What year(s) did you attend The Gordon School?
I began at The Gordon School in 1992, when I was just about two years old, starting in Ms.
Fely's class. I remained there through fifth grade, graduating in 1999 (or 2000..i think).
What school(s) did you attend after graduating from The Gordon School?
After Gordon, I attended Palmer Trinity School from sixth through twelfth grade. I then earned
my undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and went on to attend Nova
Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law for law school.
What is a core memory from your time at The Gordon School?
There are honestly too many to count, but some of the most vivid memories involve the joy and
sense of community that defined the school— especially parties in the ballroom, whether for a
bar/bat mitzvah or a school celebration, PE class on rainy days, and events like the Hanukkah
and Purim bazaars held in and around the temple or on the grounds. In light of my
grandmother’s deep involvement in the school— including, serving as president of the
synagogue, I also can’t forget the unique privilege and comfort of always having her nearby. It
made the school feel not just like a place of learning, but like an extension of family.
Are there any teachers or staff at The Gordon School that made a difference in your life?
Absolutely. My second- and third-grade teacher, Miss Teplits, and my fifth-grade teacher, Ms.
Salzman, were especially influential. Miss Teplits was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known,
and Ms. Salzman was the first educator who truly prepared me for the academic rigor that came
next. She set a standard that made the transition to a demanding middle school feel both
challenging and achievable.
As a Gordon School alum, what advice would you give to a student currently at The
Gordon School?
As long as your homework is done, have as much fun as you possibly can. The Gordon School
makes that easy. One day, you’ll realize you left incredibly well prepared, not just academically,
but socially, and that many of the friendships you formed there became a foundation you carried
forward.
How did attending The Gordon School set a foundation for your future success?
The Gordon School instilled values that stayed with me long after I left, values about
contributing to society, caring for the community around you, and representing the Jewish
people in the most positive light possible. As I moved into post-secondary education and
beyond, those principles became skills and habits that compounded over time, shaping not just
what I did, but how I approached responsibility, service, and leadership.
What is your reaction to the news of expanding to a new building, and what do you hope
this means for the future of The Gordon School?
It’s about time. Year after year, the school has continued to grow and thrive, and it’s remarkable that it managed for so long within such limited physical space. The expansion feels like putting
on a brand-new pair of sneakers that actually fit, and realizing you should have been wearing
them all along. I hope it means even more room for students
