Ad Book | ICJA Annual Scholarship Dinner 2026

Guardian

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Susan and Joseph z'l Ament

Guardian

Anonymous

Guardian

The Crown Family

Guardian

Mazal Tov to all of the deserving honorees!

To our dear friends

Nathan and Julie

Mazal Tov on receiving the Crown Leadership Award.

Over many years of friendship, we have had the privilege of
watching you both lead with intelligence, generosity, humility,
and genuine care for the community.

Whether through your dedication to Ida Crown, your commitment to
כלל ישראל, or the countless ways you quietly help others,
your leadership has made a lasting impact on everyone around you.

We are grateful for your friendship and inspired by the example
you set for your family, friends, and community every day.

With admiration and warmest congratulations,

Miriam and Jon Friedman

Guardian

Mazal Tov to
Melissa and Harris Perlman
Recipients of the
Crown Service Award

We proudly celebrate your outstanding dedication and commitment to Ida Crown Jewish Academy.

Your leadership, kindness, and devotion to the ICJA community continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

With admiration and gratitude,
George & Barbara Hanus

Guardian

We extend our heartfelt Mazal Tov to

Julie and Nathan Thomas

Recipients of the Crown Leadership Award

Your visionary leadership, dedication, and commitment to Jewish education
and the ICJA community inspire all who are privileged to know you.

With sincere appreciation,

George & Barbara Hanus

Guardian

We honor
Tirza Kahan
Educator of the Year

For her outstanding dedication to her students, her passion for teaching, and her meaningful contributions to the mission of Ida Crown Jewish Academy.

Your warmth, wisdom, and commitment to excellence in education have made a lasting impact on generations of students and on the entire ICJA community.

Mazal Tov on this well-deserved honor!

With sincere appreciation,
George & Barbara Hanus

Guardian

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From Strength
to Strength!

Edy and Jacob Kupeitzky

Guardian

Mazal Tov to Julie and Nathan on receiving
the Crown Leadership Award.

We sincerely appreciate your dedication, hard
work and endless hours to our community.

May your family be blessed with good health
and nachas and continue to go from strength
to strength.

Edy and Jacob Kupietzky

Guardian

Mazal Tov to Melissa and Harris on receiving
the well-deserved Crown Service Award.

Your many years of service to our community
has made a meaningful difference.

May your family be blessed with good health
and nachas.

Edy and Jacob Kupietzky

Guardian

Mazal Tov to Mrs. Tirza Kahan on receiving
the Educator of the Year Award.

Thank you for your dedication to Ida Crown.

Your unwavering commitment and support to your
students has provided them with the confidence
and tools necessary to succeed in college
and beyond.

May you and your family be blessed with good
health and nachas and continue to go from
strength to strength.

Edy and Jacob Kupietzky

Guardian

Thank you to Rabbi Matanky, Mrs. Gold, Mrs.
Gottleib, Mrs. Weiss, Deva Zwelling and the
administration and faculty of Ida Crown
Jewish Academy.

We greatly appreciate your time, commitment
and devotion to our school, our children and
our community.

Thank you for your leadership.

A special HaKarat HaTov to the hard working
office staff who greet our children with a
smile every day, we are appreciative of
your kindness.

Edy and Jacob Kupietzky

Guardian

Wishing a heartfelt Mazal Tov to

Julie and Nathan Thomas

on being honored this year.

Your leadership and involvement

in ICJA are truly admirable.

Thank you for all that you do!

Malkie and Yechiel Mashiach

Guardian

Wishing a heartfelt Mazal Tov to
Melissa and Harris Perlman
on being honored this year.

Your dedication, leadership, and involvement

in ICJA are deeply appreciated.

Thank you for all that you do!

Malkie and Yechiel Mashiach

Guardian

Mazel Tov to
Tirza Kahan
on this well-deserved honor.

Your warmth, dedication, and commitment to ICJA
make a lasting impact on our school community.

With appreciation and admiration,
Malkie and Yechiel Mashiach

Guardian

Bernice and Dr. Oscar z'l Novick

Guardian

Special thanks to Tirza Kahan, who has gone
above and beyond for each of her students.

Congratulations to her on her immense success!

Thanks also to the Perlmans and the Thomases
for the wonderful examples they have set for
the community.

And thanks, most of all, to the ICJA for
providing a supportive, mentschlich, and
challenging environment for its students.

Steve, Lorri, Shayna, Hannah, and Sarah Otis

Guardian

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Jennie and Avi Rothner

Guardian

Keryn and Dr. David Schreiber

Guardian

Leslie and Tom Silverstein

Guardian

Julie and Nathan Thomas

Angel

Dear Mrs. Kahan,

We cannot thank you enough
for your commitment to teaching each and every
student (and possibly a parent too!) as
unique, gifted individuals.

Your wit, humor, and passion for the English
language were transmitted to each of your
students and carried with them well beyond
your classroom at ICJA. Thank you for letting
us celebrate you!

Mazal Tov!

Miki and Shmuel, Adina and Zach, Ben and
Shira, Ezra and Nechama, and Carmel Schreiber

Angel

Shira and David Berkowitz

Angel

Mazal Tov to Tirza Kahan on
being honored as educator of
the year.

Best Wishes,

Sharon and Seymour Gertz

Angel

Honoring Julie Thomas for her
leadership of the ICJA Board
from 2022-2024!

Mazal Tov,

Miki Jona Schreiber

Angel

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Bosi & Yaron Kinar

Angel

Harry and Sadie Lasky Foundation

Angel

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Will and Shari Lennon

Angel

Crain Maling Foundation

Angel

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Eric and Carol Rothner

Angel

Helen and Dr. Marc Rubenstein

Angel

With appreciation to Julie
and Nathan Thomas for your
dedication and commitment to
ICJA.

Mazal Tov,

Miki Jona Schreiber and Shmuel Schreiber

Angel

Mazal tov, Melissa and Harris Perlman,

on this well-deserved honor.

With great appreciation for all your
leadership of ICJA and your commitment to the
school.

Miki Jona Schreiber and Shmuel Schreiber

Benefactor

Hochberg-Lowenstein Families

Benefactor

Rosenfeld Family Foundation

Benefactor

Tira and Moishe Gubin

Benefactor

Mazel Tov Julie and Nathan!

You are both so deserving of this honor.

We are so grateful to you for bringing us into the Ida Crown
family and the leadership you provided to continue
its excellence.

Your love for the school is inspiring, and we are glad this honor
surely shows how much the school loves you back.

You should have continued success in all your endeavors,
especially those for the community at large, with good health and
happiness IYH.

All Our Love,

Mark and Penina Hartman and the Boys

Benefactor

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership and
commitment to ICJA.

Eugenie & Daniel Kohanchi

Benefactor

In Loving Memory of Rabbi Menachem B. and Rebbetzin Hanna Sacks,

Founders of the Academy.

Elizabeth and Stephen Landes and Family

Benefactor

Margaret and Rabbi Leonard Matanky

Benefactor

Julie and Nathan,

Congratulations on this
most well-deserved honor.

Your achievements on behalf of Jewish
education serves as an inspiration to all.

From,

Judy and Albert Milstein

Benefactor

Phyllis and Stuart Muller

Benefactor

Tammy and Michael Sugar

Benefactor

Congratulations,

Tirza

a well-deserved honor!

Leonard and Preeva Tramiel

Benefactor

Rifka and Daniel Weiss

Pillar

Bluma and Rabbi Yishai Broner

Pillar

Gina and Joseph Gottesman

Pillar

Elyse Litwack

Pillar

Naomi and Yisroel Lopin

Pillar

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From Strength
to Strength!

Rachael & Dovie Mauer

Pillar

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Darel and Daniel Salvadori

Pillar

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From
Strength to Strength!

Brenda and Max Wasserman

Sponsor

Ora and Maury Aaron

Sponsor

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Beth and Bradley Alter

Sponsor

Sue and Bill Auerbach

Sponsor

Robin and Yossi Azaraf

Sponsor

Yarona and Shlomoh Ben-David

Sponsor

Mr. and Mrs. Haim Chasman

Sponsor

Lois Cohen - in memory of Bernard Cohen z'l

Sponsor

Sonya Frazin

Sponsor

We are deeply honored to celebrate these five

exceptional honorees whose generosity,
leadership, devotion and commitment have
enriched our school in so many
meaningful ways.

As our youngest children graduate, we are
especially grateful for all that the school
has given our family over the years, and we
will always treasure the sense of community,
growth, and lasting connection it
has provided.

Scott, Robbie, Audrey, Hannah, Sophie, Eli, & Esther Fretzin

Sponsor

Barbara and Dr. Steven Geller

Sponsor

Mashie and Stanford Gertz

Sponsor

Dr. Sharon Sholiton and Dr.Jeffrey Goldberger

Sponsor

Rukki and Marc Halpert

Sponsor

Julie and Nathan,
We are so happy you came back to Chicago to bring your leadership skills and talents to the incredible ICJA organization.
It doesn't hurt that we now get to enjoy having you and your amazing kids around as well!!
Mazel Tov on this well deserved honor!
Love,
David, Chaya Tova, and the Gang

Sponsor

Sandra and Howard Hoffen

Sponsor

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Guy and Amy Kaissar

Sponsor

Andre Katz

Sponsor

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Orah and Lev Katz

Sponsor

To Melissa and Harris

With great love and admiration, now and always.

The Kaufman Family

Sponsor

Debra Korman

Sponsor

Mazel tov on your well
deserved honor.

Thank you for everything
you do.

Tanya and Chaim Lubin

Sponsor

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Adina and David Shyovitz

Sponsor

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

R’ Marianne Novak and Noam Stadlan

Sponsor

We are proud to join ICJA in paying special
tribute to Julie & Nathan Thomas, Crown
Leadership Award, Tirza Kahan, Educator Of The
Year, Melissa & Dr. Harris Perlman, Crown
Service Award.

Thank you for your commitment to
ICJA.

Linda & Stanley Weissbrot

Sponsor

Chellie and Dr. Yankee Wilensky

Sponsor

Debbie and Rabbi Shabsai Wolfe

Sponsor

Zell Family Foundation

Patron

To our dear children and siblings, Nathan and Julie, We are
proud of your devotion to the Ida Crown Jewish Academy.

Your hard work and leadership have left an indelible mark on the
school's success, and seeing you both honored with the "Crown
Leadership Award" is a testament to your joint impact.

May you both continue to go from strength to strength in your
service to the greater Chicago Jewish community.

With all our love and admiration,

Ira and Wendy Thomas

Tami and Ben-Zion Radinsky

Nicole and Jonathan Makovsky

Megan and Avram Klein

Wesley and Arielle Thomas

Ira and Wendy Thomas & Thomas siblings

Patron

Laura and David Allswang

Patron

Andrea and Dr. Raanan Alter

Patron

Lynn and Alfred Altschul

Patron

Mazel Tov to

Melissa and Harris.

You are so worthy of this honor.

Anonymous

Patron

Natan Azaraf

Patron

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Baronofsky Family

Patron

Mazal Tov to the Honorees!

And a special shout out to
Rabbi Matanky and staff for
the excellence they imbue in
all things ICJA!

Yocheved and David Bechhofer

Patron

Joan and Shael z'l Bellows

Patron

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From Strength
to Strength!

Ben Friedman and Laura Schneiderman

Patron

Mazel Tov to the well deserving honorees
Julie and Nathan Thomas,

Melissa and Harris Perlman,

and Tirza Kahan.

Jane and Eddie Best and Family

Patron

Jennifer and Tomer Bitton

Patron

Mazel Tov to Julie and Nathan Thomas, Tirza
Kahan, Melissa and Dr. Harris Perlman.

With much appreciation for your dedication to
ICJA students!

Vivian and Nathan Bloch

Patron

Helena and Jeffrey Cohen

Patron

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Avy & Yisraela Dachman

Patron

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Judy and Michael Daniels

Patron

Dr. Gail z'l and Craig Darlow

Patron

Debra and Dr. David Dobkin

Patron

Debra and Dr. Daniel Eisentstein

Patron

In honor of extraordinary individuals whose
leadership, generosity, and commitment
strengthen and inspire our community every
day: Julie and Nathan Thomas, Tirza Kahan, and
Melissa and Harris Perlman.

Mazel Tov on this well-deserved honor.

Shana and Steve Erenberg

Patron

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership and
commitment to ICJA.

Fogel Family

Patron

Linda and Larry Friedman

Patron

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Yehudit & Aaron Gavant

Patron

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Rachael and Asher Gelman

Patron

Adele Gorenstein

Patron

Aviva and Philip Greenland

Patron

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Laurie and Bernard Hasten

Patron

Terri and Andrew Herenstein

Patron

Andrea and Moe Herman

Patron

Mazel Tov Yaffa!

We're so proud of you!

Love,

Bubbie & Zaidy

Patron

Mazel Tov to
Julie and Nathan Thomas on receiving the Crown Leadership Award
and to
Melissa and Dr. Harris Perlman on receiving the Crown Service Award.
Your leadership, dedication, and commitment strengthen the ICJA community every day with your service and commitment to Jewish values and education.

With admiration and best wishes to you all on your well-deserved recognition.

Tirza and Sam Kahan

Patron

תודה TODAH Rabbi Leonard Matanky for your encouragement, advice, many kindnesses, support, and friendship over the years.

תודה to my colleagues in the English Department - Working with you has been a privilege And to Department Chairs Sheri Goldstein and Heather Hobbie - your kindness and collaboration are much appreciated.

תודה to all the Staff at ICJA - thank you for your support, thoughtfulness, and friendship through the years, It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated, caring educators who make our school special.

תודה to Charlotte Rosenwald a"h whose mentorship when I first began teaching here has help to guide, encourage, and inspire me in countless ways.

And תודה to my students - past and present - over these past 30+ years for the joy, laughter, learning, and memories. Watching you grow, achieve, and build meaningful lives has been one of the greatest blessings and privileges of my life.

Tirza Zaetz Kahan

Patron

And lastly,

תודה
to my husband Sam, my
children- Jonathan, Zahava and David, Zippora
and Sammy - as well as my grandchildren -
Isabelle, Jonas, Joe, Jacob, Perry, Leo, and
Ada - each of whom is a bracha.

תודה
for always being there for me.

Tirza Zaetz Kahan

Patron

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Lisa and Ed Kaplan

Patron

Tikva and Bennie Kirschner

Patron

Deni Rosen and Dr. Kevin Kirshenbaum

Patron

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Krule Family

Patron

Erica and Josh Legum

Patron

Mazal tov to our Honorees:

Melissa and Harris Perlman and Nathan and Julie,

Your dedication to Jewish education, your commitment to
our school and your example of chesed, leadership and community involvement have made a lasting impact.

May Hashem continue to bless you and your families with health,
happiness and nachat from your children and grandchildren.

Tirza Kahan, Thank you for nurturing our students through your
devotion to teaching and your commitment to excellence.

May you continue to inspire the next generation to grow in
knowledge and character.

With admiration and gratitude,

Rosi Lennon and family

Patron

Our deepest appreciation to the dedicated
administration and faculty for your unwavering
commitment to our grandchildren: Sammy and
Talia Bajtner.

Your guidance and care have made
a lasting impact on their growth and
education, and we are so thankful for the role
you play in shaping their futures.

Aviva and Nate Lichtenstein

Patron

Mazel Tov to Rabbi Shmuel Oren and Sarah
Leonard for being recipients of the Joseph and
Tsippora Masliansky Award.

The awards honor a student and faculty /staff
member who make a difference at ICJA through
their willingness to "go the extra mile" and
show that spirit in all that they do.

Susan and Ronnie Masliansky

Patron

Dr. Aviva Samet and James Matanky

Patron

Sarah and Avi Matanky

Patron

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Elyse and Steve Nagel

Patron

Sima and Dr. Jeffrey Neiger

Patron

Cindy and Alon Redlich

Patron

Freda Robinson

Patron

In honor of all the amazing honorees...

thank you for your incredible leadership
and teaching...

and thank you to your parents for mentoring
such wonderful leaders/ educators !

Elliott and Ronni Robinson

Patron

To our dear friends Melissa and Harris,

It is such a privilege to honor you tonight. Our children grew up together more like siblings than friends, and through the years we have been inspired by your warmth, kindness, and devotion to family.

You truly exemplify the meaning of "kibbud av v'em," showing such love, respect, and care for your parents and family, while always being thoughtful and caring friends to everyone around you.

Most of all, you are simply wonderful people, and we are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor with you.

May Hashem continue to bless you with good health, continued Brachot, and nachas!

With love,
Ami, Aviva, Kiki, Yehuda, Dini, Nethaniel, Tani & Solly Robinson

Patron

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership and
commitment to the ICJA

Sy & Bonnie Rosen

Patron

Natalie Schleifer Schlass and Family

Patron

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership and
commitment to ICJA.

Neeli and Lyle Sudin

Patron

Tanya Gershon and Joe Warshawsky

Patron

Chavie and Michael Weiss

Patron

Mazel Tov to all the honorees
and to Melissa and Harris for
this well-deserved honor in
recognition of your support
and dedication to our kids!

Debbie and David Well

Patron

Rhonda and Alan Zahtz

Leadership

Mazel Tov to Julie and Nathan Thomas, Melissa
and Harris Perlman and Mrs. Kahan!

Thank you so much for all you have done for
our ICJA family!

Lisa and Michael Glass and Family

Leadership

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Ira Rosenberg

Bronze

Lani Yampol Gershon and
Richard Gershon

Amethyst

We Join in This Tribute tonight to

Julie and Nathan

recognizing all that you do to benefit
the Chicago and Skokie communities.

May Hashem continue to shower you with all His
brachot each & every day!

Suri & Joey

Amethyst

In honor of

Melissa and Harris Perlman

and

the ICJA Class of 1988

Amethyst

In honor of Jewish continuity and the
generations of Jewish leaders cultivated at
Ida Crown.

Supporting the Scholarship Fund
helps make the school's exceptional Torah and
General Studies education accessible to all
Jewish families, regardless of
financial circumstances.

Anonymous

Amethyst

Mazel Tov to the Honorees
Julie and Nathan Thomas
Melissa and Harris Perlman
and Tirza Kahan

Ida and Harry A. Rosen Endowment Fund

Amethyst

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Adam Satlzman and Dr. Ilana Gonik

Amethyst

We thank the Honorees for their vision,
leadership, and commitment to ICJA. May the
memories of beloved ICJA alumni, Rabbi Moshe
Kushner z"l and Gail Berger z"l ('93),
continue to be a blessing and an inspiration
to all who knew them.

Shlomit (Kushner) & Arnon Storfer ('93)

Amethyst

Emerald

Mazel Tov to Melissa and Harris for this well-deserved honor.

The entire Levy family is so proud of all you have done to make
Ida Crown the wonderful institution that it is.

Our family connection to ICJA began 76 years ago, with our family
patriarch, Mortin Levy z"l (Class of '54).

His commitment to Jewish education led to three generations of
Ida Crown graduates, and will hopefully inspire many generations
to come.

We love you and may you continue to go from strength to strength!

With love and admiration,

Mom, Michelle, Adela and Bliss Lisa and Matt

Emerald

Anyone who knows our mother (Tirza Kahan) knows that teaching was never just a job to her.

After decades of lesson plans, late-night grading, student calls,
yearbook meetings, recommendation writing, and endless dedication
to her students, it is no surprise to anyone that our mother is
being honored as Educator of the Year.

To generations of students, she has been a mentor, role model,
confidante, and steady source of guidance long after they left
her classroom.

To us, she was also Ema - whenever she finished "grading her
papers." We love you and are incredibly proud of you.

Zahava and David

Emerald

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Barry and Malka Best/Finkelstein

Emerald

We are so grateful to ICJA
for providing a warm,
nurturing, Torah environment
for our children.

Rachel and Avi Finegold

Emerald

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Tamara and Jeffrey Groman

Groman Cyber

Emerald

Mazel Tov, Ema, on being named Educator of the Year at Ida Crown Jewish Academy.

The world sees you in the classroom, but I have the privilege of learning from you my entire life. Though I was never officially your student, you have been my greatest teacher.

Through your example, you taught me to act with dignity, integrity, and honor. You showed me how to lead with morality and move through the world with unwavering kindness. This was all done with immense love, patience and a sense of humor. And, of course, you gave me the gift of your expansive vocabulary.

I am so proud to see your dedication, wisdom, and passion recognized by the ICJA community. With all my love and admiration,

Jonathan Z. Kahan

Jonathan Kahan

Emerald

Mazel Tov to Julie and Nathan on this much
deserved honor!

You are such a great team in doing for your
family, friends and your greater community!

Your strong set of values in Torah, dignity
and honesty shine in each of your children and
inspire us all!

May Hashem continue to bless you in good
health, Ephraim, Rena and Krew

Emerald

Ema, Grandma, Mazel Tov on this deeply deserved honor! For years we have watched students, former and current, race across the zoo, the mall, the supermarket just to wrap you in a hug. Your dining room is constantly full of students doing last minute studying, even on an Erev Yom Tov, and your home is regularly buzzing with teens hanging out or dropping off thank you flowers for the teacher who always has an open door and a patient heart. You have inspired generations of students to find their own voices, bringing boundless patience, warmth, and passion to the classroom every single day. We are endlessly proud of the profound legacy you've built as an educator. We love you so much and are thrilled to see Ida Crown celebrating the master teacher we are lucky enough to call our Ema and Grandma.

Love you so much,

Zippy, Sammy, Perry, Leo and Ada

Emerald

Julie and Nathan
Yasher koach on such a well deserved Crown Leadership Award!
From ICJA to Or Torah and beyond thanks for all you do for the entire Jewish community.

Mrs. Kahan
Thanks for your guidance and teaching of our children and all the children at ICJA.

Melissa and Harris
Congratulations on your well deserved Crown Service Award.

May you all continue to go m'chayil l'chayil
Alison & Alan Molotsky

Emerald

Mazel Tov to

Mrs. Tirza Kahan

and

Julie and Nathan Thomas.

May you go from strength to strength.

Ira Perlman

Emerald

We are beyond humbled to be the recipients of the Service Award this year. The Academy has been a focal point of three generations of our family and we hope, for many more to come. Every minute spent working for the school has been an absolute honor! Mazel tov to Julie and Nathan, and Tirza! It is an honor to stand beside you and work with you to make ICJA the incredible institution that it is! May we all continue to go from strength to strength. To our dear friends and family - thank you for all you did to support us throughout the years. Your friendship and love is deeply appreciated and we hope you know how valued you are. We are blessed to be part of such an amazing network of people! To our children - Noah, Mia, Josh, Audrey and Ella. We've given you the foundation to get started on lifetime journey of chessed, Torah and community. We love you all so much and are so proud of all of you and we know you will all go on to do important and impactful things! With love, respect, and much joy, Melissa and Harris Melissa and Harris

Emerald

Mazal tov Harris and Melissa! We are so proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor. Ida Crown has been an important part of your story from the very beginning, and it's meaningful to see how that connection has continued over the years. What started in the halls of the school, specifically in Mrs. Wasserstrom's math class, has grown into a beautiful family built on Torah, friendship, and devotion to the community. Over the years, you have both become an integral part of the Ida Crown community, giving of yourselves with generosity, kindness and leadership. The impact you have made on the school and on those around you reflects the values that Ida Crown seeks to nurture in every student. We are grateful for all that you do and inspired by the example you set. May Hashem continue to bless you with good health, happiness, success and abundant nachas from your family for many years to come.

Love, Avis, Ira, Sarit, Yosef, Shaya, Binyomin, William and Jayden

Pearl

Congratulations to the honorees Julie and
Nathan Thomas, Tirza Kahan, Melissa and Dr.
Harris Perlman. Your teaching, leadership, and
devotion to ICJA is a model for all!

With gratitude,

Jane and Judge Edward Bobrick
Benjamin Bobrick, '03 Nathaniel Bobrick, '08

Pearl

Mazel Tov to Julie and Nathan on receiving
the Crown Leadership Award.

Those who know you see firsthand the
thoughtfulness, dedication, and quiet
leadership you bring to everything you do.

Shimmie & Nili Mermelstein

Thomas Family Messages

Message From Jonathan, Shana, Jacob, Layla & Hershel Thomas

1. It is an absolute privilege to see you being honored by Ida Crown Jewish Academy. Mommy, when we look at everything you do, we are inspired by the sheer volume of Chesed you perform daily. You are involved in so many vital organizations, yet you always put family first, filling our home with warmth and, of course, your famous chicken soup. We loved how our friends would constantly come over for Shabbos just to have a taste of it! We were always impressed by how you made our friends feel seen with your thoughtful questions. However, looking back now through the lens of you becoming Madam President, we have serious suspicions. We're pretty sure you were just using that soup as a brilliant ploy to extract the inside scoop from ICJA students on how to run the school!

Thomas Family Messages

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Message From Jonathan, Shana, Jacob, Layla & Hershel Thomas

2. Watching you serve as the President of ICJA, especially during the profoundly challenging times following October 7th, has been nothing short of inspiring. When everyone was deeply concerned about safety, you stepped up and handled the critical security challenges with total grace, strength, and unwavering leadership. You kept our community protected and reassured when we needed it most. Truly, there is nothing in this world that makes us feel better than seeing you smile and nod! Not only did you step up during this emotional time, but you also grew in your middos by solving other problems facing the Modern Orthodox communities. In particular, you jumped in to tackle the teacher shortage.

Thomas Family Messages

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Message From Jonathan, Shana, Jacob, Layla & Hershel Thomas

3. Even when you were surprisingly asked to take on the role of art teacher while on the Skokie community mission in Israel, you were absolutely delighted with the opportunity to become part of the solution.

From the classroom and beyond, you have shown us that you don't just paint the pictures to show us their layered strokes and hidden beauty, you actively try to solve the problems that lie within them. You have taken this position and used it to make Ida Crown a more beautiful place, showing us all how God is beneath every brushstroke of life.

Our family originally moved to Chicago because of ICJA, and we remain incredibly grateful to the school and its administrators for the foundation they provided us.

Thomas Family Messages

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Message From Jonathan, Shana, Jacob, Layla & Hershel Thomas

4. Having you on the board led to moments we will cherish forever, especially the unforgettable highlight of you standing on stage to take a selfie with your graduating sons. Who knows? Maybe Daddy will become president of Ida Crown by the time Jacob graduates, just so he can get a selfie with him, too! Speaking of presidents...Daddy, thank you for always having Mommy's back, and for your unwavering support for us all. Stepping up as the President of Congregation Or Torah is no easy task, and seeing you take on that responsibility is a testament to your own deep commitment to our community. But of course, we already knew that about you. Seeing how you always walk through the door or come downstairs and immediately ask Mommy, 'What can I do to help?' shows how you are always ready to lend a hand, even when you're exhausted. The love you show, and the helpful example you set daily, has taught us all what true partnership and family look like.

Thomas Family Messages

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Message From Jonathan, Shana, Jacob, Layla & Hershel Thomas

5. Together, you both lead by example every day
and have shown us how to live a life of
impact, integrity, and unconditional love.

We are incredibly proud to be your children
and to call you Mom and Dad.

With all our love (and ahava),

Jonathan, Shana, Hershel, Jacob, and Layla

P.S. Bark. Bark. Bark. Bark... bark... bark... bark... BAAAARK! Squirrel! Barkkkkkk... bark. - Coco

Thomas Family Messages

Dearest Julie,

Mazal tov on receiving the 2026 Crown Leadership Award! You are an inspiration to our family, with all the leadership roles you have taken on in our community: at ICJA, Hillel Torah, Libenu, JUF, and NILI. And when Rabbi Matanky asked you to become the ICJA art teacher, you did - and still do - that too! You inspired me to "come out of retirement" to get involved at Or Torah, and while I may sometimes complain, I am thankful you did that. Your calmness under pressure, your wisdom, and your warmness are all attributes I aspire to emulate, even if I never will reach your levels. May you continue to have the strength - and patience - to continue to give back to our community, to uplift the organizations you get involved with, and inspire those around you.

Love,

Nathan

Nathan Thomas

Thomas Family Messages

Mazal Tov Melissa and Harris Perlman

on receiving this well-deserved Crown Service Award.

This honor is a beautiful reflection of the values you embody and the example you set for your family and our community. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you on behalf of the school and to witness your dedication, thoughtfulness, and commitment firsthand. Your generosity and willingness to give of your time and energy so selflessly are deeply appreciated and have made a meaningful impact on so many.

Perhaps most meaningfully, you exemplify the value of kibbud av v'em - not only in the respect and care you show within your own family, but in the way you model those values for the next generation. Through your actions, leadership, and quiet dedication, you help strengthen the foundation upon which our children learn what it means to live with responsibility, compassion, and kavod for others.

Continued

Thomas Family Messages

Mazal Tov to Tirza Kahan on being named Teacher of the Year.

This honor is a fitting tribute to the decades of dedication, wisdom, and care you have invested in your students and our school community. The impact of a truly great teacher extends far beyond the classroom, and generations of students are better because of your guidance, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Over the years, you have impacted countless students through the many English classes you have taught, fostering a love of language, literature, and thoughtful expression. For our son, your AP Language class was especially transformative. You challenged him to think more deeply, write more thoughtfully, and approach ideas with confidence and curiosity. The strong foundation you provided helped lead him to a score of 5 on the AP exam, but even more meaningful was the intellectual growth and confidence your class inspired.

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Thomas Family Messages

On a personal level, your influence has extended beyond your students. As a newer teacher myself, I have deeply appreciated your mentorship, generosity, and example. The wisdom you share so naturally, the standards you uphold, and the care you bring to your work have not only shaped your students, but have guided and inspired fellow educators as well.

Great teachers are remembered not only for what they teach, but for how they inspire others to grow. You have clearly done that for countless students and colleagues alike.

Thank you for the lasting impact you continue to make after so many years of devoted teaching. May you continue to inspire generations of students and teachers with strength, wisdom, and passion.
With admiration and gratitude,

Julie and Nathan Thomas

Thomas Family Messages

With deep gratitude and admiration to the Administration and Faculty of ICJA, There are very few institutions that become more meaningful the closer you get to them. ICJA is one of those rare places.

Our family has had the unique privilege of experiencing the school from nearly every possible perspective. We have been prospective parents, parents, board members, board president, and now a teacher. Through every lens, our appreciation has only deepened. The closer we have come to understanding what it takes to build and sustain this school, the more impressed and grateful we have become.

You have created an environment that our alumni miss long after graduation, that our rising senior still genuinely loves going to every day, that our rising eighth grader eagerly anticipates joining, and that I myself feel privileged to walk into each morning as a teacher. That kind of culture does not happen accidentally. It is built intentionally, patiently, and with extraordinary people at its center.

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Thomas Family Messages

We are honored to celebrate this well-deserved recognition together with you and wish you continued nachas, bracha, and many years of meaningful impact in the community.

With warm congratulations,
Nathan and Julie Thomas

Thomas Family Messages

To the faculty: thank you for building and supporting not only a school, but our family. So many of you have become cherished friends, mentors, and role models. Every conversation in the teacher's lounge, every shared frustration, every brilliant classroom idea, every small interaction has become another opportunity for me to learn and another reminder of how talented, thoughtful, and genuinely fascinating this faculty is. I entered teaching later in life, and I have felt continuously supported by colleagues who teach not only students, but one another.
To the administration and staff: thank you for making the impossible somehow look effortless. Having once sat in the position meant to support you as Board President, I now understand even more deeply the magnitude of what you carry each day with intelligence, efficiency, calm, and care. You made my role easier at every turn, and though I was technically there to support you, I often felt that you were the ones supporting me.

contined

Thomas Family Messages

And to Rabbi Matanky: thank you for running such a disciplined and well-organized operation while never losing the humanity behind the work. You have cultivated a culture rooted in respect, accountability, warmth, and just the right amount of levity. Your remarkable ability to understand the individual needs of students and staff alike, accommodating where needed while still pushing each person toward becoming their best self, is one of the defining strengths of this school. I have had the unusual privilege of experiencing our relationship from different vantage points: first as Yaakov and Chani's dad, then as Jonathan and Hershel's dean, a board member tasked with helping oversee the institution, and now as someone fortunate to work within it under your leadership. I have learned tremendously from you in all those roles, and continue to do so every day.
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Thomas Family Messages

Thank you for creating a school that is not
only academically excellent, but deeply human.

Thank you for shaping our children,
strengthening our family, and building a
community that so many are proud to call home.

With profound appreciation and respect,

Julie and Nathan Thomas

Ruby

Mazel Tov

to our awesome cousins

Melissa & Harris

On this well deserved honor. We're so proud of you and all that you do for the school and the community. May Hashem give you strength to continue your chesed and maasim tovim.

Fondly,

Sharon & Larry

We wish a mazel tov to Tirza Kahan and Julie and Nathan Thomas. May you go from strength to strength.

Ruby

We are truly grateful to our
honorees for their unwavering
commitment, visionary
leadership, and all they do
for the ICJA.

Cathy and Joseph Gluck

Ruby

Mazel Tov

to our dear friend and neighbor

Tirza Kahan

on the well - deserved honor of being awarded

Teacher of the Year 2026!

You have an amazing dedication and compassion for your students and a great passion for teaching.

May Hashem bless you and Sam with good health and much nachas.

Dvora and Alan Gold

Ruby

In honor of our wonderful friends

Melissa and Harris Perlman
who model lifelong dedication

to education, faith, and community

reflected in the teaching of the Talmud,

"The world endures only through the merit

of the breath of school children" (Shabbat 119b).

Charles and Rachel Gruenberg

Shai and Diane (Class of '88) Halivni

Micah and Ellen Nathan

Rabbi Bradley (Class of '86) and Susan Tecktiel

Ruby

Mazal tov and Kol Hakavod to all
the honorees.

Tirza and Sam thank you for lifting us with
your kindness and wisdom and compassion.

Jenny and Joel

Ruby

Mazel Tov to

Tirza Kahan

for being chosen as the teacher of the year for ICJA.

May she continue in good health as she guides her students.

With all our love and respect,
Cheryl and Steve Karesh

Cheryl and Steve Karesh

Ruby

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Lena and Michael Goizman

Ruby

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on this
well-deserved honor.

May You Go From Strength to Strength! We thank
the Honorees for their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Julie and George Lennon

Ruby

Mazal Tov and congratulations to all of the
well-deserved honorees!

A special thank you to Mrs. Kahan for
inspiring Eliana during her years at ICJA. To
Harris and Melissa, we appreciate your years
of friendship.

Sharon and Jonathan Levine

Ruby

Kol Hakavod and thank you to Julie and Nathan
Thomas for your leadership and friendship
Melissa and Harris Perlman for your service
and friendship Tirza Kahan for giving our
children a strong high level English education,
the administration, faculty and staff of ICJA
for giving all of our children such a great
educational experience. May you have continued
success and nachat from your own children and
students for many years to come.

With great appreciation,

Devora and Menachem Linzer

Ruby

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Lisa Korman and Allan Goldenberg

Ruby

To our dear friend Tirza, מזל טוב on receiving the
Educator of the Year Award.

You have spent decades as a dedicated educator, mentor and guide
to countless students.

As a patient, genuine and caring teacher you have left an
indelible impact on your students.

The love and honor your students have for you shows what an
impact you have had on their lives.

Your ability to shape young minds reaches beyond he classroom.

Wishing you, our long time friend, good health and many more
years with Sam.

Eddy & Beruria & family

Ruby

To Our Beloved Parents,

Congratulations on receiving the Crown Service Award. There is no one more deserving of this honor than the two of you. Throughout our lives, you have led by example, teaching us the importance of kindness, generosity, integrity, and service to others. You constantly challenge each other, and all of us, to be better people, to give more of ourselves, and to always strive for excellence. The bar you have set is incredibly high, and it is a testament to the remarkable people that you are. We are endlessly grateful for the sacrifices you made to provide us with a strong Jewish education and for the privilege of attending Ida Crown. The values, friendships, and foundation we gained there have shaped who we are today, and we owe so much of that to you. Your dedication to your family, your community, and your commitment to helping others inspires us every day. We could not be prouder to call you our parents. We love you more than words can express and are honored to celebrate this well-deserved recognition with you.

With all our love, Noah, Mia, Josh, Audrey, and Ella

Ruby

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to the ICJA.

Laurie and Dov Pinchot

Ruby

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Andrea and David Polster

Ruby

In honor of our dear friend Tirza Kahan We are so happy to share this evening with our "Beloved" (Morrison) Tirza. Our friendship began as "A Tale of Two Cities" (Dickens) and shortly after, the whole family moved "East of [the] Eden[s]" (Steinbeck). We became fast friends with a truly "Educated" (Westorer) family with a few "Little Women" (Alcott) and Yoni. We celebrated many happy days at "The House on [Lunt...er] Mango Street" (Cisneros) until all the kids grew up and heard "The Call of the Wild" (London). We are still "The Clan of the Cave Bear" (Auel) and always will be. As you travel "Up the Down Staircase" (Kaufman), we wish you and your dear family good health, joy and happiness. ICJA made a great choice when they hired you!

Love, "The Sound [Sam] and the Fury [Mimi] (and Faulkner)

Ruby

Our warmest congratulations to our dear friend,
Tirza Kahan.
We are thrilled to be able to share this special night with you, your family and friends
as you are awarded
Educator of the Year.
Over the decades, you have truly made such a difference in the lives of so many students.
You inspire everyone with your passion, dedication and creativity.

Love,
Judy & Marshall Siegel

Ruby

We join in paying tribute to our honorees Julie and Nathan Thomas, and Melissa and Harris Perlman and Tirza Kahan.
Tirza is our friend, my colleague and an educator par excellence. She pushes her students to try harder, not by pressure, but by belief. She sees what students are capable of before they see it themselves. Tirza makes literature come alive. A poem becomes a conversation. A novel, a mirror. a challenge for introspection. She teaches her students to analyze, think, question, and grow, providing them with tools for life. Hesitant students gain confidence, ready to argue a point, defend their ideas, and listen to those of others. Tirza's impact goes beyond her own students. She raises the standard for all of us.

Thank you, Tirza. You are a colleague every professional hopes for and the friend we are grateful to have. May Hashem give you the strength to continue your avodat hakodesh.
Shelley and Eddie Stopek

Ruby

Ani L'Dodi V'dodi Li

in memory of my beloved Henry

Marlene Wasserstrom

Ruby

Mazel Tov to all the honorees, my Ida Crown Family.

Tirza - You are my dear friend and super English teacher.

Melissa and Harris - It has been a pleasure being your shadchan and teaching you and your children.

Julie and Nathan - Julie, my colleague, and Nathan her spouse, I have enjoyed teaching your children.

Marlene Wasserstrom

Ruby

We cherish our shared memories: Pesach seders, Yom HaAtzmaut dinners, Shavuot picnics, block parties, learning groups, political discourses (don't mention Trump!), newspaper articles and books, Bar and Bat Mitzvah speeches edited by you, weddings, and unfortunately, shiva visits too, throwing out the dining room chairs before Phil came home, solving all the world's problems on Shabbos afternoon, our Moms discussing us, your Dad, teaching our kids in and out of the classroom, and now teaching our grandkids as well! We cherish our children's times together. Your children will always be our children's "older siblings," and you and Sam have always been like second parents to ours. Through every simcha and every challenge, you have been there for us with wisdom, warmth, friendship, and love. You are a dear friend, mentor, role model, and teacher par excellence. Mazel Tov Tirza, Educator of the Year, on this most well-deserved honor! May Hashem bless you with good health, mazel, bracha, and nachas from your children and grandchildren.

With much love, Roselle and Phil

Sapphire

Mazel Tov Julie and Nathan. You are
exceptional role models to your family as to
how one takes responsibility for the needs of
the klal.

Hashem should grant you continued strength and
wisdom to keep it going for years to come.

Mendy and Aviva

Sapphire

Mazal Tov to

Julie and Nathan,

Melissa andHarris

Tirza Kahan

Your contribution to
the Skokie and ICJA communities mean so much.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Aviva and Larry Camras

Sapphire

A Virtuous Woman

A Much-Deserved Honor

for

Tirza Kahan

"Teacher Extraordinaire"

פיה פתחת בחכמה

Her Mouth brings forth Words of Wisdom

Drs. Tamy & Ken Chelst

Sapphire

BH Mazel tov to Melissa &
Harris Perlman and the
honorees on your holy work!

May you go from strength to
strength in great health.

Cons Family

Sapphire

To our dearest friends Melissaand Harris,

Mazel Tov on this
most deserved honor.

We love and miss you sorely.

Mindee, Zev & family Fredman

Sapphire

Dear Tirza,
It's a real kick to meet young folks from Chicago who rave about the impact that your teaching has had on their lives. Your old Bronx chums are very proud of you.
May you and Sam have many more happy years together in good health with much nachas from your offspring.

Shulie Lifshitz Cohen
Adele and Larry Diener
Toni and Nick Gordon
Phyllis and Phil Kornbluth,
Phyllis and Baruch Sendic
Tova and Leon Well

Sapphire

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership and
commitment to the ICJA

Chaya & Allan Gordon Burstyn

Sapphire

Mazal tov Nathan and Julie on

your well deserved recognition.

We salute your hard work on
behalf of our community

Ari & Adi Kirshner

Sapphire

Mazel tov to honorees

Julie & Nathan!!

Much love,

Shahram & Soosan

Sapphire

Congratulations to all the Honorees for the
well deserved honors and their many
contributions, to Ida Crown!

We wish all the students much success in their
studies and our appreciation to the teaching
staff and administration.

Arlene and Moshe Kupietzky

Sapphire

Julie and Nathan, Mazal tov to our mishpacha
on this beautiful and most deserving honor.

May you go Mi Chayil el Chayil and have much
nachat from your gorgeous family.

Dr. Sam and Rita Lipshitz

Sapphire

Mazel Tov Harris and Melissa on this well
deserved honor!

Your service and commitment to Ida Crown and
the Jewish community is something we all
should emulate.

We are so proud of you and love you.

Mechayil L'chayil!

Ira, Samantha, Alex, Akiva, Yehuda, Raqueli,
Zachy, and Scarley

Sapphire

To our dear friends

Melissa and Harris

on this well-deserved honor. You both embody
chesed and thoughtfulness, and you are role
models and an inspiration to your community.

We are always thrilled to celebrate you and
your beautiful family.

We look forward to many more simchas.

Additionally, we thank all of the honorees for
their commitment to Ida Crown Jewish Academy.

Carolyn Reinglass and David Sklar

Sapphire

Kol Hakavod to the very deserving honorees ~
Julie & Nathan, Tirza, and Melissa
& Harris.

Thank you for your untiring devotion to our
students and to our community!

We also extend a personal note of appreciation
to Rabbi Matanky, Jonathan, Rebecca and Adam
for their important contributions to
our school!

GO ACES!

With appreciation,

Andrea & Stuart Rich +
4 kids + 6 grands

Sapphire

In honor of Tirza Kahan, a
special friend, from the West
side of Manhattan.

Glenn and Lenore Richter

Sapphire

Mazal tov to our special friend

Tirza Kahan

on this well-deserved honor!

Terry Socol Andrea Socol Levin
and Philip Levin

Full Page

Mazal tov to our dear friends

Harris and Melissa Perlman

And our former New Rochelle neighbors

Julie and Nathan Thomas

Thank you for your hard work on behalf of the Academy

Simone Rudoff Semer and Mark Semer

Full Page

In honor of

Tirza Kahan,

Educator of the Year 2026.

First you were my children's teacher, then you became mine.

For 25 years, you have helped me, encouraged me, and supplied a
"bag of tricks" when I needed an innovative way to inspire
our students.

You always encourage me to find fresh new valuable resources and
to continually learn and broaden my areas of expertise.

Thank you!

You are a Master Teacher.

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

Marsha Arons

Full Page

In honor of two dynamic professionals

RabbiLeonard Matanky and Deva Zwelling

May ICJA continue to grow and excel!

Zenia and Jeffrey Cohen Hashmonaim, Israel

Full Page

Mazal Tov to Tirza on this

well-earned recognition.

You have contributed so much to ICJA, both in
and out of the classroom.

You and Sam always have been steadfast friends
and great neighbors.

And shoutout to our dear daughter, Mrs. Ayala
"Zimmy" Zimmerman, of Judaic studies.

We are very proud of you.

Alan & Leah Cohen

Full Page

To our friend and esteemed colleague,

Tirza Kahan,

May you continue to welcome many
visitors at your desk and home, receive many
unexpected gifts among your purchases, and
experience much nachas for being such a
remarkable educator.

With admiration,

The English Department

Ben Kramer, Heather Hobbie, Marsha Arons, &
Michelle Prince

Full Page

Mazal Tov to Harris and Melissa on this
well-deserved Crown Service Award!

Anyone who knows you knows you've been
earning it for years.

From a high school love story to building and
growing an amazing family and community.

Melissa- you're the moral compass we all
consult, and Harris- you keep it all grounded.

We're lucky to call you friends-this honor
couldn't be more fitting.

Mazal tov to the Thomas's- a most inspiring
couple & to Mrs Kahan a beloved teacher.

Full Page

Mazel tov to Julie and Nathan Thomas, Melissa
& Harris Perlman, and Tirza Kahan on your well
deserved honors!

May you go from strength to strength!

Brenda & Alan Halpert

Full Page

Mazel-Tov to

Melissa and Harris

on their dedication and commitment to the ICJA!!

Kol Hakovod on this well-deserved honor!

May you go from Strength to Strength always!

With love,

Naomi & Danny Hartman

Full Page

How can we thrive in the modern world? Let me count the ways...

Tirza Kahan, Educator of the Year
Julie and Nathan Thomas, Leadership Award Recipients
Melissa and Dr. Harris Perlman, Crown Service Award Honorees
Mazel Tov to each of these awardees and thank you for providing the essential tools to inspire ICJA students to become their best selves.

The Faculty and Staff of Ida Crown Jewish Academy

Full Page

Congratulations to Harris & Melissa
Perlman & the entire Perlman Family.

Long Time Friends from the early days
of Skokie.

Bernard & Miriam Neuman

Jonathan & Yocheved Neuman

Full Page

In honor of our dearest cousins, Nathan and Julie Thomas, Mazel Tov on this most deserving honor. Ida Crown is truly privileged to have benefited from your commitment to its mission and your dedication to helping its of students learn, grow, and thrive. Ida Crown is just one of the many worthy causes that have been touched by your generosity, leadership, and kindness. You have clearly embraced the values of chesed, responsibility, and communal service that were exemplified by your parents and grandparents, and you continue to carry that legacy forward with distinction. May Hashem grant you many years of good health, strength, bracha, and hatzlacha to continue your remarkable work on behalf of Ida Crown and the broader community. May you be blessed to see abundant nachas from your beautiful family and all of your endeavors. With much love and admiration,

Ari and Shoshana Krupp and Family

Full Page

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From

Strength to Strength!

Helene and David Lerner

Full Page

Congratulations to
Tirza Kahan.

Thank you for educating
our grandchildren.

Bernard and Miriam Neuman

Full Page

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Simcha & Shana Polsky Premier Vending

Full Page

"Communal Service is as
meritorious as studying Torah"
- Talmud J: Berakot 5.1

Leah and Ed Reicin

Full Page

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership, and
commitment to ICJA.

Jay and Barb Robinson

Full Page

To Mrs. Kahan - the teacher who made literature come alive,
who taught us not only how to analyze words but how to think,
question, and grow.

Thank you for the countless lessons that extended far beyond the
classroom walls.

Your passion, wisdom, humor, and unwavering dedication left a
lasting impact on generations of students, myself included.

You challenged us to become better writers, better readers, and
better people.

Some teachers are remembered.

The great ones become part of our story forever.

It is an honor to celebrate you tonight as Educator Of The Year
and all that you have given to your students and community.

With deepest admiration and gratitude,

Nechamit Rosen- Ottenstein

Full Page

Congratulations to Tirza,
Melissa and Harris on this
well deserved honor.

Elaine and Barry Semer

Full Page

We thank the Honorees for
their vision, leadership and
commitment to the ICJA

Dinah and Michael Shiner

Full Page

With love and pride, we celebrate our wonderful niece Julie and nephew Nathan on this well-deserved honor. Your dedication to your school and your community is truly inspiring. Through your hard work, compassion, and unwavering commitment, you've made a lasting impact on so many lives-especially the children and families lucky enough to know you. As a team, you exemplify partnership at its best. The strength, respect, and love you share shine through in all that you do, and it is clear that your accomplishments are rooted in that beautiful foundation. You set an incredible example for your family and for everyone around you. We are so proud of the lives you've built, the difference you continue to make, and the way you uplift others every day. May Hashem bless you with only nachas, bracha and simcha from your beautiful family! With all our love and admiration, Auntie Yudi and Uncle Mendel, Auntie Lisa and Uncle Yossi, Auntie Sari and Uncle Jay, Auntie Jo and Uncle Jonah, Auntie Nina and Uncle Dovid

Full Page

To our friends, the Thomases and the
Perlmans, Mazel Tov on this
well-deserved honor.

Our community is stronger because of your
commitment and dedication.

Rebecca and Steve Singer

Full Page

Mazel Tov Julie and Nathan on this
well-deserved recognition.

Our community is so fortunate to have your
leadership, commitment and generosity.

Keep up the amazing work you do for our
schools, shuls, and other critical community
organizations that you support.

May you and your family be blessed with health
and happiness.

Liz and Paul Towb

Full Page

Dear Mrs. Kahan,

To my fearless yearbook leader, English teacher extraordinaire, and the teacher who taught me to how to eloquently and persuasively defend any position: Mazel Tov on this well-deserved honor. It is truly fitting and wonderful to see you recognized in this way. Love always, Sari Wittlin

To the teacher who masterfully taught me to write to my full potential, and who not only taught me how to develop my writing, but how to express myself through it. Your influence is present in everything I write. Thank you for everything! Love, Meital Wittlin Your impact has spanned generations and your love and warmth have affected us all. We are so thrilled for you. Wishing you good health and continued success for many years to come.

Love, the entire Wittlin family

Full Page

Mazel Tov, Tirza!

Thank you for being the best neighbor and like
a second mom to us.

We are so grateful for all your help over the
years-from bar and bat mitzvah speeches to
college applications, medical school
applications, and so much more.

Your love, guidance, and support have meant
the world to us.

We are lucky to have you in our lives.

Love,

The Zaret Kids ️

Half Page

Mazel Tov to our incredible friends
Harris and Melissa!
You are role models and community builders.
We still miss you in St. Louis.
Aviva and Moshe Adler

Mazal Tov Tirza!
You have touched so
many lives!
Paul and Chana Brody

Half Page

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.
May You Go From Strength to Strength!

Tami and Shlomo Drapkin

Mazal Tov to the honorees!

Thank you to the dedicated teachers, staff,
and administration for all that you do to
educate, inspire, and shape the next generation.

Ellie W. Designs

Half Page

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.
May You Go From Strength to Strength!
Leslie and Norm Finkel

Mazel Tov to
Julie & Nathan
on this well-deserved honor.
Your community dedication is an inspiration.
Tzvi and Avigail Garden

Half Page

Mazal Tov to Tirza Kahan! Kol HaKavod for your many years of teaching at the ICJA.

Henry and Lisa Goldberg and family

Mazal Tov to Tirza Kahan on this well-deserved honor!
Your dedication is an inspiration to all.

Zvi and Malky Lisker

Half Page

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on this well-deserved honor. May You Go From Strength to Strength!

Lee and Robert W. Matanky

Harris and Melissa, מזל טוב and thank you for all you have
done for our communities, in Chicago and beyond.
Keep up the good work!

Jay and Alyssa Rosenbaum

Half Page

Mazel Tov Harris and Melissa.
A Special Couple.
Love,
Fogel, Morris and Roth (2 X) families

Mazel tov to all the honorees and thank you for all that you do for ICJA and the community at large. Most deserving.
Buzzy and Cindy Schwartz

Half Page

Wishing ICJA continued success in educating our precious children.

Dr. Robert and Jackie Silvers

Quarter Page

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From Strength
to Strength!

Michael and Tracy Aberman

Mazal tov to the stellar
roster of 2026 honorees, and
thank you for your enormous
contributions to the ICJA!

Jeff Bernstein

Quarter Page

Mazal Tov Melissa and Harris
on this well deserved honor.

So proud of you and all you do
for community
Julie&Ezra

Mazal Tov to the Honorees on
this well-deserved honor.

May You Go From Strength
to Strength!|

Liz and Dave Geifman

Quarter Page

Mazal Tov on this
well-deserved honor!

Thank you for your support and
kindness as a teacher, tutor,
and mentor.

Nechama Goldstein

Mazal tov Tirza Kahan,
Educator of the year.
Friend for life.
Best wishes, from Yafa Levitt and family

Quarter Page

Mazel Tov to Tirza Kahan on
this well-deserved honor!

Robert Lunzer and family Judy
and Norman Knopf

Mazal Tov Harris and Melissa.

Such a well deserving honor.

Thank you for all you do for
your family and community.

Phyllis and Louis Morris

Quarter Page

Mazel Tov to our dear friends Melissa and Harris.
Such a well-deserved honor.
Missing you,
Beth, Gigi, Bella & Raanan

We're so proud of our neighbor Tirza Kahan. Shout-out to our 'cousins in law' the Perlmans.
Mazel Tov!
Shlomo & Bina Simon

Quarter Page

Mazel Tov to all .

We want to recognize Tirza
Kahan for her dedication,
love, and amazing teaching of
our kids!

Radyne and Steve Wolf

Mazel Tov Julie and Nathan
Crown Leadership Awardees, on this well deserved honor!
Phil and Roselle Zaret

Kol Hakavod Listing

Robyn, Randy, Micah, Judah and Ezra Cohen Cohen

Congregation Ezras Israel

Dana & Yudi Fishkin

Cheryl and Asher Karp

Deege & Mazel Levin

Seth & Renee Rosenberg