The situation in Israel remains central to the school’s programming, highlighting the vital importance of Jewish unity.
ISRAEL
TanenbaumCHAT was privileged to welcome Shye Klein, a 26-year-old Israeli-Canadian photographer who went from capturing photos of joy to witnessing the chaos and horror at the Supernova Music Festival on October 7. Students, faculty, and staff hung on his every word as he contrasted his footage prior to the attack with his footage during and following the tragedy.
In March, students and staff participated in a Global Shema, standing in solidarity with Israel, praying for the imminent safe return of the hostages and strengthened solidarity by Jews in Israel and throughout the world.
The school welcomed Sapir Cohen, a former hostage who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 and was released after 55 days in captivity. Sapir came to recount her harrowing story and be a voice for those—like her boyfriend, Alex (Sasha) Trufanov—who have yet to be released. Among the many poignant things Sapir shared with the students and staff was her final message about the importance of Jewish unity.
Maureen Leshem ’95 spoke to three Grade 12 classes about her cousin, Romi Gonen. Romi is one of the remaining hostages in Gaza, and Maureen—a self-professed nervous public speaker—has made it her mission to step outside her comfort zone to share Romi’s story and advocate for the hostages who can’t speak for themselves.
HONOURING DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE
The TanenbaumCHAT community gathered at Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue to honour Yom HaShoah. The powerful assembly included art, music, photography, literature, and prayers to honour the victims who were murdered at the hands of Nazis. The focal point of the ceremony was resistance. Not merely armed actions like ghetto uprisings, but rather the cultural and spiritual defiance against Nazi oppression.
The Holocaust Education Committee welcomed Dr. Steve Samuel, the grandfather of Eden Samuel-Bergel ’24, to share his father’s and grandfather’s Holocaust testimony with the students.
In remembrance of Yom HaZikaron, the Israel Engagement Committee organized an assembly honouring Israel’s fallen heroes and victims of terror by commencing a moment of silence. The event served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for peace and security in Israel.
Israel’s 76th birthday was celebrated with the school decked out in blue and white to honour the Jewish homeland. Yom Ha’atzmaut festivities included an incredible carnival with food, animals, games, singing, and dancing proudly with Israel’s flag.
The school came together to honour the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of October 7,remembering not only the lives lost but also those still held hostage. In the heartfelt assembly, students and staff reflected on the incredible resilience of the Jewish people and reaffirmed our hope for a future where all hostages are safely reunited with their families. The TanenbaumCHAT community stands together in solidarity, praying for a better future, hoping the war will be over and a more peaceful existence restored. Am Yisrael Chai.
CELEBRATING CHAGIM
The High Holidays were celebrated with apples and honey in each classroom. Students also got a chance to visit the school’s sukkah, enjoy a yummy treat, and shake the arbah minim (four species) in all directions.
GO TIGERS!
In June, the Varsity Boys Baseball team won their second consecutive league championship in a decisive victory versus Senator O’Connor College School.
The Junior Girls Basketball team celebrated their championship win in the Hebrew Academy Tournament. Esther Wolgelerenter received the tournament MVP, Mattie Kahn won as the all-defensive player, and Dahlia Rosenberg was selected to the All‑Star team.
The Athletic Council celebrated their annual Athletic Banquet, a celebration honouring the outstanding student athletes, teams, coaches, managers, and volunteers. Awards were presented for “Most Valuable,” “Most Improved,” and “Sportsmanship,” recognizing the dedication and spirit of the incredible student-athlete community.
ARTS & CULTURE
Students capped off months of hard work and rehearsals with a standing ovation at the annual Dance/Fashion Show. The TanenbaumCHAT community gathered to watch and celebrate as student dancers, choreographers, fashion designers, and models showcased their impressive creations.
The Ivrit (Hebrew) Play entitled Am Yisrael Chai took place in March, highlighting the spirit of volunteerism and the hope for a better future post October 7. Students, faculty, and staff put in the time and talent for this extracurricular endeavour, both on stage and off.
In April, the Music Department mesmerized a packed audience of supportive family and friends at Meridian Hall with its annual Spring Music Concert. A standout moment was the electrifying finale—a beautiful joint performance by the band and choir of “When You Believe” from the beloved film The Prince of Egypt.
YOM IYUN
The theme of this year’s Yom Iyun was the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l. Nearly 40 rabbis from across the city and more than 600 Grade 11 and 12 students participated in sessions covering topics such as “Chosenness,” “What it means to be a Jew,” “What would Rabbi Sacks have said about October 7,” “Jewish Peoplehood,” “antisemitism,” and more. This event was held in memory of Rabbi Mordechai Enakar z”l, a longtime TanenbaumCHAT teacher who passed away this past year.
GOLDEN BAGELS 2024
The 18th annual Golden Bagels Award closed out another successful year packed with awards, heartfelt tributes, endless laughs, and of course, plenty of bagels. A fun-filled ceremony was organized by the Student Council, guided by Co‑Director of Student Activities Josh Sable ’90 and teacher Jillian Abramsky ’18, and premiered yet another annual Bagel music video.
SO PROUD
The Keshet (Rainbow) Club celebrated pride, diversity, and inclusion by selling rainbow-sprinkled donuts with proceeds going to charities in support of the only country in the Middle East where the LGBTQ+ community can live freely.
Grade 11 student, Aviv Sharon, placed 10th in the International Chidon HaTanach Bible contest in Israel. He was one of three exceptional representatives from Canada, having earned this spot by finishing in the top three of last year’s nationwide contest.
WELCOMING THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
In the early days of September, TanenbaumCHAT was thrilled to welcome back students and staff. The annual Grade 9 orientation got the year rolling, offering a taste of what’s to come as a TanenbaumCHAT student.
Other events included an opening assembly during the first week back. Students thoroughly enjoyed the inflatables, mini-golf, games, petting zoo, popcorn, and cotton candy at the opening carnival.
Grade 9 Parents Night included an address from keynote speaker Terra Bovingdon MSW, RSW, who discussed the impacts of technology, social media, disconnection, and current brain development trends on children.
The Clubs and Committees Fair gave students the opportunity to sign up for any of the 100+ school clubs.
The Grade 9 students also faced off in Battle of the Nines for a day of bonding and ruach (spirit).
CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES
The Class of 2024 had an exciting end of year with the annual Grad Trip to Chicago. Then they took part in the annual rite of passage—PROM! It was a night filled with delicious food, dancing, and reminiscing on their incredible four-year journey. Later that week, a beautiful graduation ceremony was held at Beth Tzedec Congregation. As part of the ceremony Dr. Jonathan Levy was honoured to welcome Chief Myron Demkiw and his staff in appreciation of everything the Toronto Police have done to keep the school community safe. Rabbi Michael Dolgin of Temple Sinai Congregation of Toronto also provided a special blessing to the graduates.
ALL BUSINESS
The TanenbaumCHAT Business Council held its annual Start UP TanenbaumCHAT conference, where students were exposed to the business world. The event warmly received five esteemed alumni and one past parent, who graciously imparted their insights to over 200 enthusiastic business students. (See page 33 for more.)
The annual Venture Week, guided by teacher Bryce Ridge, proved to be an unforgettable experience for Grade 11 business and leadership students who were tasked with developing viable business ideas and executing them for the school to experience. The hallways were transformed into a vibrant shuk (market) over three consecutive weeks as students put their business plans to the test.
ON STAFF
Jewish Studies teacher Revital Israelski worked with her producer/ director husband, Ronen Israelski, and premiered the documentary Three Days in October, which witnesses a pivotal moment in southern Israel through exclusive footage and intimate stories of the October 7 attack.
“Nathanson: In today’s AI world, the human voice still matters,” an article by English teacher Jodi Nathanson, was published in the Ottawa Citizen and the Montreal Gazette.
L’HITRAOT & THANK YOU!
In June, we said l’hitraot (goodbye) to staff retiring from TanenbaumCHAT. We took great pride in celebrating their many years of dedication and wish Cheryl Cash, Lydia Elbaz and Jane Rimmer all the best.
