the Summer 2016 CHATTER Magazine.

SUMMER 2016
CHATTER
magazine
Mazel Tov to
Our Class
of 2016
Graduate Success
After TanenbaumCHAT
Chatter is published by TanenbaumCHAT for alumni, students, parents and friends.
tanenbaumchat.org I 1
TanenbaumCHAT Grandparent Day
Hold the Date
T C W
Wallenberg Campus Nov 4
T C K
CHATTER
magazine
is published through the TanenbaumCHAT Advancement Office and is
distributed to more than 7,000 TanenbaumCHAT alumni, parents and
friends of the school.
Kimel Centre Nov 18
tanenbaumchat.org/grandparentday
How to reach us
Wallenberg Campus 416.636.5984
Kimel Family Education Centre 905.787.8772
Director of Advancement – Frances Bigman, CFRE – 416.636.5984 x 230
[email protected]
Facebook/tanenbaumchat1
Facebook/tanenbaumchatalumni
Instagram @tanenbaumchat
Editor
Elie Guttmann ‘12
Youtube.com/tanenbaumchatchannel
Design/Layout
The Agency Nextdoor
Twitter @tanenbaumchat
Printing
Origo Communications
Photography
Matt Feinstein, Elie Guttmann ’12
Cover Photography
Elie Guttmann ’12
2 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
Tanenbaumchat.org
A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL
RABBI LEE BUCKMAN
Success is about Impact
Our focus in this edition of CHATTER is on our graduates’ success
after TanenbaumCHAT, success measured not in terms of wealth or status
but in terms of how our alumni connect to something bigger than themselves. How are our graduates using their TanenbaumCHAT education
and the privileges that are theirs to better the prospects of other people? In what ways are they making an impact on someone else’s life?
TanenbaumCHAT has given birth to over 7,000 alumni. Some are social
entrepreneurs who have founded organizations that promote religious
tolerance and peace. Others have distinguished themselves as consultants
who guide people to invest in environmentally and socially responsible
ways. Some are accomplished singers and songwriters who help listeners
better understand their own life history. Others are dancers who have
opened studios that help individuals build confidence and self-assuredness through dance. Still others are story collectors and storytellers who
travel to faraway countries to give voice to children who reflect upon
social issues of the day.
Some have taken their own handicap or medical challenge and started
clubs and organizations that educate the public about disabilities or about
healthy, active living. Others have gone abroad and used the medium of
sports to foster dialogue and harmony among warring factions in African
countries. Some work to ensure that all 7 billion inhabitants of this earth
have access to potable water. Others have a calling to eliminate poverty.
Some are teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors that work
in our beloved school or at other Jewish day schools and see themselves
as nation builders who ensure a strong future for the Jewish people. Others teach General Studies and ignite the curiosity of the next generation
of engineers, economists, and entrepreneurs.
Dozens of our graduates have served or currently serve in the IDF. Some
were lone soldiers who fought in Gaza in the summer of 2014. Others
worked on the Iron Dome that intercepted missiles directed towards civilian
populations in Israel. Some made aliyah and are using their talents to
write the next chapter in the story of the modern State of Israel, the greatest
collective enterprise of the Jewish people. Some have stepped up as leaders
in Israel Advocacy on Canadian campuses. Others work for organizations
that counter media bias towards Israel and educate the general public on
the moral and political asset that Israel represents.
Our hope is to send off our graduates imbued with the notion that the
Jewish people and the world in general needs them as they go on and
fashion their lives. Our 7,000 alumni are making an impact and make us
all proud. l
tanenbaumchat.org I 3
A Year in the 6ix
Start Up
CHAT
Jonathan Levy Ph.D.,
TanenbaumCHAT Wallenberg Campus, Principal
Ariel’s
Legacy
This past year saw the Wallenberg Campus engage in new endeavors
while continuing to provide a challenging and stimulating environment for
academic growth.
With the pillars of academic excellence, stellar extra-curricular programming
and a strong commitment to Israel and social justice, TCW students were
certainly very busy! Staff dedication in and out of the classroom continued to
contribute to our academic excellence and rigorous programming. TCW students
participated in more than 25 sports teams, won 3 championships and ‘rumbled’
with their fellow students at TCK. Students were involved in dozens of clubs
and committees that met regularly, a half dozen shows that were performed to
joyous audiences, and trips taken to extend the learning beyond the classroom.
To help the needy, students raised thousands of dollars for worthwhile local,
national, and international causes and volunteered over ten thousand hours of
community service.
But most impressive of all are the 142 graduates who walked across the stage
at graduation, ready to make their mark on the future. We are looking forward to
welcoming the class of 2020 this September! l
Grade 9 Orientation
Robin Hood
4 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
National
Pi Day
O Grams
Shabbat
Project
T C W
Yom
Nacho
Custodian
Appreciation
Think
Pink
Battle of
the Camps
Terry Fox
Run
Beit
Halochen
Sukkot
Eat
Healthy
tanenbaumchat.org I 5
WE THE NORTH
Opening
Carnival
Renee Cohen ‘96,
TanenbaumCHAT Kimel Family Education Centre, Principal
Spring
Concert
Each and every day, from the early hours before school starts, to the late night
hours after school ends, TCK is always bustling with activity. Our students and staff rise to the challenge, each and every time, to bring
innovation, creativity, winning moments, and success to TanenbaumCHAT.
We are extremely fortunate to have so many staff and student leaders that
dedicate hundreds of hours into creating an award-winning TanenbaumCHAT
Experience. In the school, or in the community at large, our staff and students give
us so many reasons to be proud.
Our rigorous academic program and high standards for academic excellence,
is coupled at TanenbaumCHAT, with a strong drive toward the notion of
contribution. It is often said that, “knowledge without contribution lacks significance” and
it is for this reason that our students make significant contributions to our school
community, to the Jewish community and to the Toronto and Global communities,
in order to help make a difference in the world in which we live. Sports
Day
The photographs that surround this piece are only a very small sample of the
many magical moments that take place at TCK. It is a privilege to be part of such
a vibrant, thriving and close-knit community at TCK. May we go from strength to strength, ‫לִיָח לֶא לִיַחֵמ ּוכְלֵי‬,and may we continue
to celebrate our school’s many successes and accomplishments as a united and
strong ‫( הליהק‬community)! l
6 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
Opening
Carnival
T C K
REEL Film
Festival
Project
Israel
Shabbatons
Terry Fox
Run
Tu B’Shvat
Art
Trip
Robotics
Club
Tu B’Shvat
Opening Carnival
Grandparent
Day
Shabbatons
tanenbaumchat.org I 7
alumni pursuits at the
TOP Of their game
Lindsay Bloom ’15
Jacob Charendoff ‘16
I hadn’t thought about my success at OFSAA (Ontario Federation of
School Athletic Associations) being closely related to my high-school career.
Skiing has always been a part of my life, at the age of three years old I put
on my first skis, and shortly after at the age of six I was racing.
The older I got the more competitive the competitions became although
once I began my years at TanenbaumCHAT there was a strong sense of
support from my teachers. They encouraged my growth in the sport I loved
and were always available to help me succeed in my academics. With the
intensive pressures of missing class off my back it allowed for my skiing
skills to excel.
It hadn’t dawned on me that I could win the Slalom or come third in
the Giant Slalom at OFSAA. I had switched from competitions to coaching
the past two years, allowing for more time to focus on my academics. In
hindsight, that time spent coaching taught me to critique my own skills and
find even the most minuscule room for improvement. It was my coaching
perspective that gave me the adjustments I needed and ultimately put me
in a position to succeed. My success at OFSAA was an incredible way to
complete both my high school and skiing career as neither will be forgotten
and both played a huge part of my young adult life. l
After four years at TanenbaumCHAT, I was looking forward to the
break that college would provide. Turned out I was wrong. My typical day in
Medford, Massachusetts at Tufts University started with breakfast followed
by two lectures. After lunch, I’d either hit the books, study, or head straight
to the gym. My team had to arrive 45 minutes before practice or earlier if
you needed athletic therapy. If we had a team weightlifting session, that
would add an extra 45 minutes. After our two-hour practice, we would
occasionally take an ice bath and then to a team dinner. Most nights, I
would not get back until 10:00 pm, where I would continue the homework
that I had started earlier. Occasionally I would be required to miss a Friday
class, or in the case of the national championship game many days worth
of classes.
Many ask me how I am able to balance academics, athletics, and my
social life. My response is that it is all about how we use the time that we
have. We can choose to cut down on the time we spend online, on our
phones and generally procrastinating. I’ve made some of my best friends at
Tufts and had plenty of time to spend with them. Many of them are athletes
who share a similar lifestyle and understand the level of commitment
required to be on a varsity team. Basketball gives me structure and an
incentive to work hard and be efficient. TanenbaumCHAT taught me the
time management skills that I needed to succeed at Tufts University. I saw
many athletes struggle to balance their lives, and I felt I had an advantage
because of my high school experience at TanenbaumCHAT. l
Rachel Hennick ‘16
It never dawned on me that lacing up my first pair of ice skates in 2004 would be
a pivotal moment as I began my first skating lessons, after all I was only six years old.
Since then I haven’t been able to stay off the ice as Synchronized Skating has become
a large part of my life. The intensive precision of 16 choreographed teammates figure
skating at once in perfect synchronization doesn’t come easy. Our regular practices
added up to the equivalent of a thirty-hour work week, for a competition season that
stretched from November through February.
With the demanding work load of a dual curriculum at TanenbaumCHAT and skating,
I learned to utilize efficient time management skills especially if I wanted a social life.
It all paid off as our team became contenders for the Winter Olympics, and we were
given the opportunity to represent Canada as the National Team. TanenbaumCHAT
has taught me how to balance my intensive academics with national competitions.
I know I’m about to enter a new chapter of my life with my best skate forward. l
8 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
alumni pursuits
in the arts
Brian Lee ‘09
Brian Lee created the highly successful non-profit
theatre company Steppin’ Out Theatrical Productions
while he was in Grade 11 at TCK. This is the first musical
theatre company to hold residence at the Richmond Hill
Centre for the Performing Arts. He received his undergraduate degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston
and currently resides in New York City, while working as a
theatre director in both New York and London. Recently,
Brian was on the directorial team for projects starring:
Seth MacFarlane, Christina Aguilera, Sting, Bernadette Peters and most
recently, Glenn Close. Brian believes that TanenbaumCHAT provided him
with the necessary tools to identify his passion and strive for success. Brian
was inspired by his teachers Ms. Shapiro, Ms. Citron and Ms. Socken, all
of whom emphasized the importance of sticking to your beliefs and the
power of communication.
It was a true honour for him to sit and listen to these amazing educators
display their unabashed passion and instill the importance of history and
storytelling into the next generation. Their enthusiasm and skill contributed
to Brian’s journey to becoming a professional storyteller.
To students with an interest in pursing a career in the arts, Brian has
some advice: “The true mark of success is being able to constantly learn
and consistently grow. If an opportunity does not present itself, find a way
to create your own work. Surround yourself with people who you can learn
from and who inspire you. Self-advocate and continue to push yourself to
achieve new things. You will always be amazed by what can be achieved
with perseverance and hard work.” l
Samantha Cooper ‘12
In Fall 2016, Samantha Cooper will begin a fully
funded, direct entry PhD program in Historical Musicology
at New York University. She is one of only two students
accepted into this program. At NYU, Samantha plans to
examine the creation of Jewish characters within 19th to
20th century opera, and the development of the role of
the Cantor in Jewish synagogue leadership, among other
topics. She is currently graduating with a Bachelor of
Music from Wilfrid Laurier University. “I believe that the melding of my passions for Jewish
and Music History began while I was studying at TanenbaumCHAT. The
many opportunities to participate in student events, like Arts Café and
Talent Show, and Jewish holiday ceremonies, like Yom HaShoah and Yom
Ha’Atzmaut, were stimulating supplements to my musical education. Most
importantly, my studies at TanenbaumCHAT inspired a passion for lifelong
education.”
To students with an interest in pursuing eccentric, artistic, or otherwise
unconventional topics of study, Samantha has some advice: “Success is
more based on motivation and perseverance than it is on intelligence.
Self-advocate and strive towards your goals with unwavering commitment
and you will succeed beyond your wildest expectations.” l
Orlee-Rose Strauss ‘05
I learned pretty quick that wanting to be a “filmmaker” was not something you should tell people... unless you enjoyed getting “that look.”You
know, the look a parent would have when their kid asks if the Tooth Fairy
is real, i.e. Oh you want to be a filmmaker? That’s... nice.
A quick perusal of my TanenbaumCHAT years and it’s obvious — I was
going for it anyway. I dropped Sciences by Grade 11, Maths by Grade 12
(sorry, Dad) and loaded up my schedule with the Arts: Drama, Media, the
works. I even somehow managed to submit short films in place of English
papers - a very crude production of Oedipus Rex comes to mind.
Flash forward a few years: an undergrad degree in Film from Ryerson,
a Masters from the University of Southern California, a million+
internships later (including one at Apatow Productions, a long time
dream), and now... I am a filmmaker.
To be more precise, I am a producer at
Supermarché, a film and TV company in
New York City. I work with a directing-duo,
Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost, making
everything from big budget features (our
latest, Nerve, hits theaters July 27!) to
indies (we debuted our feature film White
Girl at Sundance this year), shorts (check
out Australian Psycho, for Vogue), TV ads,
even virtual reality. Every day is an adventure.
For those with similar aspirations - don’t tuck the dream away, it’s closer
than it seems. Especially for those willing to work obsessively to achieve it,
as most TanenbaumCHAT students are.
Oh you want to be a filmmaker? That’s nice. Go do it. l
tanenbaumchat.org I 9
Living and Loving
the Jewish Experience
10 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
Students at TanenbaumCHAT participate in and lead stellar
programming that engages them in the hands-on relevance
to their lives of Judaism, Israel, and the Jewish community.
Through these experiences, the students grow to be
confident about who they are and about their contributions
to the world at large. Highlights from our past year included:
Israel Engagement Week – Students were greeted at a
mock “Ben Gurion Airport” and spent the week in an array
of Israel programming including being trained in Israel
Advocacy and preparing to counter BDS movements on
campus, Yom Tzahal (IDF day), Mahane Yehudah, and
“Israel Limmud,” where students chose a workshop on the
Israel topic taught by a TanenbaumCHAT faculty member.
Topics included Israelis in Hollywood Films, Israeli Society
through Israeli TV, Israeli Folk Dancing, Arab-Israeli Conflict,
Virtual Trip in the Israeli National Trail and more.
Chesed / Community Service Projects – The whole school
participated in Chesed Week, and specific chesed days,
which made a meaningful impact on both the recipients of
the chesed as well as on our students. Programs included
making and delivering Mishloach Manot packages for the
clients of the REENA Residence on the Lebovic Campus,
creating food packages for the underprivileged in the GTA,
volunteering in a soup kitchen, helping young students,
and partnering with other community institutions.
Project Israel – On Yom Ha ‘Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence
Day, we held our second annual Project Israel live competition,
where 6 finalists competed to be crowned the winner
of Project Israel 2016: Project Israel is a contest that is
all about learning and creativity related to Israel (history,
Zionism, personalities, topography, achievements and
more). Students took part in a series of knowledge tests,
video and creative art stages.
Yom Hoshaoh ‫י‬
‫שה םו‬/ Holocaust Remembrance Day,
TanenbaumCHAT commemorated Yom Hashoah through
several powerful programs. We held an assembly at which
students portrayed the true narrative of several Holocaust
survivors, some of whom joined us for the event. We also
launched a new, intimate program called “Zikaron BaSalon
‫לסב ןורכז‬,” or “Memory in the Living Room.” Hosted by
TanenbaumCHAT families in their homes, small groups
of students heard directly from survivors in an intimate
environment and engaged in moving discussions. Together
these programs made us all feel that we remember, these
are our stories, we are one, in every generation ‫ָו רֹוּד לָכְּב‬.
Global Hatikvah – On the first day of Hanukkah,
TanenbaumCHAT organized and led a worldwide singing of
Hatikvah in solidarity with Israel. At exactly 12:30 p.m., all
the students of TCK and TCW gathered in their respective
gyms in order to sing an empowering Hatikvah, joined
live by over 40 schools around the world, including Brazil,
Columbia, Australia, Italy, the United States, two army units
in the IDF, as well as many Jewish schools in Toronto. As
two student leaders wrote, “This Global Hatikvah was one
way to show Israel as well as the rest of the world that we,
as a Jewish unified community, stand with Israel. We are
filled with joy and pride.”
Other programs included Jewish holiday celebrations,
Journeys to Conversion panel, Yom Hazikaron workshops,
current events, shabbatonim and much more.
These experiences deepen students’ connection to their
Jewish roots, showing them how Judaism is timeless,
meaningful, and relevant to their lives. We help students
develop a sense of responsibility to the State of Israel with
all its complexities and the global Jewish people in all its
diversity, and we teach that life becomes more meaningful
when we reach beyond ourselves. l
tanenbaumchat.org I 11
The Launch of the Advanced
Placement Program (AP)
TanenbaumCHAT has launched an intensive five-point strategic
plan, designed to ensure the long-term health and strength of both of our
campuses. One of these, innovation in our educational programming, has
led to the launch of Advanced Placement courses starting this September
2016 at both the Wallenberg and Kimel campuses.
The AP Program allows motivated students to experience university level
courses while still at TanenbaumCHAT. Teachers offer the AP program,
while simultaneously delivering the Ontario curriculum, and thereby afford
students the opportunity to earn university credits and/or placement. As
Rabbi Buckman stated when he introduced the AP program to the faculty
a year ago, “this initiative increases our competitive edge compared to
other elite private schools by providing enrichment to advanced students.”
AP courses, as described on the College Board website, give students
an advantage in a vast array of areas including: standing out in university
12 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
admissions, earning university credits, skipping introductory classes and
building university skills. Although AP originated in the U.S., every Canadian
university offers some degree of AP credit or course exemption for
students who do well on the College Board standardized subject area
AP exam.
Courses will be taught by TanenbaumCHAT teachers who become
trained AP subject-matter experts. Within two years, we anticipate
five teachers will be certified to teach these university-level courses. This fall
pre-AP classes will begin in Grade 11 to prepare students for AP Chemistry
and Calculus which will be offered to Grade 12 students during the
2017-2018 school year.
We pride ourselves on offering the highest quality academic program
and believe that our students are ready for this level of challenge. We are
confident that all AP eligible students who enroll will thrive. l
Success
Breeds Success
Isabel Hazan ‘16 Wins Schulich Scholarship
An email from Queen’s University notified Isabel Hazan that she was being offered an $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship for an undergraduate degree in Engineering.
She sat in silence, in shock and disbelief.
Cautiously, she crafted a text message to her immediate family with the
news. Shortly after, she sent another message to her guidance counsellor.
Within seconds, a call back: ‘Do you know what this means?’
Hundreds of congratulatory calls, emails and social media posts continue
to pour in, and this Grade 12 TanenbaumCHAT student now understands
the true meaning of this opportunity; the ability to pursue her dream of
demonstrating that girls can equally have power and influence in science,
technology and in society overall.
“Inspiring women to pursue careers and make significant contributions
in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is a major
motivator for me. I am a strong believer in the power of women and their
untapped potential in these fields. I want young women to feel they can
do anything they want and reach their goals regardless of their gender.”
Her secret? Time management and balance.
“It can’t just be about school. Hard work and academics are definitely
important, but getting too caught up in the stresses of school can cause
you to miss out on experiences with family and friends that can lead to
new passions and exposure to new opportunities. It is important to make
time for these aspects of your life too,” said Hazan.
Hazan was a competitive gymnast up until Grade 11, training for 20
hours per week in addition to coaching. When she stopped gymnastics,
she found a job. The need to balance school with extracurricular activities
forced her to develop work habits that have served her well.
“When you really think about how you spend your time, it is easy to
realize how much is wasted. However, when you start using your time
for what you are genuinely passionate about, you can make a difference,
and really gain a better understanding for how much time you have.
We all have the same number of hours in a day, and I believe that a major
determinant of success is how efficiently these hours are used. Time is
valuable –make it count,” said Hazan.
In addition to volunteering with Women of Influence and being a peer
tutor at school, she started a school club two years ago called Girls for
Girls, bringing female students together to look at issues of equality and
gender stereotypes. The club focuses on outreach, making students feel
comfortable and empowering them to reach and achieve their goals.
Hazan has already started building the path that will lead to her science
and technology goals. Last summer, she spent four weeks at Technion –
Israel Institute of Technology along with a group of international students
working on stem cell research. The experience helped solidify her decision
to pursue an engineering degree seeing its wide application, whether she
decides to pursue a career in the medical field or take part in discovering
better systems for society.
“
“I want young women to feel they can do anything they
want and reach their goals regardless of their gender.”
She is hoping that earning this scholarship will influence more female
students to pursue careers in these fields, and prove that any goal is
attainable with a little discipline and determination. She also is excited for
the new TanenbaumCHAT students participating in the Anita and Daniel
Chai Engineering Academy. The four-year certificate program, launching
this fall, is a hands-on educational approach that trains a select group
of TanenbaumCHAT students, through Ontario Ministry of Educationapproved courses, to understand the fundamentals of engineering, robotics
and design.
“It will definitely provide more exposure to what engineering is about.
Even for people who have different career aspirations, problem-solving
skills are valued and respected in nearly all academic programs and
careers paths,” said Hazan. “Engineers know how to think a certain way,
and having that early exposure is an incredible opportunity.” l
tanenbaumchat.org I 13
alumni impact
IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
Bonnie
(Abramsky)
Oppenheimer ‘07
The House, Toronto
After spending eight years away from Toronto, four of
them in the United States, I was excited to come back and pursue
a career in education. I never thought that after graduating from
TanenbaumCHAT, almost 10 years ago, that I would stay in the
Jewish world and make it my profession.
When I was 17, I spent the majority of my grade 12 year in the
Student Activities office with Mr. Sable and Mrs. Rebick, planning
Shabbatons and coming up with school wide assembly ideas. Most
of my close friends joked with me that I would end up back at A107
professionally one day; and in a twisted way, they were right.
After spending eight years away I have come home and I am now
the Director of Experiential Jewish Education and Engagement at
The House, an organization that is centered on dynamic, relatable
programming for Jewish young professionals. It was started by
former TanenbaumCHAT teacher Rabbi Rafi Lipner, who saw the
need for informal Jewish education for the most important stage
in life, after university.
What I love about working at The House is that I am always
growing not just professionally, but personally. Each relationship I
make with a volunteer, each presentation I help build content on,
I grow as a Jew.
I love topics that are taboo and putting a Jewish lens to it.
Infertility, heartbreak, mental health, being single, dating, raising a
family; this all happens between 22-35 years old, yet no one talks
about it. It’s our job to bring people together, educate and build
community around it through our own Jewish values. l
14 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
rabbi joel
wardinger ‘97
Jewish Urban Meeting
Place (JUMP)
Attending CHAT was the most powerful force to make me think
about what it means to be Jewish and challenged me intellectually,
spiritually and socially to take responsibility for my own Jewish
identity while propelling me to give back to our great community.
After CHAT, while studying at McGill University, I became very
involved in Jewish life on campus having taken leadership roles at
AEPi, Hillel and the Ghetto Shul. Those experiences led me to law
school in an effort to further sharpen my advocacy and communitybuilding tools. Afterwards it lead me to a long stint in a few Yeshivot
in Israel, culminating in Smicha. With all of this education in hand,
the time came to return to Toronto with my growing family to try
and make some impact in the community and to share some of my
passion and knowledge here. I landed at an amazing organization called JUMP (Jewish Urban
Meeting Place) as the Education Director, and over the past couple
years have taken on the role of Director. JUMP has moved around
some and has now settled in Yorkville in an effort to connect with
the university population and growing young professional community
living around midtown and downtown. We are a community and
education centre focusing primarily on young professionals. Our
centre features a wide range of social, cultural, religious and networking programs week in and week out.
We have a daily minyan and learning program, as well as frequent
Shabbat dinners and Shabbatonim. We have just hired a resident
Rabbi, who will be moving from Israel this summer to further
develop this nascent community. Our vibrant centre serves as a hub
for Jewish life in urban Toronto and for millennials - providing
a Jewish outlet during the ever-critical years after university and
before settling down. l
Leadership Engagement Education
elysa (kumer)
wieskopf ‘04
naomi
rosenfeld ‘09
Hillel, Montreal
Atlantic Jewish council,
halifax
In high school I never imagined working in the Jewish
communal field. It was only while attended university that I
realized just how much I missed my Jewish ties. It was Hillel that
provided me with the sense of community I was searching for,
and ignited my passion for Jewish nonprofit work. After completing
my MSW, I took on the position as Senior Engagement Associate
at Hillel Montreal. Here I have the exciting role of supporting
student initiatives, building pluralistic communities, and creating
dynamic opportunities for students to embrace their Judaism.
Whether it’s providing resources to host Shabbat in their home,
pairing students with professionals as part of our Connections
Mentorship Program, establishing partnerships with university
faculty to bring kosher food to campus wide events, or working
with our leadership to plan a day of service at a local low income
school, I am grateful to serve our students and work towards
creating a welcoming, vibrant, and enriching environment on
campus.
Reflecting back as an alumna of the CHAT New Stream program, I
will always be thankful for my teachers and faculty both of whom
modelled true relationship building and continue to inspire the
way I relate to students every day. l
This summer, I will be moving to beautiful Halifax,
Nova Scotia to take on the position of Executive Director for the
Atlantic Jewish Council. With its many activities throughout the
region, the Atlantic Jewish Council ensures the continuity, and
enhances the quality of Jewish life in Atlantic Canada. This includes
supporting and developing institutional and community relationships, organizing educational programs, and supporting Israel.
As Executive Director, I will be managing the organization’s daily
operations, as well as providing leadership to the organization’s
strategic direction alongside its Board of Directors. In so doing, my
role will include working with the organization’s staff and committed
volunteers in building and maintaining trusted relationships with
members of the Jewish community and the community-at-large,
marketing and representing the community both on a local and
national stage, developing the organization’s financial resources,
and cultivating leadership in Atlantic Canada’s Jewish community.
I am excited to use what I learned in my many Jewish educational
experiences, including my time at TanenbaumCHAT, in this new and
exciting position! l
tanenbaumchat.org I 15
alumni impact
IN THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
lindsay
cohen ‘11
simon
wolle ‘90
camp kadimah
camp northland
b’nai birth
Growing up, I was constantly exposed to some form of
community involvement. My mom was a professional fundraiser
and my dad was heavily involved with B’nai Brith. My family
continually instilled community values in me by maintaining
certain traditions; during Hanukkah we sang to seniors and when
Passover rolled around we’d always deliver baskets. In addition, we
would often go bowling with adults with developmental disabilities
and bring donuts and coffee to the R.I.D.E. police officers.
When I entered TanenbaumCHAT, I was at an age where I could
involve myself in the community more independently. As a result,
I participated in many volunteer activities such as friendship circle
and helping at a supplementary Hebrew school.
After my graduation from TanenbaumCHAT, I attended the
University of Guelph to study accounting, and continued my
involvement in the Jewish community. When looking into my career
options, I realized the impact that all of these experiences have
had on my life and decided to continue to dedicate my time to the
community. I am now working in the field of informal Jewish and
Israel education. I would not be where I am today without all of
the experiences I had growing up; I have truly felt the impact that
community involvement can have. l
16 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
In 1986, I came to CHAT in grade 9. I was anxious, excited and
uncertain about the four-year high school journey ahead. Slowly, I
started to discover things about myself through the opportunities
that CHAT placed in front of me. There was the athletic council, and
fashion show, and new friendships; there was a talent show, and
pajama day, a run for charity, etc. Slowly, leadership opportunities
emerged and I grabbed everything I could, eventually becoming
the President of Student Council in grade 12. These experiences
laid a strong and stable foundation to build upon.
The journey I began in 1986 was not a 4-year trip. In fact, I am
still enjoying the journey today. As the Camp Director at Camp
Northland B’nai-Brith (the first camp I went to myself), I get to
apply the leadership, care, compassion, and guidance that I gained
as a student at CHAT so many years ago.
I currently manage over 150 staff members, and have critical
Jewish and experiential touch-points with over 600 young Jewish
campers and future leaders each summer and throughout the year.
I value family and appreciate the incredible gift in my life to have
my wife, Stacia, and our three beautiful kids who attend Heschel
and continue on the path of Jewish education.
It is sometimes hard to appreciate or anticipate the harvest
as you work so hard planting the seeds in an empty field. Thank
you for taking the time to plant so many years ago so I can enjoy
the harvest today and in the future. Today, I now patiently and
methodically plant those same seeds with our Jewish children and
I look forward to what the future will bring for all of us. l
Leadership Engagement Education
elise
loterman ‘04
sari
klazcowski ‘12
king david school,
australia
chabad house at
western university
My “last will and testament” in my graduating yearbook
at CHAT was that I was “Most Likely to plan Yom Ha’Atzmaut.”
This was because I was the head of the school’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut
assembly and many of my interactions with my peers centered
around planning for that day.
Since graduation, I received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology,
a Masters in Religion, and a certification in Experiential Jewish
Education. I spent the first five years of my professional career
working for Hillel Ontario.
Catching the “travel bug” and wanting to live abroad lead me
to pursue my current role as an Experiential Jewish Educator at
the King David School in Melbourne, Australia. My responsibilities
there include creating Jewish content for schools, camps and
Shabbatonim, running the student leadership initiatives, and
organizing and executing meaningful and exciting programming
for the chagim. Recently, I planned an Israel themed student
conference for Yom Ha’Atzmaut.
While I would not have pictured myself living in Australia as I
crossed the stage at my CHAT graduation, I am very grateful for
the skills, experience, and knowledge I gained which have been
essential building blocks to my work in the Jewish community. l
Entering Western University, I didn’t think I would be able
to manage my involvement in extra curriculars while remaining
committed to my education. It was only in the second year of my
undergraduate when my involvement with Chabad reached new
heights. The past two years I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of
serving as Chabad Westerns Co-President with TanenbaumCHAT
alumni Daniel Brener ‘12 and Corey Kamen ‘12.
Through this amazing experience we have been fortunate to
meet countless Jewish students that had a significant impact on
our university experience. Rabbi Mordechai Silverberg, his wife
Nechamie and all of their seven amazing children have created an
incredible environment for students. Shabbat dinners every Friday
night and helping Nechamie cook for the 250+ students a week
has become routine for myself and so many others.
When we attended TanenbaumCHAT we were surrounded by a
sea of Jewish programming that inspired us to contribute when the
opportunity arose. The leadership roles we’ve taken on at Chabad
have helped maintain and grow the Jewish foundation built at
TanenbaumCHAT. For many students, Chabad has become a social,
cultural and religious hub for students to maintain and continue
practicing their Jewish traditions while simultaneously building a
strong and incredibly special Jewish community. l
tanenbaumchat.org I 17
142
PROUD
MOMENTS
“excerpt from the valedictory
Address delivered by
jordan harrison allen ‘16”
One of the best parts about being a student here
is that the desire to be exceptional is applauded rather
than ridiculed. It is an unfortunate fact of life that
often times people are afraid to succeed because it is
deemed “uncool” to try or to attempt to be different.
In the words of the Latin-American poet Timo Cruz, “Our deepest
fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are
powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most
frightens us.”
Luckily, this fear not does not manifest itself at TCW as students and
faculty members alike do not merely respect people that are different,
but rather encourage said difference. It is because of this culture that
I was able to become the person that I am today. When we look
back at TanenbaumCHAT I recognize that we will likely forget how to
find an oblique asymptote or what the difference is between Talmud
HaBaveli and Talmud Yerushalmi. However, we will not forget the
feeling that no matter where we went, and what we did, we received
full support from everyone around us. There were countless moments
where we came home thinking about how lucky we are to have
gone here. l
18 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
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tanenbaumchat.org I 19
TANENBAUMCHAT WALLENBERG CAMPUS
GRADUATION AWARDS
class of 2016
68% of the Class are Scholastic
Award Winners
Based on an average achievement of 90% or above in the
6 highest Grade Twelve credits taken at TanenbaumCHAT
RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE & AWARDS
Valedictorian
Jordan Harrison Allen
The Governor General’s Award
In recognition of achieving the highest average in all credits in
Grades 11 & 12 taken at TanenbaumCHAT
Shawn Adam Zahavi
Jerusalem Award
In recognition of achieving the highest average in Judaic Studies
in Grade 12
Aaron Lewis Good
Shawn Adam Zahavi
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award
For Excellence in Community Service
Gabriel Izak Helfant
Staff Award
In recognition of involvement in activities and contribution
to school spirit and culture
Judah Rubin Hoffman
Student Leadership Award
In recognition of ongoing leadership in Student Activities
exemplifying TanenbaumCHAT values
Jessica Rachel Katzman
DEPARTMENTAL & SUBJECT AWARDS
general STUDIES
Art Award
In memory of Lisa Shore
Ayelet Chen Lustgarten
Biology Award
Henry Korenblum Memorial Endowment Fund
Shawn Adam Zahavi
Business Studies Award
In memory of David E. Buck
Chase David Glasberg
Chemistry Award
Jonathan Isaac Sharir-Smith
Computer Science Award
Avrum Jeffrey Duke Memorial Endowment Fund
Shimon Moshe Smith
Dramatic Arts Award
Joshua Philip Granovsky
English Award
In memory of Ian Cohen ‘70
Laura Rose Goldfarb
History Award
Esther Haberman Memorial Endowment Fund
Robert Jacob Kohut Dryer
20 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
Interdisciplinary Studies Award
Talia Nechama Rochwerg
Kinesiology Award
Barbara Manilla Memorial Endowment Fund
Aaron Lewis Good
Mathematics Award
In memory of Sara & Joseph Rahmani
Jacob Solomon Beallor
Jonathan Tzvi Zaionz
Modern Languages Award
Arieh Max Sacke
Music Award
Lisa-Ann Lauren Posluns Memorial Endowment Fund
Arieh Max Sacke
Physics Award
Arthur Lerman Memorial Endowment Fund
Lewis David Ashley
Science Award
In memory of Joseph & Miriam Getman
Abby Jordyn Lindzon
Social Science Award
In memory of Jonathan David Deitcher ’87
Dana Marley Davis
22% of the Class are Academic
Award Winners
Based on an average achievement of 80% or above in the
8 highest Grade Twelve courses taken at TanenbaumCHAT
94% of the Class are
Ontario Scholars
T C W
TanenbaumCHAT graduates were designated by the Province
as Ontario Scholars, having achieved an 80% average or
more in their best 6 Grade Twelve Credits
DEPARTMENTAL & SUBJECT AWARDS
JUDAIC STUDIES
SCHOLARSHIPS & SPECIAL AWARDS
Hebrew Language & Literature Award
Alumni Association Award
In honour of the Helen & Harry Cohen Family
Courtney Esther Viner
For outstanding determination in pursuing studies
at TanenbaumCHAT
Loren Rae Cohen
Israel Studies Award
Joan Blidner Award
In honour of Icek z”l and Manya Segal
Natalie Elyse Urbach
For outstanding improvement while at TanenbaumCHAT
Batya Adi Feder
Jewish Ethics Award
Isaac & Basia Jesin Award
In memory of Yona Rabinowicz
For excellence in Judaic Studies over four years
Rachel Cara Goldfarb
Jewish History Award - Holocaust Studies
Hannah Sara Rosenberg
In memory of Rubin Tencer, a survivor of Auschwitz
Eric and Marsha Slavens Award
Jewish History Award
Jonathan Isaac Sharir-Smith
Judith Hannah Walters
Jillian Blair Weisleder
In memory of Israel Appel
For combining sporting & academic achievement
Anna-Rae Alaton
Philip & Helen Zucker Scholarship
Jewish Philosophy Award
Sofia Yisraela Freudenstein
Judah Rubin Hoffman
New Stream Award
For continuing education in Jewish studies
CONTINUING STUDIES IN ISRAEL
Anshel & Devorah Zylberman Prize
Ofir Rabinoviz
Jonathan David Deitcher Memorial Scholarship
Rabbinics Award
For continuing Jewish studies in Israel
Hannah Sara Rosenberg
Jonah Isaac Levitt
In memory of Sam Faivish
Hayley Maya Wagman
Rabbi Marvin B. Pachino Award
Talmud Award
In memory of Rabbi Avraham Zalman Berger
Judah Rubin Hoffman
For excellence in Judaic Studies and continuing Jewish Education in Israel
Sofia Yisraela Freudenstein
David Rosenzweig Memorial Scholarship
Talmud Award
In memory of David Rosenzweig ‘72
In memory of Samuel Haberman
Menachem Mendle Meir Berger
Sofia Yisraela Freudenstein
Gertrude & David Sher Foundation Scholarship
Tanach award
In memory of Jonathan David Deitcher ’87
Samuel Jacob Perrier Brooks
For continuing Jewish studies in Israel
Batya Adi Feder
Board of Directors Awards For continuing studies in Israel
Stephanie Hannah Leboff
Yonah Ari Morrison
Judah Rubin Hoffman
Natalie Elyse Urbach
Tamara Weiss
Maxwell Jonathan Eisen
Talia Nechama Rochwerg
Jonathan Tzvi Zaionz
Sofia Yisraela Freudenstein
Ezra Nicholas Tzvi Kestenbaum Markovits
Eytan Re’ah Weinstein
Hannah Sara Rosenberg
Jonah Isaac Levitt
Batya Adi Feder
Menachem Mendle Meir Berger
Leeran Jeanette Hayek
Adam Seth Rosenblum
tanenbaumchat.org I 21
134
PROUD
MOMENTS
“Excerpt from the valedictory
Address delivered by
gina lee desatnik ‘16”
Today is our day of reflection. A day to celebrate
all the hard work that got us to this point and a day
to acknowledge all the hard work and effort put in by
our parents, teachers and mentors to help us reach this
milestone. We are mere moments away from graduating
and beginning the next stage of our journeys towards achieving our
goals. In no time, we’ll be placing our mark on the world, making the
changes we feel are necessary.
We all face adversity at some time or another. We are all trying to
figure it out, define who we are and what we would like to be and
do with our lives. Some of us strive for perfection but I now realize
that there is no such thing. In fact, I believe that perfection lies in
imperfection. Our growth is embedded in all the challenges we face.
What we did yesterday or today does not define our tomorrow. That
gift though, depends on our attitude. With the right attitude we can
work at ourselves, grow, change and work to be better versions of
ourselves all the time. l
22 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
T
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tanenbaumchat.org I 23
TANENBAUMCHAT Kimel Family education centre
GRADUATION AWARDS
class of 2016
78% of the Class are Scholastic
Award Winners
Based on an average achievement of 90% or above in the
6 highest Grade Twelve credits taken at TanenbaumCHAT
RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE & AWARDS
Valedictorian
Gina Lee Desatnik
The Governor General’s Award
In recognition of achieving the highest average in all credits in
Grades 11 & 12 taken at TanenbaumCHAT
Kyle Ross Maresky
Jerusalem Award
In recognition of achieving the highest average in Judaic Studies
in Grade 12
Benjamin Rodkin
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award
for Excellence in Community Service
Jennifer Fayth Korman
Staff Award
In recognition of involvement in activities and contribution
to school spirit and culture
Edan Avichai Cohen
Student Leadership Award
In recognition of ongoing leadership in Student Activities
exemplifying TanenbaumCHAT values
Benjamin Rodkin
DEPARTMENTAL & SUBJECT AWARDS
general STUDIES
Art Award
In memory of Lisa Shore
Film & Media Production Award
Ori Jonathan Mezuman
Biology Award
History Award
Jonathan Adam Zrihen
Jonah Daniel Rosenthal Solomon
Hershenfeld Weltman Family Endowment Fund
Shaindel Shirelle Belmont
Business Studies Award
Brian Joshua Friedman
Chemistry Award
Mathematics Award
Dylan Mathew Raubvogel
Music Award
Orly Kitriya Leah Lewis
In memory of David J. Levy
Kyle Ross Maresky
Physics Award
Kyle Ross Maresky
Computer Science Award
Noah Shechtman
Social Science Award
Joshua Samuel Maker
Dramatic Arts Award
Ori Jonathan Mezuman
English Award
Lisa Coristine Memorial Endowment Fund
Orly Kitriya Leah Lewis
English as a Second Language Award
Shimon & Clara Berglas Memorial Endowment Fund
Galit Shneiderman-Gorwitz
24 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
37% of the Class are Academic
Award Winners
Based on an average achievement of 80% or above in the
8 highest Grade Twelve courses taken at TanenbaumCHAT
97% of the Class are
Ontario Scholars
T C K
TanenbaumCHAT graduates were designated by the Province
as Ontario Scholars, having achieved an 80% average or
more in their best 6 Grade Twelve Credits
DEPARTMENTAL & SUBJECT AWARDS
JUDAIC STUDIES
Hebrew Language & Literature Award
In memory of Elliott M. Wilson
Benjamin Rodkin
Jewish Ethics Award
David & Bluma Schachter Memorial Endowment Fund
Zahava Rebecca Eklove
Jewish History Award - Holocaust Studies
In memory of Rubin Tencer, a survivor of Auschwitz
Stefanie Isabel Stockhamer
Jewish History Award
Carol Rosenfeld Memorial Endowment Fund
Brian Joshua Friedman
Jewish Philosophy Award
Edan Avichai Cohen
New Stream Award
Erica Schiller Mammon Memorial Endowment Fund
Matthew Ryan Howard
Rabbinics Award
In memory of Sam Faivish
Summer Eden Hart
Talmud Award
Shaindel Shirelle Belmont
Tanach award
Samantha Marleen Steiner
SCHOLARSHIPS & SPECIAL AWARDS
Morris & Rose Alspector Award
David Rosenzweig Memorial Scholarship
For achieving the highest average in Judaic Studies over four years
In memory of David Rosenzweig ‘72
Alumni Association Scholarship
Gertrude & David Sher Foundation Scholarship
For outstanding determination in pursuing studies at TanenbaumCHAT
For continuing Jewish studies in Israel
Joan Blidner Award
For outstanding improvement while at TanenbaumCHAT
Sydney Rachel Factor
Daniel Sherman Memorial Scholarships
Yonatan Jacob Fortinsky
Galit Shneiderman-Gorwitz
Judy Shaviv Memorial Fund “Keren Yad Yehudit”
Board of Directors Awards
Assisting graduates to serve in the IDF, study or volunteer in Israel
For continuing studies or volunteering in Israel
Benjamin Rodkin
Shai Barak
Moshe Elmaleh
Eric and Marsha Slavens Award
For combining sporting & academic achievement
Deborah Pekar
Aaron Michael Subel
Jonathan David Deitcher Memorial Scholarship
Samuel Trevor Glowinsky
Rabbi Marvin B. Pachino Award
Shalva Masha Sutton
Ilan Yaakov Kalman Eklove
Edan Avichai Cohen
Ilan Yaakov Kalman Eklove
Moshe Elmaleh
Yonatan Jacob Fortinsky
Samuel Trevor Glowinsky
Menachem Mendel Guttmann
Galit Shneiderman-Gorwitz
Shalva Masha Sutton
Michael Mayer Tobianah
For excellence in Judaic Studies and continuing Jewish Education in Israel
Edan Avichai Cohen
tanenbaumchat.org I 25
news & notes
Weddings
Cohen
Orlan
Rotman
Zahavi I Sookman
births
Waldman
Reingold I Greenwald
Klerer
Lindzon
Katz
• Addison Rose Waldman to Orly Kahn Waldman ’05
and Adam Waldman
• Sloan Sarah to Matt Reingold ‘03 and Chani Greenwald ’04
• Hudson Cooper to Marc Klerer ‘01 and Ali Klerer
• Dillon Pierce to Matthew Lindzon ’03 and Danielle Rudolph
• Gidon Shamai to Rebecca (Chad) Katz ‘10 and Leo Katz ‘10
• Ella Macie and Samuel Aiden to Jessica Scheinmen ’01
and Jesse Waltman
• Eitan Dov to Jeremy Ansel ‘11 and Ruet Ansel
Scheinmen
Scheinmen
26 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
Ansel
news & notes
Mazel Tov
• Matt Guttman ’07 on receiving his B.Eng from McGill 2012, receiving his MD from Schulich School of Medicine at Western May 2016 and to begin surgical residency this year at U of T
• Brian Cohen ’06 to Miriam Dick
• Jodi Rotman ’06 to Ryan Tkatch
• Chloe Orlan ’08 to Daniel Gross
• Ron Zahavi ’04 to
Samantha Sookman ’08
Alumni
Association
• Josh Freedman ‘08 for completing University of Toronto’s
JD/MA (Criminology) program, and being hired to article for the Court of Appeals for Ontario.
SEND US YOUR
NEWS AND NOTES!
• Eli Freedman ‘09 on his acceptance to Yeshivat Chovevei Torah’s rabbinical training program. Contact Arielle Kadish ‘09
at 416.636.5984 ext: 333
or [email protected]
• Elianne Neuman ‘11, who was this year’s Valedictorian for both the Jewish Studies and General Studies programs at Stern College for Women, and who presented the Valedictory address at
Yeshiva University’s May 2016 Commencement Ceremony
ENGAGEMENTS
Klerer
Cherniak
Lazarev
Korolnek
• Rebecca Cherniak ’06 to Noah Kochman
• Daniel Klerer ’07 to Laura Katz
• Rayna Korolnek ’11 to Elliott Glotsman
• Daniel Lazarev ’12 to Jessica Shrayber
• Danny Zarek ’10 to Tali Rutta
• Oriyah Barzilay ’10 to Avi Weiss
• Justine Katz ’06 to Shlomi Silberstein
Zarek
Barzilay
Katz
tanenbaumchat.org I 27
CONTRIBUTION
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
IS THE FOUNDATION.
COMMUNITY
CONNECTION
Wallenberg Campus
(for families living south of Steeles)
Tuesday, November 1, 2016 - 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Kimel Family Education Centre
(for families north of Steeles)
Wednesday, November 9, 2016 - 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Thursday, November 10, 2016 - 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Learn about our
New Stream Program
for students with little
or no Jewish day school education.
Morning & Evening Sessions Available
To Register: www.tanenbaumchat.org/open-house
For further information: [email protected] | 416.636.5984 ext. 291
Advancement Office | 200 Wilmington Avenue, Toronto, ON | M3H 5J8
28 I CHATTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2016
CHARACTER
FOR GRADE 8 PARENTS
CURIOSITY
OPEN HOUSE
THE BREADTH
OF CURRICULUM
AND SELF-DISCIPLINE
SET OUR
STUDENTS APART.