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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 2020-2021
| Name | Other Organizations and Affiliations | Why I Serve JCDS |
 P '18, '20, '22 | I support JCDS because it is a school where children thrive academically, socially and emotionally, knowing they are truly loved and seen for who they are. | |
 | 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. | |
 P '06, '13 | ||
 Clerk | JCC, TBZ Brookline | JCDS integrates 21st century learning across all intelligences, Jewish and secular areas preparing the leaders and citizens of the future. |
 GP '25 | 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, '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. | |
 P '11, '21 | CJP, Beacon Academy | Growth mindset in a warm, pluralistic Jewish school is a winning combination. This is a school that serves diverse families and brings together a wonderful community of learners! |
 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. |
 | Israel Ride, Friends of the Arava Institute, Hazon | Today's Jewish day school students are tomorrow's Jewish Community leaders. |
 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, '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, Newton Centre Minyan, 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. |
Marci Borenstein
Marci Borenstein and her husband Joram live in Newton with their children where they are active members of the Newton Centre Minyan. The Borenstein's children have been at JCDS since Gan Nitzan and include a 7th grader and two JCDS alum now attending Newton North High school. Marci has served as a non-trustee member of our Head of school Support and Evaluation Committee since 2016. Marci has a doctorate in education from New York University. She has many years of experience working with educators, youth, and Jewish communities in the United States, Israel and the former Soviet Union. Most recently Marci served for six years as the director of pre-college programs at Brandeis University. Marci is deeply grateful to the amazing education her children have, and continue to receive, at JCDS and is honored to have served as co-chair of the search committee for our new head of school.
Marci Borenstein and her husband Joram live in Newton with their children where they are active members of the Newton Centre Minyan. The Borenstein's children have been at JCDS since Gan Nitzan and include a 7th grader and two JCDS alum now attending Newton North High school. Marci has served as a non-trustee member of our Head of school Support and Evaluation Committee since 2016. Marci has a doctorate in education from New York University. She has many years of experience working with educators, youth, and Jewish communities in the United States, Israel and the former Soviet Union. Most recently Marci served for six years as the director of pre-college programs at Brandeis University. Marci is deeply grateful to the amazing education her children have, and continue to receive, at JCDS and is honored to have served as co-chair of the search committee for our new head of school.
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 two beautiful kids: Lia (JCDS '25) and Guy (JCDS '27). 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 two beautiful kids: Lia (JCDS '25) and Guy (JCDS '27). 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.
Gary Elovitz
Gary Elovitz is an engineering consultant with Energy Economics, Inc. in Newton; his practice includes HVAC, electrical, life safety, plumbing design, and forensic investigations for buildings. He has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University. Prior to that, he studied Near Eastern languages and has a B.A. from Dartmouth and an M.A. from Harvard. Gary and Dena Bach have been involved with JCDS since 1997; their four children are all proudly products of JCDS.
Gary Elovitz is an engineering consultant with Energy Economics, Inc. in Newton; his practice includes HVAC, electrical, life safety, plumbing design, and forensic investigations for buildings. He has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University. Prior to that, he studied Near Eastern languages and has a B.A. from Dartmouth and an M.A. from Harvard. Gary and Dena Bach have been involved with JCDS since 1997; their four children are all proudly products of JCDS.
Fiona Epstein
Fiona Epstein is a member of the Executive Committee and serves as the Board's Clerk. She brings decades of experience in Jewish communal work. For over twenty years she served in leadership positions at JCC Greater Boston setting strategic priorities and overseeing the teams responsible for youth and adult services. In July 2019, she transitioned to semi-retirement and a role of Special Projects Director at the JCC. Fiona lives in Newton with her husband Jon Pollack.
Fiona Epstein is a member of the Executive Committee and serves as the Board's Clerk. She brings decades of experience in Jewish communal work. For over twenty years she served in leadership positions at JCC Greater Boston setting strategic priorities and overseeing the teams responsible for youth and adult services. In July 2019, she transitioned to semi-retirement and a role of Special Projects Director at the JCC. Fiona lives in Newton with her husband Jon Pollack.
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 third grader 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 third grader at JCDS. Their m'chutenet, Gail (Yaffa) Korinow (z'l) was a beloved first grade teacher at JCDS for many years.
Rachel Fish
Rachel Fish is Senior Advisor and Resident Scholar of Jewish/Israel Philanthropy at The Paul E. Singer Foundation in New York City. Most recently she was the Executive Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University. She completed her doctoral degree in the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies department at Brandeis University, where she researched the history of the idea of bi-nationalism and alternative visions for constructing the State of Israel. She has taught at Brandeis University, Harvard University, UMASS Amherst, and adult Jewish educational programs, including Wexner, Tzion, and Me'ah. In 2015 she held the Rohr Visiting Professorship at Harvard University, where she lectured on modern Israel and received the Derek Bok Certificate of Teaching Excellence. She is co-editor, with Ilan Troen, of the bookEssential Israel: Essays for the Twenty-First Century. During Fish's graduate studies at Harvard Divinity school she led a successful campaign to have Harvard return $2.5 million from the President of the United Arab Emirates forcing Harvard to seek reputable funding to create a chair in Islamic Studies. Rachel and her husband Dave Cutler, have three children at JCDS: Ezra in sixth grade, Nadav in second grade, and Amital in first grade. Their son Ashie is in fourth grade at the Carroll school. In her spare time 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.
Rachel Fish is Senior Advisor and Resident Scholar of Jewish/Israel Philanthropy at The Paul E. Singer Foundation in New York City. Most recently she was the Executive Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University. She completed her doctoral degree in the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies department at Brandeis University, where she researched the history of the idea of bi-nationalism and alternative visions for constructing the State of Israel. She has taught at Brandeis University, Harvard University, UMASS Amherst, and adult Jewish educational programs, including Wexner, Tzion, and Me'ah. In 2015 she held the Rohr Visiting Professorship at Harvard University, where she lectured on modern Israel and received the Derek Bok Certificate of Teaching Excellence. She is co-editor, with Ilan Troen, of the bookEssential Israel: Essays for the Twenty-First Century. During Fish's graduate studies at Harvard Divinity school she led a successful campaign to have Harvard return $2.5 million from the President of the United Arab Emirates forcing Harvard to seek reputable funding to create a chair in Islamic Studies. Rachel and her husband Dave Cutler, have three children at JCDS: Ezra in sixth grade, Nadav in second grade, and Amital in first grade. Their son Ashie is in fourth grade at the Carroll school. In her spare time 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 (she/her/hers) 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). Sophie went on to graduate from Gann Academy in 2010 and earned a B.A. in Politics from Brandeis University in 2014. An internship in the Institutional Advancement Office at Gann Academy inspired Sophie to work in nonprofit fundraising for five years at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. Following a season at Aspen Snowmass as a ski instructor for three- to six-year-olds, Sophie joined Yad Chessed as their first Director of Operations in the summer of 2020.
Sophie Gildesgame (she/her/hers) 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). Sophie went on to graduate from Gann Academy in 2010 and earned a B.A. in Politics from Brandeis University in 2014. An internship in the Institutional Advancement Office at Gann Academy inspired Sophie to work in nonprofit fundraising for five years at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. Following a season at Aspen Snowmass as a ski instructor for three- to six-year-olds, Sophie joined Yad Chessed as their first Director of Operations in the summer of 2020.
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 seventh grade, and Eli in the fourth 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 seventh grade, and Eli in the fourth grade at JCDS.
Sari Korman
Sari Korman is a lawyer who currently works as a trained mediator. Previously, Sari worked as a compliance consultant for a medical device company, practiced law in a private practice, worked for the state as Assistant Regional Counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services, and General Counsel to a Massachusetts state senator. A Me'ah graduate and Acharai alumna, Sari is passionate about education and Jewish education in particular. Sari currently volunteers as a coach at Beacon Academy, and serves on the board of Boston Friends of Educating for Excellence (E4E). Sari's three children proudly attended JCDS. The older two currently attend college, while the youngest is an eighth grader at JCDS. Sari's other interests include beekeeping, traveling, and learning new things. Her current learning adventures involve horses, rowing, and gyrotonics, just not all at the same time!
Sari Korman is a lawyer who currently works as a trained mediator. Previously, Sari worked as a compliance consultant for a medical device company, practiced law in a private practice, worked for the state as Assistant Regional Counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services, and General Counsel to a Massachusetts state senator. A Me'ah graduate and Acharai alumna, Sari is passionate about education and Jewish education in particular. Sari currently volunteers as a coach at Beacon Academy, and serves on the board of Boston Friends of Educating for Excellence (E4E). Sari's three children proudly attended JCDS. The older two currently attend college, while the youngest is an eighth grader at JCDS. Sari's other interests include beekeeping, traveling, and learning new things. Her current learning adventures involve horses, rowing, and gyrotonics, just not all at the same time!
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.
Howie Rodenstein
Howie Rodenstein and his wife Susie now live in Needham and are long time members of Temple Beth Zion. Howie and Susie have each spent over eight years in Israel at various times, including four years in the early 90's as a family. They have two grown children in their 30's who both went to Solomon Schechter and Newton North. Howie was active on the Board at Schechter in the late 90's and early 2000's and is a strong supporter of day school education. In addition to serving as Co-chair of the JCDS Head of school Search Committee, Howie has been on the JCDS Board and Finance Committee for the last seven years as a community member. Howie is also the Founder and Chair of the Arava Institute-Hazon Israel Ride, and will participate in his 18th consecutive Ride this fall. He is on the Board of the Friends of the Arava Institute and Hazon. Howie has a B.A. from Brandeis University and an MBA from Harvard Business school. Professionally, he has spent most of his career in senior operating positions in the health care and pharmaceutical services industries. More recently Howie has become involved in renewable energy development. Howie currently serves as part-time CFO of PARx Solutions, Inc (pharmaceutical services), as the Chair of the Board of Advisors of Gigawatt Global which focuses on utility scale solar energy development in Sub-Saharan Africa, and as a Board Member of Arava Power, a major Israeli solar power producer.
Howie Rodenstein and his wife Susie now live in Needham and are long time members of Temple Beth Zion. Howie and Susie have each spent over eight years in Israel at various times, including four years in the early 90's as a family. They have two grown children in their 30's who both went to Solomon Schechter and Newton North. Howie was active on the Board at Schechter in the late 90's and early 2000's and is a strong supporter of day school education. In addition to serving as Co-chair of the JCDS Head of school Search Committee, Howie has been on the JCDS Board and Finance Committee for the last seven years as a community member. Howie is also the Founder and Chair of the Arava Institute-Hazon Israel Ride, and will participate in his 18th consecutive Ride this fall. He is on the Board of the Friends of the Arava Institute and Hazon. Howie has a B.A. from Brandeis University and an MBA from Harvard Business school. Professionally, he has spent most of his career in senior operating positions in the health care and pharmaceutical services industries. More recently Howie has become involved in renewable energy development. Howie currently serves as part-time CFO of PARx Solutions, Inc (pharmaceutical services), as the Chair of the Board of Advisors of Gigawatt Global which focuses on utility scale solar energy development in Sub-Saharan Africa, and as a Board Member of Arava Power, a major Israeli solar power producer.
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 Newton Centre Minyan, 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 third 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 Newton Centre Minyan, 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 third grade at JCDS.
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 President and CEO 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 President and CEO 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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