
Anonymous (9)
Brett and Deanna (CJHS ‘05) Abrams
AbbVie
Leo and Jaqueline Abramson
Larry and Angie Adler
Jeremy and Abby Agulnek
Jim and Renee Akers
Brad Alexander
Amy Altbach
Alliance Bernstein
Darren Anders and Meredith Grossman Anders
Bob and Heather Aranyi
The Arnold Simonsen Family Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Arthur J. Gallagher Foundation
Jeannie Aschkenasy
Carol and Joseph Atkin
Rabbi Ari and Vanessa Averbach
Donald and Carole Babendir
James and Bridget Baumstark
Larry Becker
Rabbi Marc J. Belgrad and Susan Glazer Belgrad
Rabbi Kenneth and Cheryl Berger
Alex Bernat (RZJHS ‘20)
Charles Bernat (RZJHS ‘23)
Robert and Beth Bernat
Jeff Block
Herm and Fran Brandau
Larry Breitman and Michelle Andre
Thomas and Deborah Brejcha
Jack Brody
Tammy Brody
Paul and Bella Brookenthal
Rabbi Jonathan and Becca Bubis
Colman and Susan Buchbinder
Ethan and Karen Budin
Daphne Budin (RZJHS ‘18)
Jeremy Budin (RZJHS ‘23)
Igor and Olga Burda
David Bush and Leslie Dossey
The Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation
Steven and Rebecca Charous
Barry Chazan and Anne Lanski
Lee and Bobbie Clark
Bob Cogan
Binyamin Cohen and Ranana Dine
Charles and Jennifer Cohen
Michael Levin and Gigi Cohen/
Magid Glove & Safety Mfg. Co.
Tim and Linsey Cohen
Congregation Beth Shalom
Oren and Roz Conway
Ronald and Rachel Cooper
Jonathan Cope and Cortney Stark Cope
Rachel Cope (RZJHS ‘21)
Deborah Copley
Glen Cornblath and Marci Koblenz
Steve and Sara Coven
The Crown Family
Crown Family Foundation
Avrum and Bonnie Dannen
Benjamin and Rebecca Dauber
Patrick Daugherty and Jennifer Schulte
Medwin and Maryl Dayan
Marty and Michelle Dello
Gordon Derman and
Carol Rosenberg Derman
Mark and Brandy Deshur
Todd and Jen Deutch
Kanella Diakoumis
Andrew and Lisa Dickman
David and Janice Dlatt
Arthur Dolinsky and Laura Mell
Jerry and Inez Drazin
Howard and Eileen Dubner
David and Natalie DuBois
Brian and Hillary Dunn
Richard and Lynn Dusing
David Eisenberg and Karen Lobl
David and Denise Eisenberg
Robert Eisenstadt and Greta Rothchild
Norman and Shira K. Eliaser
Arthur Elstein
Ilana Epstein
Les and Linda Epstein
Ezra Erlebacher (RZJHS ‘24)
Steven Erlebacher and Marcy Horwitz
Jamie Escoto
Rabbi Josh Feigelson and Natalie Blitt
Eric and Erica Feinberg
Maury and Nancy Fertig
Gal Finer
Fiserv
Daniel Fishbaum (CJHS ‘13)
David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh
Judy and Tim Flater
Samuel Fleischacker and Amy Reichert
Stewart and Jennifer Flink
Rob and Janet Footlik
Robert and Beth Footlik
Rabbi Benjy Forester (CJHS ‘12)
Ben and Wendy Frank
Tony Frank and Rachel Gottlieb
Alan and Kim Frankel
Zach Frankel (CJHS ‘05) and Laurel Van Allen
Janis Frezel
Michelle Friedman
Joseph and Davida Fruchter
Arielle Galante
David and Elizabeth Geifman
Larry and Sheila Gerber
Phillip and Laurie Gerber
Betsy Gidwitz
Bruce and Mina Gillers
Esther Ginsberg
Anton Mostovoy and Marina Gitlin
Scott and Lori Goldberg
Deb Goldberg
Ronald Goldsmith
Jay and Susan Goldstein
Jay and Karen Goodgold
Jeffrey and Stephanie Gordon
David and Gail Gotskind
Daniel and Emily Gottlieb
Steve and Sheri Greenbaum
Jenna Greenberg
Dale and Sue Griffith
Ellen Grindel and Harris Halpert
Shai and Diane Halivni
Peleg and Kim Halpern
Jacob and Maxine Handelman
Arnie and Nina Harris
Jonah Harris (CJHS ‘11)
Harry and Sadie Lasky Foundation
Ron Schrag and Rebeccah Hartz (CJHS ‘05)
The Harvey L. Miller Supporting Foundation
Jack Helbig and Sherry Kent
Moshe and Andrea Herman
Patricia Hermann
Michael and Iris Heyman
Walter and Ruby Hilker
David Hirsch and Danit Steinbach
Emmet and Arica Hirsch
Andrew and Laurie Hochberg
Hochberg Family Foundation
David and Barbara Hoffman
Lorraine Horwitz z”l
Mark Iris
Brady and Laura Isaacson
Israel Bonds
Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund
Stu Jacobs and Aviva Levine Jacobs
Larry and Liesel Jankelowitz
Martin and Liora Jankelowitz
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Allen and Gail Juris
Daniel and Wendy Kahn
Richard Kahn (CJHS ‘08)
Aaron Kamins and Julie Ann Sklaver
Judith Schwartz Karp
Daniel Kelly and Judi Katz Kelly
Rabbi Allan Kensky and Adina Kleiman
Michael and Karen Kesner
Kimberly-Clark
Daniel Kleinman/LA-CO Industries, Inc.
Jonathan and Jennifer Koplow
Meyer Koplow
Dan and Dorothy Korzon
Alex and Anna Kosarev
Stephen and Barbara Kozerowitz
Robert and Sharon Krakowsky
June Kramer
Sara Kushnir
Susan Lazar
Scott and Jane Lederman
Michal Lerner
Brad and Sherry Levin
Ed and Bessie Levin
Jerry Salzman and Judith Levin
Mark and Sandy Levin
Matthew (CJHS ‘10) and Mollie Levin
Victor and Arielle Levitan
Jesse Levitas (RZJHS ‘21)
Jim and Lisa Levitas
Martin and Sandra Levy
Jonathan Licht and Joanne Hirschtritt Licht
Yosef Lifchitz
Rabbi Howard and Gail Lifshitz
Gerry and Claudia Linda
Sari Lindner
LinkedIn Corporation
Todd and Jacquie Lippman
Brian and Sally Lipson
Laeh Litin
Gershon and Louise Locker
Jason Loeb and Samantha Orbach
Judith Louis and Jennifer Leventhal
Michael and Ann Luban
Steven and Elisa Lupovitch
James and Riv Lynch
Marsha Lyons
Coby Maeir (RZJHS ‘20)
Donald and Danielle Maldonado
Lee and Bonnie Malmed
Mikhail and Diana Maltsman
Tom and Cathy Mandler
David Marcus
Lior Chacham and Sharna Marcus
Edward and Paulette Margulies
Jacob and Ellyn Margulies
Deborah Marks
David Martinez
Luis Martinez
Rebecca Mati
Taylor and Rachel McDowell
Ron and Liat Meisler
Sandra Mell
Rabbi Aaron Melman and Elisa Rotman
Jeffrey K. Meltzer and Andrea Yusim Meltzer
Abbie Meyers
Stuart and Sarah Miller
David Lieberman and Rebecca Minkus Lieberman/ Wilfred J. Minkus Charitable Trust
Joseph and Amy Mishell
Hazzan and Mrs. Alberto Mizrahi
Hillel and Rachel Morris
Aron Mosnaim
Bruce Mosbacher and Joan Katz
Lisa Moss and James Tucker
Robyn Murphy
Madeleine Mynatt (CJHS ‘14)
Susan Robbins Namerow
Steven B. Nasatir and Carolyn H.
Rosenberg
David and Ronna Ness-Cohn
Donald and Barbara Newman
Izzy and Karen Nochimowski
North Suburban Synagogue Beth El
Peter and Charone Ousley
Avram Pachter (CJHS ‘06)
Larry Pachter and Sandy Starkman
Hollis Panter
Eleanor Parker z”l
Louis and Ali Paster
Brad Patrick and Diana Effio
Alan and Karen Peaceman
Brad and Marcie Pickard
Maurice and Sheila Pickard
Jane Pickus
Greg and Steffanie Pinsky
Brian (CJHS’07) and
Hannah (CJHS ‘07) Pogrund
David and Cindy Pogrund
Sergey Poroshkov
Precision Waterjet & Laser LLC
Richard and Lori Rabinowitz
Resnick Charitable Fund
Joey and Harriet Resnick
Maureen Rich
Aaron and Anne Robbin
Ariela Robinson
Robert and Randee Romanoff
Ari Rosen (RZJHS ‘20)
Zachary Rosen (RZJHS ‘22)
Jessica Rosenberg
Ed and Michal Rosenthal
Ellen Rostker
Yuval and Dror Roth
Joel and Ellen Rothwax
Rabbi Bernard and Benita Rotman
Al Rubin
David and Stacey Rubin
Steven and Marlene Rubinow
Michael and Roberta Rubinson
Yori Rubinson
Ken and Andrea Saffir
Susan Sances
Steve and Stephanie Sanderman
David and Sheri Sandrof
Albert Saplitski and Irina Gelman
Eric and Gila Saxton
Revelle Schachter
David and Susan Schaff
Howard O. and Lynne Schechter
Loren and Rebecca Schechter
Bruce and Barbara Scher
Lance & Sheila Schiller
Adam Schneider (CJHS’11)
Bradley Schneider and Julie Dann
William Schoenwald
Adam and Shana Scholder
Carl and Lilach Schrag
Eli Schrayer
Skip and Lynn Schrayer
Rabbi Michael and Erica Schwab
David and Shawna Schwalb
David Y. Schwartz
Ralph Schwartz and Marci Dickman
Ron Schwechter
James and Michelle Seidenberg
Ayala Shahaf
Gary and Barbara Shapira
Tamar Shapira
Danny and Heidi Shapiro
Keith and Marci Shapiro
Steven and Frances Shapiro
Stuart and Roberta Shapiro
Cindy Shekhtman
Dina Shiner
Yehoshua and Sara Shlafrok
Kailee Shraiberg (CJHS ‘11)
Michael and Cindi Sigal
Daniel Silver (RZJHS ‘16)
Larry Silver and Elizabeth Silver-Schack
Randy Silver and Maureen Gecht
Ronald and Cathy Silver
David and Lauren Silverman
Lawrence Silverman
William and Karyn Silverstein
Howard and Abby Simon
Ellen Singer
Lauren Singer
Sid and Lisa Singer
Alan and Liz Sklar
David Sklar and Carolyn Reinglass
Lawrence and Cheryl Sklar
Neal and Rebecca Sklaver
Louis and Eleanor Skydell
Dennis and Ellen Slan
Craig Slaw
Ricca Slone
Rodney and Marilyn Slutzky
Michael and Sheila Small
Michael and Stephanie Smerling
Jeremy and Jill Smiley
Jonathan and Marla Snyder
Rabbi David and Emily Soloff
Harry and Judy Solomon
Rabbi Peter Stein
Roger and Diane Stein
THANK YOU!
Andrew Stern and Leslie Rosen Stern
Phillip Stern and Leslie Markman-Stern
Marc Stopeck and Janel Dennen
Rosette Strubel
Ari and Staci Studnitzer
Brad and Shaina Sugar
Bryan and Jodi Sugar
Ari and Cindy Taitz
Stuart and Marianne Taussig
Eugene and Nicole Terry
Kevin and Jamie Tessier
Jordan Feiger and Margalit Tocher
Toll Brothers
Jeremy and Rachel Treister
United Way
Chaim and Elisheva Vachman
Jonathan and Michale Wacks
Peter and Cheryl Waldstein
Daniel and Julie Warhaftig
Reuben and Tami Warshawsky
Mark and Limor Wasserman
Eli Wein (RZJHS ‘19)
Joe Wein and Michele Sackheim-Wein
Daniel and Sarah Weinberg
Michael and Lisa Weiner
Sam and Beverly Weisenberg
Michael and Lee Weisman
Daniel and Jodi Weiss
David Weisskopf (RZJHS ‘17)
Joshua Weisskopf (RZJHS ‘19)
Philipp B. Weisskopf and Jody Zalkin-Weisskopf
Victor and Barbara Weisskopf
Gary Willis
Barry Wimpfheimer and Shana Gillers
Adam and Debbie Winick
Al and Linda Winick
Annie Winick (RZJHS ‘23)
Carly Winick (RZJHS ‘21)
Betsy Winick (RZJHS ‘20)
Leo and Lynn Wiznitzer
James and Nicole Woldenberg
Clifford and Robin Wolf
David and Elizabeth Wolfe
David Wolle and Jacqueline Kott-Wolle
Marc Yoskowitz and Mimi Sager Yoskowitz
Sharon Yusim
Matt Zell
Michael and Jennifer Zukerman
As of 7/1/2024
Thank you for being Leaders, Learners and Life-long Friends of RZJHS. Every dollar makes a difference. We are grateful for you. Together #WeAreRZ
If we inadvertently omitted your name or you would like to be listed differently in the future, please contact Stephanie Sanderman, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, at ssanderman@rzjhs org or 847-324-3720
Rochelle Zell Jewish High School
1095 L ake Cook Road Deerfield, IL 60015
847.470.6700
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 .
