Alumni - Second Generation Families

"Memories of the past and
Dreams for their children’s future"

Moris Adato
Memory of the past
I have too many amazing memories of the Day School…but one of my favorites
will always be the teachers and how they made learning fun, “Thinking outside
the box.”
Dream for my children’s future
My dream is to be able to hear my kids sing the songs of our culture and for
them to feel safe and part of a special group of people. Thanks to all the teachers
at the Hebrew Day School…my dreams are coming true!

Joyce Miller Arovas
Class of 1973
Memory of the past
I attended Hebrew Day for only a short time, but the school, my classmates and
teachers had a great influence on me. I vividly remember being thrown into a hard reality
when the Yom Kippur war broke out and my Hebrew teacher, Mrs. Artenstein
was shaken, upset and worried about the fate of her family in Israel.
Dream for my children’s future
My dream for my children is for them to become solid
people with good morals and values, showing respect
and kindness towards others. I want them to be
well-equipped to pursue their own goals and dreams.

Liza (Dychter) Blumenfeld
My Favorite Memory of the past
This is extremely hard because the 12 years that I spent at SDHDS were filled (to
capacity) with so many special moments. One particularly special memory is of
our 9th grade trip to New York and Washington D.C. While the trip was
amazing, the fundraising for the trip was even more memorable. Our class
decided to set a lofty fundraising goal. In order to do this, we worked in teams
throughout the city. We babysat for the Mantell’s and cleaned cowboy hats at the
Adatto’s store in downtown. We literally worked our fingers to the bone. As we
sat on the plane, the excitement was palpable. What was better was knowing that
we worked collaboratively in order to achieve (and exceed) our goals.
My Dream for my children’s future
I can honestly say that my life has been full of multiple simcha’s and challenges.
Looking back, there is a common thread woven through each of these
experiences. The friends that I made at the Hebrew Day School have been a
constant source of love and support over the course of my entire life. I sincerely
hope that Shayna and Avi have the opportunity to experience this long lasting
gift of friendship.

Max Brookler
Funniest and Favorite Memory of the past
Our class enjoyed driving Mrs. Elaine Lepow crazy! We would hide her
belongings and watch her search for items she thought she misplaced. One day
we hid her purse and forgot to tell her. As our school bus left National City after
school, the bus driver sees Mrs. Lepow running down 8th Avenue, chasing after
the bus, yelling, "WHERE IS MY PURSE??? I NEED MY CAR KEYS!"
My Dream for my children’s future
I believe the Day School gives our children the foundation they need for the
future:
-They are taught to understand their duty as a Jew.
-They learn how to properly practice their religion.
-They are instilled with a strong support for Israel.
-They are given the educational background to pursue their religious education
and college degrees in the future.
-These ideas, which are engraved in their minds, help the Day School to shape,
inspire and educate our children.

Tommy Broudy
attended the Hebrew Day School from 1976-1987,
Preschool through 9th grade.
Memory of the past
I always loved Succot field trips to Los Angeles. They were filled with good
times, Fairfax falafel, and late night returns to the Beth Jacob parking lot.
Dream for my children’s future
My hope for my kids is that they grow up to respect their tradition and become
the next generation of great Jewish contributors to our world. I know, first hand,
that the Day School will put them on that path, teaching them the laws of Torah
and the laws of physics with equal enthusiasm. That's a combination you can't
find anywhere else.

Zachary Dimenstein
attended Hebrew Day School from 1970-1980
Kindergarten through ninth grade
Fond Memories of Hebrew Day Past
When Mrs. Lily Artenstein was the Hebrew director at Hebrew Day School, she
would put together amazing all-Hebrew plays which the students performed for
the parents. I remember having a role in the story of "Chanale v'Simlah Shel
Shabbat"-- "Channa and her Shabbat Dress" when I was in 5th grade or
thereabouts. We also had a school orchestra headed by Mrs. Wingard, where I
played-- and squeaked-- the violin. The school orchestra used to play Israeli
music on Yom Ha'atzmaut at Balboa Park near the Israel international booth
there. Both Lily Artenstein and Mrs. Wingard dedicated a lot of their time, hearts
and souls to these extracurricular activities for the sake of the students.
Dream for my children’s future
My expectation of the Hebrew Day School is that it will serve as a stepping stone
for wherever my children want to go, whether it's to the ivy league school track,
yeshiva world and/or a life in Israel. And that which ever path life leads them,
they should still always have a strong appreciation and feel at home in all three
of these worlds.

Kim (Abelsohn) Dolin
Dream for my children’s future
My daughter Rebecca starts each day in preschool with a BIG hug from her
Morah (teacher). It may seem like such a small thing but what you truly want for
your young kids, in any and every setting, is LOVE. The formal education will be
much more important later on but for now a place where they feel safe and loved
is what they need most. All of their confidence and self growth start with this
important base. Our hopes and dreams for our girls at Hebrew Day is basically
for them to continue on getting the loving and nurturing environment they need.

Sam Dujowich
Memory of the past
My favorite memory is that my brothers and I had the opportunity to have a
great education. I remember the day my family received The World Book
Encyclopedia. My brothers and I used those books daily, learned so much from
them, and was our number one tool for our education. In those days our parents
were working all day, English was their attempt to a second language, and of
course the Internet was not yet available. The encyclopedia made a difference in
our life. To this day the Blue World Book Encyclopedia set is shelved in my
parent’s family room and is a part of our family’s precious assets. Thank you
Hebrew Day!
Dream for my children’s future
There is nothing in the world that can prepare you for the joy of becoming a
parent. As soon as my first child Eli was born I immediately new I wanted the
best for him. This is why my wife Maggy and I will do what we must to insure
our children the very best education. In my opinion a Hebrew Day child is a
successful member of our community and is establishing opportunities for their
future. Having our children growing in the Hebrew day where they will be close
to Hashem, learning the Torah, and the ways of the Jews allows me to believe we
are on our way to being great parents.

Meryn (Snyder) Ellis
Memory of the past
I have many wonderful memories of the day school. A memory that stands out
the most is having Rabbi Hollander tell us Torah stories and they all had such
wonderful messages. He taught us the importance of being kind to one another
and embracing Torah learning with love and understanding. I would come
home and share those stories with my mom and dad . I saw how my parent’s
eyes lit up when I would tell them the stories of ancient teaching of Rebbe Akiva
and many more great Torah scholars. I only wished for one day that my
children would have the same feeling and understanding of Torah and
Yiddishkit. And that day did come when my kindergartner came home and told
me that same story Rabbi Hollander had told me over 20 years ago. That great
feeling over took me and I felt so proud to have been lucky enough to have gone
to the day school and be able to send my children there today.
Dream for my children’s future
My wish for my children's future still remains the same. My children should
love and embrace Torah learning with respect and reverence. May they continue
to be Torah observant Jews and live a life with complete love and understanding
of the importance to continue those teachings of our ancestors.

Rachel (Swimmer) Flores
Memory of the past
One day at the Hebrew Day School in National City, a huge storm warning
came. There was supposed to be a big flash flood, and we were told to get home
as soon as possible. That was before cell phones and answering machines. The
parents that got the message came to pick up their kids. The kids on my bus
whose parents couldn't be reached went over to this girl Jenny's house, to wait
for our parents. I will never forget that day. It didn't even rain a drop. The sun
came out, it got hot, and were had the most fun swim party! Here are my hopes
for the kids:
Dream for my children’s future
I hope that my kids live to their full potential. I hope they will always love to
learn. I hope that they will always give and receive much kindness in their lives.

Nina (Garin) Hall
Memory of the past
Hebrew Day is where I found my love of writing. In second grade, I wrote an
essay about the world raining ice cream cones and something clicked. I was
happy to be lost in imagination and language. To my surprise, my teachers didn't
think it was silly. They supported and even challenged me with difficult
vocabulary and reading assignments. At the time I wasn't all that happy about it,
but their encouragement ignited a passion that stuck with me for life.
But, OK, really my favorite memory is when we were allowed to rollerskate
during lunch, but I can't find anyone who remembers that actually happening.
Dream for my children’s future
I hope Hebrew Day continues to instill a sense of Judaic and academic pride in
its students. I hope it continues to flourish and connect local Jewish families with
each other. And I hope that by the time my daughters graduate, they will know
how to prepare a delicious Shabbat meal.

Karl Jacobs
Memory of the past
I have several strong memories of my time at Hebrew Day in the late 1970s. One
which stands out, is of my headmaster, Rabbi Slodowitz. He was a very kind,
good humored and caring man who embodied the spirit of the school as a place
which welcomes Jews from the entire spectrum of the San Diego community. On
my bar mitzvah, Rabbi Slodowitz walked from his neighborhood to my
synagogue (Beth Tefilah) at 71st and Mohawk so that he could greet me at the
reception and share in my family's simcha. Please also note that the distance
which the Rabbi walked was significant (2 miles).
Dream for my children’s future
My dream for the future is that the Hebrew Day School continues to be a "light"
in San Diego, providing a unique Jewish learning environment which teaches
our rich traditions and encourages academic excellence while also emphasizes
caring, compassion and Klal Yisroel. It should be a school which welcomes all
Jewish families and encourages them to grow in their Yiddishkeit.

Anisa Laulom
attended the Hebrew Day School from 1982-1987
Memory of the past
I’ve realized that its not just the memories, but specific reasons why my
experience at Hebrew Day is memorable and why I decided to send my children
here: First of all, I will never forget the commitment and sacrifice that my mom
made everyday as we drove an hour to learn, grow and connect with our Jewish
heritage and our new family of friends. I remember Mrs. Lepow’s passion for
reading that she bestowed on us with all our book reports and many deep
discussions…I remember Rabbi Hollander always courteous, serious, yet
surprisingly funny and wise…I remember Mrs. Hollander greeting me with a big
smile, kind words and always making me feel like I belonged. I also remember
being in the same class with my cousin Abraham and thinking we were so lucky
to be family and be together.
I remember the Science fair and all the many nights we stayed up late working
on our presentation board. I remember getting in trouble for wearing make-up
and trying to express my individuality through my wardrobe…and most of
all…I am thankful for the friendships that I was so fortunate to have and still
have to this day; and now I see my own son beginning to create his own
memories and friendships. My appreciation of the experiences I had at Hebrew
Day is more meaningful today as I have become an adult and mother.
Dream for my children’s future
My dream for the future is that my children understand the true importance of
having both a Jewish and secular education and developing a strong Jewish
identity that only comes from a day school education. I know this will give them
the tools to guide them through life’s challenges and successes. I hope that they
continue searching for answers to their questions and in turn become critical
thinkers in this complex world. I hope they never waiver in their commitment to
themselves and the great responsibility we have as Jews to carry on the history of
our people and be a positive part of our future.

Joe Lerner
Attended Hebrew Day School from 76-80
Memory of the past
Even though it has been almost 30 years since my Hebrew Day School days, I
continue to have many fond memories. The smile of my classmates and their
friendships remain strong. The words of teachers such as Ms. McGregor, the E
Street building, naming the bugs as we made our way upstairs or going under
the building for milk at lunch are all vivid and quirky memories of my time at
Hebrew Day.
Dream for my children’s future
This year at my son’s Siddur party I found myself sitting listening to my Aunt
Elaine, former principal of the Day School, as she spoke so eloquently to the 1st
graders as they received their first Siddur. She spoke of the power and personal
nature of prayer and on how individually they would each find a connection
through their studies to who they are and what they are truly capable of
achieving. My dream for my children is that they utilize all of the values and
teachings presented to them to contribute positively both in the Jewish and
secular communities.

Jennifer (Reitman) Lerner
Attended from 76-80 and then 83-88
Memory of the past
One memory I have of my 10 years at the Day School is the amazing science
program. Starting in 5th grade we went to the science lab with Ms. Wellner. I
remember the huge 3-ring binder we had to keep organized by category (notes,
labs, quizzes, tests…). I also remember walking into the lab, seeing both
chalkboards full of information and drawings and sitting down to meticulously
copy everything into my notes. Then there were the countless hours spent on
THE SCIENCE FAIR. It was very demanding but I look back and can honestly
say that the dedication and commitment that Ms. Wellner had to each student
was amazing. She brought twelve-year olds to the San Diego State Library- and
taught us how to do a research project as well as how to work on life skills that
went well beyond a science project. I have carried these skills with me
throughout the years and truly feel that every teacher I had at the Day School
gave 100% to each and every child.
Dream for my children’s future
My dream for my children is that they leave the Day School confident that they
too can achieve whatever goals they strive for. I know they will be given an
exceptional secular and Judaic education. I hope that by sending them to the
Day School they will be given the tools and values to make decisions in their
lives that will allow them to be responsible and active members of society and
the Jewish community.

Ynessa McElfresh
attended PS- 9th grade; 1978-1989
Memory of the past
I remember Mrs. Lepow's love and enthusiasm for grammar (I can still recite all
22 helping verbs in a matter of seconds). I also remember Rabbi Hollander's
amazing ability to know if someone was chewing gum. He never said a word; he
would just walk over to you with a trash can. I think my greatest memory is the
friendships I made. The girls in my class were, are, and will always be, my very
best friends.
Dream for my children’s future
My dream for my children is for them to graduate from the Hebrew Day School
with the same positive experience that I had. I would like to see my children
create bonds with their teachers and fellow students that will last for a lifetime;
that these life long friends will continue to grow with them in every stage of their
lives. Most importantly, I want my children to be grounded in what it means to
be a good Jew and an overall fine human being. From the Day School I received
the foundation to become the person who I am proud to be today. I am proud to
look at my children today and see those same beliefs, ethics, and values being
instilled in them.

Lauren Morris
Memory of the past
I remember coming to Hebrew Day in 1977 "fresh of the boat" (or in actuality off
the plane) from South Africa. Everything was so strange and different for me,
from the accents to the food and yes even the language...American English and
English/English not being the same.
The one thing that reminded me of home was the warm embrace of Hebrew Day.
It is amazing that you can travel half way round the world and Orthodox
Judaism is a constant. The songs and traditions were familiar and comforting;
the teachers and students quickly became my extended family. I remember the
wonderful cultural fairs, plays that we put on, and our endless debates on the
"role of the Jewish Woman."
Dream for my children’s future
30 Years later I have returned to Hebrew Day, this time not as a student but as a
parent. It was a very nostalgic moment for me and my parents, as we dropped
off my son Eli, for his first day of Kindergarten. While the
location of the school and the Administration has changed, I am happy to say
that the spirit and energy of the school is the same. There is the same warmth
and caring for each individual child and the same attention to academic
excellence...all emanating from the Jewish values that are the foundation of this
wonderful school.

Elana Rezmovitch
attended from preschool through 9th grade, 1978-1989
Memory of the past
I remember our old science teacher Ms. Wellner would assign us themes for
Science Fair projects if we could not come up with one on our own. Since I had
trouble coming up with one, she assigned me the project of making perfume out
of various fruit leaves and vodka which was then prepared on a Bunson Burner.
During class time we were given opportunities to work on our projects and here
I am whipping out my Vodka bottle and fruit leaves. The smell in the classroom
at times was hideous from the preparation of these perfumes.... In the end it was
NOT a winner project in fact I remember the local judges nearly passing out after
attempting to smell them.
Dream for my children’s future
My experience at the Day School was special. Coming from a
reformed/conservative background, the Day School infused me with knowledge
and meaningful lessons not only about Jewish History but about what it means
to have a Jewish soul.
Now that I have my own children in the school, it is my dream that they along
with their peers will also have the opportunity to be immersed and enriched in
the wonderful education that has been provided to Day School children over the
years and that they too will find the light and warmth within their Jewish souls.

Eddie Rosenberg
Attended the Day School first-third and from fifth-ninth, graduating in 1991
Memory of the past
One afternoon of the hottest May week in history, our P.E. teacher decided to
have us Junior High boys run laps around the school for the hour. A combination
of the weather being sweltering and our being uncomfortably lazy inspired my
friend and me to modify this assignment by running to a nearby 7-11 to consume
mass quantities of Slurpee. One of our acquaintances ratted us out, and upon our
arrival, the teacher and the principal were waiting for us. Suffice it to say, they
were upset. They even needed a day to plan a fitting punishment (read: torture)
for this infraction. The punishment? While our schoolmates were running rings
around the school under the sizzling sun, my friend and I spent the rest of the
week in the cool kitchen, listening to the radio, chatting, and putting together
sandwiches for the P.T.A. Moral of the story—and this idea is brought out clearly
in the Talmud: No matter what, even the best people (i.e parents,
administrations, legal systems, nations, etc.) alone cannot ever hope to
reprimand anyone perfectly.
Dream for my children’s future
As any school, I hope the Day School continues to foster students’ academic
growth and intellectual curiosity. As a Jewish school, I hope the Day School
provides ever-growing opportunities for spiritual growth. Of course, the school
should be open to Jews of varying economic classes, religious affiliations,
emotional developments, political views, and the like. However, it should never
let any of these considerations negate that focus on providing for the growing
neshamot of San Diego.

Valerie (Beda) Shoshani
Memory of the past
When I think of my years at the Hebrew Day there are so many memories that
make it so special that it is difficult to pick just one. In my first year at school I
was lucky to have a wonderful, caring teacher, Mrs. Weiner. I remember her
handwriting contests and the smell of her morning coffee. I feel privileged that
my children had the opportunity to learn from such a wonderful teacher as well.
I am excited that they are creating their own special memories of Hebrew Day
family life. I remember Shabbatons with Rabbi Hollander and his corny jokes
that I hear are still a favorite! I remember Mrs. Lepow measuring our skirt
length with a ruler, hoping she wouldn’t make us wear that ugly skirt she had in
her office, sleeping over at her house to work on yearbook and our trips to
Warner Springs. The most important memory I have is the close friendships that
I made which today are still dear to me.
Dream for my children’s future
My hope for my children is that they grow up with a love of Judaism in their
hearts. I will always be thankful to the Hebrew Day because I am sure that the
values that they have learned here will guide them throughout their lives.

Yvonne (Cummins) Venger
Favorite Memory of the past
When I was in 6th grade, my parents began looking for a Jewish day school for
me to attend. I went with my mother to visit the 6th grade day school class.
When we arrived, the class was having a siyum (party for finishing a tractate of
Torah). I had not walked two feet into the classroom when I was surrounded by
what would become my future classmates and lifelong friends. Immediately they
invited me in, offered me the treats they were eating, asked me my name and a
million other questions. In short, they gave me the warmest, sweetest welcome I
had ever experienced. I left that day knowing I would gladly join that day school
class and am I ever glad I did!
Dream for my children’s future
My hope for my children is that they have the same wonderful experience at the
day school as I did. I believe that they will be surrounded by friends and teachers
who truly care for and about them. I trust that they will be imbued with Torah
teachings and Torah values that are carried out every day. I know that they will
receive an excellent secular and Judaic education. I pray that all this will instill in
them a secure sense of themselves, of knowing who they are and where they
belong as individuals, as Jews, and as active members of the greater society. My
wish for them is that they understand the gift of their precious Jewish heritage.

Tamar (Towne) Weissler
Favorite Memory of the past
When I enrolled at the SDHDS in the 4th grade I felt like I belonged. The
holidays we celebrated and the things we learned at home were now also a
wonderful and integral part of my school life. In addition I was finally able to
use my real name Tamar at school with out my classmates having a hard time
pronouncing it. I have great memories of being a part of the school orchestra,
with my sister Elana, led by Eileen Wingard, being in the Purim plays and not to
mention the once a week hot dog lunches served to us by the rabbi, San Diego
Hebrew Day School gave my an outstanding secular and Judaic education.
Dream for my children’s future
My dream for my children is that they find happiness and direction in life. I
want their Jewishness to be the center of who they are and for them to be proud
of what they are. I want them to receive an education both secular and Judaic
that is exciting and challenging and that will form a good basis for their
continued learning. This is why we are part of the second generation students at
SDHDS.