September 23, 2026
Noah Switzer, CJA '00
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.
September 22, 2026
Claude Oppenheim, CHS & CJA (1984-2021) | Former Staff
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.
December 7, 2022
Rabbi Matthew Ponak, CJA '00
Every community needs a leader, and Rabbi Matthew Ponak, a CJA Grade 9, 2000 graduate, is one of them. He has built a career as an author, spiritual counsellor, and teacher of Jewish mysticism.
September 28, 2022
Joel Zimmerman, CJA '06
When there is a call for help, Joel Zimmerman, a CJA 2006, Grade 9 graduate, answers it. As a Registered Psychologist, this CJA alumnus strives to be someone in his community that anyone can turn to no matter what their challenges may be.
August 12, 2022
Forrest Zeisler, CJA '97
Curiosity and problem-solving have always come naturally to CJA Grade 6, 1997 alumnus Forrest Zeisler. His passion for technology, combined with his desire to help others, propelled him to co-found his business, Jobber.