CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF RABBI HAROLD M. SCHULWEIS ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
contents
Our mission is to empower each child to reach his/her potential as a confident, skilled, and passionate learner
with a strong Jewish identity. Exceptional, forward-thinking academic general and Judaic studies programs emphasize inquiry, critical thinking, and creativity while instilling Jewish ethics, values, spirituality, a personal connection to Israel, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Embraced by a nurturing and dynamic community, our students build
a foundation that fosters academic achievement, celebrates the joy of Jewish life, and cultivates a
desire to make a difference in the world.
Looking Back toLook Forward
Sheva Locke and Rabbi Ed Feinstein
Financial Summary 2014-2015
Bringing Academics to Life
Art as a Reflection of ValuesSportsmanship on
and off the Field
Our Community in Action
A Thriving Community
Accolades and Achievements
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
Where are our Alumni?
Honor Roll
MISSION
Giving at VBS Day School
Ways to Give
In memory of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis (z”l)
1925-2014
Painting by Day School Alumna Hannah Drew
Sheva Locke, Head of School We are the Harold M. Schulweis Day School. At a recent school assembly, a teacher asked students what they would do to support a friend who needed help on the playground. Ben, a 4th grader, replied, “You should not stand idly by; this is what we learned from Rabbi Schulweis.” For Ben and generations of VBS Day
School students, Rabbi Schulweis’ teachings are a way of life.
In 1978, Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis pioneered a day school at Valley Beth Shalom with aspirations of weaving together a strong secular education with a modern dynamic Jewish life experience. He believed the school must be a place where both boys and girls should be inspired and have equal access to academics and Jewish life. The fabric of the school must be steeped in Jewish values that lead to action. Rabbi Schulweis had high expectations for our students, saying “you are not the future, you are the present and can make a difference now.” For more than 36 years, the school and students have thrived based on these ideals.
When I began as the Head of School 13 years ago, I met Rabbi Schulweis and understood that this was no ordinary school. The moral imperative of Tikkun Olam would be at the forefront of all that we do. He taught, “God is a verb,” and it was incumbent upon each person to find that personal connection to God through action. I feel so blessed to be guiding the next generation of children and families to realize their own potential in making our world a better place. Ten years ago at age 80, Rabbi Schulweis started the Jewish World Watch to end genocide in Darfur. The Day School 6th graders took on a leadership role by raising funds and standing next to Rabbi Schulweis with a drumming performance as he would kick off the walk each year.
In January 2016, the Day School will honor Rabbi Schulweis’ legacy by dedicating an annual Hineni Action Day in his name. Students will learn about Rabbi Schulweis and go out in the community to make a difference. Every week at Kabbalat Shabbat, our students recite the following blessing:
We owe Rabbi Schulweis our heartfelt gratitude for guiding us in under-standing how to be a partner with God.
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LOOKING BACK TO LOOK FORWARD
“Thank you God for providing us with the opportunity to be your
partner in repairing the world.”
Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Valley Beth Shalom
There was a Hasid who made a yearly pilgrimage to see his Rebbe. Upon his return from this long and arduous trip, his neighbors asked him why he made this journey each year. What Torah do you go to learn? What truth did the Rebbe impart? The Hasid answered: “I do not go to learn interpretations of Torah. I go to watch the way he ties his shoes.”
Try this experiment: Put your hands in your pockets and try to explain to someone verbally how to tie shoes. It’s an exercise in frustration. Because there are certain things you can learn by description. And there are others that can only be learning in the doing -- learned not by words and concepts, but by involving fingers, hands, and heart. Theory is important. But there is a knowing through practice and participation that cannot be replaced by theoretical description. That kind of knowing has its own special character.
There is much of our Jewish tradition that can be conveyed through description. One can learn about the history, about the philosophy, about the culture of Judaism. But the core of holiness, the practice of Jewish ethics, the experience of God’s presence, cannot be learned about. It cannot be done for us by others. It requires the intensity of full personal involvement and investment. It requires the whole self.
What makes our VBS Day School program unique is that it engages the entire child. This educational environment invites children to embrace the values of Jewish life in their interactions with one another, with their teachers, with the social and natural environment around us. Judaism isn’t just studied here, it is lived. This is why Rabbi Schulweis so passionately insisted on the founding of our Day School, and took such pride in its development. This is his Judaism. And that is why the school bears his name.
This year, we remember Rabbi Schulweis and all he taught. And there is no better way than to contribute our support to a school where his vision and values are at the core of each day’s learning. Thank you for supporting our school with such heart.
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EMPLOYEE SALARIES & BENEFITS$4,206,126
INSTRUCTION & PROGRAM$336,832
ADMINISTRATIVE$259,230
FINANCIAL SUMMARY 2014-2015
TECHNOLOGY$215,416
OCCUPANCY & BUILDING$153,738
ADVANCEMENT$82,584
TUITION$4,379,445
FEES$300,334
ANNUAL GIVING (ANNUAL FUND & TEMPLE APPEAL)
$267,444
PARENT ORGANIZATION FUNDRAISING$143,361
GRANTS, AWARDS & OTHER DONATIONS$139,381
INTEREST INCOME$30,073
TOTAL EXPENSES $5,253,926TOTAL INCOME $5,260,038
82% 80%
6% 5% 4%3%
2%
5% 3%3%
1%
6%
TOTAL GIVING$580,259
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BRINGING ACADEMICS TO LIFEVBS Day School takes an innovative approach to learning. Seeing our students thrive across all fronts helps to build the foundation for their paths to make a difference in the world.
VBS Day School is in a unique position – not only do we live the legacy of Rabbi Schulweis through our community service, but we also take pride and leadership in academics, technology, the arts and athletics.
The children of VBSpossess the wisdom to question and courage to hear.
- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis
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Book BashIn February, VBS Day School held its first ever book club meeting – Book Bash – for over 300 people to continue to foster a love of the written word and to celebrate reading! The evening consisted of several book club discussions facilitated by teachers, an extension activity associated with the chosen book, and a visit by one of three published authors. Students and parents worked in cross-age level groups as they discussed the different books.
S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)We stay on the pulse of the latest technology/S.T.E.A.M education. In the 2014-2015 school year, VBS Day School introduced live streaming in the multi-media production studio, including live broadcasting to our parents of the morning message. Our robotics program fosters critical thinking and creativity through projects and competitions. In addition, the very first 3D printed projects came to life from design through production on our state-of-the-art 3D printer (shown left).
Robotics Production Studio iPads
ART AS A REFLECTION OF VALUES
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The Day Schools’ arts program provides a wide array of opportunity for expression through visual, vocal, instrumental, dance and performing arts.
This past year, our productions of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “101 Dalmatians” were superb in both costume-design, production-design and the children’s performances. These stage opportunities allow our children to grow more confident and foster an appreciation of the arts.
Art respects the emotional life of the individual so that we may reflect upon life’s values.
- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis
Each day, we honor Rabbi Schulweis’ teachings about integrity and respect. Both boys and girls thrive in the Lions’ Athletic program with 95% participation, 30 teams and 240 games during the year.
We are proud of our 6th grade boys soccer team for bringing home the division championship adding a 17th championship to our shelf! More than just winning though is the amazing sportsmanship our student athletes show both on and off the field.
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SPORTSMANSHIP ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Boys and girls must have the same opportunities for learning in all aspects of the school and in participating in Jewish life.
- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis
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OUR COMMUNITY IN ACTION
Here at VBS Day School, we live Rabbi Schulweis’ legacy through our ongoing commitment to community service and Tikkun Olam. Rabbi Schulweis not only founded Mazon and Jewish World Watch, but he believed deeply that children can change the world.
Students participate in grade level Tikkum Olam projects throughout the year. For example, fourth grade students led the SOVA Food Pantry effort, collecting over 4,000 cans and fruits and vegetables for SOVA. Student Council organized a Read-a-Thon to raise funds for School on Wheels, a non-profit providing tutoring and school supplies for homeless children. Day School families also served meals at Hope of the Valley, a faith-based mission. In total, our students and the VBS Day School community raised nearly $10,000 of Tzedakah to help repair the world.
In January 2016, we will dedicate our day of service learning as the Harold M. Shulweis Hineni Action Day.On this day, students will learn about Rabbi Shulweis and will go into the community to engage in community service projects.
God is not believed, but behaved. .
Jewish Home for the Aging
Jewish World Watch
SOVA Food Bank
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- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis
Rabbi Schulweis was the founder of the Havurah movement, which strived to bring together families to share in Jewish learning, prayer and communal events. His vision for bringing together our families as a community is the basis for all that we do here at the Day School.
Thanks to the generous support of Jack and Rita Youdai, the Day School held its first annual all school Youdai Family Camp. Over 30 Day School families celebrated Shabbat at Camp Ramah. The weekend was a time to bring old and new friends together, to build friendships and to strengthen family bonds through prayer, community-building and fun-filled activities. This annual family camp will create memories for our children, parents, faculty and staff for years to come.
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A THRIVING COMMUNITYOur Parent Organization has made it a priority to focus on community. Our togetherness and accessibility, not to mention genuine fun that we have together is what sets our Day School apart. Spring 2015 marked the first “Daughter Dance,” an 80s themed event. The dance was a wonderful way for parents to get to know each other while having a great time rockin’ out to Michael Jackson and Madonna!
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God.Where then?God not in menor in you.But between us.
God not me or minenor you or yoursBut ours. God knownnot alonebut in relationship. Not revealed throughlonely powerbut through our kinship,friendshiphealing, bindingraising up of each other. To know God is to know othersto love God is to love othersto hear God is to hear others.
- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis
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Milken Family Foundation Jewish Educator Award Winner: Ariela Nehemne
In December 2014, Ariela Nehemne received the Milken Jewish Educator Award, recognizing her as one of the top four educators in the community for the year. Ariela wears multiple hats as a kindergarten Hebrew and Judaic Studies teacher, peer mentor and technology leader at VBS Day School. Kindergartners enter the year with little if any Hebrew background; yet, speaking only Hebrew, Ariela brings the language and Jewish heritage to life through music, art, cooking, drama, movement and literature. Whether students explore a classroom transformed into a Persian Shushan castle at Purim or lead a Passover seder by performing the story in Hebrew, they are building a foundation for success in school. Ariela also mentors the Day School staff in best practices to achieve Hebrew proficiency, in curriculum mapping, and by integrating diverse forms of technology into the curriculum.
ACCOLADES & ACHIEVEMENTS
Children are not the future, they are the present and can make a difference now!
- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis
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Szabadi-Patt Teacher of the Year: Nora Moreno
We congratulate Nora Moreno, our 5th grade general studies teacher on receiving the Szabadi-Patt Teacher of the Year Award for 2014-2015. Nora is a passionate, committed and dedicated teacher. She instills a love of learning, and a self confidence in her students enabling them to achieve and reach their personal best. Envisioning a dynamic curriculum for the grade, she has made 21st Century learning come to life in an inspiring way. Working as a team with her grade level partner, she has set the tone for excellence and helped to further the mission of VBS Day School. Nora also leads a mentoring program to support new teachers in their first year at the school. With her calm and professional demeanor with her colleagues, and outreach to parents, she serves as a fine ambassador for the school.
Yossi Dresner Scholarship Award
The 2014-2015 recipient of the Yossi Dresner Scholarship is Julia Hartman. Generously funded by Victor and Lisa Kohn, this scholarship is presented annually to an outstanding student who demonstrates academic excellence.
Adina Bender Jewish Values Award
Noa Noudel is the 2014-2015 recipient of the Adina Bender Jewish Values Award for exemplifying Rabbi Schulweis’ vision of changing the world.
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WHERE ARE OUR ALUMNI?
ISRAEL
VBS DAY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2009
COLLEGE FRESHMAN CLASS OF 2015Brown UniversityBoston UniversityCalifornia State University, NorthridgeEmory UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityLehigh UniversityNativ College Leadership Program in IsraelNew York UniversityNorthwestern UniversitySanta Barbara City CollegeSarah Lawrence UniversityUniversity of ArizonaUC BerkeleyUCLAUniversity of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUniversity of IndianaUniversity of Oregon USCUniversity of WisconsinWesleyan UniversityWillamette UniversityWake Forest University
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VIVA VBS 2015
VIVA VBS Gala, Cirque du 36, honored Head of School, Sheva Locke on the occasion of her 13th year, in conjunction with the 36th Anniversary of VBS Day School and the celebration of the legacy of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis. Sheva believes in the teaching and vision of the school’s namesake, Rabbi Schulweis, that an investment in a strong Jewish Day School education is an investment in the future of Jewish life. Under her leadership, the Day school is thriving as a top accredited school and has received national recognition and awards.
Over 400 parents, alumni and colleagues attended to share and celebrate Sheva’s leadership as Head of School and as chair of the Head of School Council in conjunction with the Builders of Jewish Education (BJE). Sheva credits an amazing faculty, rabbis, staff, board and VBS community of families for the partnership in the school’s success. She also thanks the Parent Organization and Gala chairs, Amy Green and Andrea Epstein for a magical evening.
The Harold M. Schulweis Day School has thrived for 36 years based on its mission that is steeped in Jewish values and the belief that children can make a difference in the world.
GIVING AT VBS DAY SCHOOL
Shachar Astor, Roee Astor, Sheva Locke, Ron Astor and Maya Astor-Haritan
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Parent Organization Contributes to EndowmentThe Parent Organization diligently worked to raise $143,361 in funds to help support the Day School. In June 2015, the Parent Organization decided to invest in the schools present and future by making a $10,000 gift to the VBS Day School SEEDS Endowment. The Endowment ensures the future of the Day School and the ability to provide our children with a Jewish education, carrying on Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis’ legacy as pioneer of the Jewish day school movement.
Reznikoff Award Winner
The Rita Reznikoff Leadership Award was presented to outgoing Day School Board of Trustees President, Larry Weisenberg. Dutifully serving the Day School for the past two years, Larry made a lasting impact through his leadership and dedication.
Shelley Margulies and Kyle Van Pelt, Parent Organization Co-Presidents
Suzanne Marks, Larry Weisenberg and Stacy Reznikoff Kent
Coach Sam & Lev the Lion’s Biking Journey!After weighing options of what to do with his summer, in July 2014, Coach Sam decided to take Lev the Lion and ride his bicycle from Los Angeles to Charleston, South Carolina. Coach Sam shared his journey with the school through photos and videos. He used his adventure to raise money for his beloved VBS Day School’s athletic program, raising $5,000.
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Donations to the Annual Fund, Temple Appeal & VIVA VBS received between July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015
VISIONARY (25,000+)Jon and Susan Dolgen
PARTNER ($15,000-$24,999)Victor and Lisa KohnThe Howard & Irene Levine Family FoundationLefkowitz Family Foundation
TRAIL BLAZER ($10,000-$14,999)AnonymousMarc and Lisa BenderITW FoundationThe Rabbis and Cantors of Valley Beth Shalom SynagogueVBS Day School Parent Organization
PIONEER ($5,000-$9,999)Daniel and Tahli AbramovitchMichael and Anne BazelDennis and Ilene BermanSergio Bicas and Tamar DolgenGil and Aileen BorokZorik and Ilana GordonScott and Ann LiebermanRachel LipmanMilken Community High SchoolBrad and Mara PressmanRichard and Nurit RobinDarryl and Kim SchallJay and Nancy SchulmanAllan and Stephanie Walsh
HONOR ROLLHEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE ($3,600-$4,999)AnonymousKamran and Diana BoudaiDavid and Roslyn GrinbergHoward and Irene LevineRobert and Lélia MaltzmanMoshe and Debra MeppenStephen and Avril OzenEdward and Peggy RobinKaren RubinsteinTom and Melody Yadegar
INNOVATOR ($2,500-$3,599)Michael and Judy AltmanHerbert and Geri BieberGeorge Hess and Lisa Kabaker HessEric and Thalia KingsleyCraig and Shelley MarguliesOren and Orit RappaportSean and Nazila RastegarDaniel and Jordana SignerDavid and Tammy TemkinThe Walt Disney Company Foundation
LION’S CLUB ($1,800-$2,499)Kamyar and Ilyse BoudaiDavid and Tiffany BoxerHoward and Franceen DavineClyde and Nicole IsaacsonMichael and Patti JacobsMorris and Lillian KlempfnerRon Astor and Sheva LockeDavid and Sarah OstermanTorag and Monika PourshamtobiIlya and Adina ReyterJay and Rebecca Rosen
David and Claudia SackRobin and Vicki SamuelRichard and Ellen SandlerDaniel Spitzer and Elaine MeyersMichael and Susan TabibianLarry and Gariann WeisenbergJon and Lee WeisnerJack and Rita Youdai
BLUE & WHITE ($1,000-$1,799)AnonymousMorad and Guita AmiriehYoav Avicasis and Sharona Pony AvicasisScott and Nancy BeiserNaftali Bendetson and Ada JanklowiczSean and Shiraya Ben-MenahemStuart Berkley and Alyse Golden BerkleyMartin and Victoria BinderRonald BlancTony BoxerRichard and Barbara BraunCalifornia United BankCity National BankMartin and Sharleen CohenRobert Cohen and Nancy Sher-CohenCPEhrMark and Sylvie DeutschJonathan and Robyn FenerJoshua and Lisa FurmanBarry and Renee GordonDan and Tali GordonJonathan and Jo Carol HiattKeith JacobsKesselhaut Family FoundationMark and Kimberly KuskinRonald and Doreen LeverJerry and Pamela OffsaySteve (z”l) and Toni Parker
Morton and Bracha RappaportHerb (z”l) and Adele ReznikoffLee RosenJason and Lorelle SchirnDavid and Michelle SchreierJack and Rita SinderAnsel and Lynne SlomeAlex and Elisa TaubSam and Gilda TorbatiEddie and Kyle Van PeltMichael and Shari WeinerStan WeissBrett Winn and Pam Levin-WinnAlan and Judy Zweig
PATRON ($500 TO $999)Abraham Joshua Heschel Day SchoolJoel and Fay AdelmanEyal and Kelleen BalleMory and Tal BarakJesse and Lill BeimRon and Donna BenderLilian Bicas KleinDavid and Heather BinderWarren and Mojgan BinderEran and Kamea BittonBarry and Lisa BloomJeffrey and Ellen BrownRichard and Irene BursteinBarry and Debbie CohnTennyson and Brynie CollinsMichael and Wendy DamicoStephen and Stacey DavisJordan and Ailee DemboMichael DiBenedetto and Shoshana KapnekStuart and Sally DrexlerDaniel and Andrea EpsteinEugene Photography and VideoAaron and Toby FeitElie and Pamela Gindi
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Michael and Julie GiroccoAriel and Karen GoldensteinRob and Jessica GoldklangRheba GoldmanLawrence GoldsteinLorin and Amy GreenJonathan and Robin GreeneEarl GreinetzMorad and Sharona HanasabJonathan and Corine HartmanDirk and Jennifer HebertNeil HoffmanLeo HowardScott and Marcie HowardNeville and Marilyn IsaacsonRon and Lindy KadouriPatrick Knightly and Stacey WeissHooman and Elham KohankabirLee Stucker ConstructionJim and Glennis MalcolmJordan and Elsa MandelbergSarah MannDov Margalit and Jill KleinDarren and Robin MelamethGary and Judith MillerRicky and Cindy MintzNastecReuven and Ellen NitkaOrion SecurityBarton and Linda PachinoDaryoush and Sanaz RadMarshall and Diane ResnikMatthew and Anat ResnikBenjamin and Janice ReznikDavid and Amy RiceGil and Sharon RiefMarvin and Carol RowenBernie and Annette RubinsteinRobert and Lara SarvianBrandon and Lisa SchindelheimPejman and Sima ShirazyJilbert and Ilana Shirian
Jonathan and Rebecca SteinbergLeonardo and Andrea SzewElliott and Maddie TaftJeremy Faith and Niva Telerant- FaithTime WarnerCharles and Elaine WeidmannJack and Caroline WeingartenEric and Lisa WilenDavid and Orit ZeichickKourosh and Karolin Zoghi
FRIENDS (UP TO $499)Anonymous (6)Behrooz and Maria AhdootKeren AigenDeanna AllenNoah and Hope AlperAlan and Sophie AlpertAmir and Merseda ArminMenahem and Lina AvianiB&B Premier InsuranceAffie Bahar ConollyHarry and Golda BainLeeor and Dora BaisburdDavid and Nancy BakhajHarris and Penny BallowEvelyn BauerBonner and Nicole BellewIlan and Adina BenderKaren BenderBella BergmanMichael and Arline BerksonSandra BermanNate Bernstein and Judith CymermanPeter and Linda BernsteinRachel BernsteinBruce and Cirel BlitzChanon and Sarah BlochBernice BloomMolly Bogad ‘87
Joe and Joana BrecknerCarter Jacobs, LLPJohn Cefalu and Melissa RandallKenneth and Judy ChasinBenjamin and Joan CohenRamin and Nazanin CohenDov and Sheila CohnSandra CooperMike and Barbara CordovaSumner and Judie CottonTal and Inbal DaganBertrand and Janice DannBrian and Sharon DavidoffErwin and Molly DillerSaeed and Setareh DiniLauren DolgenEfraim and Miriam DonitzJoel DouglasRuth DrexlerMichael and Stella DubeyAllan and Bonnie DuboffRobert Een and Karin LevitasDavid Egdes and Victoria KaufmanCameron and Sarah EghbaliDavid and Lisa ElanBaruch and Claudine ElkriefDavid and Susan EllisDavid and Alana EpsteinEdward and Elaine EpsteinHoushang and Touran FarhadianScott FarkasArie and Sandra FederRalph and Marlene FeldmanRichard and Aliza FirstSean and Linda FoleyEzekiel FreedMarcia FreedlandAudrey Freedman HabushEric and Lauren FreedmanGordon FreemanMerle FreemanNettie Freeman
Steven and Andrea FriedrichLois FrochLou and Hannah FurmanJerald and Marcia GaleMurray and Rose GellerTerri GetzugAfshin and Karmela GiladiAnthony and Ruth GinsbergJeffrey and Ellen GlettnerJohn and Carlin GlucksmanJedd and Marissa GoldGary GoldenRichard and Katherine GoldmanJerome and Joan GoldwasserGisele GoldwaterLeonard GordonRoger and Linda GordonMichelle GormanGil GraffNorman and Sue GreenEdward and Frances GreenbergStuart GreenfieldMichael and Barrie GrobsteinEric Grodan and Lori BrockmanDaniel and Dana HadlJason and Shari HahnMariano Dugatkin and Cecilia Hanono Itamar and Brenda HarariOren and Lucy HarelCharles and Laurie HarrisNancy HerbstHerman Berman Co.Sean and Olivia HersteinJim and Michele HessSigal HeziBoaz Hopenstand and Tanya SorkinHal and Rhonda HurwitzAndrew and Helen HymanIgnition Auto Consulting, LLCRobert and Judy JacksonStanley Joffe
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H. Lee and Patricia KaganIrene KalesBill and Rachel KaplanPat and Natalie KaterMichael and Sandy KatzSteve and Lisa KaufmanZedrick and Dena KelleyEtan and Alison KelmanStuart and Vicky KelmanKirsch, Kohn and Bridge, LLPRichard and Karen KissenParviz and Kian KohanSteve and Lois KolkerMickey KommelBenjamin and Esther LahavMatthew Lax and Kareen AkryKristy LeibowitchJonathan Leiterman and Shoshana KarpelesRobert and Lisa LeonardWesley and Roberta LesterJanice LevichMichael and Lori LevineMichelle and Adriane LewisNorman and Galit LinderMark and Charmaine LipschitzLiquid CateringJason and Marla LitnerRonald and Lenore LopatyDavid and Inbar MaarekLuis and Lilly MaciasArjomand MadadshahiEdmund Madadshahi and Dalit ShtevyKenneth MadickMarvin and Judy MaltzmanMike and Natalie ManzourPaul MarengoMartini, Iosue & Akpovi, CPAs, LLPSteve and Judith MassArash David and Negar MatianPaul and Ruth Matlin
Eric McAvoy and Deborah Slabo- McAvoyRhona MeyerowitzRobert and Judith MillerIthzak Tzafrir and Nurit Milstein- TzafrirJo Mintz SeligmanAmiel and Manya MonsonSarah MooreAlan and Nora MorenoEzra and Jenny NamvarNational Advertising Co.Douglas and Barbara NeistatDonald and Carol NeumarkMichael and Cheryl NewmanBrian and Karen NitzkinArt and Leslie NordonNorthwestern Mutual FoundationDavid and Natali NoudelRonen and Shirley NourianFrank NozarMaya NozarNSBN, LLPSydney and Sylvia OrelGregg OrloffLeigh OrloffSteven and Sandy OstermanJoel and Lynn OvadiaDonna OzenneAriel PalmieriSteven and Jill PearlAndrew and Donalisa PelterJudy PensoLarry and Robin PermaulNaidu and Jane PermaulMark and Sharon PollockRochelle PollockBarbara PonseMiriam Prum HessBenjamin and Wendy RadparvarBruce and Tamar RaffAlan and Susan Raphael
David and Linda SilversteinJoseph and Michelle SkolnickArthur and Wendy SmithSteven and Pamela SoboNavid Souferi and Tanya HoorfarDarin SouzaDavid and Michelle SpiegelRobert and Sima StanleyAndrew and Svetlana SteinPaul Steinberg and Maureen Sweeney SteinbergDiane SteinerRobert and Rochelle SteresJason and Linda SternYoram and Carolyn SternCharlie and Sharon SuberoLisa SumanBrian and Melanie SweeneyEdward and Doreen TarasDavid and Einav TelemDavid and Esther TelerantNorman and Marianne TianoDoron and Laurie TisserMaxine TobeyDavid and Lyn TobmanAlex Tofer and Jasmine SasoonessLisa TorbanMeir and Ornit TorenBurton Bernstein and Sylvia Tregub- BernsteinWalter and Judy UhrmanMatthew and Karen VearStephen and Melita VickterJudy Vollmer-HumesBenjamin and Elana VorspanRachel WaltuchJoseph and Mickey WapnerFred and Cheri WarnerMichele WarnerKaren WarrenAdam and Shana WassermanSylvia Wechter
Todd and Liora RaphaelMurray and Naida RavettMichael RazakHarold and Phoebe ReffAndrew and Dawn ReinerRodger and Jill ReissAlex and Elena ReyterItzik and Sandy RiefJoshua and Marie RitzSusan RodenBrent and Rachel RosenMark and Michelle RosenblattN. Paul and Margaret RosenthalLisabeth RothmanDaniel and Sandy RouseRoyal Finance GroupSheila RubinJack and Joan RubinSusan RubinDan and Tilly RubinsteinMarc and Leni SackUri SakalIan Sander and Kim MosesStephen Sass and Steven HochstadtSteven and Janet ScharfKevin and Sara ScharffJerry and Ellen ScharlinHillel and Bilha SchechterArnold and Maxine ScheerEdwin and Elaine SchreiberEric and Jackie SchreiberGeorge and Felice SchulmanJoseph and Ruth SchweitzerSam SchwerdtfegerRuth ScottHarold and Colette SegalMarc and Jackie ShapiroLane ShermanSara ShulkindBernard and Gloria SiegelMichael Wachtell and Linda SilverMichael and Teddi Silverman
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Nate BernsteinSergio Bicas & Tamar DolgenBlend Z WineryIlyse BoudaiGreg & Rachel BovitzBowlmor AMFBraemar Country ClubBrent’s DeliDerek & Lynette BrownBubbles Pet SpaCafe BizouCalifornia State Railroad MuseumCallaway Vineyard and WineryCamp JCA ShalomCapezio Dance ShopCapital GenealogyCarmel Bach FestivalCasa VegaJohn Cefalu & Melissa RandallCenter Stage OperaCharity by DesignChicago Children’s MuseumCoach SamCoach ToniBrynie & Tennyson CollinsCoral Tree CafeCorbin BowlBarbara CordovaCorePower YogaCourtyard by MarriottCrossfit EncinoDance Dimensions Performing Arts CenterDaphne’s California GreekDClutterfly Liveable OrganizationAilee DemboDestination ScienceDiscovery Cube LA OCDisneyland ResortDolby TheatreDowdell AbramsEncino Veterinary Clinic
Enzoani DesignsDan & Andrea EpsteinEquinoxEyes Cream ShadesJeremy & Niva FaithFarfalla RestaurantRabbi Noah FarkasFashion Square Car WashFazio CleanersRabbi Ed FeinsteinFine Arts Museums of San FranciscoFive Guys Operations, LLCFlair CleanersAliza FirstFour Brix WineryFour Seasons Hotel Westlake VillageFox and HoundsFresh Brothers PizzaGalileo LearningGalleria Park HotelGelson’s MarketGio CucinaGo Kart WorldJedd & Marissa GoldGolden Performing Arts CenterKatherine GoldmanJeffrey GossGreat Minds RoboticsLorin & Amy GreenRobin GreeneRoslyn GrinbergDan & Dana HadlLucy HarelHands to HoldHappy Hollow Park & ZooNancy HerbstMichele HessRabbi Josh HoffmanHotel LincolnHugo’s RestaurantsIn-N-Out Burger
Jade Design Group, Inc.Jane BoutiqueAda JanklowiczJax ToysJen’s ListJust Food for DogsShoshana KapnekKaptured by KristinKaren’s ToysLisa KaufmanZed KelleyMonica KlausnerKoby B SalonHooman & Elham KohankabirKuvera PartnersLA FitnessLa Fogata Mexican RestaurantEsther LahavLakeside CafeLarsen’s SteakhouseLasky Pediatric Dental GroupYvonne LemunyonKareen LaxLe Pain QuotidienLe Vigne WineryLemonadeRachel LipmanJason LitnerLMG StudioSheva LockeLovi’s DelicatessenLure Fish HouseLuxe Hotel Sunset Blvd.Mad Science of Los AngelesMagicopolisMalibu Makos Surf ClubManatt Phelps and PhillipsMarbles the Brain StoreCraig & Shelley MarguliesMaria’s Italian KitchenMarmalade CafeMassage Masters
Annette WeinbergJoanne WeingartenDaniel WeisenbergRobert and Marcia WeissWells Fargo BankJames and Carole WengerMartin and Rita WengerAlbert and Clarie WilenProsper Benhaim and Katherine WiningerLazaro Wisnia and Vera CernyHilary ZalonMichael ZeldinAaron and Janie ZimmerPaul and Tanya Zimmerman
VIVA IN KIND DONATIONLauren AronsonTahli AbramovitchAdina Design/Adina Reyter JewelryAdina ReyterAdrienne Madden Publishing, LLCAlef Bet by PaulaAmerican CinemathequeAmerican GirlAnarbarghAquarium of the PacificArt’s Delicatessen and RestaurantAstrocampLina AvianiBaby JarDora BaisburdBalboa Fun Zone Rides Inc.Cantor Phil BaronMory & Tal BarakBattleship Iowa MuseumBay Area Discovery MuseumBeatbike, LLCScott & Nancy BeiserNicole BellewMarc & Lisa BenderProsper Benhaim & Katherine Wininger
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Meant To BeDarren & Robin MelamethMichael Joseph Furie SalonMicro KickboardNurit Milstein-TzafrirMiracle Springs Resort and SpaMiss Melodee StudiosMission Renaissance Fine Art ClassesMission San JuanAmi MonsonSarah MooreNora MorenoMulligan Family Fun CenterMy Gym Children’s Fitness CenterNatural History Museum of Los Angeles CountyAriela NehemneNight OwlNikki’s Tennis CrewNovanatural.comOld Faithful GeyserOlio E Limone RistoranteOliva TrattoriaOliver’s LabelsOriental TradingSarah OstermanOtter BoxStephen & Avril OzenPacific Edge HotelPacific ParkPaintball USAPali AdventuresYochi PeeriPasadena PlayhousePastries by EdiePet Food ExpressPier 39Pinot’s PalettePinzPlanet BeautyPlanet Smoothie
Pumpkin Face Ultra Premium Dominican RumTamar RaffOrit RappaportReal Food DailyRed and White FleetJill ReissRejuvenate Medical SpaReleve StudiosBrent RosenSusan RosnerSandy RouseTilly RubinsteinRudnick’sRuth’s Chris Steak HouseSacramento ZooSaken Sports CampSan Diego Botanic GardenSan Diego Zoo GlobalSandbox FitnessSanta Barbara Museum of Natural HistorySarah Leonard Fine JewelryBilha SchechterArnold & Maxine ScheerSchreiber & SchreiberDavid & Michelle SchreierSeaWorldShannon BelfantiSharky’sSherman Oaks Castle ParkDan & Jordana SignerSimms RestaurantsSkateland and Mountasia Fun CenterSkirball Cultural CenterSky Dive Santa Barbara L.L.C.Smoke House RestaurantSnip-ItsSparkling SageSports AuthoritySportsmen’s Lodge
Sprinkles CupcakesStarlite CaterersJonathan & Rebecca SteinbergDiane SteinerSticks and StonesStonefire GrillSugarfish by Sushi NozowaLisa SumanSusie CakesSweet Lady JaneAvi & Amy TaffTaliesin WestTart BitesEinav TelemYoussef TertaThe Cheesecake FactoryThe CounterThe Distinguished Speaker SeriesThe Elite Dance & Performing Arts CenterThe Ellen DeGeneres ShowThe Field Museum ChicagoThe Gymboree CorporationThe Habit Burger GrillThe HuntingtonThe Ice HouseThe Kim Hopkins Last Minute AuditonThe Laguna PlayhouseThe Living DesertThe Massage PlaceThe Patina GroupThe StandThe Walt Disney Family MuseumTilly’s, Inc.Tiny PrintsTocaloma Summer Day CampTommy’sTom’s ToysTony RomasGilda TorbatiTrader Joes
Gregory C. Turks, D.D.S.Ultrazone Laser TagUnderwood Family FarmsUrban Golf PerformanceValley Beth Shalom BrotherhoodValley Beth Shalom Day SchoolValley Beth Shalom Sisterhood Gift ShopValley Sports Cards & Picture FramingEddie & Kyle Van PeltVBS Early Childhood CenterKaren VearVeggie GrillVinh Loi TofuViridian Art AcademyViviane ArlottoVJB Vineyards and CellarsBen & Elana VorspanWallis Annenberg Center for the Performing ArtsRachel WaltuchShana WassermanWatson Adventures Scavenger HuntsMichael & Shari WeinerLarry & Gariann WeisenbergMarcia WeissWestern Bagel Baking Corp.Wheel Fun RentalsWheel of FortuneWhole FoodsLisa WoodwardWritopia Lab Los AngelesWundabarTom & Melody YadegarZimmer Children’s Museum
Matching GiftsMany companies offer employee giving programs where they will match gifts that their employees make to nonprofits.
AppreciatedSecuritiesStocks or other assets that appreciate in value can be donated and provide attractive tax advantages; often the full market value of the stock is tax deductible and capital gains taxes are avoided.
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WAYS TO GIVE
Make a credit card gift online at www.vbsds.org/giveonline. Donations can be made as a one-time gift or as a recurring gift.
Online Giving
Planned GiftsWe accept planned or deferred gifts through charitable trusts, life insurance and bequests. These options may reduce estate and inheritance taxes while securing the future of the school.
Tribute GiftsGifts in honor or in memory of a friend, family member, or a special occasion can be made to an endowed or designated fund.
Cash gifts are deductible to the full extent allowed by law and may be made by cash, check or credit card.
Cash
The Annual Report is a publication for the Valley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School, a non- profit private school serving the San Fernando Valley’s Jewish community. We gratefully acknowledge the many donors who supported VBS Day School and have made every effort to ensure that the listings in this publication are accurate. If, however, an error has been made, please accept our apologies and contact our Director of Development, Carly Vazana to address any questions or concerns.
Vallley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School is a Solomon Schechter Day School accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Builders of Jewish Education (BJE).
FOLLOW US:
@vbsdayschool
FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact Carly Vazana, Director of Development,at 818-530-4074.
Annual Report 2014-2015
Day School Administration 2014-2015 Sheva Locke Head of School
Nancy Herbst Director of General Studies
Tamar Raff Director of Judaic Studies
Sam SchwerdtfegerDean of Students & Athletic Director
Avi TaffDay School Rabbi
Ellen GlettnerBusiness Manager
Cindy GoodmanDirector of Admissions
Carly VazanaDirector of Development
Elana VorspanDirector of Communications
VBS Synagogue ClergyRabbi Edward M. FeinsteinRabbi Joshua HoffmanRabbi Noah FarkasRabbi Avi TaffCantor Herschel FoxCantor Phil Baron
Annual Report Staff Tal BarakCirel Blitz Zed KelleySheva LockeDiana TagleCarly VazanaElana Vorspan
AdmissionValley Beth Shalom Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at this school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, tuition assistance, or other school administered programs.
Each child is a blessingwith seeds of potential. Surround this child with rich soil and love and the child will grow, bringing wisdom, courage and compassion to our evolving world.
15739 Ventura Blvd.Encino, CA 91436
- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis