Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Alumni

Mazal Tov to Neville Brodie '11 and Rachel Lilienfeld on their recent engagement. Neville and Rachel got engaged in Florence, Italy. Neville and Rachel both attended the University of Maryland but only met several years later. They live together in Arlington, VA. Rachel is an engineer at Amazon and Neville is an Account Manager at National Technology Integrators. Mazal Tov Neville and Rachel!

Mazal Tov to Zoe Kershner '09 and Garrett Goodman on their recent engagement. Zoe and Garrett were engaged on August 18, at Windridge Winery. They met last year in Boston on Hinge. Supposedly, they had matched once or twice before! Zoe moved to Boston in 2019 to get her doctorate in Occupational Therapy at MGH. She’s been in the Boston area since graduating, working in pediatrics at Spaulding Rehab. Garrett is a CPA and works at Oracle in Boston. Garrett is from Needham, MA. They currently live in Medford, Mass but Zoe comes back to Maryland frequently to see both her family and her JDS and UMD friends! Mazal Tov Zoe and Garrett!

Mazal Tov to Michael Gould '13 and Maya Schreiber on their recent marriage. Michael met Maya on Hinge while on vacation in Florida with his best friends from JDS between graduating medical school and beginning his pediatrics residency program in Pittsburgh. Maya had been living there at the time getting her Masters from the University of Florida, and for their first date, they each drove one hour to see each other. Michael was instantly hooked and was determined to continue getting to know her. They ended up dating long distance until Maya ultimately moved to Pittsburgh to be with him. It was no surprise to anyone who knew them that they would get end up together. Their wedding took place on June 9th, surrounded by friends and family who traveled to be there from near and far, including those same JDS friends who became Michael’s groomsmen. Mazal Tov Michael and Maya!

Kol Hakavod to Amy Zitelman '07 on being the Philadelphia Business Journal Women of Influence honoree, 2024. This honor recognizes 30 businesswomen leaving a mark on the Greater Philadelphia area. Follow Amy and her business, Soom Foods, on Instagram and LinkedIn for more updates on Soom Foods! https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-zitelman-07973b2b/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/soom-foods/ https://www.instagram.com/soomfoods

Mazal Tov to Jacob Gross ‘16 and Abby Wolfe on their recent engagement. Jacob and Abby met online shortly before Abby moved to DC for graduate school in 2021. Jacob works as an underwriter for multi-family housing at Greystone, and Abby as a senior consultant at Capgemeni Government Solutions. They live in DC and are active members of the DC Minyan community. Mazal Tov Jacob and Abby!

In a special summer edition of the CESJDS Pawdcast, Head of School Rabbi Malkus sits down with alumni Emily Odesser '09 and Kira Epstein Begal '00, and CESJDS Associate Director of Alumni Relations Benji Shedlo to learn about how the CESJDS k'hillah has extended beyond the classroom and into their personal and professional lives. Listen now at https://www.cesjds.org/pawdcast or wherever you stream your podcasts.

Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Alumni

Kol Hakavod to Sofia Guerson '24 on winning the 2024 Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF). Sofia first won the HSF 2023 Youth Leadership Institute Scholarship (YLI) at UChicago when she competed with Latin students all around the United States last year. After participating at YLI she was invited this year to apply to the HSF scholarships for freshman college students. She was notified last month that she won the Hispanic Scholarship Fund this year which was offered to only 10,000 students. Kol Hakavod Sofia!

Mazal Tov to Samantha Goldman '01 on the birth of Silas Bard Goldman. Silas was born on July 2nd weighing 7lbs and 20.5 inches long. Silas is named after Samantha's Bubby Shirley, whose confidence, humor, and zest for life and adventure Samantha hopes he inherits. Silas also has Hebrew origins from the name Saul or Shaul, meaning "asked for" or "prayed for." The ‘B’ in Bard honors Samantha's Grandma Beatrice. Bard also nods to Lombard Street in San Francisco, a city close to their hearts.

"In naming him Silas Bard, I’m bringing together a mix of legacy, love, and a little bit of humor. It’s a name that honors my grandparents, celebrates how he came to be, and looks forward to a bright, adventurous future." Mazal Tov to all!

Mazal Tov to Rebecca '07 and Chad Cutler on the birth of Corey Preston Cutler. Corey was born on 7/4/2024, joining his big sister Annie Drew and dog brother Murray. Rebecca and Chad are thrilled to welcome baby brother into their family. He will be given his Hebrew name at his bris later this week. Mazal Tov Rebecca and Chad!

Mazal Tov to Maya Goldstein '14 and Andrew Nathin on their recent marriage. Maya and Andrew's love story began at The University of Delaware, where they met through mutual friends. Despite having a friendly connection, life led them in different directions, causing them to lose touch. Five years later fate brought them back together at Radegast Hall & Biergarten in Brooklyn, NY where they coincidentally attended separate friends' birthday celebrations. After a brief exchange, the undeniable connection between them became clear. From that serendipitous moment, Maya and Andrew were inseparable. Now living in NYC together and married Memorial Day Weekend 2024, many 2014 alumni were included in the wedding party. Mazal Tov Maya and Andrew!

Mazal Tov to Sahara Reiz '13 on her recent marriage to Dusty Shaw. Sahara met Dusty in March of 2021, just a few months after she moved to Austin, TX. He was her neighbor across the courtyard of their apartment building and they met talking to each other from their balconies. Dusty surprised Sahara with a proposal on 2/16/2024, and they decided to elope at the court house for a private and intimate ceremony shortly after, on 3/29/2024. They are now planning a party to celebrate with their friends and family in September. Mazal Tov Sahara and Dusty!

After recently marrying Ben Jablonski, Rabbi Rebecca Keren (Eisenstadt) Jablonski ‘03 is celebrating the publication and release of her book Confessions of a Female Rabbi: Relevant Religion in an On-Deman World. Her book contains 7 case studies about the transformative effects of Jewish Education and marking lifecycle moments in a religious context. Rebecca attributes her strong Jewish foundation to her years at CESJDS. Mazal Tov and Kol Hakavod Rebecca!

Mazal Tov to Adina Heckelman '11 and Noah Joseph '09 on their recent marriage. Noah and Adina reconnected at the wedding of Adina's brother, Josh Heckelman '09. Josh and Noah have been friends since meeting at JDS in first-grade class. Noah was a groomsmen in Josh’s wedding and Adina and Noah actually walked down the aisle together. Mazal Tov Adina and Noah!

Kol Hakavod to Micah Gritz '20 on being awarded the Sharon Greene Award for Campus Advocacy on behalf of Jewish on Campus (JOC) at the AJC Global Forum 2024. JOC is a student-powered nonprofit organization dedicated to combating antisemitism on college campuses, of which Gritz serves as COO. The Sharon Greene Award for Campus Advocacy was established by the family of the late Sharon Greene in recognition of college-based advocates who combat antisemitism while supporting vibrant Jewish life on campus. Kol Hakavod, Micah!

You can read more about the award here: https://www.ajc.org/global-forum-2024/sharon-greene-award

Mazel tov to Danny '07 and Amber Solomon on the birth of Zella Shai Solomon. Zella was born on May 23rd, exactly ten years to the day after Danny and Amber first met at the wedding of Joshua Gardner ’04. The couple resides in Los Angeles, where their journey to parenthood has been both extraordinary and inspiring.

The path to welcoming Zella into the world has been anything but conventional. Just a day before Amber was set to open her clean beauty-focused hair salon in Los Angeles, she and Danny received the life-altering news of her breast cancer diagnosis. Amber faced over a year of rigorous treatment and multiple surgeries. Despite the challenges, her strength and resilience shone through, and she is now in remission. However, the treatments left her unable to carry a child.

In a remarkable turn of events, Amber’s lifelong best friend, Stefanie, selflessly offered to be their surrogate. The couple had the foresight to undergo fertility preservation immediately following Amber’s diagnosis, which made this new path to parenthood possible. The surrogacy process was a significant commitment, involving a year of frequent trips from Los Angeles to Nashville for ultrasounds and medical consultations. Throughout this journey, they received indispensable legal guidance from surrogacy attorney Meryl Rosenberg (JDS family) and unwavering support from their family and friends.

Today, Danny, Amber, and Zella are back home in Los Angeles, living as a happy and grateful new family. Their story is a testament to enduring love, friendship, and the incredible power of community. Mazal Tov Danny and Amber!

Mazal Tov to Adam Benaim '15 and Sarah Akiba on their recent engagement. Adam and Sarah met last July at a wedding in Israel. Only two months later they decided to make their relationship official and move in together! Adam moved to Miami to be closer to Sarah, as Sarah is a celebrity stylist and Adam had more flexibility as he works in commercial real estate. They now live in Miami together. Mazal Tov Adam and Sarah!

Dear CESJDS Alumni,

As we near the end of our Ma’ayan Alumni Campaign on June 30, we need your help to reach our goals. Your support is essential for providing the resources and opportunities that benefit everyone at CESJDS.

Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a vital role in sustaining our programs and initiatives. Your gift or pledge helps us offer enriching experiences and essential support to our students and community members.

If you have not made a gift or pledge, please consider doing so today.

Your support ensures that we can continue to grow and thrive together.

Donate to Ma'ayan here: https://www.cesjds.org/support-jds/make-an-online-gift-or-pledge

Mazal Tov to Jordan Kovalsky Nathan '10 and Casey Nathan on the birth of their son Asher Brody Nathan, Asher Meir in Hebrew. Asher was born on June 11, weighing 7lb 11oz and 19 inches long. Asher was named after Jordan's late brother, Alex Kovalsky. Mazal Tov Jordan and Casey!

Mazal Tov to Gaby Pilarski '16 and Isabella Czernia on their recent engagement. Gaby and Izzy got engaged on June 5, at Butler's Orchard. They met on Tinder three years ago and now live together in Gaithersburg with their cat, dog, and lizard. Izzy works in cancer research and Gaby works in web design. Mazal Tov Gaby and Izzy!

Mazal Tov to Hilary Druckman '14 (now Maslink!) on her recent marriage to Gene. Hilary and Gene were married on May 26 in Louisville, KY at the Frazier History Museum. Gene and Hilary met in Georgia through the dating app, Hinge. Even before meeting Gene in person, Hilary knew he was the one! Every day since has been filled with joy and adventure. In April 2023 Gene and Hilary moved to Louisville, KY and after exploring their new area, they were excited to bring a Kentucky-flavored celebration to their guests for their wedding. The next stop will be moving to Hawaii in June, where many more days of sunshine and laughter are ahead! Mazal Tov Hilary and Gene!

Mazal Tov to Rachel Kalusin '14 on her recent marriage to Hershel Alterman. Rachel and Hershel were married on May 26, at Shadow Creek in Purcellville, VA. Rachel and Hershel met on JSwipe on June 14, 2018. Rachel was 21, and Hershel was 23. They learned on their third date that his father and Rachel's aunt were close friends dating back to the 70s. Although they had grown up 20 minutes away from each other and knew of each other's families, they never met until JSwipe matched them. The rest is history! Mazal Tov Rachel and Hershel!

Mazal Tov to Tali Raphael '08 on his recent marriage to Ilana Rice. Tali and Ilana got married on May 11 at the Gramercy Mansion. Tali and Ilana were set up by their friend Sasha, who now demands (rightfully) enormous credit for her role as matchmaker. Sasha woke Ilana with a phone call one night in January of 2020 to tell her about a quirky Jewish guy who would be just perfect for her. Tali and Ilana had their first date in DC. At the end, each thinking they were walking the other back to the Metro, Tali and Ilana got lost. Fortunately, as they wandered from Adams Morgan all the way to Cleveland Park, the conversation never stopped and they loved recreating their favorite comedy routines. The detour may have only lasted 45 minutes, but it set the foundation for the rest of their lives. By the onset of the initial COVID-19 lockdown six weeks later, they realized they could not be apart. Mazal Tov Tali and Ilana!

Kol Hakavod to Dore Feith '14 on his recent opinion piece in the National Review, "Columbia’s War Is about America". You can read the article here:
https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/04/columbias-war-is-about-america/?bypass_key=TVkyTWUxdElWU1pScTBXM0k4dmkwdz09OjpPWGxYV0dscE1XRlVLM1JvTUZaa2QwdGhjRkYzWnowOQ%3D%3D

Columbia’s War Is about America | National Review The campus mob action is an attack not just on Jews but on basic American ideas of order and rule of law.

Mazal Tov to former CESJDS Judaics Studies teacher Rabbi Jan Kaufman on being honored by The Rabbinical Assembly at their Annual Campaign Dinner. The gathering is a celebration of a shared commitment to supporting and strengthening the Conservative/Masorti rabbis and the profound impact of their sacred work in Jewish communities around the globe. During her time at CESJDS and at the RA, Rabbi Jan has dedicated herself to fostering connections, providing support, and ensuring that no one feels forgotten. Her compassion and unwavering commitment have touched countless lives and made our community stronger and more inclusive. Mazal Tov Rabbi Jan!

Join us tonight!

On Wednesday, May 15 at 8:00 PM, the CESJDS College Counseling Department will present a free webinar with University of Florida Board of Trustees member Anita Zucker, who will be in conversation with CESJDS Head of School Rabbi Mitchel Malkus. They will be discussing the impact of rising antisemitism on college campuses. Anita brings a unique perspective from her many years of leadership and work with numerous colleges and educational organizations. Parents and current high school and college students are invited to hear this important conversation. There will be a Q&A session as time allows. Register at cesjds.org/trusteesview

Join us for our first-ever CESJDS Baseball Alumni game on Wednesday, May 22 at 4:30 PM. The game will be played between the current CESJDS Varsity Baseball team and a team of CESJDS alumni. We will have special edition shirts to commemorate the event, as well as plenty of refreshments for players and fans. The game will be held in honor of a CESJDS alum parent, Andy Swire. Andy passed away towards the end of 2023, and it was a significant loss for the community. Andy was an extraordinary man who embodied what it meant to be a mensch. He was a firm believer in philanthropy, giving back to the community, and helping others. He was also a huge Washington Nationals baseball fan. Andy's wife, Wendy, and several of his friends and family members will be in attendance for the game. Register to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiyzZnRJWmOfAgFJf2uU5ck-0zGLztve0Y4z84_OtD5F2Rtw/viewform

Mazal Tov to Rachel Lieber Hofmann '06 and Keith Hofmann on the birth of their daughter Lila Miri. Lila Miri (same in Hebrew) was born on April 29, weighing 7lbs 1 ounce and 19inches long. Big sister, Eden, is so excited to have a "little sis" and has been a big helper already! Mazal Tov to all!

My Columbia classmates are calling for intifada. I just want to go to college. I am currently restricted from my own campus, kosher dining halls and any peace of mind. The protests are dividing, not unifying, our campus.

Meet new friends, spend time in the community, and welcome Shabbat. Parents/Guardians with newborns – 3 year old children joined us for Friday Mornings Together, a program that creates a welcoming, warm space for parents of young children to celebrate, commiserate, and share wisdom! Register for the final Friday Mornings Together of the school year this Friday, May 10.

RSVP at cesjds.org/FridayMorningsTogether or using the link in our bio.