Israel
TanenbaumCHAT students had the privilege of attending a screening of October 8: The Film. Producer Wendy Sachs introduced the documentary, sharing the inspiration behind this powerful exposé on antisemitism on university campuses and the challenges of creating it within a Hollywood culture often hesitant to speak out in support of Israel.
Former hostage Moran Stella Yanai delivered a moving assembly, sharing her powerful story of being held in Gaza for 54 days. She spoke about the hope and courage that carried her through the unimaginable. Her message of strength and healing left a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and staff.
The entire school community had the extraordinary opportunity to visit the Nova Music Festival Exhibition. This powerful, immersive exhibit guided students through the events of October 7, telling stories through artifacts, videos, music, and light. The school was fortunate to hear from survivors who shared their stories and spoke of ensuring resilience, courage, and hope of the Jewish people.
Grade 12 students heard from acclaimed Israeli journalist Elad Simchayof, who shared stories from his career before and after October 7, and spoke candidly about the rise of antisemitism he has witnessed while covering protests across North America and Europe.
Honouring Days of Significance
Students and staff came together to mark Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron through powerful assemblies featuring spoken word, music, songs, and prayers. Holocaust survivors Pinchas Gutter and Andrew Rottmann shared their moving and deeply impactful stories with students, while we also honoured Israel’s fallen heroes and victims of terror.
Yom Ha’atzmaut was marked with an epic lunchtime carnival complete with food, fun, music, and inflatables all in celebration of Israel’s 77 birthday.
Yom Ha’atzmaut was marked with an epic lunchtime carnival complete with food, fun, music, and inflatables all in celebration of Israel’s 77 birthday.
Yom Iyun
TanenbaumCHAT welcomed nearly 30 Rabbis from across the GTA for Yom Iyun (Day of Study). This year’s theme was the “Centrality of Israel” and more than 600 Grade 11 and 12 students participated in learning sessions held in honour of Rabbi Mordechai Enakar z”l, a longtime TanenbaumCHAT teacher, who strived to instill a love of Torah in his students.
Celebrating the Chagim
Back in June, the holiday of Shavuot was celebrated with an inspiring night of Torah and connection in honour of the ancient tradition of Tikkun Leil Shavuot—led by students and hosted by Co-Director of Student Activities Jody Berkel. The evening featured student-led learning, engaging discussion, and of course a delicious dairy buffet.
Jewish Studies teacher Dr. Anna Urowitz-Freudenstein’s Grade 12 class visited the sukkah with their parents to learn about influential Jewish women in history, inspired by the tradition of welcoming guests—both physically and spiritually.
The High Holidays were celebrated this year with shofar blowing, apples and honey, a visit to G. Ross Lord Reservoir for tashlich (cast off), and classroom field trips to the school’s sukkah. Students enjoyed delicious snacks and had the opportunity to shake the arbaat haminim (four species), bringing the spirit of the chag to life.
Welcoming the New School Year
In September, TanenbaumCHAT was thrilled to welcome back students, staff, and faculty for a new and exciting year. The Class of 2029 was welcomed with the annual Grade 9 Orientation for the chance to connect with their peers, meet student leaders and staff, and get to know their new home away from home.
The year kicked off with the annual Welcome Back Assembly and highly anticipated Opening Carnival that featured the beloved dunk tank, bouncing on inflatables, a mini-golf course, a petting zoo, popcorn, and cotton candy—there was something for everyone to enjoy!
The Club & Committee Fair saw a massive turnout with an incredible 100+ clubs and committees to choose from. There’s something for everyone at TanenbaumCHAT.
Grade 9 parents were welcomed by the TanenbaumCHAT Advancement team for the Grade 9 Parent Welcome evening of dinner and engaging speakers, offering a chance to connect and get to know the school community.
Grade 9 students gathered on the Himel Sports Field to face off in the annual We the Nines, giving students the chance to connect outside the classroom.
Student Activities
The amazing Spirit Committee and Student Council brought the ruach (spirit) for an unforgettable Spirit Week! FromGinger Appreciation Day to Twin Day, Dress Like a Staff Member Day, Socks & Crocs Day, and PJ Day—the energy (and snacks!) during 10-minute breaks were off the charts.
The Interfaith Committee welcomed students from De La Salle College’s Interfaith Committee for a mock Shabbat experience. The goal of the committee is to foster connection and mutual respect between students of different backgrounds.
Golden Bagels
Last June, the 19th annual Golden Bagels wrapped up another successful school year with awards, tributes, laughter, and, of course, delicious bagels. The ruach (spirit) was high during two back-to-back assemblies organized by the Student Council, under the guidance of Co-Director of Student Activities Josh Sable ’90 and teacher Jillian Abramsky ’18. The celebration included the premiere of the annual Bagel music video, along with a special year-end wrap-up video.
Go Tigers!
The roar of school spirit filled the Meyer/Finkelstein Gymnasium as the Athletic Council rolled out the blue-and-white carpet for the annual Athletic Banquet. Athletes came together to celebrate a year of achievement. Awards were presented for MVPs, Most Improved, and Outstanding Sportsmanship, recognizing the talent, growth, and dedication of our students and teams.
The annual Terry Fox Walk was a success, thanks to the Athletic Council. Students and staff came together to raise awareness and funds for the Terry Fox Foundation, honouring the legacy of this incredible Canadian icon.
Graduates
The Class of 2025 wrapped up four years of hard work with an exciting Graduation Trip to Chicago, followed by a meaningful rite of passage—Prom. Later that week, the graduates received a heartfelt send-off at a beautiful Graduation Ceremony held at Beth Tzedec Congregation, where faculty and staff proudly celebrated their students’ achievements and bright futures.
