View Journal | Hebrew Academy Light The Path Gala 2026

Hebrew Academy

From Hadera's shores to classrooms bright,
A steady light has shown the way.
With roots in Israel and heart in teaching,
Morah Eti guides each child each day.

With joy and rhythm in her soul,
She brings warmth, strength, and care.
A teacher, mother, guiding flame,
Raising minds and dreams with prayer.

Tonight we honor a life of truth-
Morah Eti Mizrahi, your light shines through.

ECE Friends

Hebrew Academy

Mazal tov Eti for reaching this special milestone! May you

continue to do what you love in good health. Cheers to the

best morah, wife and mother anyone could ask for!

Congratulations, we love you.

Erick, Yonatan, Elad, and Lior

Hebrew Academy

With gratitude, we thank the incredible teachers, staff, and

administrators of Hebrew Academy for their dedication and

hard work in shaping our children's future. Congratulations

to this evening's honorees. Your commitment to the

school's mission is truly inspiring.

Dear Nicole, we see how hard you work and how much heart

you put into everything you do for this school. This honor

is truly well deserved.

With appreciation, Am Israel Chai

Van Dam Family

Legacy Society

Thank you so much to all the honorees for your continued

efforts on behalf of the Hebrew Academy.

Anonymous

Legacy Society

Mazal Tov To Morah Eti Mizrahi
We are so very thankful for your dedication to the outstanding

after school program and lovingly teaching

our young students too.

May Hashem give you much strength to

continue for many years to come.

With deep appreciation

Evelyn and Dr. Shmuel Katz

Legacy Society

Tribute to Nicole (Didi) Kavana Mazal Tov!

From an early age, you showed a natural ability to lead with wisdom, chesed and heart. In middle school, you bravely served on the student council and were elected president in the eighth grade. Even at that stage of your life, you believed that when we help even one person succeed, we will benefit others too in many ways.

At the Hebrew Academy, your leadership and love for the community flourished. Through your student leadership roles , as president of the Chesed Club, as the business editor of the high school journal, participating in model UN and as having the leading role in the HS play Mary Poppins, you learned how to unite and bring out the best in people, lead with purpose, and turn values into actions. These traits became a part of who you are today.

Those same qualities carried into college, where you served on the Student's Council and were elected to be the Student Body President. As one of only three Orthodox students on the board, you led thoughtfully and confidently, working with the administration and students passing resolutions, always grounded in the foundations you gained at home and at the Hebrew Academy.

Legacy Society

Tribute continued

As parents, among many other things, we taught you that anything worth doing is worth doing well. You live this value with wisdom, care, integrity, and attention to detail, guided by a deep commitment to Torah, family, community, and Israel. These values shape your leadership across the many organizations you support, and they resonate powerfully with the Mission and Vision of the RASG Hebrew Academy.

We are proud not only of what you have achieved, but also for who you are, a rare soul with a generous heart and clear values and other beautiful special attributes too long to list here.

Watching you being honored at the Hebrew Academy, fills us with gratitude and pride.

We love you very much.

Papi and Mami

Legacy Society

Congratulations To the Gala Chairs and Committee

On another Successful
HEBREW ACADEMY GALA

Mazal Tov to

Morah Eti Mizrahi, Light the Path to Education Awardee.

Thank you for the nurturing and love you have showered
upon the next generation of the Jewish Community.

In sincere appreciation to Mrs. Lisa Stroll and her dedicated
staff, the Board of Directors, and all of those who continue to be
instrumental to the success of the Hebrew Academy.

Moises and Lillian Tabacinic and Family

Legacy Society

With immense pride and love, we celebrate our dear niece,
NICOLE KAVANA
on receiving the "Light the Path to Leadership" Award.
From your very first days as a 1st grader, this school has been part of your story. Today, as an alumna and the proud mother of four children walking those same hallways, you continue to invest your heart and energy into the place that helped shape you.

Year after year, you give generously of your time and spirit, chairing the Gala, serving on countless committees, and quietly carrying projects from idea to completion with unwavering dedication. When you commit, you commit fully. You show up, follow through, and lift everyone around you in the process.

Through your steady leadership and deep devotion, you help ensure that the school's mission, "Through the light of Torah and academic excellence, to inspire each and every child to improve the world" is not just words on a page, but a living reality.

Your example reminds us that true leadership is not about recognition, but about responsibility, perseverance, and love for community.
May you continue to illuminate the path for others, Mit Gesind and Meniche, just as you have for so many already. With great admiration and pride,

Tio Moises and Tia Lillian Tabacinic

Mitzvah Society

Congratulations to Morah Eti and Nicole Kavana! Thank you for your unwavering dedication to Hebrew Academy, it is an inspiration to our school and our community.

Avital and Jay Cohen

Mitzvah Society

Mazal Tov to honorees Eti Mizrahi & Nicole Kavana!

Your dedication to the Hebrew Academy community is

unparalleled, and inspires us all.

Thank you for your daily commitment to

students, staff and families!

Yaara and Gabe Plotkin

Mitzvah Society

Some people light the way through leadership.

Some light it through love.

Nicole Kavana and Morah Eti Mizrahi do both, strengthening

our community, shaping our children, and reminding us that

the brightest light is the one we give to others.

Congratulations and thank you for everything you do.

With love,

The Markovitz Families and Kohn Family

Chai Society

Congratulations to Nicole Kavana and Morah Eti.

Your unwavering dedication and wisdom are an

inspiration to our school and our community.

Anonymous

Chai Society

Mazel Tov to Nicole Kavana on this meaningful and well-deserved recognition. Your dedication to the Hebrew Academy is truly extraordinary. Through your leadership, generosity, and constant commitment to our students and community, you make our school stronger every day.

Thank you for all you do to uplift and inspire everyone around you.

Moj and Robert Daniels

Chai Society

Mazel Tov to Two Exceptional Women

Nicole Kavana & Eti Mizrahi

Thank you for your passion, leadership, and dedication to our school and community. Your efforts and commitment help shape a nurturing environment and elevate our school as a top educational institution.

Your service and devotion are deeply appreciated.

Jean & Marc Lehmann Spencer, Max, Soraya

Pillar Society

Congratulations to Nicole Kavana and Morah Eti for such well deserved awards. Your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the Hebrew Academy is inspiring. Keep up the amazing work!

Anonymous

Pillar Society

Mazal Tov, Didi!

Being honored with the Light the Path to Leadership Award is so well deserved. Your dedication to our school community is truly extraordinary. Hashem must have blessed you with an extra hour in every day to accomplish all that you do! Your relentless hard work, love, and commitment are an inspiration not only to our school, but to our entire family. May Hashem continue to grant you strength, time, and support as you pursue all your endeavors and continue to light the path for others.

We love you so much.

Dani + Diani, Ariela + Andrew, Benji, Avi, Yakov, Sami, Sarita, Ace + Cody

Pillar Society

Thank you so much to all the honorees for your continued efforts on behalf of the Hebrew Academy.

Lou and Adele Ezrick

Pillar Society

Congratulations to all of the honorees. Your unwavering dedication and wisdom are an inspiration to our school and our community.

Gary & Shari Hammel

Pillar Society

With deepest appreciation to the Head of School, Administration, Teachers, and Board of Directors for your leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to our community. Everything we do is possible because of you. Thank you.

A special mazel tov to Eti Mizrahi. Getting to know you over the years has been truly wonderful. Your love and care for your students knows no bounds, and I am honored to share this special evening with you.

Nicole and Jordan Kavana

Pillar Society

To Yael Kohn, Talia Saka, Devorah Werdiger, Jackie Smith

Ilana Fisch, and the Gala Host Committee,

thank you for the time, heart, and energy you poured

into every detail. We know that it's your hard work that

turned tonight into something special, and it does not go unnoticed.

Nicole and Jordan Kavana

Pillar Society

In Honor of Nicole Kavana, a true Eshet Chayil - a woman of valor

"She opens her hand to the poor and extends her hands to the needy"

Nicole, your dedication to the Hebrew Academy community embodies this

timeless wisdom. You have given so much more than your time - you have

given your heart, your energy, and your unwavering commitment to building

a home away from home for our children and so many others.

Your warmth transforms the school into a place where every child feels seen and valued.

Your leadership strengthens the bonds that make our community thrive. And your kindness

creates ripples that extend far beyond what you may ever know.

The Talmud teaches, "Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh" - all of Israel is responsible

for one another. You live this truth every day, caring for our children and our

community as if they were your own.

Thank you for being a pillar of strength, a source of joy, and a

living example of what it means to serve with love.

With endless love and admiration.

Your Amor and Charlotte, Julian, Lia and Chloe

Pillar Society

We salute the one and only NICOLE KAVANA! Now and always, we are so very proud of you!

Tio Georgy and Tia Pammy, Rebecca and Harry, Daniella and Sammy, Celine and Alex, Nina and Yoni

Pillar Society

With heartfelt gratitude to Morah Eti, who taught and nurtured our children. We are truly blessed to have had you as such an important part of their childhood.

Mazal Tov to Nicole, whose unwavering dedication, leadership, and commitment to the school have made and continue to make a truly meaningful impact.

Talia and Jacob Saka

Sponsor Society

Congratulations to all of the honorees. Your unwavering

dedication and wisdom are an inspiration to

our school and our community.

Anonymous

Sponsor Society

Celebrating Two Pillars of Our Hebrew Academy Community

Nicole Kavana's devotion, initiative, and genuine love for Hebrew Academy are truly inspirational. She leads not with words, but with action, always stepping up, always ready to help, and never waiting to be asked. Her energy and heart are felt throughout our school community. She is simply AWESOME and not taken for granted!

Morah Eti Mizrahi remains a constant source of positivity and guidance, shaping our school with her wisdom and uplifting spirit. MAZEL TOV!!!

We are grateful for both of your continuous commitment and the light you bring to our community.

Love,

Ari, Elissa, Tehila, Jack and Sam Ciment

Sponsor Society

Congratulations to all of the honorees. Your unwavering dedication and wisdom are an inspiration to our school and our community.

Drs Sara and David De La Zerda

Sponsor Society

Congratulations to all of the honorees. Your unwavering dedication and wisdom are an inspiration to our school and our community.

Yael and John Delgado

Sponsor Society

In Honor of Nicole Kavana, whose dedication to the Hebrew Academy

community is truly exemplary. Thank you for following in your parents'

remarkable footsteps, and for further strengthening your family's

connection to the school. Truly L'Dor Vador!

In Honor of Morah Eti Mizrahi, who always brings joy and good humor

into the school. Your kindness and positive attitude help the

Early Childhood and after-school programs shine. Thank you for always

treating the children at the Hebrew Academy with love and warmth ... and

for tolerating their parents, too!

With Love,

Miriam, Daniel, Jake, Abby, Ben and Sol Hoffman

Sponsor Society

Congratulations to Nicole Kavana,

the best wife,the best mother and a true blessing to both

families and to the Jewish community.

With Love

Joseph and Sara Kavana

Sponsor Society

In honor of Morah Eti, whose smile and enthusiasm is contagious to everyone she comes across!

In honor of Nicole/ Didi Kavana whose dedication to our school is admirable! Everything she does is with a full heart!

We are so lucky to have such special honorees and for everything they do for our school!

Thank you to our administration and staff for enhancing our children's lives in so many ways!

Rachel and Johnathan Laoui

Sponsor Society

Congratulations to all of the honorees. Your unwavering

dedication and wisdom are an inspiration to our

school and our community.

Yearit and Jon Sazer

Sponsor Society

Mazal tov Nicole and Eti!

Your unwavering dedication and wisdom are an inspiration to our school and our community.

Devorah and Elchonon Shagalov

Sponsor Society

Mazal Tov to Our Honorees.

Nicole, we are grateful for your visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Hebrew Academy.

Morah Eti, thank you for 15 years of nurturing our youngest students and kindling their first love of Torah.

We are profoundly grateful for the impact you each have on our school and our children.

Lisa and Lawrence Stroll

Sponsor Society

Congratulations to Nicole Kavana!

Your unwavering dedication and wisdom are an inspiration to our school and our community. Thank You for chairing countless events and Galas that have benefited the Academy. Tonight you can relax and enjoy the evening!

Mazel Tov to Morah Eti Mizrahi on this well deserved honor.

The Schwartz & Jacobs Family

Spark Society

Mazal Tov to Nicole "Didi" Kavana, recipient

of the Light the Path to Leadership Award.

Your dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to

always doing things right-and better each year-have

strengthened our school in countless ways.

Mazal Tov as well to Morah Eti Mizrahi,
recipient of the Light the Path to Education
Award, and to all HA teachers and staff, whose
tireless efforts inspire our students and
enrich our school community every day.

Israel & Gaby Kopel

Spark Society

A pillar of this community, Nicole (Didi)
Kavana exemplifies what it means to give back
with love, purpose, and passion.

We applaud her efforts on behalf of the school
and are proud to celebrate her impact
and leadership.

Love,

Lisa and Nathan Low and Family

Spark Society

Mazel Tov to Nicole Kavana

on this well-deserved honor. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the Hebrew Academy. Your efforts inspire our students, strengthen our community, and have a positive impact on everyone around you.

Thank you for all that you do!

Ashleigh and Mark Muhlrad

Spark Society

Congratulations to all of the honorees. Your unwavering dedication and wisdom are an inspiration to our school and our community.

Risa Schiff

Spark Society

Mazel Tov & Best Wishes to all
the honorees!

Thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf
of the Hebrew Academy community.

With much admiration,

Rachel & Ari Schuster

Spark Society

Dear Nicole,

Mazal tov on this well-deserved honor. Your steady leadership

and unwavering commitment to education and Klal Israel

strengthen Hebrew Academy and our entire community.

Your impact is lasting, and your example is inspiring.

We are proud to celebrate you and honored

to call you our friend.

With admiration,

Jorge & Tammy Woldenberg

Friends Circle

In honor of all the honorees, and in special
honor of the Gala Chair's Bryan and Yael Kohn,
for all that you do for the community and
those around you, with much continued success.

Anonymous

Friends Circle

Mazal tov to Two Amazing individuals whose dedication has made

a lasting impact on our school community!

Eti Mizrahi - your commitment to our school

and children is inspirational. Your hard work (amazing after

school programs) and kindness (in the class) touches

each child in a remarkable way.

Nicole Kavana - you have always given generously through your
time, energy, and support. Your leadership, patience to listen,

and willingness to step in whenever someone needs is truly inspirational.

We are proud to call you a friend.

May you both continue to grow and flourish.

Mandyf and Allen Davoudpour

Friends Circle

Mazel Tov to our good friends on these well deserved honors!

Nicole - Thank you for everything you do for our school! You are a great friend and the HA family is lucky to have you! Your leadership and kindness are an inspiration to us all.

Morah Eti- You go above and beyond for the entire HA community! Our children were lucky enough to be in class! Your warmth and loving nature shine in everything you do. You are a great friend and we are lucky to have the Mizrahis here in Miami Beach.

We love you!

The Gdanski Family

Friends Circle

In honor of In honor of Nicole Kavana, whose dedication to Torah, Jewish education, and our community inspires us all. May her leadership and heart continue to strengthen the next generation and build a vibrant Jewish future.

Anne and Jerrry Gontownik

Friends Circle

Mazal Tov Nicole,

Your unwavering dedication and wisdom are an inspiration

to our school and our community. You are continuing

your parent's legacy beautifully.

Janet and Larry Gordon

Friends Circle

In honor of

Nicole Didi Katz Kavana

Aryeh and Raquel Rubin

Contributors Circle

Mazel Tov to Nicole ( Didi <3 ). Your leadership is rooted in heart, guided by values, and felt by all who are lucky to know you. We love you!!!

Debby, Danny, Ethan, Ezra, and Rachel Aqua

In honor of all of the
parents who choose Jewish
chinuch for their children and
the teachers who make
it possible.

Jillian & Sean Burstyn

Contributors Circle

In honor of Nicole Kavana
From your longtime fans,

Wendy and Sholem Greenbaum

A huge mazal tov to Nicole and Eti on this
well deserved honor! You both are an inspiration to us all!

Rina and Joel Kleiner

Contributors Circle

Thank you so much to all the
honorees for your continued
efforts on behalf of the
Hebrew Academy.

Gracy Weberman

Patrons Circle

Mazal Tov to Nicole Kavana on this well deserved honor!!!

Tammy and Hillel Bryk

Nicole, it is an honor and a privilege to watch you stand in your own light and power. May you shine bright always.

Solly & Debbie Btesh

Huge Mazel Tov to Morah Eti Mizrahi and Nicole Kavana on your well-deserved honor!

Sharon and Michael Budwick

Patrons Circle

Congratulations to all of the honorees. Your unwavering dedication and wisdom are an inspiration to our school and our community.

Moises and Eliana Gilinski

Celebrating Morah Eti Mizrachi and Nicole Kavana for their heart, dedication, and beautiful impact on our Hebrew Academy.

Tali & Jacob Kohn

G-D blessed the community and especially the Kunis family with amazing friends like the Kavanas.

Love you!
Rabbi Josh and Chavi Kunis

Patrons Circle

Congratulations, Nicole,
for all your work and your outstanding leadership!

Mayra and David Lichter

B"H Congratulations Nicole Kavana.
Your devotion to Yidishkeit and Jewish Education is outstanding.

Marty Jacobs and Jean Lindenbaum

Congratulations to all of the honorees. Thank you for your commitment to our community.

Commissioner Micky Steinberg