Thank you for a magical evening!

THANK YOU! TODAH RABAH! GRACIAS! MERCI!

On Wednesday night, our school community gathered at Beth Israel for our Golden Thread Gala. This year’s theme, was The Legacy You Leave, to celebrate the retirement of our Head of School, Russ Klein and honour his leadership of the past 16 years. We were thrilled to have 445 guests fill the ballroom at Beth Israel including grandparents, parents, faculty, community supporters, and over 80 King David alumni who were students during Russ’s tenure.

Months of meticulous, secret planning and coordination led to a magical experience that showcased the incredible legacy Russ has left and the profound growth and success of the school which resonates throughout the community as well.

Thanks to you, we not only raised awareness for the immense value of our Jewish High School but also exceeded our expectations by raising significant funds. This remarkable generosity will provide invaluable support to our students and programs, enabling us to set ambitious goals and transform student dreams into reality.

Video of Gala Highlights

The Golden Thread Gala truly stood out as a stunning experience, and we owe our gratitude to the many individuals who made it possible. We extend our sincerest thanks to Natalie Rosengarten, our emcee, and Fred Lee, our auctioneer, for their exceptional contributions. Our talented performers, current students and alumni, added an extra touch of brilliance to the event.

We want to extend a very special thank you to the alumni who took time out of their busy schedules to represent each of the graduating classes from 2009 to 2024. Each former student shared their memories and the impact Russ had on them during their time at King David. Our graduates are the true embodiment of King David's success. We are so proud of each and every one of you!

The evening’s events had a clear impact on Russ who enjoyed the program from his table surrounded by his family. Near the end of the evening, Russ took the stage both to express his deep gratitude to the community, his colleagues and family, and to reminisce on the many fond memories and moments of his career. “I want to be clear; sometimes people thank me for my work at King David. I thank all of you. With the exception of my children Josie and Alex, this has been the most meaningful experience of my life, and I am blessed to have had it.”

We would be remiss not to celebrate the students, faculty, and families who make King David a truly special place to be every day. It is your unwavering commitment and dedication that fuel our school's success, and we eagerly look forward to the next chapter in King David’s story. Your support has a long-lasting impact on our students.

Once again, thank you for making this celebration gala a resounding success. Together, we continue to shape the future of King David High School and Jewish education. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support and commitment to King David and Jewish education.

Please watch the video below to hear how King David under Russ’ leadership has impacted students over the years.

To view and/or download your photo taken as you arrived, click the button below:

Photos

I just wanted to send a quick note of thanks for an absolutely exquisite evening last night. Full of King David heart and soul from start to finish. Loved all the speeches and tributes and the positive energy in the room was infectious! So happy I was there as an enthusiastic and grateful audience member.

Thank you to all of you for ensuring our community high school grows and flourishes. You are planting seeds for the next generation. May you all go from strength to strength!

Respectfully and with immense gratitude,

Jenn Shecter, Alumni Parent

Wow!!! What an incredible evening. You and your team really pulled out all of the stops in making the night so memorable and meaningful. It was a most beautiful tribute to a pretty special guy as well as a reminder to everyone of why we sent our children to King David.

Michelle Pullan, Alumni Parent

Finally, we must acknowledge the Gala Committee and the incredible team of volunteers who poured their hearts and souls into making this evening a spectacular one. None of this would have been possible without their unwavering dedication and hard work. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of them

Gala Co-Chairs:

Dalia Bressler and Michelle Guez

Gala Committee Members:

Cyndi Ankenman, Tamar Bakonyi, Chana Charach, Andrea Foxman Nicole Ginsberg, Rachel Gerber, Simone Kallner, Karly Leipsic, Kyla Mills, Dana Ross, Heidi Seidman, Joelly Simkin, Annie Simpson and Sherri Wise

We were amazed by the talent of Grade 8 student, Jack Schwartz! Thank you Jack for adding magic to the celebration!

Thanks as well to Music Maestro, Johnny Seguin, and his students who volunteered their

time to create beautiful music performances.

Cocktail Reception Jazz Band

Ido Berger, Max Forman, Luca Jeffery, Josh Malowicki and Uri Presman Chikiar.

Alumni Performers

Sasha Kaye, Class of 2011, Mia Kaye, Class of 2015, Sydney Freedman, Class of 2016, Gabe Stern, Class of 2019, Ethan Doctor and Ilana Guez, Class of 2021,

Kailey Bressler and Rachel Gerber, Class of 2023.

Student Performers

Abby Sandler, Grade 8, Sigal Strauber and Miri Grad, Grade 9, Nora Dudas, Grade 10, Eden Almog, Grade 11, and Jonathan Estok, Grade 12.