October 6, 2026
Shelly Gelfand
Making a difference in children's lives has always been a priority for Shelly Gelfand, but it was her own kids who helped bring her back to where her story began. A CHS 1982 Grade 9 alumna, Shelly returned to CJA as Principal in the summer of 2025, choosing the school she and later, her children, attended for the final chapter of her career.
October 6, 2026
Noah Switzer
With a desire to help people and a deep sense of responsibility for his community, Noah Switzer, a CJA Grade 9 alumnus from the Class of 2000, carries both into his personal and professional life. More than 25 years after graduating, he still values the friendships he made at CJA and believes “you can’t put a price on” those lifelong connections.
October 6, 2026
Claude Oppenheim
A leader, educator, and mentor, Claude Oppenheim has been part of the Calgary Jewish Academy community for generations. He served as Director (Head of School) of the Calgary Hebrew School (CHS) and later the CJA for 22 years, then continued as an Administration Consultant for another 15.
September 29, 2026
Joel Cohen
It is often said that comedy comes in threes; nevertheless, for Joel Cohen, an I.L. Peretz School Grade 6, 1979 graduate, it came before the punchline. With his wit, Joel decided that the only natural path for him was to become a television comedy writer and to share his love of comedy with the world.
September 21, 2026
Jackie Halpern
To help each other and to always do what’s best for each other and the community. For Jackie Halpern, this is what it means to live by the value of Tikkun Olam in her family, career, and community involvement. A CHS 1980 Grade 9 alumna, Jackie currently lives in Calgary and has practiced law as a civil litigator for 35 years.
September 21, 2026
Jonah Maerov
There are many ways to make an impact on the Jewish community, and Jonah Maerov, a 2023 Grade 9 alumnus, intends to inspire those around him through his unique path. Jonah has always recognized the importance of coming together as a group and building a family, whether through school, volunteering, or his athletic career.
September 16, 2026
Rabbi Lara Rodin
Many in our community share a love of Jewish learning, and Rabbi Lara Rodin, a CJA 2010 Grade 9 alumna, embodies it deeply. Lara not only has a passion for Jewish learning, but also for helping Jewish children discover their own spark for their history and tradition.
September 16, 2026
Micah Frydberg & Sophie Libin
It’s rare for a small passion project to take off internationally, but Sophie Libin and Micah Frydberg, both CJA 2024 Grade 9 alumni, have made it a reality. Through their work on L’dor V’dor: The Fourth Generation, the two focused on reshaping Holocaust education...
September 16, 2026
Alex Kouperman
A CJA Hawk knows to take care of their own, and Alex Kouperman, a 1997 Grade 9 alumnus, is proud to remain loyal to his team. For as long as he can remember, Alex has been committed to his community, especially the people at the CJA who have given him lasting memories, opportunities, and a lifelong career.