ISRAEL
TanenbaumCHAT is committed to educating future Jewish leaders about the importance of unity. As we pray for the safe return of all hostages, our hearts are with those still held captive. We hope for their safe reunion and stand in solidarity with their families.
TanenbaumCHAT’s Chesed Solidarity Mission to Israel gave students the opportunity to meet freed hostage Maya Regev as she began to recover from her harrowing experience in captivity. The school was then honoured to welcome Maya and her brother Itay Regev to Toronto, both former hostages who were kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival on October 7. Students were deeply moved by their story, strength, and resilience.
Ella Shani Kozin, a 14-year-old Israeli, visited our school and captivated the audience with her remarkable story of survival and loss during the attack on October 7.
Jacqui Vital shared her heartbreaking story about her daughter Adi Vital-Kaploun z”l, who was murdered while hiding in her safe room, and her grandsons, who were kidnapped and later released.
Shabbos Kestenbaum spoke about Jewish pride, drawing from his own experience as someone who recently took legal action against Harvard University, his alma mater, for its response to antisemitism.
Melissa Lantsman, MP and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, was welcomed to speak to Grade 12 students, sharing her experiences growing up in Thornhill and combatting antisemitism.
Students had the privilege of hearing from Gil Troy, a distinguished American History professor at McGill University, an author, and journalist. He spoke to Grade 12 students about anti Zionism and antisemitism on university campuses.
The Israel Council led an impactful assembly, sharing personal connections to Israel, and speaking about recent advocacy efforts. Dr. Jonathan Levy, Head of School, spoke and reflected on his recent time in Israel, including an emotional visit to the Bibas family shiva.
HONOURING DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Holocaust Education Week began with a moving presentation by 96-year-old survivor Elly Gotz, who shared his story of survival and resilience. His powerful message about combatting hate and bigotry serves as a vital reminder for building a better future.
TanenbaumCHAT welcomed Jonny Daniels, Holocaust survivor advocate and founder of From the Depths. Daniels shared his important work in advocating for survivors and preserving their stories. Since October 7, he has refocused his efforts on building Jewish pride, combatting antisemitism, and advocating for Israel.
The school community united to observe Remembrance Day and honour those who sacrificed for the freedoms held dear. Students and faculty advisors brought historical descriptions to life with powerful words, songs, and music, creating a moving tribute to those who served.
CELEBRATING CHAGIM
The Hanukkah spirit was shining bright as students, staff, and faculty came together to celebrate. The holiday was filled with delicious sufganiyot, Hanukkah tunes, and an exciting dreidel competition.
In celebration of Tu Bishvat, students and Co-Director of Student Activities, Jewish Studies Jody Berkel, transformed Sonshine Square with vibrant decorations and dried fruits for all to enjoy.
Purim was celebrated in full costume, with an epic carnival and four simultaneous Megillah readings available for students to choose from.
The Student Council turned the courtyard into a magical winter wonderland, complete with a hot chocolate bar and marshmallows.
Sports Jersey Day brought energy and team spirit to the Hennick Family Atrium, with snacks and mini-stick action.
Celebrations continued with a fun Birthday Bash for all, including cake, a piñata, and a limbo competition.
Everyone wore their best greys for the annual Groutfit Day, where students went wild for the traditional Oreo-infused milkshakes.
The Hennick Family Atrium was then transformed for Shavua Ahava (Week of Love), featuring a love Shuk with treats, games, and love-o-grams.
TanenbaumCHAT was turned into a lively soundstage for its very own game of Family Feud, with contestants showing great sportsmanship and the audience—students, faculty, and staff— cheering at every move.
GO TIGERS!
The TanenbaumCHAT Tigers made history, with both the Senior Boys Basketball and Senior Girls Basketball teams claiming victory at the Weiner Family Tournament in Baltimore for the first time. Mazal Tov to both teams, along with their coaches and staff, for an outstanding performance.
Mazal Tov to the Varsity Boys Hockey team for winning their third consecutive TDCAA championship! Their hard work and dedication truly paid off during their final skate on the ice.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Alexandria Fanjoy Silver’s Grade 11 Jewish History class had the privilege of hearing from David Matlow ’79, who owns the world’s largest private collection of Theodor Herzl z”l memorabilia. He shared valuable insights into Herzl’s visionary role in the creation of the Jewish State.
Melissa Dubin’s Grade 11 Visual Arts students had the exciting opportunity to take part in a silkscreen printing workshop and design their own custom shoes. Their creativity and enthusiasm in bringing their projects to life were truly remarkable.
In Lynne Howard’s Law class, students traded the comfort of the classroom for the courtroom as part of their curriculum for the annual Mock Trials. Students experienced first-hand insight into real-world criminal proceedings.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Chat’s Got Talent featured over 100 students who sang, rapped, played instruments, acted, and danced for an enthusiastic audience. Mazal Tov to the student performers from ‘Sir Duke:’ Eitan S., Emma H., Tamar S., Evan M., Jonah B., and Yoav A., for their amazing performance and for earning the winning title!
TanenbaumCHAT’s Music Department participated in a Music Retreat, a two-day experience that provided the students with musical opportunities.
Students also participated in the annual Zimriyah Music Festival, bringing together over 500 students from Jewish day schools across the GTA.
The curtain came down on a spectacular school Musical production of Mamma Mia. The talent, energy, and enthusiasm on stage were undeniable, culminating in a standing ovation to close the show.
Arts Café welcomed families to experience the impressive performances in Drama, Music, Visual Arts, and Communications Technology. It’s clear that TanenbaumCHAT students are capable of amazing things, and their hard work was proudly celebrated on an evening dedicated to the arts!
The Ivrit Play The Little Dreamer was a moving performance featuring over 50 students and staff. The production combined song, dance, spoken word, and video testimonials, portraying the dreams of children impacted by the events of October 7. It created a powerful connection between youth in Toronto and Israel.
The Chatchella-themed Dance/Fashion Show was bursting with energy, featuring incredible performances from talented dancers, models, and staff. The atmosphere was electrifying, with flawless choreography and breathtaking designs.
SO PROUD
A cherished tradition at TanenbaumCHAT is the annual Think Pink fundraiser, where students, faculty, and staff unite by wearing pink, indulging in pink treats, and donating to Rethink Breast Cancer. This year, TanenbaumCHAT raised more than $12,000 to support breast cancer education, advocacy, and empowerment.
TanenbaumCHAT launched its first-ever Israel Council. As part of their initiative, the council attended a conference at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, run by Israeli Engagement Shlicha Shira Meirman, staff, and guest speakers. Students developed their leadership skills and worked on their abilities to lead programs about Israel.
The beloved Venture Week was a success, offering Business and Leadership students valuable opportunities to develop and execute business ideas for the school community to enjoy. Business plans were put to the test, transforming the school’s hallways into vibrant markets filled with food, tech, accessories, and so much more.
Students in the Investment Council kicked off their presentations, showcasing the hard work they put into their stock pitches, and putting their plans into action.
TanenbaumCHAT students demonstrated exceptional poise and dignity at the DECA Regional Competition. Their diligence and hard work were rewarded, with several students earning top-10 finishes in their categories.
ON STAFF
Mazal Tov to Jewish Studies teacher Jimmy Bitton for having his articles, “AntiIsrael Zealotry: A Religion of Ruin, Sephardi Representation in Jewish Day Schools,” and “Antisemitism is Canada’s Warning,” published in the Times of Israel.
Mazal Tov to Jewish Studies teacher Rabbi Avram Rothman on being awarded the Order of Vaughan, the city’s highest honour.
