Yom Orchim 2024: Celebrating Connection, Community, and Lifelong Learning at Schechter
Imagine over 550 grandparents and special friends gathered at Schechter — all sharing a deep pride in their grandchildren’s school and eager to experience a day in their lives at school.
This year’s Yom Orchim was exactly that—a morning filled with joy, learning, and community.This year, in addition to hosting guests of our Sager School students, we warmly welcomed grandparents and special friends of our youngest learners at the Ginsburg Early Childhood Center.
The day began in the Etta and David Jonas Gymnasium with remarks from Dr. Lena Kushnir (’88), proud Head of School, who recognized the vital role our guests play in our students’ lives. She also shared highlights of the past and current school year, including our:
- Innovative tuition affordability model
- ISACS Accreditation
- Ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student achievement
- Integrated Schechter / Keshet Kindergarten Partnership
- SunDay FunDay drop-in program
- The Ginsburg ECC’s new home at our Northbrook Campus — along with its exciting new Outdoor Playspace
After the national anthem and Hatikvah, led by students with Rabbi Jonathan, the gym came alive as our kindergarteners opened with the song “B’Yachad,” filling the space with their clear, bright voices. The 3rd-6th grade Shira choir, led by Elizabeth Botnick, followed with a lively performance, and the 3rd-4th grade Rakdanim dance troupe, directed by Rena Rozen, energized the crowd with their upbeat dance. Schechter Board President Ben Fisher then expressed gratitude for our dedicated tzevet (faculty and staff) and highlighted a new legacy giving initiative—a meaningful step toward securing Schechter’s future.
Abby Elkins, a parent of four alumni and grandparent of five current Schechter students, spoke about the lasting impact Schechter has had on her family. “The friends we made at Schechter are still our closest friends today,” she said, reflecting on the community and education her family cherishes.
“At Schechter, our children received the gift of an outstanding Jewish and secular education. And in the process we were, and continue to be, the beneficiaries of this very special, special community.”
Following the welcome program, guests joined their students in the classroom for meaningful projects, to participate in circle time and Shabbat celebrations, and study text together. ECC guests also learned about an innovative curriculum at the ECC from Schechter parent and renowned Jewish educator Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, while Sager School guests gained insights from Dr. Kushnir on how they can partner with Schechter to support students’ resilience and growth.
As Yom Orchim came to a close, guests left with a deepened sense of connection to Schechter—a reminder that our community thrives because of each member’s dedication and love.
It takes a village! Thank you to our entire tzevet, special guests, students, and volunteers for making this such a special day for our Schechter community,
