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.
September 14, 2026
Moriah & David Samchek
Though years have passed since the Samchek siblings walked the halls of the Calgary Jewish Academy, both remain grateful for the foundation their nine-plus years at CJA provided. Since graduating from Grade 9 as part of CJA’s Classes of 2017 and 2023, Moriah and David have taken very different paths.
September 14, 2026
Larry Katz
The beauty of learning is vast and complex, and Larry Katz, a CHS Class of 1965 Grade 6 and Class of 1971 Grade 12 alumnus and second-generation member of the school community (his mother was also a student), understands this well. He and his wife, Deborah, still live in Calgary and remain closely connected to the CJA community.
September 14, 2026
Annabelle Bondar
It is not often that one finds such kindness and grace amidst hardship, yet Annabelle Bondar, a CJA 1962 Grade 6 alumna, shows that community is key to perseverance. Annabelle is now 25 years cancer-free and continues to be a part of the Jewish community in Calgary.
September 14, 2026
Josh Heuberger
The pressure to be an advocate for your community can be overwhelming, but Josh Heuberger, a CJA 2020 Grade 9 alumnus, is more than willing to step up to the challenge. Josh is driven to bring about change as a principled leader who defends Jewish values.
September 14, 2026
Jordan Balaban
All legacies start somewhere, and for Jordan Balaban, a Grade 9 graduate from CJA’s Class of 2000, his began before he was born and will likely continue for generations to come. Today, Jordan serves as the CEO of the CJA, giving back to the school and community that helped shape him.
September 14, 2026
Reva Faber
It’s rare to turn a childhood dream into reality. However, for Reva Faber, an I.L. Peretz Grade 5 student in 1956, the dream of becoming a teacher became the foundation of her life. As an educator for the past 50 years, Reva has taught a great deal and learned even more.