83rd Scholarship Tribute DinnerAcademy in ActionMSHEVAT 5786 / FEBRUARY 2026any decades have passed since Beis Chinuch Harav Dessler/Hebrew Academy of Cleveland opened in 1943. Then, a selfless group of visionaries under the dynamic leadership of the Telshe Roshei Yeshiva, including Rabbi N.W. Dessler, zt”l and dedicated laymen, knocked on countless doors to recruit students for the school. Today, the Academy has an enrollment of 1,550 students at three campuses plus well over 7,000 alumni who have pursued careers in religious and secular fields and are empowering their respective communities around (continued on page 2)Educating Minds.Inspiring Hearts.Empowering Futures.
2 // Academy in Actionthe globe. Furthermore, the groundwork laid by the Hebrew Academy has been crucial to the development of the city and its exponential growth in recent years.The Academy’s mission has remained constant throughout the decades. Its mission is to imbue students with a love of Hashem, Torah, and the Land of Israel. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland has been an active partner with the Academy since 1948 when the Academy became the first Jewish day school in the United States of America to be an affiliate of the Federation. Throughout its many decades of educational excellence, the Academy has constantly reviewed, updated, and upgraded its educational priorities, integrating educational approaches according to the needs of each generation and providing services according to the strengths of each child. No child is turned away, and the needs of each child are provided through dedicated Rabbeim, moros, teachers and auxiliary teams of professional interventionists.The annual Scholarship Campaign allows the Academy to accept and service all students regardless of their financial considerations. All students are part of the greater Academy family and have flourished under the school’s dedicated guidance.The Academy’s Scholarship Dinner will iy”H take place on March 9, 2026 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Dinner will pay tribute to Dov and Miriam Berman. The Mendy Klein Community Service Award will be given to J. David Heller. A special Memorial Tribute and Sefer Torah Dedication will honor the lives of Moishe and Pinchas Rosenberg, z”l.Scholarship Campaign Chairs are Mrs. Ita Klein, Mr. and Mrs. Reuven Dessler, Mr. and Mrs. Amir Jaffa and Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Zuckerman. Our 2026/2027 Scholarship Campaign goal is $2,554,000. For more information, please call 216.382.3300 ext. 360. For ads, please call extension 372 or email [email protected](continued from page 1)A Message fromRabbi Simcha Dessler, MenahelThe year was 1945 and the European Jewish world had been decimated. Approximately 1.5 million Jewish children had tragically perished in the Holocaust. My father-in-law, a young Moshe Bertram, was a mere four years old when his family fled Siberia, via Poland, into Germany. He arrived in the Feldafing displaced persons camp where he joined four other children his age. The adults in Feldafing were absolutely astounded to witness these surviving children and could hardly contain their excitement and affection. They hugged and kissed these children—passing them around as we would a Sefer Torah on Simchas Torah. They greatly treasured these children and considered them nothing less than living miracles.Our Patriarch, Avraham Avinu was promised that his children would ultimately be compared to the stars in Heaven. Baal Shem Tov explains that just as an individual star appears to be small and insignificant so, too, it may seem to an individual that he is not important in the greater order of Creation. Indeed, appearances are misleading. Just as each star is of a size beyond comprehension and with a magnitude of solar power that can sustain worlds, so too, does each individual Jew have the unlimited capacity to contribute, create, alter and shape the world. Later, we find that a census of Bnei Yisrael, the children of Israel, was conducted because they were so treasured by the Almighty. The text of the command to take a census — to count the head — employs the word (singular) to convey the uniqueness of each family’s lineage and the specific strengths and attributes ingrained within each individual.As I walk the halls and enter the classrooms of the Academy, I humbly pause and consciously reflect upon the zechus, merit, to have a small role in educating and inspiring a new generation of children who represent the future of our people. I am gratified by the incredible vibrancy which reverberates throughout the school’s state-of-the-art campuses. I am inspired by the remarkable dedication of the heroes and heroines who stand at the front lines of the classrooms. I am appreciative of the devotion of our talented support staff. I am encouraged by the strong partnership of the parents who work hard to be role models to their children, and by the stellar lay leadership and supporters who graciously lend their support to a most worthy cause: the furtherance of Jewish education.Thankfully, the Jewish world has flourished and blossomed since the mid 1940’s and there is much to accomplish in this fast-paced society. Currently educating fourth generation students, with a growth trajectory beyond the imagination of our illustrious founders, our goal remains to gift every child with an education for life. We strive to create talmidei chachamim, bnos Torah, leaders in their communities and productive members of society. Each child is a precious jewel with potential to be a rising star who will be an everlasting source of pride to all.Thank you for your seminal role in the successes of the unique Academy experience!ועתה כתבו לכם את השירה הזאתלז״נ משה שמעון בן פינחס ובנו פינחס בן משה שמעון ז\"ל ∙ ROSENBERG PINCHAS AND MOISHE OF MEMORY IN הכנסת ספר תורהSHUA RAYMENDY BERGERYEHUDA JAKOBOWITZCO-CHAIRSDUDI ABRAHAMYOSSI ABRAHAMMOSHE ABRAHAMRAFAEL ABRAHAMSHMULLY ABRAHAMAVREMEL ANTINEJONATHAN BANNETHARRY BROWNRABBI ALEXANDER CHARLOPTZALI CHOPELI DAVISNESANEL DAVISREUVEN DESSLEREITAN DICKMANYANKY FEILERSHMUEL ARON FISHMANSHIMON FUCHSANDREW GLATZEZRA GOLDYARON GOLDBERGDEDICATION COMMITTEEDR. DOVID GUTMANSHMULLY HALPERNJONATHAN HEIFETZHESHY JACOBSYONAH JACOBSAMIR JAFFAAVI JAKOBOWITCHCHAIM JAKOBOWITCHYANKY JUDOWITZITZY KATZNELSONNATI KLEINYONI KLEINDR. LOUIS MALCMACHERELCHANAN MANTELBORIS MIKHLIDR. PINCHAS MIKHLIHESHY NEIMANTIBOR ROSENBERGDR. SAM SALAMONYERACHMIEL SCHAFFERMOSHE SMOLARCHIKTANNIE SCHNELLYEHUDA WOLFJEFF ZUCKERMANSHOLOM ZUPNICK sefertorahlegacy.org*in formation
3 // Academy in Action Academy in Action // 3For ads email [email protected] or call 216.382.3300 x 372. For dinner reservations email [email protected] call 216.382.3300 x 360. Ads and reservations can also be placed online at hac1.org/dinnerHebrew Academy of Cleveland · 1800 Warrensville Center Road · Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44121Educating Minds.Inspiring Hearts.Empowering Futures.ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP TRIBUTE DINNERSEFER TORAH DEDICATIONMoishe & PinchasRosenberg z”lTHE MENDY KLEINCOMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDJ. David HellerIN TRIBUTE TODov & Miriam BermanAT THECLEVELANDMUSEUM 3926 OF ARTSave the Date! אדר כ׳GUEST SPEAKER תשפ״וGary TorgowChairman, Huntington National BankChairman, Jewish Federations of North Americaועתה כתבו לכם את השירה הזאתלז״נ משה שמעון בן פינחס ובנו פינחס בן משה שמעון ז\"ל ∙ ROSENBERG PINCHAS AND MOISHE OF MEMORY IN הכנסת ספר תורהSHUA RAYMENDY BERGERYEHUDA JAKOBOWITZCO-CHAIRSDUDI ABRAHAMYOSSI ABRAHAMMOSHE ABRAHAMRAFAEL ABRAHAMSHMULLY ABRAHAMAVREMEL ANTINEJONATHAN BANNETHARRY BROWNRABBI ALEXANDER CHARLOPTZALI CHOPELI DAVISNESANEL DAVISREUVEN DESSLEREITAN DICKMANYANKY FEILERSHMUEL ARON FISHMANSHIMON FUCHSANDREW GLATZEZRA GOLDYARON GOLDBERGDEDICATION COMMITTEEDR. DOVID GUTMANSHMULLY HALPERNJONATHAN HEIFETZHESHY JACOBSYONAH JACOBSAMIR JAFFAAVI JAKOBOWITCHCHAIM JAKOBOWITCHYANKY JUDOWITZITZY KATZNELSONNATI KLEINYONI KLEINDR. LOUIS MALCMACHERELCHANAN MANTELBORIS MIKHLIDR. PINCHAS MIKHLIHESHY NEIMANTIBOR ROSENBERGDR. SAM SALAMONYERACHMIEL SCHAFFERMOSHE SMOLARCHIKTANNIE SCHNELLYEHUDA WOLFJEFF ZUCKERMANSHOLOM ZUPNICK sefertorahlegacy.org*in formation
THE MENDY KLEINCOMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDJ. David HellerIN TRIBUTE TODov & Miriam BermanSEFER TORAH DEDICATIONMoishe & PinchasRosenberg z”lDov and Miriam Berman embody the very essence of Torah, chesed, and community leadership. Their shared passion for communal service began in their youth and continues to define their lives today.Dov is a dedicated board member of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, where his insight, activism, eorts and energy contribute to the school’s success and development. His devotion to the broader community is equally remarkable - serving on the boards of Bikur Cholim and Hatzalah, and playing an active role in establishing a new Kollel in Cleveland Heights. Dov is a graduate of the Mandel Symposium for emerging leaders, a premier leadership program of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Professionally, Dov is the Chief Financial Oicer of NewVista Healthcare, a forward thinking development and operating company of behavioral health hospitals, rehabilitation centers and behavioral health providers. He brings the same integrity and determination to his communal work as he does to his career.Miriam is a beloved educator of nearly fifteen years, having inspired students in Jerusalem, Toronto, Lakewood, NJ, and Cleveland. Her warmth, devotion, and individualized care impact and influence her students. Her experience spans the full spectrum of chinuch - classroom teaching, kiruv mentorship with at-risk teens, seminary tutoring, and serving as a Torah Mate. Miriam currently shares her passion for Jewish education as a Limudei Kodesh interventionist at the Academy’s Beatrice Stone Yavne High School.With boundless dedication to Torah education, a commitment to chesed, and an unwavering investment in the success of the next generation, Dov and Miriam Berman reflect the very values upon which the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland stands. They are the proud parents of eight children; their school age children are all Academy students.The son of Holocaust survivors, Moishe Rosenberg was raised and schooled in Czechoslovakia. He arrived on these shores in 1969 with his widowed mother, Chana and his brother, Tibor. His debut to the kosher food industry began at the Rubashkin meat company. One of his deliveries was at the apartment of the venerable Rabbi Moshe Feinstein zt”l whose tip Moishe initially refused. The Rav insisted on giving him a dollar accompanied by a bracha for success. When, in 1979, a family member overheard a conversation at a Hebrew Academy Dinner that Unger’s Bakery was for sale, the Rosenbergs’ purchased it with a down payment that included the dollar that Moishe received from Rav Feinstein. He attributed his business success to that bracha. Together with his life’s partner, Malka, they sacrificed to build a new life in Cleveland, one of dedication to Torah and mitzvos. Their exemplary generosity to yeshivos and schools, and their famous credit box extended to families who Moishe knew could never pay, are a testament to their generous hearts.Born in 1975, Pinchas (Pinky) Rosenbergwas a product of their home. He was also nurtured by his grandparents and thus imbibed a passion for Yiddishkeit, sensitivity towards Holocaust survivors, and empathy for those in need.Pinky attended the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland and continued his education at Telshe Yeshiva where he enjoyed a special relationship with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Chaim Stein zt”l. He continued his studies at Torah Ore and Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim. He was a certified commodities trader in New York and later managed a tile company in California.With a sense of refinement, Pinky was incredibly attuned to the needs of others. He forged enduring relationships with a group of close friends who will forever remember his remarkable attributes: a neshama that yearned to grow, a heart that yearned to give, an eye that yearned to judge favorably, an ear that yearned to listen, and an unwavering sense of emunah.J. David Heller is the President, CEO and co-founder of the NRP Group, one of the largest multifamily development, construction, and property managementcompanies in the United States. Since its founding in 1994, the NRP Group has developed more than 60,000 apartment homes and currently manages over 30,000 residential units across its seventeen-market footprint. David cherished a unique friendship and shared sense of communal activism and philanthropy with Mendy Klein z”l. David is deeply committed to community service and has a long history of leadership positions in both Jewish and civic organizations. David is the National Campaign Chairman of the Jewish Federations of North America. After serving as Campaign Chairman of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, he became Chairman of the Board. He served as an oicer of the Federation from 2007-2018 and served on the Executive Committee of the Federation’s Board of Trustees. He was Chairman of the Federation’s Government Relations Committee, President of Jewish Education Center of Cleveland, President of Ohio Jewish Communities, and a Vice President of Gross Schechter Day School. In January 2009, the President of the United States, George W. Bush, appointed him to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. In the broader community, David serves on the boards of University Hospitals of Cleveland, Parkwood Corporation, The Cleveland Foundation and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.While community service and philanthropy are driving forces in his life, the study of Torah is a priority. Despite his extensive business obligations and community service commitments, David still finds the time to study Torah and Talmud every day. For the past twenty-five years, he has a weekly chavrusah with Academy alumnus, Rabbi Dovid Greenwald.David and his wife, Becky, are the proud parents of four children and one grandchild.
Academy in Action // 5Historical Visit byEminent Roshei Yeshivafrom Eretz YisroelTalmidim in the Yeshiva Ketana and Boys Junior High were given a memorable and historical opportunity to greet Rav Dov Landau, zekan Roshei Yeshiva and Rosh Yeshiva, Slabodka who briefly addressed the talmidim during a visit to the United States in October. The talmidim were then addressed by Rabbi Yosef Chevroni, Rosh Yeshiva, Chevron Yeshiva. Later that evening, Rav Landau returned to the Klein Campus to address the community on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah.Dr. Howie OsterAddresses Yavne StudentsYavne was privileged to hear from Dr. Howie Oster, an Academy alumnus and Medical Director, The Center for Preventive Medicine in Tel Aviv, who spoke about his son, Amichai Hy”d, who was killed while fighting in Gaza. The last photo the family has of Amichai is of him wearing tefillin, a daily practice he never missed regardless of circumstances. The girls were deeply moved by Amichai’s unwavering commitment to Torah and mitzvos and were inspired to carry his legacy of strength and emunah.
6 // Academy in ActionEarly ChildhoodStudents in our youngest division enjoy a wide range of activities that promote social, emotional, and motor skills development. It is amazing to discover how much each child knows about Shabbos, davening, and the weekly parsha. Each parsha becomes a platform to teach midos tovos and put together relevant, creative projects. Students learned all about rain to better understand the flood in parshas Noach. They built tents and hosted fellow preschoolers to emulate Avraham Aveinu’s hospitality. In some classrooms life-sized wells were assembled so students could imitate the way Rivkah Emeinu watered Eliyahu’s camels. In other classrooms a shaggy camel gave rides to many of the children. Chanukah sparkle abounded as students baked donuts, built their own menorahs, spun dreidels, and put together donut keychains.
Academy in Action // 7KindergartenThis transition year marks the time to learn aleph bais, the alphabet and actual halachos when making berachos. The children are becoming proficient on what beracha to say on each kind of food. They are spending a lot of time learning and focusing on the aleph bais, a first step towards kriah mastery. Much time is spent mastering the various different sounds of the letters of the alphabet. Many hands-on activities reinforce the lessons of each parsha. Chanukah was celebrated by little chefs baking treats and students collaborating on a multitude of varied Chanukah projects.
8 // Academy in ActionYeshiva KetanaThe talmidim in this division range from first graders who celebrate the beginning of learning Chumash to sixth graders who are involved in the interpretation of complex issues in Gemara. All the talmidim are united in their exuberance to grow in learning and midos tovos. The year starts off with its annual tzedakah campaign for Hatzalah and Yad Leah, an organization that supplies quality clothes to families in Israel. This year, the boys were treated to a Succos Spectacle when Rabbi Eby Schabes brought in esrog trees that had a meaningful beginning. The esrogim were grown from an esrog that Rav Yitzchok Scheiner, zt”l presented to Mr. Mendy Klein, z”l; amazingly, that first esrog had 100 seeds which produced 100 trees.Parents and grandparents were thrilled to attend the Haschalas Gemarah M’Dor L’Dor Siyum and Brunch that honored fifth graders. 103 talmidim from grades three through six received Keser Shem Tov awards for outstanding kavod harav, middos towards classmates and exemplary behavior throughout the day. A Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support program that was started this year increases focus on positive behaviors while the “Snack Squad” is a weekly program that encourages students to develop new friends and demonstrate kindness to each other. Innovation Lab projects include woodworking (making suitcases), building bridges and rockets, and painting and making 3D imaging of major body systems.
Academy in Action // 9Junior High BoysA Tefillah program focuses on strengthening our tefillos and connection to Hashem. A chaburah explores hilchos shaliach tzibur since many talmidim are now assuming this vital role. Other programs include the Midos Challenge; 101 Hours of Learning; and Chanukah Chazarah. Our talmidim participate in an ongoing voluntary Night Seder in two neighborhoods where our Kollel men learn with the talmidim. Rabbi Boruch Hirschfeld gives a weekly Thursday morning hashkafah shiur to the talmidim, giving them an opportunity to ask any questions they may have.In General Studies, the boys experimented on how graphite is needed to conduct electricity, examined lake water under microscopes and built strong supportive structures using a few notecards. History class came alive when students wrote reports and created their own representations of the Panama Canal. Students also took advantage of elective studies when they built shtenders and a large-sized boxcar. Elective courses include Architectural Design and Arts as well as advanced Jewish History and a choice of leagues that promote physical development and teamwork.
10 // Academy in ActionGirls ElementaryThis year’s theme is “Growing with Gratitude-Thanks a Bunch.” The first activity for this theme was a snow globe full of blank paper slips that was given to each student. Students filled the notes with reasons they felt gratitude to their parents and relatives. When all the blank slips were filled out and removed from the snow globe, a prize was rewarded.Students in various grades concentrated on learning about Shemoneh Esrei, Shemiras HaLashon, the life of Sarah Schenirer, a”h, and took part in a preparation for a Shabbos incentive program.The theme of the Chanukah Chagigah was “L’hadlik Ner,” to light a spark and create sparks of kedusha by helping others and making people happy. The girls baked and decorated dreidel cookies and enjoyed many interactive activities.Our students were some of the winners of the National Jewish Press Chanukah Art Contest. Their winning pieces were displayed at JFK Airport for travelers to view.In General Studies, students learned about pollinator gardens, the rain cycle, magnetic forces and even created their own inventions like a robot vacuum cleaner that also plays hide and seek. The Innovation Lab for this division officially opened this year and was immediately put to good use. Students in fifth grade are working on 3D models and turning them into name plates. They are also building squishy circuits and simple robots.
// 11Girls Middle SchoolGrade Six begins with a Mitzvah Program, embarking on a journey to study the seven Nevios and explore midos tovos that they can personally learn from each of the women prophets. Grade Seven is working on a year long study of hilchos bein adam l’chaveiro, to judge each person favorably. Eighth graders this year will serve as ambassadors of the Penimi Technology Program that reminds students that they have the power to turn off devices and focus on priorities. Eighth grade Shabbaton’s theme is “Baruch Hamavdil: Separate to be Great.” The theme of the chesed program this year is “Chesed Zone Starts at Home.” The theme of the Chanukah Chagiga was “Mi L’Hashem Alai.” Students heard a fascinating shiur and then enjoyed a pasta bar, and glow in the dark inflatables.In General Studies, students put together 3D models of animal cells, cracked math codes to get out of a Math Escape Room, created brochures of the successful colonies of Jamestown and Plymouth, and learned all about how to create a monthly budget. Students in the Innovation Lab are working on Breadboards, simple circuits that light up LED lights, and Tinkercad programming.Academy in Action
12 // Academy in ActionYavne High School The G.O. theme is “Ish al Diglo,” each person brings unique kochos to the community. The theme of Mishmeres is “Ne’eman Ruach Machse Davar,” when speaking be discreet, trustworthy, careful with every word and quick to compliment. The Chesed Program this year emphasized how chesed can be a game changer for the provider and recipient. The Shabbos Program is a success as students strive to grow higher and truly connect with Shabbos in a meaningful way. Students outdid themselves in a delightful comedy performance written by Mrs. Abigail Rozen. Chanukah was inspirational as girls shared “MIRRORcles” of hashgacha pratis in their lives. An original activity at the Chagiga was a bottle of essential oils given to each student that they could mix and match to create their own diffusers.“Kirvas Elokim Li Tov” was the theme of this year’s amazing Shabbaton at Bertram Inn. Each grade prepared and presented ideas to make Shabbos more meaningful and memorable. Lessons learned will enhance the talmidos’ Shabbasos throughout the year.In General Studies, college courses are thriving. In other classes, students made models of early Mesopotamian irrigation canals, wrote suspenseful 100-word stories for a national contest, and studied the functions of two hemispheres of the brain in Psychology class.
Academy in Action // 13Kollel Ateres Nochum ZevKollel Ateres Nochum Zev is our school-based Kollel located at the Klein Campus. The Kollel, which carries the name of the Academy’s legendary Dean, Rabbi Nochum Zev Dessler, zt’l, brings high-quality learning, chavrusos, mentors, and role models to the talmidim in the Junior High Division. Under the leadership of Rabbi Zev Busel, Rosh Kollel, the Kollel members have become an integral part of our school and continue to have a profound influence on the Academy. Did you know that you can use your Ohio state taxes to directly support the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland? By participating in the Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) program, you can redirect up to $1,500 of your State taxes to help provide scholarships for students, all while receiving a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit.Join Today!The deadline to participate for your 2025 taxes is April 15, 2026.Visit www.everychildeveryfamily.org/donate or contact Rabbi Moshe Marcovich at (216) 727-3008 or [email protected] to learn more and sign up.Make a meaningful difference - without spending an extra penny!Attention Ohio Taxpayers:Make a Difference with Your Taxes!
Enrichment After-School Learning and FunA whole plethora of clubs were offered to our student body this past semester. For boys, there was Mishna, chess club, sports enrichment, basketball league and cartooning. For girls, there was STEAM, sports, ice skating, art, needlepoint, singing, dance, and drama. Hundreds of students partake in these after-school classes. Thank you for Academy graduates and mothers, Mrs. Lilly Zak and Mrs. Avigayil Weiss.14 // Academy in ActionPTAThe year’s PTA, under the direction of Mrs. Shirah Stern, strives to foster a strong partnership between parents and the school. The PTA Presidium is Mrs. Perel Domb as President and Mrs. Bari Adler, Mrs. Sarah Rena Grodko and Mrs. Elisheva Hoffman as Co-Presidents. PTA started off the year with its annual Back to School Bash where families came together for a fun-filled afternoon of games, crafts, cold treats and an opportunity to meet and greet families new and old. Over 40 new families received beautiful welcome gifts and were paired with veteran HAC mentor families. The Family and Business Directory was distributed to all HAC families for help foster strong connections in our school community. PTA hosted a very successful Chanukah Delights and are looking forward to the Ladies Night Out for HAC Mothers and Staff.
Survivor of October 7th Massacre Visits AcademyJunior High students sat spellbound as they listened to Yossi Karsenty, an unforgettable guest and survivor of the Simchas Torah, October 7th massacre. Yossi told how he was a master sergeant in the army who was called up on that fateful day. Yossi received a beracha from his father before he left and helicoptered to Kibbutz Be’eri where he was among the first to fight the 340 attackers on the community. He was convinced that this was his end, said Shema Yisrael and Viduy, and conversed with Hashem. Miraculously, he survived. He continued to daven after being hit with two bullets and undertaking a difficult, emotional rehabilitation journey.Yossi’s visit in November was facilitated by an organization called “Together For Them” which supports wounded soldiers and their families. Yossi was in Rabbi Dessler’s office, noticed the Talmud Bavli that sat on the shelf, and immediately conducted an impromptu siyum on Gemarah Meseches Bava Metziyah in the presence of the talmidim. The boys responded in resonating song: ”Siman Tov u’Mazel Tov,” “Acheinu” and “Shaarei Shamayim Pesach.” The visit was an event that will remain as a profound lesson in emunah, bitachon, tefillah, and most of all a steadfast commitment to limud haTorah despite obstacles and impediments.Memoriesof Rabbi andMrs. MosheHildeshaim, zt”lThe Hildeshaim and Sanders families are collecting memories of their grandparents. Rabbi Moshe Hildeshaim, zt”l, was a devoted Rebbi in the Hebrew Academy over 50 years ago and his Rebbetzin, Mrs. Ita Hildeshaim made a tremendous impact on the New American Division that the Academy established in response to a huge influx of Soviet immigrants in the 1980s. Both Rabbi and Mrs. Hildeshaim were Holocaust survivors who lost most of their families but remained steadfast in their faith and unwavering in their mission to teach and inspire. The family seeks to compile memories to share with their children, and grandchildren. If anyone has memories to share, please email [email protected] Shorashim ProjectThis year, the Academy undertook a unique pilot project aimed at increasing the engagement and collaboration between parents and the school in the chinuch of our children. The Shorashim project includes two components: weekly features in the Chadashos, the Academy’s weekly newsletter and live-in person panels and presentations throughout the year. The weekly feature provides practical tips on how to engage children in meaningful conversations. The program is facilitated by Mrs. Adina Soclof, MS, CCC-SLP.Winners of the CIJE Math Competition SeriesWe are excited to share that our students participated in the CIJE Math Competition Series, a national program designed to build problem-solving skills and mathematical confidence. We proudly recognize students within our school based on their scores. Our seventh grade winners are: 1st place: Basya Schwartz2nd place: Malky Dessler, Rochel Isaacs and Buvi Ribiat3rd place: Ayala CohenOur eighth grade winners are: 1st place: Chayala Zabludowsky2nd place: Shaina Ziva Lasky3rd place: Shani Srour, Riki Frank and Rikki RadcliffeAcademy in Action // 15
16 // Academy in ActionChanukah DelightsA packed crowd enjoyed star performances by Morah Heigh’s Kindergarten class, Rabbi Berkman’s second grade boys and the Hebrew Academy Choir under the direction of Rabbi S.Y. Mann. The evening began with an inspiring dvar Torah and ended with delicious refreshments, arts and crafts, and the popular photo booth. It was truly uplifting to see so many of our families come together to celebrate, share nachas and enjoy this time.
The Jewish Federation andHebrew Academy ConnectionIn September, Yavne students spent time at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland Super Sunday fundraising event. Our HAC family supported the Campaign for Jewish Needs, chaired by Academy Vice President Amir Jaffa, and Federation’s Campaign Closing was held at the Klein Campus. In November, a large delegation of professional staff and lay leaders representing the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Jewish Education Center toured our Klein Campus and personally witnessed the vibrancy of our school, its many programs and innovative educational initiatives.Academy in Action // 17First Grade Mesibas ChumashSixty first grade girls celebrated the milestone event of receiving their first Chumashim. These young students were addressed by Rabbi Simcha Dessler who commented that this event marks their role in the mesorah and eternity of Klal Yisrael. Grandparents and parents in attendance were thrilled to watch these young students present a magnificent performance that depicted the joy and accomplishment they felt upon receiving their Chumashim.Yavne Studentsin IsraelOur 2025 graduates are benefitting from their year in seminaries in Eretz Yisrael. Rabbi and Mrs. Simcha Dessler hosted the girls right after Succos. In December, Mrs. Rachel Weinberg and Mrs. Anne Cohen met the graduates for a warm Chanukah get together. In January, Mrs. Tzipporah Zelasko and Mrs. Pessie Saks met them as well.
18 // Academy in ActionEngagements/Marriages Tzvi Klein to Esti SternTziporah Klein to Matis NetzerMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Yoni Klein,Mrs. Ita Kleinand Mr. and Mrs. Josh BraunsteinDina Rossman to Aryeh EllisMazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Nosson Rossman,Rabbi and Mrs. Chaim Ellis,Mrs. Arlene Goldand Rabbi and Mrs. Avrohom Ahron SchwartzZahava Greenberger to Chananya GoldnerMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Dovi Greenbergerand Mrs. Esther Leah GreenbergerNosson Goldman to Batsheva WeisbergMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Yoel Goldmanand Mr. and Mrs. Jacob KovalYaakov Newman to Deena ShermanMazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Asher Newmanand Mrs. Gizelle NewmanEphraim Solomon to Sara Aidel RoskammMazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Yisroel RoskammAdena Muskin to Dovid DobinMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Refahel MuskinHAC NachasSarah Devorah Kutoff to Eliyahu AntonMazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Noam Kutoffand Mr. and Mrs. Moshe MannGila Kalman to Adam FisherMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Michael KalmanDovi Silberstein to Chaviva BergerMazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Moshe SilbersteinTemi Drandoff to Yehuda MaizaMazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Avrohom DrandoffElana Muller to Yossi JacobiMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Jeff MullerBoaz Solowitch to Rochel KalksteinMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Eric SolowitchAkiva Schlesinger to Bracha PisterMazal tov to Dr. and Mrs. Alan Schlesinger,Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Gross, Dr. Alex Pister,Mr. and Mrs. Jack Klein, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Krautand Mrs. Barbara SchlesingerEli Rottenberg to Miriam LaksMazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Nisson Rottenbergand Rebbetzin Miriam Barkin Odelia Kaminski to Jacob JakubovMazal to Mr. and Mrs. Elisha KaminskiMenachem Shlomo Friedman to Tova RosenthalMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Shimon FriedmanElky Ganz to Yitz PlotkinMazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Moshe Dovid GanzBen Weiss to Yael EvansMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Aryeh Weiss,Mr. Will Evans,Mrs. Ariella Evans,Mrs. Pari Behboudniaand Mrs. Bonnie EvansYosef Moritz to Sara HalonMazal tov to Dr. and Mrs. Michael MoritzGive a Gift ThatKeeps on GivingInclude the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland in your will or estate plan and help ensure that future generations continue to benefit from a strong Torah education. Your legacy gift will support scholarships, exceptional educators, and meaningful programs that make a lasting impact.To learn more, please contact Rabbi Eli Dessler at [email protected] or 216.382.3300 ext. 362.Parnes Hayom –Partner in a Day of TorahEach day at the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland is filled with Torah learning, tefillah, and chesed. With 1,550 students, the collective impact of a single day is profound. The Parnes Hayom program offers a meaningful opportunity to dedicate a specific day in the Academy. A day may be designated in honor of a birthday or anniversary, as an expression of gratitude or tribute, as a zechus for a refuah shleima, or as an aliyas neshamah on a yahrzeit. The dedication is shared with our community, allowing the day’s learning and tefillah to serve as a lasting merit.To reserve a date or for more information, please contact Rabbi Moshe Marcovich at [email protected] or 216.727.3008.
Academy in Action // 19(continued on back page)Shaina Drazin to Mordechai LevinsonMazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Hillel DrazinChaim Tzvi Levin to Cheved TropperMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Shea Levinand Mr. and Mrs. Nochum LevitanskyPerach Mahalli to Elhazar SassonMazal tov to the Mahalli FamilyRina Wolovitz to Eli BergMazal tov to Dr. and Mrs. Brian WolovitzLeeba Goldstein to Rafi KalmanMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Yisroel Goldstein,Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kalmanand Mr. and Moshe FreundShira Moskowitz to Meir RuzohorskyMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Yossi Moskowitzand Mrs. Harriet FrankMirel Matitia to Meir MermelsteinMazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Mordecai MatitiaYisroel Gunzburg to Shayna ThauMazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Eli GunzburgMr. and Mrs. Tzvi Rudolphand Mrs. Rita SchonfeldToby Garfinkel to Noam TaylorMazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Michoel GarfinkelYaeli Stelzer to Yehuda SalanderMazal tov to Dr. and Mrs. Emanuel StelzerBirths Rabbi and Mrs. Yossi Scheinerman (boy)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Motti Scheinerman,Rabbi and Mrs. Ephraim Nisenbaum,Mrs. Eleanor Scheinermanand Mr. and Mrs. Yaakov NisenbaumMr. and Mrs. Yechiel Zelczer (boy)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Heshy ZelczerMr. and Mrs. Meyer Banilov (boy)Rabbi and Mrs. Tuvia Davis (girl)Rabbi and Mrs. Raphael Moller (boy)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Chaim DavisMr. and Mrs. Yaakov Jaffa (boy)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Amir Jaffaand Mrs. Ita KleinMr. and Mrs. Ken Fortuna (boy)Mr. and Mrs. Avrohom May (girl)Rabbi and Mrs. Eliyahu Dowek (girl)Mazal tov to Doctors Michael Altose Mr. and Mrs. Shimon Cohen (girl)Mr. and Mrs. Ari Halpern (girl)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Dov Frankel,Mr. and Mrs. Shmully Halpern,Rabbi and Mrs. Sherman Frankeland Mrs. Ita KleinRabbi and Mrs. Dovid Koval (girl)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Elie Kovaland Mrs. Malka Leah KovalRabbi and Mrs. Zvi Belsky (boy)Mr. and Mrs. Mordecai Matitia (girl)Mazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Avrohom Matitia,Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Schottensteinand Mrs. Edith MatitiaRabbi and Mrs. Eliyahu Koval (boy)Mazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Kovaland Mrs. Malka Leah KovalRabbi and Mrs. Shmuli Modes (girl)Mazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Dovid ModesRabbi and Mrs. Moshe Ribiat (boy)Mazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Menachem MeiselsMr. and Mrs. Shalom Roberts (girl)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Eli Robertsand Mr. and Mrs. David AntineRabbi and Dr. Avi Schwartz (girl)Mr. and Mrs. Ari Auerbach (boy)Mr. and Mrs. Chayim Tzvi Adler (boy)Mazal tov to Mrs. Lisa AdlerRabbi and Mrs. Chizky Huppert (girl)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Jeff ZuckermanMr. and Mrs. Daniel Varon (girl)Mr. and Mrs. Yehoshua Klein (twin girls)Mazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Daniel OlginRabbi and Mrs. Reuven Mehdizadeh (boy)Mazal tov to the Mahalli FamilyRabbi and Mrs. Yoisef Manne (girl)Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Burnstein (girl)Mazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Naphtali BurnsteinRabbi and Mrs. Daniel Halevi (girl)Mr. and Mrs. Aron Resnick (boy)Mazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Sruly KazenMr. and Mrs. Yoni Schabes (girl)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Harvey SchabesMr. and Mrs. Eli Peppard (girl)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Fred LaxMr. and Mrs. Yaakov Florans (boy)Mr. and Mrs. Yossi Heifetz (twin boys)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Heifetzand Mr. and Dr. Fred Schwartz Rabbi and Mrs. Yitzchak Kroll (boy)Rabbi and Mrs. Yitzchok Mittelman (boy)Mazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Nachum SokolMr. and Mrs. Yosef Zonana (girl)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Moshe ZonanaMr. and Mrs. Baruch Brummer (girl)Rabbi and Mrs. Sruly Mann (boy)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Shmuel Yaakov MannMr. and Mrs. Ilan Senders (boy)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Cary Senders,Rabbi and Mrs. Shimmy MunkMrs. Rochel Munkand Mrs. Judy ZwickMr. and Mrs. Bentzy Klarfeld (boy)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Klarfeldand Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan KlarfeldMr. & Mrs. Natan Breslow (boy)Mr. and Mrs. Eli Weiss (boy)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Marcelo Weissand Mr. and Mrs. Eliot GutowRabbi and Mrs. Yaakov David (boy)Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Gold,Mr. and Mrs. Jalal Zobdehand Mrs. Hentsha JakobovitchRabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Tikotzky (boy)Mazal tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Aharon D. Lebovics
1800 Warrensville Center RoadCleveland Heights, Ohio 44121www.hac1.orgHebrew Academy of ClevelandRabbi Simcha DesslerMenahel/Educational DirectorRabbi Eli DesslerFinancial DirectorDr. Louis J. MalcmacherPresidentMr. Ivan A. SoclofAcademy In Action // Shevat 5786 // February 2026 // Editor: Mrs. Selma Hellman Immediate Past PresidentBar MitzvahsMr. and Mrs. Gary Shyken and YehudaMr. and Mrs. Yehuda Wenger and Meir YitzchokMr. and Mrs. Benjamin Goldzweig and DaniDr. and Mrs. Baruch Fertel and LeviMr. and Mrs. Menachem Kaye and YisroelThe Nalick Family and Shlomo PeretzRabbi and Mrs. Shlomo Elkan and YosefDr. and Mrs. Eili Kaganoff and KoviMr. and Mrs. Nachum Langsner and ShlomoRabbi and Mrs. Zev Meisels and EliMr. and Mrs. Shragi Schiff and Nochum Zev(continued from page 19)“A People Survives as Long as it Transmits its Heritage from One Generation to the Next”Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Koval and ChaimRabbi and Mrs. Dovid Sheinis and Elozar MenachemMr. and Mrs. Nissan Heifetz and AriMr. and Mrs. Akiva Shawel and NoamMr. and Mrs. Avrohom Rossio and BaruchRabbi and Mrs. Avi Klavan and Gavriel