Grades 9–12
June 1, 2026 / 16 Sivan 5786
WELCOME
D’VAR TORAH .
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
CLOSING REMARKS
PROGRAM
Rabbi Marshall Lesack ‘97, Head of School
Shefa Dolev, Class of 2027
Rebecca Trajtenberg, Upper School Director
MISSION STATEMENT
Jack M Barrack Hebrew Academy is a pluralistic Jewish day school for students in grades six through twelve from a broad variety of backgrounds. The school integrates a comprehensive and rigorous college preparatory curriculum with the teaching of essential Jewish and American values and texts Barrack graduates value diversity, celebrate the richness of Judaism’s language, culture and history, and have a strong connection to Israel Barrack prepares future leaders of the American, Jewish and global communities who work for a better world through acts of justice and compassion
ARTS
Matthew Dorsch, Middle School Director
Harry and Martha Stern Fine Arts Memorial Award is given to a graduating student who has demonstrated unusual art or music ability and who intends to pursueartormusicasavocationoravocation.(12 gradeaward) th
The Barbara Perloff Rosen '52 Art Memorial Prize was established by her parents, the late Kate and Simon Perloff, in memory of Barbara Perloff Rosen ’52, a Barrack (Akiba) alumna The award recognizes a senior who has made outstanding contributions to the arts programs at Barrack. (12 grade award) th Queenie Barnett Drama Award is sponsored in her memory by her husband Dr Alan Barnett and children Jonathan, Mathew, Abigail, and David for outstanding ability in dramatic arts and service to the school’s theatrical productions.(12 gradeaward) th
Rachel Scheinmann, Department Chair
ENGLISH
Brown University Book Award is presented through Brown University alumni to reward a junior who is outstanding in overall academic achievement, combined with true excellence in written and spoken expression. (11 grade award) th
Louise G. Sklaroff English Prize was set up in 1986 by the family of Louise G Sklaroff in honor of her 75th birthday and is awarded to two students for excellence in the study of English. (12 grade award) th Creative Writing Award is presented by the Barrack English Department to recognizeexceptionalabilityincreativewriting.(12 gradeaward) th
Rachel Scheinmann, Department Chair
HISTORY
History Book Prize is presented by the Barrack History Department to recognize academic strength and genuine passion for historical inquiry, investigation, and critical thinking. The recipients demonstrate commitment beyond the classroom in outside activities and pursuits (11 grade award) th
History Achievement Prize is presented by the Barrack History Department to recognize two 11th grade students who demonstrate an increasing sense of responsibility for their education through raising personal expectations and heightened work ethic (11 grade award) th
Political Action Prize is presented by the Barrack History Department to recognize academic strength and genuine passion for political action and promoting education towards political awareness and active citizenship (11 grade award) th
Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award is presented by the University of Rochester to a junior who has demonstrated a commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues, has shown leadership and dedication to community action, and has strong grades in rigorous courses in humanities and social sciences (11 grade award) th
Government & Politics Award is presented by the Barrack History Department to recognize a student’s outstanding performance in the study of American Government and for the promotion of political discourse and action within the school community. (12 grade award) th
Pearl Angyal ‘70 Memorial Award in History is sponsored by the class of 1970 in loving memory of Pearl Angyal and given to a graduating senior who has achieved a level of excellence in the study of history. (12 grade award) th
Pearl Angyal ‘70 Memorial Award in Jewish History is sponsored by the class of 1970 in loving memory of Pearl Angyal and given to a graduating senior who has achieved a level of excellence in the study of Jewish history and understands the intersection of Jewish history and world history. (12 grade award) th
Shelly Ruth Gewirtz Memorial Award is given by the Gewirtz family to a graduating senior for excellence in scholarship with particular appreciation of history, concern with fellowship, and interest in world affairs (12 grade award) th HaroldGorvinePrize ispresentedbyBarrackHebrewAcademytoastudentwho embodies the qualities of historical inquiry and intellect exemplified by Dr. Gorvine and who shares Doc’s passion for exploring the dilemmas of modern IsraeliandJewishhistory.(12 gradeaward) th
Angela Zonshein, Department Chair HEBREW
Yehudit Hershkowitz Memorial Award is presented to a student who is new to Barrack Hebrew Academy and has demonstrated an appreciation for the study of Hebrew and who has shown significant progress in the Hebrew language (9 grade award) th
Hebrew Award is presented by Barrack Hebrew Academy to 11th grade students for excellence in Hebrew. (11 grade award) th
Senior Hebrew Award is presented by Barrack Hebrew Academy to a 12 grade student for outstanding achievement in Hebrew literature. (12 grade award) th th
Leo M. Honor Prize was established in 1959 by the Board of Directors of Akiba Hebrew Academy to honor the memory of Leo M Honor, the first chair of the Education Committee. The prize is for a student who has excelled in Hebrew and has been influential in the non-formal cultural life of the school. (12 grade award) th
Neil Horowitz ’73 Memorial Prize was established in 1986 in memory of Neil Horowtiz by his classmates The prize is given to two seniors for excellence in Hebrew studies and participation in the Jewish community (12 grade award) th
Hyman and Rose Zamsky Award is made possible by the Hyman and Rose Zamsky Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and is given to the student who has demonstrated the largest measure of growth in the study of Hebrewlanguageand/orliterature.(12 gradeaward) th
Rabbi Rachmiel Gurwitz, Director of Jewish Studies
JEWISH STUDIES
Machloket Matters & Havruta Award is presented to 9 grade students who best reflected our theme for this year: the ability to engage in meaningful and difficult conversation with their peers. These students exhibited understanding and Derech Eretz in each havruta partnership (9 grade award) th th
Excellence in Talmud Award is presented by Barrack Hebrew Academy to two juniors who demonstrate excellence in the study of text and translation and who pursue truth through evaluating multiple perspectives. (11 grade award) th
Rabbi Akiba Award is sponsored by Congregation Beth T’fillah of Overbrook Park, which existed 1948–2006. The recipient is a junior who exemplifies the three attributes which reflect the role of the synagogue: Beit K’nesset, Beit Midrash, and Beit T’fillah a house of gathering, study, and prayer They demonstrate a love of and excellence in Jewish studies, contribute to the quality of Jewish life in the school, and incorporate both Jewish values and prayer into their life. (11 grade award) th
Simon and Ruth Levine Prize is sponsored by Rabbi Morton Levine in memory of his parents to recognize students for activities on behalf of a minyan at school or in a congregation and to recognize extra efforts to enhance the religious experience for others. (12 grade award) th
Bertha Menin Scholarship Award provides a scholarship to two members of the graduating class who have exhibited the capacity for outstanding scholarship in Hebrew and Jewish studies. Priority will be given to those graduates continuing theirJewisheducationonapost-secondarylevel.(12 gradeaward) th
MATH
11 GradeMathAwardsarepresentedbyBarrackHebrewAcademytotwojuniors whohaveexcelledacademically,demonstratedapassionformathematics,andhave exemplifiedourDerechEretzvaluesbothinandoutoftheclassroom.(11 grade award) th th Sarah Strick, Department Chair
Barrack Math Department Book Prize is awarded to the junio who has a passion for math and has excelled both on the PML and AMC competitions, earning the highest number of points (11 grade award) th
Harry Stern Family Mathematics Award is given to a graduating senior in each math class who has both excelled academically and positively contributed to the classroom environment through their leadership and passion for growth and learning mathematics (12 grade award) th
Math Department Award is given to a student who exemplifies leadership and commitment to supporting all students in achieving success in math and goes above and beyond to help students build their love and confidence in math through their participation and contributions in the Math Tutoring Center. (12 gradeaward) th
Aaron Silver, Department Chair SCIENCE
Biology Award is presented by Barrack Hebrew Academy to a 9 grade student for excellence in biology (9 grade award) th th
Chemistry Award is presented by Barrack Hebrew Academy to a 10 grade student for excellence in chemistry. (10 grade award) th th
Physics Award is presented by the American Association of Physics Teachers and Barrack Hebrew Academy to an 11 grade student for excellence in physics. (11 grade award) th th
Philip Patelmo Memorial Science Award is presented in memory of Dr. Patelmo a beloved teacher at Akiba Hebrew Academy to a 10 grader who has combined excellence in the study of biology and chemistry with extracurricular activities (10 grade award) th th
Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award is presented by the University of Rochester to a junior with high achievement and rigor in science classes and high PSAT and/or math scores (11 grade award) th
Rensselaer Science/Math Prize is presented by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology It is awarded to promising high school juniors who have distinguished themselves in math and science. (11 grade award) th
Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology is presented by the University of Rochester to a junior with a strong interest in innovation and/or technology and a high level of achievement in this area. (11 grade award) th
Milner Family Prize is awarded by the Milner family to an 11 grade student who has shown originality in the study of general science. (11 grade award) th th
Louis M. Sherwood, MD Biology Award is presented by Drs Jennifer Sherwood and Philip Hirshman to a senior for excellence in biology (12 grade award) th
Louis M. Sherwood, MD Science Award is presented by Drs Jennifer Sherwood and Philip Hirshman to a senior who has excelled in the study of biology, physics, or chemistry (12 grade award) th
Shomer Ha’Adamah Prize is awarded by the Milner family to a senior who has demonstrated by leadership, creativity, and concern for enhanced and sustained environmental quality (12 grade award) th
STEAMInstituteAchievementAwardispresentedtotwoseniorsinrecognitionof their dedication to advancing innovation, creativity, and problem solving in the applicationofthefiveSTEAMdisciplines.(12 gradeaward) th
WORLD LANGUAGES
Angela
Zonshein,
Department Chair
Spanish Awards are presented by Barrack Hebrew Academy for excellence in Spanish. (9 , 10 , & 11 grade award) th th th
Senior Spanish Award is presented by Barrack Hebrew Academy to a 12 grade student for outstanding achievement in Spanish language. (12 grade award) th th Barry Hofstetter Memorial Award is presented to a senior who demonstrates a love of language and languages and displays Derech Eretz values consistent with howMagisterHofstetterledhislifeandinspiredhisstudents (12 gradeaward) th
OTHER AWARDS AND HONORS
Rebecca Trajtenberg, Upper School Director
Libby and Mark Klein Exemplary Student Award is awarded to an exemplary student for demonstrating an exceptional work ethic and an eagerness to learn, for contributing significantly to building a dynamic classroom environment, and for embodying the virtues of honesty, integrity, and menschlichkeit. (11 grade award) th
Bowdoin College Book Award recognizes a junior who has demonstrated extraordinary service to the common good and an unusual passion for inquiry, discovery, and innovative thinking (11 grade award) th
Brandeis University Book Award is presented to an outstanding high school junior in the top 10% of the class who demonstrates a commitment to civic engagement, community service, political activism, social justice, or volunteer work. (11 grade award) th
George Eastman Young Leaders Award is presented by the University of Rochester to a junior for strong leadership experience at school and in the community, who has earned high grades in challenging courses, and who has had extensive involvement in extracurricular activities (11 grade award) th
Harvard University Book Award is presented by Harvard University alumni to a junior who has shown outstanding excellence in scholarship and achievements in other fields. (11 grade award) th
Tulane University Book Award recognizes high school juniors who embody Tulane's motto of “Not for one's self, but for one's own” and who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and public service (11 grade award) th
University of Pennsylvania Book Award is presented through Penn alumni to a junior who best exemplifies the qualities and characteristics of its founder Benjamin Franklin: a scholar, an innovator, and a community servant. (11 grade award) th
University of Vermont Citizen Scholar Book Award celebrates high school students around the globe who demonstrate the spirit of citizenship and scholarship. They may have campaigned for a cause, founded a community action group, or conducted research aiding social progress. They are movers, shakers, and change-makers. (11 grade award) th
University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award was established to recognize outstanding high school juniors who embrace creativity and innovation, and embody the spirit of discovery, much like the University’s founder, Thomas Jefferson. The recipient is a demonstrated citizen leader who works to improve their community locally or globally (11 grade award) th
William & Mary Leadership Award is presented to an outstanding junior who is a visible and dynamic leader in and outside the classroom. They are a risk-taker, decision-maker, opinion leader, go-getter, bridge-builder, and catalyst for change. (11 grade award) th
WPI Innovation Award is presented by the Worcester Polytechnic Institute to a junior who has demonstrated innovation in or outside of the classroom by excelling in STEM subjects, applying theory to real-world challenges, exhibiting curiosity, collaboration, and leadership, and participating in STEM extracurricular activities or passion projects. (11 grade award) th
Phi Beta Kappa Book Award is presented to an outstanding graduating senior who embodies the Phi Beta Kappa ideals of academic achievement, character, and a love of wisdom and learning as the guide of life. (12 grade award) th
Barbara Albert Memorial Resource Award is presented to a student who not only applies oneself to meet their academic responsibilities but also demonstrates motivation, self-advocacy skills and resiliency, rising to the level of a mature independent learner (12 grade award) th
Joseph Levitsky Award is sponsored by Janet and Aron Davidson in memory of his grandfather, Joseph Levitsky who was instrumental in founding Akiba Hebrew Academy and is presented to a senior who has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, often overcoming personal obstacles, in order to make outstanding individual strides. (12 grade award) th
Edward Domers Memorial Prize is sponsored by the Domers family and is awarded to a senior who perpetuates the values that were important to Edward Domers He was an exemplary role model; he was a real “team player” who consistently cared about the welfare of others; he was serious about his studies and had a terrific sense of humor (12 grade award) th
Sarah Whiteman Award is sponsored by Harriet Feinberg for two students who have exhibited an energetic commitment to Tikkun Olam, expressed through activities such as community service, Tzedakah, activism in human rights, or sustained devotion to individuals in need. (12 grade award) th
The Helena F. Lehrer Award was established by her son Joshua Lehrer ’92, her daughter-in-law Laura Gessman, and granddaughter Raina Lehrer. It recognizes two graduating seniors who have demonstrated care and compassion for their fellow classmates The support and guidance that Mrs Lehrer gave to her students, as if they were her own children, helped shape them into the men and women they would become. (12 grade award) th
The Josh M. Katz Leadership Award is presented with support from the Josh M. Katz Memorial Fund to two seniors who exhibit exemplary entrepreneurial skills andleadershipqualities Thisawardisbeingpresentedthiseveningbyhisfather, StevenKatz.(12 gradeaward) th
Rabbi Marshall Lesack ‘97, Head of School OTHER AWARDS AND HONORS
Florence M. Zeitenberg & Jack Zeitenberg Award is awarded by Rochelle and Bob Hirsh and their children, Jeremy ’87, Daniel ’89, and Rebecca ’91, through the Florence M and Jack Zeitenberg Endowment, to two graduating seniors who have a thirst for knowledge, are hardworking, and show intellectual curiosity (12 grade award) th
The Edward H. Rosen Israel Leadership Award is presented in memory of Edward Rosen, past Akiba/Barrack board member and president of what is now the Jewish Federation of Greater Phildelphia. The award recognizes two graduating seniors who have exhibited significant leadership and advocacy qualities toward Israel. (12 grade award) th
Sharon P. Levin Award is presented in honor of former Head of School Sharon Levin to two graduating seniors who have demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary leadership. (12 grade award) th
The Leonard and Lynne Barrack Outstanding Achievement Award is presented in honor of Len and Lynne z”l Barrack to two graduating seniors in recognition of their outstanding achievements in leadership, community service, and/or athletics (12 grade award) th