Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends - including those you haven't seen in quite some time. That's exactly what Scheck Hillel alumni did last week, reuniting right here on campus and in Israel!
On Thursday, November 27, alumni in Israel gathered together for a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by Dr. Rhea and Leo Schwartzberg. Dr. Schwartzberg, a 25-year long Scheck Hillel humanities teacher who made aliyah and now Skypes in from Israel to teach students who gather on campus for her AP U.S. History and AP Psychology classes in our Distance Learning Lab.
Each year, the Schwartzbergs invite alumni living in Israel to enjoy a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal. The Schwartzbergs had a full table this year of alumni who have made aliyah, are participating in gap year programs, or who served or are currently serving in the IDF. "The nicest part for me was that, for the first time, alumni whom I never taught joined us," said Dr. Schwartzberg of Thursday’s dinner. A special thanks to the Schwartzbergs for opening their home. Know alumni living in Israel or Grade 12 students planning to do a gap year program in 2015? Start spreading the word about next year's Thanksgiving meal at the Schwartzbergs.
In the same weekend, the Class of '04 came back to campus on November 29 for its 10-year reunion. The group was thrilled to be back at Scheck Hillel, catching up with classmates, snapping photos, watching their graduation video and connecting with teachers (including Dr. Schwartzberg who Skyped in!). A highlight of the reunion was when the class toured our new Athletic Complex...they didn't want to get off the basketball court!
"It was great to reconnect with friends I haven't seen in many years,” said Alexander Oberlender, a member of the Class of '04 who works at Scheck Hillel as assistant technical director. “And the class picked up right where we left off....It felt like we just were all together yesterday! It was a really special night and I know that my classmates will remain active Scheck Hillel alumni for years to come."
The night was a huge success thanks to co-event chairs Jacqueline Berenson, Ilana (Bonan) Bitton, Ilana (Arnowitz) Drescher and Tina (Svetkova) Stern.
Click here for photos of these special, memorable alumni gatherings.
