the CHATTER Spring 2013. - Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto

CHATTER
magazine
voices
OF
TanenbaumCHAT
FIRST ANNUAL
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE
THEPOWEROF
WE
6
editor
In this edition of the CHATTER
Magazine, we reached out
to a variety of our audiences
to bring you, “The Voices of
TanenbaumCHAT.” It has been
a pleasure to share this
experience with student editor,
Becca Moss, Wallenberg Class
of 2013. Becca’s insight and vision into this project
helped give a fresh, new perspective to the magazine
by capturing the thoughts of “student voices.” We
look forward to hearing more from the Class of 2013
as they embark on a new phase of their lives and wish
them continued success in all their future endeavors.
15
studenteditor
24
The myriad of opportunities
provided to students by the
TanenbaumCHAT community
make the school truly unique.
Each student’s experience is
tailored to meet their individual needs; they are given a
personalized schedule, a great
education and most importantly, a voice. As these
four amazing years come to a close, I am astounded
at how TanenbaumCHAT has enabled me to express
myself. Whether through the words of an article in
the CHATTER or the lyrics of a song, I am honoured
to represent the student voices that have passed
through these halls.
29
Is published through the TanenbaumCHAT Advancement Office
and is distributed to more than 7,000 TanenbaumCHAT alumni,
parents and friends of the school.
magazine
EDITOR Laurie Wasser
H O W
STUDENT EDITOR Rebecca Moss ’13
DESIGN / LAYOUT Lynn Stanley, Graphic Directions
PRINTING Origo Communications
PHOTOGRAPY Matt Feinstein, Feinstein Photography
Shauna Kipper
Jeremy Cohen
T O
R E A C H
416-636-5984 x 230
fbigman@tanenbaumchat.org
FRONT COVER Emily Sanders ’15
BACK COVER Adam Goodman ’16
tanenbaumc ha t .o rg
2 | CHATTER MAGAZINE SPRING|SUMMER 2013
U S
WALLEN BERG CAMPUS 416-636-5984
KI MEL FAMI LY ED UCAT I O N CEN T RE 905-787-8772
On the Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Campus
D I RECT O R O F AD VAN CEMEN T Frances Bigman, CFRE
Facebook.com/tanenbaumchat1 Facebook.com/tanenbaumchatalumni
Twitter @TCWallenberg youtube.com/tanenbaumchat1
VOICES OF TANENBAUMCHAT
As the spouse of a graduate (Patti
Zionce ’84), and the parent of four
children, two that have graduated,
one completing Grade 10 and
one a couple years away, I have
witnessed firsthand the marvels of
this wonderful institution.
I have quickly learned that it is
through the dedication of countless
volunteers, exceptional staff and
the success of its graduates that
TanenbaumCHAT has achieved a
first rate reputation as one of
the leaders in both Jewish and
General Studies education in
North America and upon which
we will continue to enrich the lives
of so many.
As our current school year
comes to a close, it is with much
delight that I congratulate the
Class of 2013. Like previous years,
the class is comprised of a talented
group of young adults who I am
confident will build on their
achievements and as well, serve
as excellent role models for the
success of our school.
As one of the newest “Voices
of TanenbaumCHAT”, it is my goal
to make this great school even
greater focusing foremost on the
delivery of a first rate education
for our students. With your
help, let’s do our best to make
TanenbaumCHAT the destination
for more and more students in our
community.
voice
OF TH E
New President
LESLIE FLUXGOLD
Best wishes to all for an enjoyable
and safe summer.
tanenbaumchat.org | 3
voice
RHONA BIRENBAUM
Through my work at TanenbaumCHAT, I have often been reminded of the magic that can be made by bringing different
voices together to tell a single story. This year, in my dual role as Acting Head of School and Chief Financial Officer/
Executive Director, I’ve heard from many people. Each has a unique voice, but they all convey the same message...
THEYCARE ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
You can hear this message of caring in every idea expressed
by our exemplary Principals – Helen Fox, Sam Kapustin and Jonathan
Levy. You can’t miss it when speaking with our Director of Advancement,
Frances Bigman. Our five Vice Principals deliver the message every
time they weigh in on what is best for our school. It is evidenced by
the dedication of our school President, Les Fluxgold; our Chair,
Ellen Chaikof; our Immediate Past President, Cecile Zaifman and all of
our Board members. Our outstanding faculty and staff clearly convey
the message through their commitment to excellence in the classroom
4 | CHATTER MAGAZINE SPRING|SUMMER 2013
and beyond. Parents show they care through their volunteerism
and the financial commitment they make to send their children to
TanenbaumCHAT. Our students repeat the message over and over by
enthusiastically participating in everything our school has to offer.
I’ve had the privilege of listening to the diverse voices of TanenbaumCHAT and hearing the interesting tale they weave. The plot had twists
and turns and occasionally some cliff-hangers, but as school draws to
a close, we are ending this chapter on another good note, written
collaboratively by the TanenbaumCHAT family.
“
WALLENBERG
CAMPUS HAS
ITS OWN
BEIT MIDRASH.
THIS
”
does not sound like a
revolutionary statement, but the fact is until
recently, it just wasn’t true. Thanks, however,
to the generosity of thirteen Founding
Families, we can proudly announce our new,
purposeful Beit Midrash, a fully functioning
venue for prayer and study.
“
BUT CAN’T ONE
PRAY ANYWHERE?
”
Of course. Yet, if a school seeks to exploit all
opportunities for promoting and deepening
Jewish identity, the presence of an attractive,
inviting tefilah venue can provide a
special impetus. Certainly, this has been our
experience in the few months of its existence.
All students, daily attendees or not, have
clearly benefited. Somehow everyone feels
more comfortable and more legitimated, as
they pause at the door on the way through
the halls of the school, as if to say, ”My
school now has a proper tefilah site. Even if
I don’t attend too often, I’m happy it’s there.”
Rest assured, the Beit Midrash gets
plenty of use: every day tefilah and regular
Talmud classes are enhanced by the Aron
Ha-Kodesh and accompanying furnishings.
A hearty thank you and
gek xyii to
all those who participated.
BEIT MIDRASH
TanenbaumCHAT
JASONBROWN ’13 JORDANAEKSTEIN’13
of
student
voices
Student Editor, Becca Moss ’13,
appealed to her peers which
resulted in inspiring thoughts….
WHAT HAVE
YOU LEARNED IN YOUR
JEWISH STUDIES CLASSES
AT TANENBAUMCHAT?
> I have forged an invaluable connection to
my Jewish roots. My Tanakh and Rabbinics
courses gave me a deep understanding of my
religion. My Ivrit studies gave me a strong
grasp of the Hebrew language. This base of
knowledge has encouraged me to further my
Jewish education, as well as travel to the land
of Israel.
> Our students are brought together regardless of their background, religiosity, traditions
or values to study Judaism’s roots starting from
the bible to the most recent Arab-Israeli conflict.
I have learned that regardless of the many
diverse opinions, our students unite by finding
meaning in the basis of Judaism’s principles;
Gmilut Chasadim and Tikkun Olam.
WHAT HAVE YOU GAINED
THROUGH YOUR JEWISH
STUDIES HERE THAT YOU
WOULDN’T HAVE GAINED
AT ANOTHER SCHOOL?
> Jewish identity. The connection grew and
developed throughout my high school years not
only from the lessons in the Jewish studies
classroom, but also through Jewish programming. I also feel united with the land of Israel,
and have a very strong connection to Israeli
society and culture.
> I have learned about my history and
traditions and gained a strong connection to
my Jewish roots. I have seen Jewish life through
the eyes of holocaust survivors, IDF heroes
and TanenbaumCHAT alumni. I have felt the
connection the students have for the love and
support of Israel, and support for each other.
WHAT LESSONS WILL
YOU TAKE WITH YOU
TO UNIVERSITY?
> I will continue to value my Judaism,
support Jewish causes on campus and remain
a strong supporter of Israel. TanenbaumCHAT
teaches students to work hard, to be leaders
and individuals, and to be respectful and
demonstrate menschlichkeit.
> The “Arab Israeli Conflict” course taught
me about the constant struggle of the Jewish
people while fighting for the State of Israel. This
has prepared me for possible future anti-Semitic
confrontations on campus and how to react.
WHY ARE YOU
GLAD YOU CONTINUED
YOUR JEWISH STUDIES
AT TANENBAUMCHAT?
> In addition to the education, I have
become part of a community where I can feel
comfortable, have fun and excel in my studies.
I have made new friends and am surrounded
by hardworking and intelligent peers, who
inspire me to be the best I can be.
> I now realize how important it is to
support the Jewish people and learn about our
history and strengthen us as a nation. Learning
about Judaism has instilled my Jewish values
and morals. I know that the Jewish education
I have grown up with my entire childhood will
stay with me forever.
6 | CHATTER MAGAZINE SPRING|SUMMER 2013
CLAIRESTANLEY ’13
JOSHEISEN ’13
RACHELMANSON ’13
> I have learned morals, values and
knowledge about Judaism. It has given me a
better understanding and appreciation of what
it is to be Jewish.
> I have learned how to delve into the
respective customs and laws of Judaism which
allowed me interpret what being a Jew really
means.
> I have learned a lot about Jewish values
and laws. I have been able to extensively
research and debate Jewish ethics and modern
applications to Jewish ethics. This has been
my favourite area of Jewish study because it
has taught me about Jewish values, while still
allowing me to look at my Judaism critically.
> Taking a double curriculum throughout
high school has given me a strong work ethic.
Also, all of my Jewish studies classes have
taught me life lessons that go beyond traditional
high school learning.
> My Judaic studies teachers not only
gave me a deeper understanding of Judaism,
but gave me the opportunity to voice my
opinion on controversial laws and customs.
My teachers encourage a discussion-based
environment where students want to participate.
> Understanding of my background and
heritage. I studied a detailed analysis of
modern Jewish applications, such as Jewish
medical ethics and modern Arab-Israeli conflict.
This gave me a deeper understanding of where
I stand as a Jew, and how to approach the
conflicts surrounding Judaism outside of school.
> I will take the values and morals Iearned
in Jewish studies. I have learned about
tolerance and respecting cultural diversity.
Learning about the Arab-Israeli conflict gave me
a better understanding of world affairs. This will
prepare me to respond to anti-Israeli sentiments.
>
Diversity. TanenbaumCHAT has demonstrated the ability to integrate students of very
diverse backgrounds.
> I will take my extensive knowledge on
Jewish history and Jewish politics, and apply
that knowledge to my academic and social life
beyond TanenbaumCHAT.
> The in-depth study of Judaism has brought
me closer to Judaism and the significance of my
cultural roots.
> I have learned that there is more to high
school than just learning in classrooms and am
appreciative of developing a stronger Jewish
identity. I hope to help others find meaning
in their Judaism the way TanenbaumCHAT
showed me what it means to be a Jew.
> It has given me a new perspective of
where I come from. I have a deeper understanding of Judaism and can now make
informed decisions of how I want my religion
to affect my future.
tanenbaumchat.org | 7
voices
Israel
F R OM
ALEX MAGED’12 SHARES HOW HE AND 55 OTHER
TANENBAUMCHAT GRADS FROM THE CLASS OF 2012
ARE SPENDING THEIR GAP YEAR IN ISRAEL
All across North America, high school seniors are busy deciding
where they want to find themselves next September. While many
will head straight to university, the idea of spending a year in Israel
first has become an increasingly popular option for today’s Jewish
teenagers.
What are we doing? We’re exploring Judaism and studying
chemistry. We’re volunteering in ambulances and interning with
newspapers. We’re hiking up mountains, camping in deserts,
touring historical sites and meeting some of the greatest politicians,
artists and religious leaders in the Jewish world today.
Who are we with? We’re with 10,000 Jews our age who have
come from 42 different countries to spend this year in Israel, too.
For myself, I decided to spend the year in yeshiva. Like most
people who chose this option, I came with a goal: to solidify my
commitment to Jewish values and deepen my connection to the
Jewish People.
I strongly doubt there can be any experience more valuable than
spending a year learning about, and then living out, values such
8 | CHATTER MAGAZINE SPRING|SUMMER 2013
as these – values that should form the foundation of one’s identity.
When you leave high school and gain your independence, the
natural tendency is to look inwards and begin the pursuit of your
own happiness. Taking a year in Israel has helped those of us here
frame our newfound freedom with the correct perspective.
Slowly, surely, I think we’re learning that real maturity means
learning to expand your focus outside of yourself and consider
others. We have immersed ourselves in a society whose members,
if ideologically divided at times, care for each other with a sincerity
that is truly unique. We are training ourselves in an ethical system
proven to instill sensitivity, consideration and an appreciation for
the value of giving in its adherents.
If you’re a high school student looking to begin the next stage
of your life with an unparalleled opportunity to grow and mature,
to cultivate an identity rooted in timeless values, and to forge
lasting connections with your people and their land, then a Gap
year in Israel is something I strongly recommend for
you, too.
RABBI DR. MOSHE YERES
TANENBAUMCHAT IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE...
RABBI DR. MOSHE YERES
AS PRINCIPAL
OF JEWISH STUDIES
Effective 2013/14 School Year
Rabbi Yeres has been serving as Vice
Principal of Jewish Studies since the
position was first created in 2004. Prior
to taking on this administrative role, he
was the Head of Rabbinics and Talmud
at our northern branch. A keen supporter
of technology as a tool for teaching
and learning, Rabbi Yeres co-chairs the
school’s Technology Strategic Planning
Committee. Earlier in his career, Rabbi
Yeres served as spiritual leader at a
number of congregations in the United
States and Canada. He brings a depth
of leadership experience as an educator,
administrator and leader in Jewish
communal service to the role of Principal
of Jewish Studies.
JUDITH SHAPERO
AS THE VICE PRINCIPAL
OF JEWISH STUDIES AT THE
KIMEL FAMILY EDUCATION CENTRE
Effective 2013/14 School Year
A TanenbaumCHAT grad (’90), Judith has extensive experience in
mentoring and training new teachers, both as Head of the Department
of Jewish Thought at the Kimel Centre, and as a Course Director and
Instructor with York University’s Jewish Studies program.
Judith demonstrates a true passion for excellence in Jewish education,
and a vision of a pluralistic environment where students can explore and
intensify their own connection to Judaism and the Jewish community. She
will be a valuable addition to the senior administrative team at the Kimel
Centre.
JUDITH SHAPERO
Jewish Studies
tanenbaumchat.org | 9
Help us Plan
TODAY
For tanenbaumcHat’s
TOMORROW
The Presidential Legacy Society
at TanenbaumCHAT is a special group of friends
who have included TanenbaumCHAT in their estate
plans. This society enables the school to recognize
and extend their gratitude to donors who provide
for the school’s future and inform us of their
thoughtful intentions.
The Legacy giving program at TanenbaumCHAT
provides a unique opportunity to establish your
support to the school by designating a future gift
through a variety of tax-deductible provisions
without imposing an immediate financial obligation
to you.
“
Occasionally, when being solicited to make a charitable
donation, I would reply that it was not high on my list of
priorities. My priority has always been Jewish education
from the day my children started Associated Hebrew
School and then onto TanenbaumCHAT. In both schools
I served on many committees and lay management.
TANENBAUMCHAT WILL BE the beneficiary
of a bequest in my will and it was only natural based on
my past involvement.”
TanenbaumCHAT encourages planned gifts as a
way to provide resources for the future of the school.
In many cases, a deferred gift enables a donor to
leave more in his/her estate plan for loved ones and
make a more significant contribution to the school
than would be possible through an outright gift.
Confirmed legacy gifts allow TanenbaumCHAT to
develop future programs with confidence. Knowing
that there will be a base of support ensures that the
next generations of our students will benefit from the
school’s exceptional educational experience which
focuses on Jewish living, learning and academic
achievement.
For more information, please contact
Laurie Wasser at 416 - 636 -5984 x 291
PRESIDENTIAL LEGACY SOCIETY
– ADVISORY COMMITTEE
STEPHEN FREEDHOFF
Past President,
tanenBauMcHat 1989-1991
JON HANSER, President, Hanser
Financial insurance agency ltd.
MARTIN ROCHWERG, Partner,
Miller tHoMson
RAY RUBIN
B.sc, llB
PETER SELIGMAN, President,
seligMan & associates ltd.
10 | C H A T T E R M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 1 3
(Students left to right): Alex Satok ’13, Jenna Zucker ’13, Josh Chorlton ’13, Jason Brown ’13, Josh Wine ’13,
Zachary White ’13, Josh Pope ’14, Dylan Litman ’14, Harry Orbach-Miller ’13, Zoe Sebastien ’13, and Lainie Yallen ’14
(Faculty left to right): Jordan Hoffman, Richard Davis – Keynote Speaker, Kathy Li and Nina Wener
WALLENBERG CAMPUS HOSTS
TANENBAUMCHAT’S FIRST ANNUAL
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
THE ECONOMY
IN ONTARIO
IS CHANGING.
GAINING ENTRANCE TO
TRADITIONAL PROFESSIONAL
PROGRAMS IS BECOMING
MORE DIFFICULT AND THOSE
WHO ARE ADMITTED ARE
OFTEN FACED WITH A
DIFFICULT JOB SEARCH.
As important as in-class learning is, it is not adequately preparing our youth for the reality that
they will be facing as they move into the workforce. To succeed, “soft skills” and flexibility are becoming
increasingly important. While TanenbaumCHAT students are currently offered extra-curricular activities
that cultivate some of these skills, not all students are able to participate. The TanenbaumCHAT Business
Leadership Conference was a one-day event designed to introduce our students to a range of critical
skills and plant the seeds for continued growth. Over 50 student attendees participated in this inaugural
event, learning about leadership and business from the unique lens of our keynote speaker’s experiences.
The Business Leadership Conference is the natural offshoot of our highly popular business
courses already offered in school. The conference addressed broader-reaching topics that really got
students thinking about how to tackle serious business prep once they enter university. Giving high school
students an opportunity to develop business skills early on in their education will go a long way in
preparing our students for their future careers in the business world.
O S S IP B U S I N E S S B O A R DR O O M – Alon, Roma, Hayley ’08 and Lori ’11
Ossip are funding the creation of a boardroom inspired learning space at TCW. It will
provide a technology rich learning environment for business courses and the extra-curricular entrepreneurs of
DECA. When students enter into the Business Boardroom, they will hang up their “TanenbaumCHAT student”
persona and become part of a business team.
Students will approach this learning environment in a more professional manner, much like those attending
a business meeting in the real world. The environment will give a sense of importance to the business classes.
Learning is best done experientially, and this new addition will result in a more professional experience, one
that more closely mirrors the real business world.
tanenbaumchat.org | 11
Farewell
to
SAM KAPUSTIN
I have known Samuel Kapustin since the day I moved to Toronto
in the summer of 1974 and he called the cops on me – a story
well-known in two widely differing versions to thirty years’ worth of
our students. From there, the relationship could only improve.
Everyone who has ever worked with Sam in any capacity knows
that he is a man of organization, an intellectual, an academic: a
student in the truest sense of the word. His field may be history, but
his passion is knowledge. He seeks to understand not from the sound
bite or the quick image, but from the source, from the word on the
page. It has been said as no small praise that Jewish Studies
at TanenbaumCHAT is “text based”. Sam Kapustin has epitomized
that search to the source.
As much as I respected Sam’s work as a teacher and an administrator, it was when I had the opportunity to serve for several years
in the administration of our northern branch that I came to best
appreciate the full significance of Sam’s dedication to the highest
standards in every course of study. I came to see that he was not
dictating a stagnant, arbitrary achievement requirement; rather, he
was striving constantly to fine-tune a system which would encourage
each student to seek out her / his own unique path to Jewish
knowledge, but with an academic integrity that would foster respect
for the true depth of historic Jewish study, as well the self-respect
that each student might come to feel for the quality of her / his
own achievements. It is, I believe, this combination that is the true
foundation of a Jewish identity which is deep and binding.
The educator who will assume the position of Principal of Jewish
Studies next year will find a system in place that is prepared to grow
and to develop as the school grows and develops, but never at the
expense of the best educational interest of the student or the community. Sam Kapustin has been one of the key architects of that system.
As Sam has contributed to TanenbaumCHAT’s North and South
campuses, we await him here at CHAT East. Former administrators
and teachers, dozens of former sh’lichim and many, many CHAT
grads and their families await Sam and Marsha’s aliya in several
months. It will be a retirement well deserved and, Lord knows, this
country could use a little organization.”
– GARY LEVINE
Former TanenbaumCHAT Colleague
12 | C H A T T E R M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 1 3
Sam & Marsha Kapustin
As Vice Principal, responsible for Jewish Studies at the Wallenberg Campus,
it has been an honour to work directly under Sam’s leadership for the past
eight years. To me, Sam is the ultimate protector of Jewish education. Time
and again I have observed how Sam strategically and deliberately guided
the school through uncharted waters, taking the Jewish Studies program at
this school to great heights. He always did this with great determination but
with style and good humour. We often hear how TanenbaumCHAT is leaps
and bounds ahead of other similar schools, especially in the area of
organized Judaic Studies curriculum. This can be single handedly attributed
to Sam’s vision, leadership and work. Sam’s departure is going to leave a
huge void in my professional life. This spring, I personally will say good
bye to a mentor, a teacher, a leader and a wonderful friend. Sam – We’ll
miss you.”
– RABBI ELI MANDEL
Sam – We’ll miss you.
VP, Jewish Studies, TCW
tanenbaumchat.org | 13
voice
parent
OF A
Lilly, Tracy, Noah (TCK ’16) and Jonathan Zepp
When Tracy Zepp and her husband Jonathan began the process of deciding which
high school their son Noah would attend after grade 8 at Associated Hebrew School,
it seemed like a natural transition to send him to TanenbaumCHAT. Although Tracy and
Jonathan both had a public school education, their strong belief in Jewish education
was something they wanted to give to their children.
Their first introduction to the school was at a Grade 8 Open House for parents. When
asked what their first impression was, quite simply stated, “We were blown away.”
Now, nearly a year and a half later, their initial impressions have definitely been
validated. Admittedly, before Noah began, Tracy says she was concerned about the
workload. She now regards it as a life skill that kids are taught how to multi-task while
managing and coping with their workload. She is pleased that Noah still has time for
his own extracurricular activities and has even joined the Science club.
For Noah, he knew from the outset that he wanted to go to TanenbaumCHAT. Like any
new student in high school, there was an initial adjustment of learning how to advocate
for himself and seek out help and guidance when needed. It didn’t take long however
to feel comfortable in this new setting, maintaining friendships from his day school years
and making new friends with students from a variety of different backgrounds. A
highlight for Noah was his Shabbaton experience. The ruach (spirit) was amazing and
he thought so highly of his madrichim (counsellors) that he too wants to be a madrich
one day.
14 | C H A T T E R M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 1 3
Tracy
The TanenbaumCHAT Experience...
NOTJUSTFORKIDS!
(top) Marilyn Arkin
(bottom) Mara Reich on the right
Robyn Cooke
A S K any TanenbaumCHAT faculty member what they
do at school and you may be surprised to find that
their first answer isn’t always what they teach. The vibrant
extra-curricular life of the school couldn’t exist without the enthusiastic
volunteerism of our own faculty.
“The school culture just makes you want to do more” says Rabbi
Netanel Javasky. In his second year at TCK Rabbi Javasky explains “For
me, being involved in extra-curricular changes the classroom experience.
Students see you as an individual and develop a different kind of
respect.” With a young family at home, Javasky has three year old twins
and a one year old; his commitment outside the classroom is noteworthy,
from coaching the TCK Senior Basketball and travelling to Baltimore
with them to the advanced study of the Talmud Bekiut Club. Javasky
explains, “I can pinpoint my most meaningful conversation with a
student, it was on a Shabbaton at 1:00 a.m.!!”
The enthusiasm of participation isn’t restricted to the newcomers.
Veteran TCW teacher Marilyn Arkin has been volunteering for the 10
Rabbi Netanel Javasky
years she has been here. “I feel it’s my job to get more kids involved”
says Arkin, whose list of activities is highlighted by her involvement in
the Model UN, coaching almost 100 kids from grades 9 -12 during the
year and travelling with them to three different competitions.
At the Kimel Centre Mara Reich doesn’t mind giving up lunch hours
and Sundays volunteering. She loves being exposed to the students
that she doesn’t teach – and adores contributing her time to the
Spring Concert, the Arts Café and the last four years of the Film Festival.
Wallenberg Head of Music Robyn Cooke says about her volunteerism,
“My high school music teacher got me through school; I hope I can do
the same.”
Our faculty is truly at the heart of the TanenbaumCHAT Experience.
Their voluntary commitment over and above their teaching responsibilities
is worth bragging about. Whether they are coaching at 6 a.m. or on
an overnight bus filled with kids to West Virginia – they are choosing
to dedicate their own personal time to our students – and building
relationships that will last a lifetime.
tanenbaumchat.org | 15
TCK
Kimel Family
Education
Centre
16 | C H A T T E R M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 1 3
tanenbaumchat.org | 17
TC
Wallenberg
Campus
18 | C H A T T E R M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 1 3
tanenbaumchat.org | 19
R
The 1961 Society
was established to
honour lead donors
to TanenbaumCHAT’s
Annual Fund.
While every gift we receive is greatly appreciated, 1961 Society membership
is extended to those who make an annual gift of $1,200 or more. These
gifts underscore the importance of giving to ensure success in our Annual Fund and help
provide the valuable enhancements that make TanenbaumCHAT stand out as one of North
America’s premier Jewish high schools.
As a member of the 1961 Society you can enjoy these B E N E F I T S :
R
R
R
R
C U R R E N T PA R E N T S
Front-of-the-line access to the
TanenbaumCHAT August 2013 Book Sale
Personalized end-of-year teacher
thank you tribute cards (June 2013)
Reserved seats at TanenbaumCHAT
Graduation (after 4 consecutive years
of membership)
An exclusive 1961
Society event
T O M A K E Y O U R G I F T:
www.tanenbaumchat.org/support OR 416-636-5984 x 291
20 | C H A T T E R M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 1 3
FRIENDS OF
TANENBAUMCHAT
R
R
R
10 Tribute Cards personalized for any
occasion (condolences, mazel tov,
get well, holiday wishes etc.)
Beit Midrash Siddur dedicated
in your honour
An exclusive 1961 Society event
HATSOFF
totheClassof 2013
Celebrate | Appreciate | Participate
WISHING YOU
CONTINUED SUCCESS
IN ALL YOUR FUTURE
ENDEAVOURS
Honour a Graduate with a Special Gift
The TanenbaumCHAT Graduation Thank You Fund
A special initiative of the TanenbaumCHAT Annual Fund
www.tanenbaumchat.org/graduation
416-636-5984 ext. 333
tanenbaumchat.org | 21
WE
1 2 4
ONE
OF US
GIVING
$36
PUTS A SIDDUR IN
THE HANDS OF A STUDENT
FOR MORNING MINYAN
22 | C H A T T E R M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 22
TWO OF US
GIVING $54
PUTS ART SUPPLIES
IN THE HANDS
OF A STUDENT ARTIST
FOUR OF US
GIVING
$180
PROVIDES
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
FOR STUDENTS WITH
VARIED LEARNING PROFILES
WE
make the TanenbaumCHAT Experience!
No One Can Do Everything...
Everyone Can Do Something
12 20 40
TWELVE
OF US
GIVING
$360
TWENTY OF US
GIVING $500
SUPPORTS
ONE SHABBATON
ALLOWS OUR STUDENTS
TO PERFORM IN A
PROFESSIONAL VENUE
FORTY OF US
GIVING $1200
PUTS OUR ATHLETES
ON A NEW ARTIFICIAL
TURF FIELD
tanenbaumchat.org | 23
Experience... Everlasting
Memories
YOUR GRANDCHILD AND TANENBAUMCHAT
INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR
our
Y
k
r
a
M lendars !
Ca
GrandparentDay 2013
WA L L E N B E R G C A M P U S
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
KIMEL CENTRE
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
B R E A K FA S T | A C L A S S R O O M E X P E R I E N C E | L U N C H W I T H Y O U R G R A N D C H I L D R E N | S T U D E N T E N T E RTA I N M E N T
For Further Information, CALL (416) 636-5984 ext. 333 OR EMAIL hgutmann@tanenbaumchat.org
24 | C H A T T E R M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 1 3
voice
OF A
“
IT’S IMPORTANT FOR GRANDPARENTS TO
SPEAK TO THEIR GRANDCHILDREN AND SHARE THEIR
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCES WITH THEM.
THERE’S A LOT TO BE LEARNED.
”
Connie Monson Kussner with her grandchildren, current TanenbaumCHAT students, Noah Alter ’16 and Lainie Yallen ’14 (2013 -14 TCW Student Council President)
CONNIE MONSON KUSSNER
Connie Monson Kussner was born in Ottawa and is the youngest
of four children. Her parents raised her to have a strong love of Israel.
In fact, Connie’s grandfather had been at the second Zionist conference
in Basel, Switzerland with Theodor Herzl. Her father believed strongly
in Jewish education and since there was no Jewish day school while
she was growing up, she went to Talmud Torah after school and ended
up as the only girl in her class.
Moving to Toronto as a young bride in 1954, Connie later had five
children and sent them all to United Synagogue Day School. Now as
a grandmother of seven, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to see
first-hand how her grandchildren, who are attending TanenbaumCHAT,
are learning the values that resonate so strongly within her family.
This past year, Connie attended TanenbaumCHAT’s inaugural
Grandparent Day at the Wallenberg Campus. She was very impressed
by the staff, the programming, the student involvement and the school
dynamics. “There was really something for everyone,” she explains.
“It was easy to see why students thrive at the school. They develop
their own strengths and can involve themselves in many areas of
interest.”
Sitting down as a family every Friday night to share a Shabbat
dinner, Connie is certain that their discussions have been enhanced
through the knowledge her grandchildren have gained at the school.
When asked about the importance of the role of a grandparent in
their grandchild’s life, without hesitation, Connie says, “It’s important
for grandparents to speak to their grandchildren and share their
knowledge and experiences with them. There’s a lot to be learned.”
tanenbaumchat.org | 25
DAVID MATLOW
PRODUCER
TA N E N B A U M C H AT WA S P R O U D T O P R E S E N T T H E W O R L D
PRE M I E RE OF T H E DOCUMENTA RY FILM BY ELI TAL-EL AND
D AV I D M AT L O W, M Y H E R Z L . T H I S U N C O N V E N T I O N A L
D O C U M E N TA RY, TA K E S A P E R S O N A L L O O K AT T H E O D O R
HERZL, THE MAN WHO INSPIRED SO MANY – AND HIS
L EG A CY W H ICH IS S T IL L UNDER DEBATE.
Four hundred people were in attendance
for the soldout show at Cineplex SilverCity
at Yonge & Eglinton. With much thanks to
our presenting sponsor, Goodmans LLP, 50
movie sponsors and 400 eager moviegoers, over $44,000 was raised in support
of TanenbaumCHAT’s Together Campaign.
Thank you to the incredible support
of our movie sponsors who helped
make this event a wonderful success.
Marcy & Leonard Abramsky
and Family
Davit & Becky Akman
Alan & Rona Applebaum
Herb & Fran Binder
Stephen Bloom &
Bonnie Goodman-Bloom
Pearl & Jerry Bloom
Michael & Rena Buckstein
David, Ellen & Noah Chaikof
Lawrence & Trudy Chernin
Laurie & Jeff Cohen
Effort Trust – Eric Weisz
Joan & Hy Eiley
Eli, Rebecca & Nate
Feldman
Firm Capital
Fluxgold Izsak Jaeger LLP
Brenlee & Allen
Gales and Family
Alby & Ruth Garbe
and Family
Brad & Nathalie Goldhar
and Family
Marya & Herman Grad
The Greenberg Samuels
Family
Andrea & Steve Halperin
and Family
Stephen & Carol Handelman
Lianne & Bruce Leboff
Levine, Sherkin, Boussidan
26 | C H A T T E R M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 1 3
Michele & Russell Masters
and Family
Anne Matlow & John Bohnen
David & Leanne Matlow
Irving Matlow
Melanie Potts & Neill May
Ephry & Barbara Merkur
Paul & Marcy Muchnik
Maggie & Elie Newman
Mark & Heather
Noskiewicz
Stephen & Michelle Pincus
Gale Rubenstein &
Joseph Blankier
Ray Rubin & Lloyd Hoffman
Fred Rubinoff & Shoshana
Weiman
Barry Simon & Susan Eiley
Alan & Rebecca Simpson
Shaun Singer &
Sue Weinstein
The Singer Family
Beth & Lorne Sokol
Sari & Hal Springer
State Building Group
Mark & Kim Surchin
Vision Capital Corporation
Fred & Linda Waks
Mona Taylor & Ari
Zaretsky
David Zitzerman &
Karen Friedman
voices
TanenbaumCHAT
WHY WE GAVE TO THE TOGETHER CAMPAIGN...
Cons t r uct ion of f ut ur e s cience l abs at s even week s f r om completion.
“
DOV ZEVY
RACHEL (DAYAN) WALD, MD
FRAN GRUNDMAN
Kimel Family Education Centre
PA R E N T
Class of 1991
ALUMNA
Past P A R E N T & Past
M E M B E R of the Board of Directors
When Caroline and I were approached to
make a gift for the Wallenberg Campus Together
Campaign, we didn’t look at it in terms of
North vs. South. We were inspired by leaders in
the community who had made significant gifts to
places they did not necessarily have a connection
with. Our children benefitted from the generosity
of donors across the city who helped make the
Kimel Centre what it is today. It seemed right to
help TanenbaumCHAT wherever it was.
The other nice tie in was the science wing
and periodic table. My father was a chemical
engineer and buying an element in his honour
seemed fitting. I think he always liked Polonium!”
“
When I first heard about the campaign to
rebuild the science wing at TanenbaumCHAT, I
immediately thought about the modest biology
lab where I first started on my scientific path
25 years ago. I was amazed to learn that little
had been done to update these facilities until the
Together Campaign. This fundraising initiative
gave me a unique opportunity to give back to
the school that had equipped me, and so many
others, with the skills necessary to pursue a
career in academic medicine. I am excited to see
how this state-of-the-art learning environment
will inspire a new generation of TanenbaumCHAT
students to continue to pursue achievement in
science and medicine.”
“
As a proud parent of two TanenbaumCHAT
graduates, and a past member of the Board of
Directors, giving back to the school with a gift to
the Together Campaign was a way of saying
“ thank you” to the institution that gave so
much to our family. TanenbaumCHAT is part of
the fabric of our family; whether it was early
mornings at school for athletics practices or late
in the evening for Board meetings, everything
that happened throughout the day provided the
foundation for our daughters on which to
build and explore their unique worlds, while
maintaining their strong commitment to their
Judaism and to Israel.”
To make a gift to the Together Campaign: www.tanenbaumchat.org/together OR 416-636-5984 x 291
tanenbaumchat.org | 27
F R O M
O U R
FA M I LY
T O
Y O U R S
“MAZEL
TOV”
TO THE 51 ALUMNI PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN ARE
GRADUATING FROM TANENBAUMCHAT IN THE CLASS OF 2013.
MAY YOU CELEBRATE THEIR WONDERFUL
ACCOMPLISHMENTS ALWAYS.
CLASS OF ’69
ALAN GREENSPAN
CLASS OF ’74
NORMAN JESIN
CLASS OF ’75
PEARL GREENSPAN
MICHAEL GOLDRICH
LEORA MARCOVITZ
EDIE NEUBERGER
STEVEN SKURKA
CLASS OF ’76
ALLAN HERMAN
JOHN WENUS
CLASS OF ’77
ALLEN FRANKEL
ROSANNE ZUCK TEBBI
CLASS OF ’78
GILAD ABRAHAMI
JOEL EISEN
STANLEY FENWICK
FERN KUTNOWSKI
CLASS OF ’79
MARSHA FENWICK
HARVEY MINCER
ALAN NOYEK
CHARLES RADZINSKI
DAVID ZINS
NANCY ZINS
28 | C H A T T E R M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 1 3
CLASS OF ’80
ALAN DRYER
MARLON HERSHKOP
IAN SHORE
CLASS OF ’81
KAREN KAHANSKY
EVA ROSENTHAL
CLASS OF ’82
MARVIN GELKOPF
D. TODD MORGANSTEIN
CLASS OF ’83
RANDI APPLEBY HANDLER
ALLAN FRIEDMAN
NAOMI NOYEK SATOK
CARRIE ORFUS GELKOPF
MARK SATOK
ROBERT SINGER
MELECH TANEN
CLASS OF ’84
ELVY COHEN
STEVEN EKSTEIN
PATTI FLUXGOLD
YAEL KAROL
ISAAC SZPINDEL
CLASS OF ’85
MARCIE NOYEK
JONATHAN NOYEK
JACK POLLAK
NINA WINE
CLASS OF ’86
ANNIE BENLEZRAH
MICHELLE FREEDMAN
CLASS OF ’87
ADRIENNE FLETCHER
CLASS OF ’88
PATRICK AMAR
DINA LEBOWITZ
SHARON MAYER
PAMELA TOBE
The Class of 2002 gave back to
TanenbaumCHAT when they attended
their 10 year class reunion. Thanks
to the leadership, dedication and energy
of event co-chairs and classmates Noah
Zatzman and Rachel Albert, the class
raised funds to purchase a cover for the
shulchan (prayer table) for the new interim
Beit Midrash at the Wallenberg Campus,
dedicating it to the memory of fellow
classmate Darryl Odes z”l.
CHATTING
– An excerpt from
the Class of 2002 Yearbook
“
&
NOAH
ZATZMAN’02
My four years at CHAT were a truly
definitive time in my life.” said Noah. “The
lessons learned over four years, both in
and out of class, are still applicable to my
life 10 years later. Organizing the reunion
was a way to thank and support the school
that taught me so much. The fact that
we have lost a classmate puts a lot into
perspective for all of us.” Rachel concurs…
”I always wanted to find a way to give
back to CHAT for all it had done for me,
and the reunion felt like a perfect match.
Although many of my classmates and
I have lost touch, I have always had a
special place in my heart for the people
who made me feel loved during my four
years at CHAT. Darryl’s passing was
something that Noah and I felt needed to
be recognized in a way that would keep
his memory alive at CHAT forever.”
RACHEL
ALBERT’02
tanenbaumchat.org | 29
E V E R Y O N E
H E L P E D
T O
M A K E
A
G O O D
E V E N T
G R E AT
CAREERDAY
The goal of TanenbaumCHAT’s annual Career Day for grade 10
students is to open their minds to the varied career
opportunities available to them in today’s workplace.
We are so fortunate to have dedicated alumni who make time to
return to school to expose our students to a multitude of career options
and share the personal journeys that took them there.
Rabbi Adam Cutler ’00
Meira Elituv ’04
Tracey Hendler ’02
Matt Himel ’03
Kayla Lean ’06
Ben Mogil ’91
Sandra Singer ’00
Tanya Wyman ’90
Noah Zatzman ’02
Kimel Family Education Centre
Jonathan Ain
Lisa Ain Dack
Meira Elituv
Debbie Elman
Wallenberg Campus
‘92
‘99
‘04
‘87
Michael Orfus
Allan Ungar
David Walt
Ari Zaionz
Noah Zatzman
Rabbi Adam Cutler ’00, Dr. Tracey Hendler ’02, and Dr. Tanya Wyman ’90
Make sure to visit:
www.tanenbaumchat.org/alumni
eMail:
alumni@tanenbaumchat.org
F O L L O W U S O N FA C E B O O K
www.facebook.com/tanenbaumchatalumni
SAVE
CLASS OF 2003
10 YEAR REUNION
Thursday, November 7th
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
30 | C H A T T E R M A G A Z I N E S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 1 3
LinkedIn Group:
TanenbaumCHAT Alumni Association
DATES
CLASS OF 1988
25 YEAR REUNION
Thursday, November 14th
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
If you would like to help plan
your reunion and join an
organizing committee,
contact Heather Gutmann
416-636-5984 x 333 or
hgutmann@tanenbaumchat.org
‘03
‘06
‘03
‘91
‘02
Dr. Lisa Ain Dack ’99, Jonathan Ain ’92, Meira Elituv ’04
Thank you to our incredible 2013 Career Day panelists for your time,
insights and wisdom. A special thank you to our keynote speaker, the
always charismatic Sol Birenbaum ’92, who addressed both campuses.
Don’t be afraid
to get your
hands dirty....
YOU
can shape someone’s future.
TanenbaumCHAT’s Mentorship Network
Helping career goals take shape.
The Mentorship Network is an alum-to-alum mentorship
program established for TanenbaumCHAT alumni of all ages. We
are always looking to enhance our resource bank of mentors in a
variety of industries including medicine, finance, law, media and
the arts. Mentors aim to provide career advice and foster an
exchange of career-related ideas and expertise. This program has
seen great success as a result of our personalized mentee-mentor
matching process.
* Funding for The Mentorship Network has been assisted by the Adam Buck z’l Family
Business Fund to open new opportunities for TanenbaumCHAT alumni.
For more information, please contact:
Ben Mogil | Chair, Mentorship Network
mentorship@tanenbaumchat.org
OR
Heather Gutmann
416.636.5984 ext: 333
hgutmann@tanenbaumchat.org
tanenbaumchat.org | 31
NACHES
Lisa Ain Dack ’99 and
Jeff Dack welcome
Rachel Nora
Linda Avadiev-Mishayev ’99 and and Dani Mishayev
welcome
Yonatan
Arieh Singer ’01 and
Blair Wexler Singer ’01
welcome
Sharon (Singal) Orgel ’90
and David Orgel welcome
Daniel Avi
Aaron Simon ’02 and Tali Simon welcome
AvrahamYair
Do you have a special occasion or some good news to share?
Please keep sending us your announcements and photos!
32 |
Gretta Hindy
Alumni Association
Alisha (Kurlandski) Farber ’99
and Yaakov Farber welcome
Jonah Max
Rabbi Matisyahu Friedman ’05
and Chana Rivkah Friedman welcome
Chaya Moushka
Ben Mogil ’91 and Marni Banack
welcome
Rory Fara
Shauna Waltman ’98
and Jeremy Bornstein welcome
Judah Ryan
Contact Heather Gutmann
416.636.5984 ext: 333
or hgutmann@tanenbaumchat.org
Tamara Winegust ’05 and Moshe Lasker ’03
welcome
Na’amah Yosefa
tanenbaumchat.org | 33
NACHES
Rena Friedman ’07
married Leibel Berktin
Michael Koral ’01
married Rachel Wrock
Paula Garshowitz ’04
married Seth Harlan
Alumni Association
Liane Porepa ’99
married David Machlis ’01
Matt Reingold ’03
married Chani Greenwald ’04
Heather Socken ’03
married Gersh Hurwitz
Alumni Association
Sheri Herblum ’06 on
her successful completion of
chartered accountant exams.
Michelle Kahn ’07 for an
honorable mention in the Adult
Division of a film competition
sponsored by the Sephardic
Education Centre
Eric Kaplovitch ’06
received a scholarship for
academic excellence for
3rd year at U of T medical
school.
Send us your Naches Notes !!!!!
34 |
Tamara Winegust ’05 on
graduating with a Dual Juris
Doctor (J.D.) from American
University Washington College
of Law and the University of
Ottawa.
Gilian Horenfeldt ’04
engaged to Brian Pomer
Kayla Goldrich ’07
engaged to
Josh Bernick ’06
Esther Direnfeld ’03
engaged to Daniel Katzin
Sarah Praver ’05 engaged
to Matthew Laski ’04
Jessica Friedlich ’05
engaged to Adam Armeland
Alumni Association
Daniel Rende ’06
engaged to Atara Tanen ’10
Adira Winegust ’07
engaged to Daniel Glatt
CALLING ALL ALUMNI...
Are your parents still getting your CHATTER?
Are you missing updates on our exciting new programs,
initiatives and upcoming events?
Staying connected toYOU is important to US!
Please e m a i l or c a l l u s with any changes to your contact information.
S TAY I N T O U C H !
Contact Heather Gutmann
416.636.5984 ext: 333
or hgutmann@tanenbaumchat.org
tanenbaumchat.org | 35
Live the TanenbaumCHAT Experience!
OPENHOUSE
JOIN
US!
FOR GRADE 8 PARENTS
MORNING & EVENING
OPPORTUNITIES
AVAILABLE
Wallenberg Campus
(for families living SOUTH of Steeles Avenue)
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
OR Thursday, October 17, 2013
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Kimel Family Education Centre
(for families living NORTH of Steeles Avenue)
Monday, October 21, 2013
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
OR Tuesday, October 22, 2013
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
FOR admission enquiries
and/or a personal tour
please contact: Rosemary Tile
Recruitment Admissions Manager
rtile@tanenbaumchat.org
416.636.5984 ext. 377
We’ll answer all your questions!