My journey with Yavneh started when my oldest son Boris, now in his early thirties, enrolled in Yavneh elementary school. As recent arrivals from Ukraine, we were just starting to build our new life here in the Bay Area and we were seeking a place to help us get back to our roots. While in the Ukraine, our Jewish traditions and religious knowledge were interrupted by decades of Soviet rule. While earlier generations had deep connections to Judaism, including having rabbis in the family, ours was completely secularized with only some remnants of knowledge remaining. That’s what attracted us to Yavneh — we wanted to restore this knowledge to our family for future generations.
Yavneh provided an amazing environment for my son to develop and thrive: it was so welcoming and positive, just what was needed at this time of significant transition. Yavneh helped us settle and regain our footing and was the best school for our family- school staff provided personal attention, there were strong academics, and the overall academic program connected Judaism and spirituality. Yavneh had the secret sauce that made school a second home for us. This really is special and cannot be replicated. While teaching language, religious foundations, history, and cultural traditions, it was done in a genuine and engaging way that helped students enjoy their learning. Looking back, I am certain that it was the Yavneh experience that gave Boris the foundation that made him into the successful adult he is now.
As time went on, my two younger children also graduated from Yavneh and now, one is in Kehillah High School and the other is a sophomore at UC Berkeley. Each of my children look back at their years at Yavneh and are filled with happy memories.
I joined the board this year because I want Yavneh to continue to flourish and benefit others the way it did for my family. This past Sunday, our 2024-2025 Yavneh Board of Directors met for our Annual Retreat. Our retreat focused on the upcoming year, the school accreditation process, and on our goals as a board. We spent the majority of our time together focused on philanthropy and why we give. It is up to us to ensure that this community can flourish for future generations. Together, we can and will make this happen.
It is wonderful to meet all of you!
With gratitude,
Liza Slain
