Mid-Year Report
2025-26 | 5786
Mission
To prepare our students to lead meaningful, confident, and thoughtful Modern Orthodox lives by empowering them to discover their passions, grow as individuals, and contribute to our community and the world.
History & Vision
Since its founding in 1992 by Dr. Jerry Friedman, Shalhevet High School has revolutionized the Jewish education landscape through an innovative educational model that enables transformative personal growth. Guided by values such as critical and creative thinking, empathetic dialogue and discourse, and overall happiness and wellbeing, Shalhevet has graduated thousands of students who have gone on to the finest universities in the world as well as the top yeshivot, midrashot, and study programs in Israel. Today, Shalhevet leads the way in preparing its students to live meaningful, confident, and thoughtful Modern Orthodox lives — committed to Torah values, guided by halacha, and infused with spirituality — by empowering them to discover their passions, grow as individuals, and contribute to our community and the world at large.
Dear Friends, Winter 2026 | Choref 5786
Our Freshman-Senior Shabbaton centered around the theme of “mesorah” — tradition. Upperclassmen connected with lowerclassmen to share their experiences, advice, and friendship. Mesorah is fundamental to our Yiddishkeit. Everything we have and build is anchored in our tradition, stretching back from our ancestors to today.
At Shalhevet, we also have a mesorah of what we transmit from year to year, grade to grade. Those, I believe, are our core values that help us live meaningful, thoughtful, and confident Modern Orthodox lives. This Mid-Year Report brings you into how those values play out every day at Shalhevet High School.
This year’s report begins by spotlighting our Deep Commitment to Torah and Israel, highlighting our constant support for Israel and passionate dedication to Torah learning. Critical Thinking and Academic Inquiry features immersive class lessons, field trips, and hands-on learning. Transformational Personal Growth infuses students with purpose in and out of the classroom, whether in athletics, academics, or programming. Empathetic Dialogue and Discourse continues to model civil discourse and healthy conversation, while Active Engagement in Our Community and Beyond brings our students’ work to others: raising money, volunteering time for meaningful causes, and showing up for others. That facilitates students’ Wellness, Joy, and Self-Actualization — where the heart of Shalhevet beats. These six core values embody everything Shalhevet
stands for — and we hope that they play an active role in students’ lives well after they graduate.
Shalhevet is only the beginning of our students’ journeys. For their next steps, our College Counseling and Israel Guidance teams are ready. With general sessions and individualized meetings, our staff prepares students to become their best, in their years in Israel, college, and beyond. This support begins in freshman year and continues through their senior year.
Every day I am reminded about how special our students’ spirits are. Their love, passion, and dedication for Am Yisrael, Medinat Yisrael, Torat Yisrael, and the world at large is something I marvel at. This Mid-Year Report demonstrates the ways in which we, the Shalhevet family, are doing our small part to pass down a mesorah that embodies everything Yiddishkeit stands for.
This report is far from comprehensive, but we hope it gives you a sense of what we do and why do it.
Rabbi David Block Head of School
New Masmidim Program Fills More Time with Torah
Rabbi Tsaidi and Rabbi Falk have launched a new Kol Torah initiative that transforms every flex period into an active beit midrash, with chaburot in both Gemara and Chumash for those opting in. This Masmidim program challenges students to see Talmud Torah not only as part of their class schedule, but also a meaningful part of their personal lives.
Night Seder Fills Up with LateNight Learning and Extra Warmth
Shalhevet Night Seder fills up our beit midrash with chaburot and chavruta learning. Rabbi Tsaidi’s much-anticipated cholent is an added bonus, adding warmth and connection to a night of shared Torah.
Deep Commitment to Torah and Israel
Shalhevet is guided by a vision of passionate Modern Orthodoxy that is grounded in halacha and engaged in contemporary issues facing the Jewish community and the world at large.
We teach students to recognize and infuse spirituality in every facet of life.
Waiting for Our Israeli Brothers to Return Home
Shalhevet gathered for a special assembly marking the hostage release while remembering October 7, with words of reflection, a communal tefila, and a closing d’var Torah. Firehawks4Israel unveiled a table in the lobby and poster installation in the gym to celebrate their freedom.
Welcoming a New Sephardic Sefer Torah
Shalhevet marked Rosh Chodesh Kislev with a new Sephardic Sefer Torah and Heichal, donated by Hamid and Mona Rashidi-Doust in honor of their son Nehorai ’28, as students and faculty filled the building with song, dancing, and kavod haTorah.
Hearing Am Yisrael’s Courage Up Close
Shalhevet students heard from IDF veterans Amit Moaz and Shimon Cohen, who shared personal stories of injury, resilience, and responsibility — putting Am Yisrael’s unity and dedication on full display.
New Chaburah Promotes Mentoring and Learning
This year’s BMT and Freshmen AGS Friday Chabura pairs upperclassmen with freshmen for shared learning in the beit midrash, allowing BMT students to mentor and teach while offering younger students a glimpse of what sustained growth and commitment to Torah learning can look like.
Starting the Year with Intention at Rosh Chodesh Lunch & Learn
Our girls gathered for a Lunch & Learn led by Eim Bayit Natalie Ravanshenas, reflecting on small, meaningful steps to begin the year with purpose as they prepared for Yom Kippur, guided by thoughtful conversation and shared community.
Preparing for a Siyum While Learning Daily
In addition to learning Masechet Kiddushin in shiur, Beit Midrash Track (BMT) students are learning Masechet Beitza with the plan of making a siyyum at the end of the year. Students began learning the first perek over the Summer, and are continuing their learning independently and in Night Seder throughout the year.
Tanya
Club Explores Foundations of Chabad
Rabbi Broner joined the student-run Tanya Club to explore the history and core ideas of Chabad, tracing its development through figures including Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (Baal HaTanya) and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (Lubavitcher Rebbe), and grounding students in the movement’s enduring impact.
Critical Thinking and Academic Inquiry
Inside Sports Journalism, On and Off the Page
Shalhevet students heard from awardwinning NBA writer Yaron Weitzman, who spoke about breaking into sports reporting and navigating a career in journalism while remaining grounded as an observant Jew.
Shalhevet cultivates critical and creative thinking through its rigorous and crossdisciplinary educational approach that exposes students to multiple ideas and viewpoints both inside and outside the classroom. By encouraging a deep sense of curiosity, independent thinking, and a love of learning, students attain not only a preeminent General and Judaic studies education, but also the tools and drive to become lifelong learners.
Inside Look at Business and the Auto Show
The Shalhevet Car Club took a private tour of the Los Angeles Auto Show, exploring concept cars, upcoming 2026 models, F1 racers, and classic vehicles — providing a critical look into America’s largest manufacturing sector.
Parents Come Back to School for a Year-in-Preview
Our back-to-school night allowed parents to enter into the everday experience of their children by following schedules, meeting teachers, and more deeply understanding how our curriculum operates and hopes to accomplish.
Bringing History to Life at the Getty
Art History and Eurasian History students visited the Getty to study Renaissance and Impressionist works up close, deepening their understanding of materials, technique, and theme through a firsthand encounter that connected classroom learning to lived experience.
Anatomy and Physiology Students Practice Suturing and Mass Removal
Shalhevet’s Honors Anatomy and Physiology class ended the first semester with a lesson in suturing and mass removal — an in-depth look at a common surgical procedure.
Environmental Science Students Visit the La Brea Tar Pits
Environmental Science students in Mr. Chang’s class visited the La Brea Tar Pits, using firsthand observation to explore ecosystems, preservation, and scientific inquiry beyond the classroom.
Celebrating Cells Through Creativity
SAS Biology students completed an “Ode to Cells” project that blended scientific understanding with creative expression, an initiative highlighted by department chair Dr. Basheer.
Model Congress Wins 5 Awards
Shalhevet’s Model Congress team won five awards, including Best Delegate, at the Princeton Model Congress Competition, even after stepping away from a full day of competition over Shabbat during a weekend that combined high-level debate with time in Washington, D.C.
A Tournament Win, Start to Finish
The Girls Varsity Basketball Team captured the Burroughs Tournament with three straight wins, capping the weekend with a dominant finals performance against Arleta High School.
Transformative Personal Growth
Shalhevet inspires each student to maximize their potential, pursue their passions, and become the best version of themselves. By pushing them outside their comfort zones and providing them with engaging cocurriculars, programs, and curricula, students achieve transformative personal growth — morally, religiously, academically, and socially.
Remembering and Reflecting on 9/11
Shalhevet marked September 11 with a moment of silence, a special memorial gathering, and spaces for reflection throughout the day, inviting students to remember the lives lost, honor the heroes and first responders, and engage thoughtfully with the meaning of the day.
Cross Country Runs on National Stage
The Shalhevet Cross Country Team competed at the Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational at San Antonio College, gaining valuable experience at one of the world’s largest cross country meets.
Robotics Team Competes in the Big Leagues
Shalhevet Robotics Team 6000 competed in two robotics tournaments and Shabbatonim this year, for a season of focus, collaboration, and innovation.
A Hebrew Paint Night, Inspired by Israeli Artists
Our Hebrew Department brought parents and students together for a Paint Night inspired by Israeli artists, blending creative expression with Hebrew conversation as participants reflected on professional works and created their own, guided by Morah Ortal and the Ivrit team.
Earning His Spot on the Tournament Team
Senior Sam Jacobson ‘26 was named to the 2025 Slam Jam AllTournament Team, hosted at Faith Baptist, after a consistently strong showing throughout the tournament, highlighted by Shalhevet’s decisive 21-point win in the final game.
Prepared, Informed, and Empowered for Safety
At our schoolwide Safety and Security Training, Roque Wicker of Counter-Terrorism Watch combined best-practice guidance with handson sessions that equipped students with practical tools for awareness, response, and emotional readiness.
Boys and Girls Play Strong in 11th Glouberman Tournament
Our Boys and Girls Basketball Teams played incredibly well in the 2025 Annual Steve Glouberman z”l Tournament. Their athleticism, teamwork, and on-the-court performance exemplified everything this tournament is about — honoring Steve Glouberman’s kind spirit, love for basketball, and connection to community.
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Mock
Trial
Leads
with
a Strong Start in the Courtroom
Shalhevet’s Mock Trial
Prosecution Team earned a guilty verdict in the first round of the Los Angeles County Mock Trial Competition, led by team captains Zev Geller ‘26, Ariel Mazar ‘26, Alexa Azran ‘27, with guidance from their Faculty Advisors,
Dr. Sheila Keiter and Dr. Mitchell Keiter, marking an impressive opening victory.
Empathetic Dialogue and
Discourse
Shalhevet empowers students to find their voices, develop personal views, and effectively communicate through discourse, discussion, and debate. More importantly, they learn how to respectfully listen, engage, and thoughtfully process different perspectives. Our students learn to understand and value each other whether in the classroom, the Beit Midrash, the gym, or our weekly Town Hall.
Preparing to Participate in US Elections
Following Election Day, students Levi Brous-Light ‘27 and Adam Sandler ‘27 together with Mr. Forrester as the initiative’s faculty advisor, organized a voter pre-registration drive that equipped eligible students to engage thoughtfully in the democratic process when they come of age.
Town Hall: Addiction, Bioethics, and Antisemitism
Town Hall is where the biggest conversations take place — led by Shalhevet students. They tackle important and timely issues with sensitivity, curiosity, and respect, which makes Town Hall such a centerpiece of our school community. This year we discussed: Alcohol, Gambling, and Addiction
In a world confronting substance abuse and addiction, students gathered for a two-part discussion about alcohol, gambling, and how certain behaviors ought to be dealt with in the community. This sensitive subject was met with maturity, safety, and passion by the student body — a true display of Town Hall at its best.
Moral Dilemmas in Bioethics
How do a parent’s religious preferences influence hospital care for their child? Students discussed the challenges of navigating healthcare while accounting for cultural and religious backgrounds that might complicate other solutions.
Processing Bondi Massacre
After the horrific murders at the Bondi massacre, the Shalhevet community paused to mourn, hear words of strength, and recommit to responding to loss with compassion, mindfulness, and intentional acts of good.
Sophomore Awarded for Outstanding
Prosecution
Sophomore Kaitlin Smith ‘28 earned the 2025 Outstanding Prosecution Pre-Trial Attorney Award at the Los Angeles County Mock Trial Competition, an exceptional individual achievement and a point of pride for the Shalhevet community.
Starting the Year with Chesed
Shalhevet’s annual Chesed Fair brought organizations including Sharsheret, Yachad LA, Friendship Circle, and others to campus, alongside student-led chesed groups, giving students a handson introduction to meaningful avenues of service and leadership.
Active Engagement in Our Community and Beyond
Shalhevet encourages its students to think beyond themselves and take an active role in contributing to the common good of our Shalhevet community and the world at large. Dedicated to chesed in all forms, students advocate for meaningful causes, volunteer their time, and learn to become positive leaders and global citizens.
Trustee Dinner
Raises Over $900K
Nearly 150 guests gathered at Shalhevet for the annual Trustee Dinner, an evening centered on community and shared commitment that raised over $900,000 to enable all students to benefit from a Shalhevet education regardless of need.
Sophomore and Junior Shabbatonim Begin with Chesed and End in San Diego
During their separate, grade-wide Chesed Shabbatonim, sophomores and juniors volunteered at the Pico Union Project to distribute food to the community assist with their garden that grows food for the homeless, and Sunrise Senior Living (sophomores) and the Heart of Compassion Food Bank (juniors). Each grade ended their weekend of meaningful giving by heading to San Diego for an uplifting Shabbat with their friends and teachers.
Painting Together Through Inclusion
Shalhevet partnered with Yachad LA and The Paintery for a Paint Night that brought creativity and connection to the forefront, offering students and community members a shared, inclusive experience guided by care and collaboration.
Mothers, Daughters, and an Epic Challah Bake
Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and aunts gathered at Shalhevet for a Mother & Daughter Challah Bake, creating an evening of shared tradition and connection through the care and leadership of our chesed director, Tovah Goldman.
Annual Community Blood Drive During Hour of Need
Shalhevet partnered with Cedars-Sinai for a community blood drive that brought students, faculty, and families together to donate during a critical time of need, led by seniors Zachary Schechter ‘26, Lev Fishman ‘26, and Alyssa Portnoy ‘26
A Schoolwide Shabbat
Shaped by Words, Connection, and Tefila
With this year’s theme of “Hashem Sefatai Tiftach”— the opening words of Shemone
Esrei — Shalhevet’s Schoolwide Shabbaton helped students and faculty step out of routine and into moments of reflection, learning, and bonding. Centered on tefila, they explored the power of words and intention in their tefila relationships — as students, faculty, and a community — held in the beautiful Simi Valley Hills.
Wellness, Joy, and Self-Actualization
Shalhevet ensures students thrive in our safe and joyful environment, where they feel cared for and are embraced for being their authentic selves. Students form close relationships with peers and faculty that support their overall wellbeing. By creating a warm, energetic, and spirited atmosphere, students are genuinely excited and happy to be in school.
Chanukah Celebration Unfolds in Full Force
Chanukah Week included constant celebration. From schoolwide tefila and musical Hallel, a special breakfast and high-energy chagigah, and daily activies of music, games, and letter-writing for the Aerin Project, every day was filled with simcha and ruach — as well as sufganiyot and latkes.
Seniors Pass the Torch at FreshmanSenior Shabbaton
Freshmen and seniors spent Shabbat together at the Brandeis-Bardin AJU campus, where Seniors stepped into leadership and modeled this year’s theme of “mesorah” through shared learning, bonding, and a powerful sense of ruach that defines one of Shalhevet’s strongest traditions.
Teaching Our Community Social Media Safety
Our Counseling Department hosted the Organization for Social Media Safety for an eye-opening program on how social platforms influence attention, emotions, and behavior, encouraging students to make more intentional choices online.
Freshmen Receive a Proper Shalhevet Welcome
Over two days, Shalhevet’s newest students began their high school journey through icebreakers, Torah learning, creative activities, beach time, and their first Town Hall, alongside essential orientation sessions. The program set the tone for a year of connection, ruach, and community as the Class of 2029 officially joined the Firehawks.
Freshmen Connect Over In-City Shabbaton
Shalhevet Freshmen spent an InCity Shabbaton strengthening the connections they have been building all year, from creative group activities and shared tefila to a warm Shabbat experience filled with learning, song, and genuine camaraderie that carried through Havdalah and beyond.
Closing the First Shabbat as a Community
In the first Shabbat of the year, students and faculty gathered at the home of Rabbi Schwarzberg for a schoolwide Seudat Shlishit, filled with Shali Ruach and shared singing, as the community closed Shabbat together.
Preparing for Life Beyond Shalhevet
College Guidance:
Guiding Students and Parents Through the College Journey
Throughout the fall, Shalhevet’s College Counseling team supported students and families through hands-on programming, including UC Application Bootcamp, grade-level parent nights, financial aid workshops, Lunch Bunches, visits from over 50 colleges worldwide, and a full-day program with Yeshiva University, while meeting with students across all grades and continuing weekly counseling classes for seniors.
Early Admissions Take Shape with Impressive Showing
Shalhevet students have already earned admission to an impressive range of institutions, including Harvard University, Columbia University, Brown University, University of Miami, and Yeshiva University (Honors), with many decisions still to come.
Israel Guidance:
Helping Students Prepare for Their Year in Yeshiva, Midrasha, and Israel
Over 25 yeshivot and midrashot visited Shalhevet students to connect with rebbeim and teachers while learning about the unique opportunities each program offers. Rabbi Yagil Tsaidi and Ms. Malka Popper of our Israel Guidance team hosted ‘Appy’ Hours, guided students and parents, and fostered a warm and personal environment to aid seniors as they prepare for a transformative year in Israel after graduation.
Supporting Our Firehawks, Even After Shalhevet
As last year’s seniors began their years in Israel — at yeshivot, midrashot, and programs fit for them — our faculty and staff remained actively in touch with them to support them and their parents throughout their transformative journeys. At Shalhevet, our relationships with students and families don’t end once they graduate; they only grow stronger.
Creating an Engaged and Excited Parent and Faculty Community
The Shalhevet Parent Association fosters a sense of connection and community for Shalhevet parents and faculty, helping them feel engaged and involved in school life.
Starting the Year with Hakarat HaTov
Shalhevet’s Parent Association kicked off the 2025–2026 school year by treating faculty to a coffee bar, a small but meaningful expression of care and hakarat hatov from our parent community.
Strengthening Families Through Shared Learning and Good Choices
Shalhevet’s Counseling Department and Torat Shalhevet concluded the third cohort of the Guiding Good Choices Parenting Workshop, a five-week series that brought parents together around research-based strategies, shared values, and meaningful conversation, engaging over 30 families and building toward the next cohort this spring.
Rosh Chodesh Hikes Take on LA
The beautiful trails across Los Angeles were filled with Shalhevet parents at the beginning of each Jewish month, marking a special trip and celebration for Rosh Chodesh.
Books Bringing Parents Together
Over 90 parents met for our bi-monthly book club this semester, bonding over their love for reading and ideas.
Torat Shalhevet Parent-Child Learning Kicked Off the Yamim Noraim
In preparation for Rosh Hoshana and Yom Kippur, Torat Shalhevet invited parents and children to partake in a meaningful and uplifting night seder program, followed by an incredible selichot led by Rabbi Block.
Packed Crowds for Weekly Parsha Shiur
Ms. Malka Popper’s popular parsha shiur gathered over 50 women for its first shiur of the year, giving amazing momentum to the thoughtful learning, meaningful discussion, and shared community in all the weeks and parshiyot that followed.
Meet Some of the Shalhevet Community
Gabriella Ackermann ‘27
‘I could go on for hours about my love for this school’
Being a student at Shalhevet means being part of something bigger than just a school. It’s a community that feels like family, and I feel it every single day. I could go on for hours about my love for this school, not only because the academics are so strong, but because of the relationships and friendships I’ve gained here. The most meaningful part of my experience at Shalhevet so far has been my character growth. The confidence and maturity I’ve gained in just two years of being here is something I never would have believed was possible. Being surrounded by incredible role models every day has shaped my values and who I am, and the relationships I’ve built here are ones I know I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
Gabriela Ackermann ‘27 is co-captain of the varsity basketball team, on the varsity volleyball team, a member of the Chesed Committee, a member of Firehawks 4 Israel, co-founder of Chesed Club Hallah for Challah, and in the Advanced Gemara Shiur.
Benjamin Sztuden ‘26
‘Serious Talmud Torah is a top priority’
One of the things I love most about Shalhevet is how there’s a shared expectation that you’re always trying to grow. The teachers push you to think harder and aim higher, but what really makes the difference is the students. My peers care about what they’re learning, about their values, and about becoming better people, and that mindset is contagious. It creates an environment where striving isn’t seen as trying too hard, and where serious Talmud Torah is a top priority. Being surrounded by people who challenge me intellectually and personally has shaped how I approach school, relationships, and even how I think about my future.
Benjamin Sztuden ‘26 is part of the Beit Midrash Track, and serves as a captain of the flag football team and president of the school’s philosophy club.
Talia Schapira ‘23
‘Shalhevet shaped who I am as a religious Jew’
Shalhevet provided space for myself and others to grow religiously in the most authentic way. In my four years at Shalhevet, the Judaic staff dedicated every day to challenging my peers and me to think emotionally and intellectually about religion. They taught a well-rounded view of Judaism from a wide array of meforshim and scholars. Beyond this, they devoted much of their time outside the classroom to one-on-one chavruta learning and relationship building, forming lifelong connections with us and becoming our mentors. Shalhevet has shaped who am as a religious Jew and I feel so lucky to have had the privilege of being a member of this outstanding community.
Talia Schapira ‘23 learned at Midreshet Harova before beginning at Yeshiva University.
Hamid & Mona Rashidi-Doust ‘Shalhevet makes Judaism meaningful and engaging’ Shalhevet High School has been a wonderful experience for our family. It’s a strong academic school that really prepares students for college and life after high school, but what makes it special is how much the faculty, rabbis, and staff truly care about the kids as people. From the very beginning of ninth grade, you can feel how invested they are in each student’s growth and well-being. The Judaic program is also something we’ve been incredibly impressed by. Shalhevet makes Judaism meaningful and engaging, and it’s been amazing to see how much my son has connected to it. He gets up every morning for 7:20 minyan — which is honestly something I never thought I’d see from a high schooler. Overall, Shalhevet is a place that encourages students to be their best selves, and we’re very grateful to be part of the community.
Hamid and Mona Rashidi-Doust have five children. Their oldest son, Nehorai ‘28, is a sophomore at Shalhevet.
Camille Bradshaw
These are ‘the most incredible experiences in my career’
My role as a College Counselor often means that help walk students through some of the most stressful, difficult, but also elating moments of their high school career. Hearing their stories, in their words, celebrating their wins, and getting to watch students come out of their shell has been one of the most incredible experiences in my career. Those relationships are what make this work feel genuine and deeply rewarding. And whether it’s cheering our boys and girls on at Glouberman, seeing Color War relay races, or watching the Spring Musical year after year, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed and embraced by everyone. I’m proud to be a member of Shalhevet and grateful to work in a community that educates with the care and compassion that I see everyday.
Camille Bradshaw is the Associate Director of College Counseling and Academic Guidance. This is her third year at Shalhevet.
Rabbi Derek Gormin
‘We want to help every student’ Being a faculty member at Shalhevet means stepping into a community that believes deeply in the greatness of every student and the beauty of our heritage to facilitate that potential. Shalhevet is a Makom Torah and a place of deep spiritual growth in both learning and action. A place where Torah, curiosity, happiness and compassion meet on campus every single day. What I love most is helping to facilitate students discovering their voices, not just as learners, but as pillars of the Jewish future, crafting their own authentic identities. Shalhevet empowers educators to teach with honesty, warmth, purpose, and integrity. We want to help every student grow into a happy, thoughtful, passionate, and morally courageous human being. It is a privilege to be part of the Jewish journey of the holy students in this special community.
Rabbi Derek Gormin, now in his 13th year at Shalhevet, teaches Gemara, Jewish Philosophy, and Tefilah, and supports students as part of the Counseling Team.