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Board of Trustees
חבר נאמנים
The members of the Board of Trustees are committed to ensuring that JCDS continues to provide a superior and affordable education.
The Board of Trustees has the responsibility and authority to govern the school's affairs, including:
- Establishing and fulfilling the school's mission and policies
- Selecting and retaining the Head of school
- Protecting and strengthening the school's current and long-term programmatic assets
- Providing for the school's current and long-term financial integrity, including principal responsibility for setting annual budgets, fundraising and establishing investment policies
- Maintaining sound relationships with all constituencies of the school
The Board of Trustees is comprised of a wide cross-section of the school and community that is appropriate in keeping with our pluralistic nature of JCDS.
Board of Trustees 2021-2022
| Name | Other Organizations and Affiliations | Why I Serve JCDS |
 P’26, ’28 | ||
 GP’30 | CJP, Harvard Hillel, MIT Hillel, Cambridge Health Alliance, Rabin Medical Center, Israel Museum | I believe that JCDS helps kids develop a love of learning and character. Being in a non-judgmental but value-rich environment, they learn respect for diversity. |
 P’25, ’27 | JCDS is a special place. I appreciate the way JCDS instills values and habits of heart and mind in their children and the way these values play out explicitly in all studies, becoming part of the natural language of their kids. | |
 GP '25, '29 | Co-founder and former VP of Development, Gann Academy. Former Board Member, VP of Finance and VP of Development, Gateways. | I stand on the shoulders of a giant, my father-in-law, Mervin Gray (z'l). He taught me the importance of respect, inclusion and concern for Klal Yisrael - a core part of the JCDS mission. I also serve in memory of our m'chutenet, Yaffa Korinow (z'l), who loved JCDS with her heart and soul. |
 President, P’23, (’25,) ’27, ’28 | Next Gen Board (Grinspoon Foundation), Board member of Association for Israel Studies, Brandeis Hillel, Youth Sports in Waltham | One of the many strengths of JCDS is its emphasis on, and investment in, the learning process. Teaching our children to learn and appreciate the growth and process of learning—and not only focus on the outcome—is essential at JCDS. Our children experience the educational journey in a profound way with the support and aid of talented educators at JCDS. |
 P’27 | Co-founder and Chairman, Sefaria; Board of Directors, Jim Joseph Foundation | I love JCDS for its balance of haimish soulfulness and profound ambition. Our students are mastering the soft skills that will help them lead lives of fulfillment while being inculcated with a sense of purpose that will help them change the world. |
 P’16, ’19, ’24 | ||
 | Yad Chessed, Youth Enrichment Services | As an alumna, serving on the Board of Trustees has given me the opportunity to gain perspective on the immense amount of work that goes into building and sustaining the community that I grew up in. I'm excited to find new ways for our graduates to stay involved in the community and to continue to integrate JCDS values into our lives. |
 Treasurer, P’20, ’22, ’25 | JCDS teaches students how to think, not what to think. That helps them develop their own Jewish and academic identities in ways that will benefit them throughout their lifetime. | |
 Clerk, P’11, ’21 | Minyan Ma'or, Boston Jewish Film | JCDS serves as a second home to the families who send their kids here. The bonds I forged here lasted long after my children graduated. The skills my children honed as JCDS students have served them well academically, socially, and as Jews. |
 P’15, ’18, ’21 | ||
 P’18, ’20, ’22, ’25 | Urban Land Institute, CJP | JCDS is not in the mold of the classic Jewish Day school framework. It's more innovative and more pluralistic than other schools—it can be more independent. |
 | ||
 P(’20, ’22,) ’25 | ||
 P’23,’26 | I believe in the mission of JCDS and I am fully supportive of their educational approach, in particular the fact that kids are accepted and celebrated for who they are, and encouraged to give their best for their community. | |
 P’11, (’14,) ’22 | CJP, IAC, Women's Political Network, Founding chair and current co-chair of Friends of Educating for Excellence (FE4E) | JCDS is more than a Jewish school, it is a warm environment for children to grow and learn to think, it is a community for diverse families, and it is a safe place to explore your Jewish beliefs and values. Most importantly, JCDS produces graduates who are mensches and life long learners. |
 P’15, ’18 | New Israel Fund, Keshet, J-Street, Partners in Health, Planned Parenthood. | I support JCDS because a pluralistic Jewish education is a great way to cultivate a strong personal identity and a values-driven, open-hearted life. |
 P’19, ’26 | Camp Ramah in New England, Minyan Ma'or, Gann Academy | JCDS' intentional pluralism prepares students for positive engagement with all branches of Judaism and for the diversity of the community at large. |
 Founding Chair | Hebrew at the Center, Jewish Education Innovation Challenge (JEIC), Jewish Interactive, PJ Library, and Council for Hebrew Language and Culture in North America | I continue to be inspired every day by JCDS's leadership, staff, families, students, and alumni who live out the school's mission engaging intentionally in being a warm, welcoming pluralist, joyful and learning community infused with Hebrew language and culture, connected to the State of Israel and ensuring that each student is supported in becoming the best version of his/her/their self. |
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett lives in Brookline, with his wife Deb Gaffin and their two children, Miriam and Reuben, both at JCDS. Richard is currently Senior Director, Principal Gifts at Harvard Business School. He has worked as a professional fundraiser both in the U.S. and the U.K., including for Princeton University, the World Wildlife Fund and Hillel International, as well as consulting to many leading U.K. universities. A native of Liverpool (and a fan of the football team), Richard holds a B.A. in Modern Languages from Oxford University, an M.A. in English Literature from McGill University, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Princeton University.
Richard Bennett lives in Brookline, with his wife Deb Gaffin and their two children, Miriam and Reuben, both at JCDS. Richard is currently Senior Director, Principal Gifts at Harvard Business School. He has worked as a professional fundraiser both in the U.S. and the U.K., including for Princeton University, the World Wildlife Fund and Hillel International, as well as consulting to many leading U.K. universities. A native of Liverpool (and a fan of the football team), Richard holds a B.A. in Modern Languages from Oxford University, an M.A. in English Literature from McGill University, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Princeton University.
Claudia Davidoff
Claudia Davidoff was born in Mexico City. She came to the U.S. to study Mathematics at MIT, receiving her B.S. degree in 1976. She later trained to be a Montessori teacher for children aged 3-12 years, and in addition, she holds an M.S. in Education from Wheelock College. Visual art has been Claudia's lifelong passion. She earned a Diploma from the school of the MFA but has now retired. She is involved in charitable concerns by serving on the Board of the Friends of the Israel Museum, on the International Board of the Davidoff Center for cancer treatment at the Rabin Medical Center in Israel, and on the Board of the Cambridge Health Alliance. Claudia is married to Joseph Kahan. They live in Cambridge and she and her husband each have two adult children.
Claudia Davidoff was born in Mexico City. She came to the U.S. to study Mathematics at MIT, receiving her B.S. degree in 1976. She later trained to be a Montessori teacher for children aged 3-12 years, and in addition, she holds an M.S. in Education from Wheelock College. Visual art has been Claudia's lifelong passion. She earned a Diploma from the school of the MFA but has now retired. She is involved in charitable concerns by serving on the Board of the Friends of the Israel Museum, on the International Board of the Davidoff Center for cancer treatment at the Rabin Medical Center in Israel, and on the Board of the Cambridge Health Alliance. Claudia is married to Joseph Kahan. They live in Cambridge and she and her husband each have two adult children.
Galit Div
Galit Div was born in Israel. She served in the IDF and was part of a prestigious intelligence unit. After the army, she studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where she earned her B.Sc.Pharm in Pharmaceutics. Galit also has an MBA from Tel Aviv University in Management and Organizational Behavior. Galit spent over eight years in leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry in Israel, both in client facing positions and on the manufacturing side. Prior to moving to the U.S., Galit was a Project Manager at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., leading cross-organizational projects in the QA division. Prior to Teva, she managed one of the largest pharmacies in Israel for Maccabi, a leading Israeli healthcare provider. Galit moved to the U.S., following her husband, Lior, as he built up his startup company, Cybereason. Galit and Lior have three beautiful kids: Lia (JCDS '25), Guy (JCDS '27), and Noam (JCP). Galit and her family reside in Newton. They have lived in Boston for six years already, and are very excited to expand their support and involvement within the JCDS community.
Galit Div was born in Israel. She served in the IDF and was part of a prestigious intelligence unit. After the army, she studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where she earned her B.Sc.Pharm in Pharmaceutics. Galit also has an MBA from Tel Aviv University in Management and Organizational Behavior. Galit spent over eight years in leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry in Israel, both in client facing positions and on the manufacturing side. Prior to moving to the U.S., Galit was a Project Manager at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., leading cross-organizational projects in the QA division. Prior to Teva, she managed one of the largest pharmacies in Israel for Maccabi, a leading Israeli healthcare provider. Galit moved to the U.S., following her husband, Lior, as he built up his startup company, Cybereason. Galit and Lior have three beautiful kids: Lia (JCDS '25), Guy (JCDS '27), and Noam (JCP). Galit and her family reside in Newton. They have lived in Boston for six years already, and are very excited to expand their support and involvement within the JCDS community.
Robert Fein
Robert Fein is a lawyer by training but has spent most of his career developing and financing high technology businesses. With a partner, he is currently forming a fund/incubator called Eli Broadband Investors. He was previously Vice President of Business Development at Trex Enterprises, the former R&D Center of Thermo Electron, Co-Founder of NewRiver, Inc. (which was sold to Broadridge), Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Strategy at PerSeptive Biosystems, and Director of Corporate Strategy at Thermo Electron. In the Jewish world, he was a founding Board Member and Vice President of Development during Gann Academy's first seven years as well as Vice President of Finance; he was also a Board Member at Gateways and a Board Member of the Solomon Schechter Day school of Greater Boston. Robbie and his wife Rena Gray Fein have three children who were graduates of Shechter and Gann Academy. Robbie and Rena's oldest child, Elana Fein is married to her Gann classmate, Doron Korinow. Their oldest, Orly, is a fifth grader, and Meirav is in Gan Nitzan at JCDS. Their m'chutenet, Gail (Yaffa) Korinow (z'l) was a beloved first grade teacher at JCDS for many years.
Robert Fein is a lawyer by training but has spent most of his career developing and financing high technology businesses. With a partner, he is currently forming a fund/incubator called Eli Broadband Investors. He was previously Vice President of Business Development at Trex Enterprises, the former R&D Center of Thermo Electron, Co-Founder of NewRiver, Inc. (which was sold to Broadridge), Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Strategy at PerSeptive Biosystems, and Director of Corporate Strategy at Thermo Electron. In the Jewish world, he was a founding Board Member and Vice President of Development during Gann Academy's first seven years as well as Vice President of Finance; he was also a Board Member at Gateways and a Board Member of the Solomon Schechter Day school of Greater Boston. Robbie and his wife Rena Gray Fein have three children who were graduates of Shechter and Gann Academy. Robbie and Rena's oldest child, Elana Fein is married to her Gann classmate, Doron Korinow. Their oldest, Orly, is a fifth grader, and Meirav is in Gan Nitzan at JCDS. Their m'chutenet, Gail (Yaffa) Korinow (z'l) was a beloved first grade teacher at JCDS for many years.
Rachel Fish
Dr. Rachel Fish is a celebrated academic with 20 years of experience in the fields of Israeli history, Zionist thought, and Middle Eastern Studies. Rachel has published extensively and is frequently called upon to advise on community interventions to reclaim an Israel discourse. Most recently, Dr. Fish was the founding executive director of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, which was established to catalyze dynamic new solutions to stop the age-old hatred advanced by those who seek the elimination of Judaism and the Jewish people and the modern movement to destroy the world's only Jewish State. Dr. Fish was previously Senior Advisor and Resident Scholar of Jewish/Israel Philanthropy at the Paul E. Singer Foundation in New York City. She worked closely with grantees to support them and provided framing around their educational content and programming. Dr. Fish served as the executive director for the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University where she trained the next generation of scholars and Jewish communal professionals in Israel Studies. Rachel and her husband Dave Cutler, have three children at JCDS: Ezra in seventh grade, Nadav in third grade, and Amital in second grade. Their son Ashie is in fifth grade at the Carroll School. In her sparetime Fish is a sucker for outdoor activities, especially those including beloved four-legged companions and dreams of once again losing herself in a good novel.
Dr. Rachel Fish is a celebrated academic with 20 years of experience in the fields of Israeli history, Zionist thought, and Middle Eastern Studies. Rachel has published extensively and is frequently called upon to advise on community interventions to reclaim an Israel discourse. Most recently, Dr. Fish was the founding executive director of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, which was established to catalyze dynamic new solutions to stop the age-old hatred advanced by those who seek the elimination of Judaism and the Jewish people and the modern movement to destroy the world's only Jewish State. Dr. Fish was previously Senior Advisor and Resident Scholar of Jewish/Israel Philanthropy at the Paul E. Singer Foundation in New York City. She worked closely with grantees to support them and provided framing around their educational content and programming. Dr. Fish served as the executive director for the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University where she trained the next generation of scholars and Jewish communal professionals in Israel Studies. Rachel and her husband Dave Cutler, have three children at JCDS: Ezra in seventh grade, Nadav in third grade, and Amital in second grade. Their son Ashie is in fifth grade at the Carroll School. In her sparetime Fish is a sucker for outdoor activities, especially those including beloved four-legged companions and dreams of once again losing herself in a good novel.
Josh Foer
Josh Foer is a journalist and entrepreneur, and is the author of the international bestseller Moonwalking with Einstein, which has been published in 35 languages, and which was a finalist for the Royal Society Winton Prize for Science Books. His writing has appeared in the New Yorker, National Geographic, the New York Times Magazine, Esquire, and other publications. He is the co-founder and chairman of Atlas Obscura, and the co-author of the #1 bestseller Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders. Josh is the co-creator of the international design competition Sukkah City, and the co-founder and chairman of the Jewish digital library Sefaria. He serves on the board of the Jim Joseph Foundation, and was a 2013 Guggenheim Fellow. Josh lives in Brookline with his wife Dinah and two children, a toddler and a 3rd grader at JCDS.
Josh Foer is a journalist and entrepreneur, and is the author of the international bestseller Moonwalking with Einstein, which has been published in 35 languages, and which was a finalist for the Royal Society Winton Prize for Science Books. His writing has appeared in the New Yorker, National Geographic, the New York Times Magazine, Esquire, and other publications. He is the co-founder and chairman of Atlas Obscura, and the co-author of the #1 bestseller Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders. Josh is the co-creator of the international design competition Sukkah City, and the co-founder and chairman of the Jewish digital library Sefaria. He serves on the board of the Jim Joseph Foundation, and was a 2013 Guggenheim Fellow. Josh lives in Brookline with his wife Dinah and two children, a toddler and a 3rd grader at JCDS.
Joshua Gann
Joshua Gann, known as Josh, has a degree in management and marketing from New York University, and is a graduate gemologist and a third generation owner of Joseph Gann Jewelers in downtown Boston. Josh served as the Va'ad Parent Association co-chair for two years, and was the Shabbaton chair for one year. He also handled the Shabbaton finances for several years. Josh served on the Board of Gann Academy for six years, and was a member of the security and facilities committees. He also assisted Gann in updating the faculty and staff health plans. Josh lives in Newton with his wife, former board member, Nicole, and their three kids: Leah (JCDS '16), Joe (JCDS '19), and Micah (JCDS '24). Josh plays basketball, softball, and attends boot camp twice a week. When he isn't busy making school lunches or every other meal, he avidly listens to Felger and Mazz and various audio books—he really recommends Trevor Noah's, Born A Crime.
Joshua Gann, known as Josh, has a degree in management and marketing from New York University, and is a graduate gemologist and a third generation owner of Joseph Gann Jewelers in downtown Boston. Josh served as the Va'ad Parent Association co-chair for two years, and was the Shabbaton chair for one year. He also handled the Shabbaton finances for several years. Josh served on the Board of Gann Academy for six years, and was a member of the security and facilities committees. He also assisted Gann in updating the faculty and staff health plans. Josh lives in Newton with his wife, former board member, Nicole, and their three kids: Leah (JCDS '16), Joe (JCDS '19), and Micah (JCDS '24). Josh plays basketball, softball, and attends boot camp twice a week. When he isn't busy making school lunches or every other meal, he avidly listens to Felger and Mazz and various audio books—he really recommends Trevor Noah's, Born A Crime.
Sophie Gildesgame
Sophie Gildesgame is a proud graduate of the JCDS class of 2006 and serves as the first alumna member of the JCDS Board. She comes from a family of JCDS-ers, including her mother Catharyn, former board president, father Mike, who still attends Men's Torah Study, and siblings Emma (JCDS '02) and Jesse (JCDS '05). After attending Gann Academy and Brandeis University, she spent five years working in nonprofit fundraising at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital, as well as volunteering for local social service agencies like Youth Enrichment Services and Women's Lunch Place. In 2020, she joined Yad Chessed as their first Director of Operations, supporting their mission of providing food support, emergency assistance and guidance to Jews in financial distress.
Sophie Gildesgame is a proud graduate of the JCDS class of 2006 and serves as the first alumna member of the JCDS Board. She comes from a family of JCDS-ers, including her mother Catharyn, former board president, father Mike, who still attends Men's Torah Study, and siblings Emma (JCDS '02) and Jesse (JCDS '05). After attending Gann Academy and Brandeis University, she spent five years working in nonprofit fundraising at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital, as well as volunteering for local social service agencies like Youth Enrichment Services and Women's Lunch Place. In 2020, she joined Yad Chessed as their first Director of Operations, supporting their mission of providing food support, emergency assistance and guidance to Jews in financial distress.
Nathan Hayman
Nathan Hayman (Nate) was born in the U.S., but spent half of his life in Israel after his family made Aliyah at age twelve. Since 2008 he has been working at Boston-based Frontier Capital Management as part of the firm's investment team. Frontier Capital is a money management firm that invests approximately thirteen billion dollars on behalf of various institutional clients. Prior to joining Frontier Capital, Nate worked for five years as a commercial lawyer in the Tel-Aviv based law firm Yigal Arnon & Co. Nate has an MBA from the Tuck Business school at Dartmouth and an LLB in Law from Hebrew University. He has three children: Leanne (JCDS '20), Danielle in the eighth grade, and Eli in the fifth grade at JCDS.
Nathan Hayman (Nate) was born in the U.S., but spent half of his life in Israel after his family made Aliyah at age twelve. Since 2008 he has been working at Boston-based Frontier Capital Management as part of the firm's investment team. Frontier Capital is a money management firm that invests approximately thirteen billion dollars on behalf of various institutional clients. Prior to joining Frontier Capital, Nate worked for five years as a commercial lawyer in the Tel-Aviv based law firm Yigal Arnon & Co. Nate has an MBA from the Tuck Business school at Dartmouth and an LLB in Law from Hebrew University. He has three children: Leanne (JCDS '20), Danielle in the eighth grade, and Eli in the fifth grade at JCDS.
Sari Korman
Sari Korman is a lawyer and mediator, who worked in a variety of settings in the private and public sectors. A Me'ah graduate and Acharai alumna, Sari is passionate about education and Jewish education in particular. Sari's three children proudly attended JCDS. Having given her children an amazing Jewish education, Sari is now engaged in various classes herself, including Hebrew, Daf Yomi, and the history and politics of Israel and its neighbors. Sari is also a board member of Boston Jewish Film (BJF) and a fan of Israeli films in particular. Sari's other interests include beekeeping, traveling, and learning new things. Currently, she is doggedly pursuing becoming a decent tennis player.
Sari Korman is a lawyer and mediator, who worked in a variety of settings in the private and public sectors. A Me'ah graduate and Acharai alumna, Sari is passionate about education and Jewish education in particular. Sari's three children proudly attended JCDS. Having given her children an amazing Jewish education, Sari is now engaged in various classes herself, including Hebrew, Daf Yomi, and the history and politics of Israel and its neighbors. Sari is also a board member of Boston Jewish Film (BJF) and a fan of Israeli films in particular. Sari's other interests include beekeeping, traveling, and learning new things. Currently, she is doggedly pursuing becoming a decent tennis player.
Sharon Levin
Sharon Levin has been a JCDS parent for ten years, and a practicing psychotherapist for over twenty years. With a specialty in treating trauma, her practice focused on individuals who had experienced childhood sexual and emotional abuse. After moving to Massachusetts, Sharon worked at Cambridge Hospital in the Program for Psychotherapy, and then opened her private practice in Lexington, MA in 2008. She currently provides couples therapy using an attachment-based approach to treatment, and supports people with challenges surrounding birth and their transition to parenthood. Sharon is married to Rabbi David Lerner who serves Temple Emunah in Lexington. She is the proud mother of two JCDS graduates (Classes of '15 and '18) and a JCDS eighth grader.
Sharon Levin has been a JCDS parent for ten years, and a practicing psychotherapist for over twenty years. With a specialty in treating trauma, her practice focused on individuals who had experienced childhood sexual and emotional abuse. After moving to Massachusetts, Sharon worked at Cambridge Hospital in the Program for Psychotherapy, and then opened her private practice in Lexington, MA in 2008. She currently provides couples therapy using an attachment-based approach to treatment, and supports people with challenges surrounding birth and their transition to parenthood. Sharon is married to Rabbi David Lerner who serves Temple Emunah in Lexington. She is the proud mother of two JCDS graduates (Classes of '15 and '18) and a JCDS eighth grader.
Abe Menzin
Abe Menzin is Executive Vice President of development at Samuels & Associates, a Boston-based real estate development and investment firm. Abe manages the development of urban mixed-use projects in Boston, including projects in Fenway and Back Bay and other neighborhoods in the city. Abe has focused his career on developing projects that are located near public transit and that have positive environmental and social impacts. He enjoys collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on complex projects with many moving parts. Abe holds an undergraduate civil engineering degree from Tufts University and master's degrees in real estate development and in civil engineering from MIT. He has served as Co-Chair of the CJP's Real Estate Design and Construction Team and is a member of housing and economic development committees with various industry groups. While not working, Abe can be found spending time with his wife Marion and four kids (JCDS classes of '18, '20 '22, and '25) and, in the winter, perfecting his backyard skating rink. Abe is a passionate advocate for Jewish education and has enjoyed many wonderful experiences as a JCDS parent.
Abe Menzin is Executive Vice President of development at Samuels & Associates, a Boston-based real estate development and investment firm. Abe manages the development of urban mixed-use projects in Boston, including projects in Fenway and Back Bay and other neighborhoods in the city. Abe has focused his career on developing projects that are located near public transit and that have positive environmental and social impacts. He enjoys collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on complex projects with many moving parts. Abe holds an undergraduate civil engineering degree from Tufts University and master's degrees in real estate development and in civil engineering from MIT. He has served as Co-Chair of the CJP's Real Estate Design and Construction Team and is a member of housing and economic development committees with various industry groups. While not working, Abe can be found spending time with his wife Marion and four kids (JCDS classes of '18, '20 '22, and '25) and, in the winter, perfecting his backyard skating rink. Abe is a passionate advocate for Jewish education and has enjoyed many wonderful experiences as a JCDS parent.
Raffaella Sadun
Raffaella Sadun and her husband Vito have been JCDS parents since 2018 and are immensely grateful for the amazing educational experience the school is providing to their children two children. The family lives in Brookline and belongs to the Maimonides Kehilla. Raffaella is a Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business school, which she joined in 2009 after completing her doctoral studies at the London school of Economics. Her research focuses on the economics of productivity, management and organizational change in both the private and public sector. As part of her research, Raffaella studies the impact of leaders on their organizations, and has completed extensive surveys of management practices and leadership behavior in private and public organizations, including schools. Raffaella was born in Italy (she is a proud Roman) and became an American citizen in 2018.
Raffaella Sadun and her husband Vito have been JCDS parents since 2018 and are immensely grateful for the amazing educational experience the school is providing to their children two children. The family lives in Brookline and belongs to the Maimonides Kehilla. Raffaella is a Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business school, which she joined in 2009 after completing her doctoral studies at the London school of Economics. Her research focuses on the economics of productivity, management and organizational change in both the private and public sector. As part of her research, Raffaella studies the impact of leaders on their organizations, and has completed extensive surveys of management practices and leadership behavior in private and public organizations, including schools. Raffaella was born in Italy (she is a proud Roman) and became an American citizen in 2018.
Shiri Segev
Shiri Segev has been serving on the JCDS Board of Trustees since 2017. She is also the Founding Chair of the Friends of Educating for Excellence, an Israeli non-profit. In her professional life, Shiri headed the finance department at OmniGuide, a medical device company located in Lexington. She also managed the in-house legal and healthcare compliance functions. Prior to joining OmniGuide, Shiri held various finance positions and also served as a diplomat representing the State of Israel in Qatar and in Atlanta. She received a Bachelor of Law degree from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and was admitted to the Israeli Bar Association. Shiri also received a Master's of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Georgia State University. Shiri lives in Newton with her husband and three boys, all former or current JCDS students.
Shiri Segev has been serving on the JCDS Board of Trustees since 2017. She is also the Founding Chair of the Friends of Educating for Excellence, an Israeli non-profit. In her professional life, Shiri headed the finance department at OmniGuide, a medical device company located in Lexington. She also managed the in-house legal and healthcare compliance functions. Prior to joining OmniGuide, Shiri held various finance positions and also served as a diplomat representing the State of Israel in Qatar and in Atlanta. She received a Bachelor of Law degree from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and was admitted to the Israeli Bar Association. Shiri also received a Master's of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Georgia State University. Shiri lives in Newton with her husband and three boys, all former or current JCDS students.
Adam Shyevitch
Adam Shyevitch is the proud parent of Maya (JCDS '15) and Livia (JCDS '18), and lucky to be Niki Lamberg's husband of more than twenty years. He has enjoyed a 25 year career in the non-profit sector, including several years working in the Jewish community (URJ, Boston's JCRC, and Chicago's Jewish Council on Urban Affairs). Most recently, he served as a Principal at Health Leads, a national healthcare organization that works with hospitals, counties, states, and the federal government to better address the essential needs of low-income patients and their families. Previously, Adam developed affordable housing in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and North Carolina, and for six years, he led a city wide effort in Boston to improve services for atrisk and adjudicated youth. Adam has a BA from Colgate University, an MBA from Boston University, and a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard University's Divinity school. He previously served on the Board of The City school, and an after-school leadership program for young people in Upham's Corner, Boston. Adam is an avid cyclist in his spare time, and is happy to teach anyone interested how to fix their own squeaky brakes in just a couple of minutes.
Adam Shyevitch is the proud parent of Maya (JCDS '15) and Livia (JCDS '18), and lucky to be Niki Lamberg's husband of more than twenty years. He has enjoyed a 25 year career in the non-profit sector, including several years working in the Jewish community (URJ, Boston's JCRC, and Chicago's Jewish Council on Urban Affairs). Most recently, he served as a Principal at Health Leads, a national healthcare organization that works with hospitals, counties, states, and the federal government to better address the essential needs of low-income patients and their families. Previously, Adam developed affordable housing in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and North Carolina, and for six years, he led a city wide effort in Boston to improve services for atrisk and adjudicated youth. Adam has a BA from Colgate University, an MBA from Boston University, and a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard University's Divinity school. He previously served on the Board of The City school, and an after-school leadership program for young people in Upham's Corner, Boston. Adam is an avid cyclist in his spare time, and is happy to teach anyone interested how to fix their own squeaky brakes in just a couple of minutes.
Elizabeth Waksman
Elizabeth Waksman (Liz) is Past-President of the Board of Trustees of JCDS. After attending Jewish day schools in New York through 12th grade, Liz graduated from Columbia College and Yale Law school, and she holds an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University. She began her career as a lawyer at Debevoise & Plimpton in New York City, followed by over a decade as in-house Tax Counsel at Pfizer, Inc., where she specialized in mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations. Liz and her family relocated to Boston in 2006 after her husband, Darren Orbach, completed his medical training. Liz previously served on the JCDS board as Co-Chair of Development. She also serves on the board of Camp Ramah in New England, is a member of the Minyan Ma'or, graduated from Hebrew College's Me'ah program, and participated in CJP's most recent Acharai Leadership Program. Liz and Darren have four children who have all attended Boston area day schools. Her third child graduated JCDS in 2019, and her youngest is in fourth grade at JCDS.
Elizabeth Waksman (Liz) is Past-President of the Board of Trustees of JCDS. After attending Jewish day schools in New York through 12th grade, Liz graduated from Columbia College and Yale Law school, and she holds an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University. She began her career as a lawyer at Debevoise & Plimpton in New York City, followed by over a decade as in-house Tax Counsel at Pfizer, Inc., where she specialized in mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations. Liz and her family relocated to Boston in 2006 after her husband, Darren Orbach, completed his medical training. Liz previously served on the JCDS board as Co-Chair of Development. She also serves on the board of Camp Ramah in New England, is a member of the Minyan Ma'or, graduated from Hebrew College's Me'ah program, and participated in CJP's most recent Acharai Leadership Program. Liz and Darren have four children who have all attended Boston area day schools. Her third child graduated JCDS in 2019, and her youngest is in fourth grade at JCDS.
Uri Nurko
Uri Nurko and his wife Mira live in Jamaica Plain with their daughter. Originally from Mexico City, he attended the Solomon Schechter Day School of Newton (class of 2000) and Gann Academy (class of 2004) after his family moved to the Boston area when he was seven years old. He also lived in Israel for a year as part of the Young Judaea Year Course program between high school and college. He has been employed at Boston-based Frontier Capital Management since 2016 as a member of the investment team. In this role, he helps analyze investment opportunities for the firm's institutional clients. Prior, he worked in various other finance and investment management roles while living in Washington D.C. Uri has a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter-holder. In his spare time, he enjoys watching and playing sports, skiing, listening to music, and going for hikes with his family.
Uri Nurko and his wife Mira live in Jamaica Plain with their daughter. Originally from Mexico City, he attended the Solomon Schechter Day School of Newton (class of 2000) and Gann Academy (class of 2004) after his family moved to the Boston area when he was seven years old. He also lived in Israel for a year as part of the Young Judaea Year Course program between high school and college. He has been employed at Boston-based Frontier Capital Management since 2016 as a member of the investment team. In this role, he helps analyze investment opportunities for the firm's institutional clients. Prior, he worked in various other finance and investment management roles while living in Washington D.C. Uri has a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter-holder. In his spare time, he enjoys watching and playing sports, skiing, listening to music, and going for hikes with his family.
Jaka Saarony
Jaka Saarony was born in Western Massachusetts and has since lived in Boston, New York, California and Berlin. She currently resides in Newton Massachusetts with her husband Gadi and their three children: Shai, Sadie, and Max. In her professional life, Jaka worked at Arthur Andersen, in the Forensic, Litigation Support and Valuation consulting division. She was then hired by PAREXEL International in Berlin, Germany later moving to their Corporate Finance in Waltham, MA. As a lay leader, Jaka has been an Academy at Charlemont Board of Trustee serving as: Treasurer, Head of School search Co-Chair, Development Committee, Finance Committee. She is also serving on the Finance Committee of the Jewish Community Day School. Jaka is member of the Friends of Educating for Excellence Board, an Israeli non-profit, as Strategy Co-Chair and Event Committee Chair. Lifelong learning is important to Jaka. She is participating in the CJP's 2020/21 Acharai Program. She currently studies Daf Yomi through Hebrew College program and participates in a women's Torah Study group. Jaka is a very active member in her community, volunteering as Co-Chair, Treasurer, Representative and Coach for numerous Jewish and secular schools and organizations: JCDS, Buckingham Browne & Nichols, Dana Hall, White Stone Equestrian Farm, Juventus FC, Israeli American Council. Jaka is most passionate about sharing new places and new experiences and life with her family. Being married to an Israeli and traveling the world is part of who Jaka is and formed how she approaches philanthropic work and her role in making the world a better place.
Jaka Saarony was born in Western Massachusetts and has since lived in Boston, New York, California and Berlin. She currently resides in Newton Massachusetts with her husband Gadi and their three children: Shai, Sadie, and Max. In her professional life, Jaka worked at Arthur Andersen, in the Forensic, Litigation Support and Valuation consulting division. She was then hired by PAREXEL International in Berlin, Germany later moving to their Corporate Finance in Waltham, MA. As a lay leader, Jaka has been an Academy at Charlemont Board of Trustee serving as: Treasurer, Head of School search Co-Chair, Development Committee, Finance Committee. She is also serving on the Finance Committee of the Jewish Community Day School. Jaka is member of the Friends of Educating for Excellence Board, an Israeli non-profit, as Strategy Co-Chair and Event Committee Chair. Lifelong learning is important to Jaka. She is participating in the CJP's 2020/21 Acharai Program. She currently studies Daf Yomi through Hebrew College program and participates in a women's Torah Study group. Jaka is a very active member in her community, volunteering as Co-Chair, Treasurer, Representative and Coach for numerous Jewish and secular schools and organizations: JCDS, Buckingham Browne & Nichols, Dana Hall, White Stone Equestrian Farm, Juventus FC, Israeli American Council. Jaka is most passionate about sharing new places and new experiences and life with her family. Being married to an Israeli and traveling the world is part of who Jaka is and formed how she approaches philanthropic work and her role in making the world a better place.
Arnee Winshall
Arnee Winshall, Founding Chair of JCDS, served as President of the JCDS Board of Trustees for seven years. In addition to her work at JCDS, Arnee is past CEO and Founding President of Hebrew at the Center and on the board of the Council for Hebrew Language and Culture, Jewish Education Innovation Challenge, and Jewish Interactive. She is a past Board Chair of RAVSAK and was a member of the boards of Jewish Education Service of North America, Foundation for Jewish Camp, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the Yiddish Book Center, JCC of Greater Boston, the Board of Overseers of Hebrew College, and Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative. She and her husband Walt are among the founders of the school and the parents of two JCDS alumni, Sarah and Aaron.
Arnee Winshall, Founding Chair of JCDS, served as President of the JCDS Board of Trustees for seven years. In addition to her work at JCDS, Arnee is past CEO and Founding President of Hebrew at the Center and on the board of the Council for Hebrew Language and Culture, Jewish Education Innovation Challenge, and Jewish Interactive. She is a past Board Chair of RAVSAK and was a member of the boards of Jewish Education Service of North America, Foundation for Jewish Camp, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the Yiddish Book Center, JCC of Greater Boston, the Board of Overseers of Hebrew College, and Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative. She and her husband Walt are among the founders of the school and the parents of two JCDS alumni, Sarah and Aaron.
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