Back to the Future:
Chalutzim Academy Reunion
By Shira Goldman
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History
Yohanna Chernoff (wife of Martin Chernoff, rabbi and founder of Beth Yeshua Congregation) had a dream of a Messianic elementary school where children would receive a strong Biblical foundation while integrating Jewish culture, customs, and Zionism.
In 1978, this vision became reality when Chalutzim (Pioneers) Academy was born. The school beganwith 11 students, two teachers, Linda Brown and Diane Lowenthal, and one principal, Joe Finkelstein, spanning kindergarten to fifth grade. Eight years later, Chalutzim Academy had incorporated the high school level to their curriculum. Rachel Finkelstein was the first graduate in the Class of 1986.
Several distinguished believers served as principal over the past
30 years, including Rabbi Steven J. Weiler, leader of Shoresh David
Messianic Jewish Synagogue, and Linda Brown, principal of Chalutzim
Academy and Cornerstone High School in Wynnewood, PA.
Linda shared
stories about the many talented, devoted teachers of Chalutzim,
including Hanan and Haya Utescu, and Mindy Salkind.
Reconnecting
Linda Brown was hoping for more
than nostalgia for the reunion of
Chalutzim Academy. To quote
Owens Lee Pomeroy, "Nostalgia is
like a grammar lesson. You find
the present tense, but the past
perfect!" To Linda, a regathering
of students would represent
restored relationships, outreach
to those who slipped from faith,
healing, sharing accomplishments,
inspiration and vision for
more Messianic schools, testimonies,
and divine connections for
G-d's own purposes.
With the assistance of Linda's
daughter Melissa, 225 invitations
were sent to students, teachers and
former principals.
The Reunion
On March 15, 2008, 140 people
came as far as Washington state,
Virginia, New York, New Jersey,
Georgia and Florida to gather at
Edgmont Country Club in Edgemont,
PA. The ballroom was colorfully
decorated with blue and
white balloons, flowers and candles.
Typical of all happy reunions, there
were shouts of recognition, people
embracing old friends, and squeals
of laughter.
A table of photographs strategically
placed by the entrance
displayed years of school musicals,
graduations, special events, awards,
and candid shots of students and
teachers. Conversations were so intense
it was a challenge to steer the
crowd to their dinner tables.
Two special honors were delivered
that evening. When Yohanna
Chernoff was presented with the
Visionary Award, she reflected
on what inspired her to start the
school, and how much it meant to
see it actualized over the years. A
Lifetime Achievement Award was
given to Mindy Salkind, acknowledging
28 consecutive years of volunteer
teaching of music, Hebrew
and other subjects.
Former principal, Steven Weiler,
and his wife Pat addressed a captive
audience, bringing back memories
of the two major musical productions
that were performed during
his 10 years of tenure, "A Growing
Thing," and "Jacob's Dreams." Since
production, the musicals have been
put on DVD and continue to be a
perpetual testimony. Cassette tapes
of "Growing Faith 1" and "Growing
Faith 2," original songs sung by
the children themselves, are now
available on CD.
An area set aside for taking
group photographs was headed by
Steve Brown. By 11:00 p.m., those
who felt that five hours were not
enough to finish the festivities and
conversations migrated to a local
café for extended fellowship.
Reflecting upon the evening,
Linda felt that G-d exceeded
her expectations. Observing the
former students, now grown up
with children of their own, she
thanked G-d for their faith and
accomplishments.
From the Alumni
Jason Rich: "It was surprising how
many former students participated.
It was an opportunity to rekindle
relationships. Chalutzim was not
just a school; it was a spiritual
training ground—especially Steve
Weiler's 'fundamental Biblical
Judaism' class. It was also a lot
of fun. I recall playing 'no-rules
dodge ball' and how this strengthened
my athletic ability. A retrospective
slideshow was played at
the reunion and I was flooded
with so manyjoyful memories. My
girlfriend also attended Chalutzim
and student teaches there now."
Michael Brown: "Most of my
classmates are lifelong friends who
I see often. It was amazing to see so
many people, especially those who
I might connect with only once
each year. It was also nice to meet
with the ones I lost contact with for
many years. We were instantly like
family. Chalutzim Academy was
gifted in creating an atmosphere of
closeness between the students and
teachers, which made it very enjoyable
academically and socially.
That same presence was with us at
the reunion.
"We studied the Word and it
affected our development as believers,
which helped us understand the
importance of our heritage. I'd like
to transfer this blessing to my family.
I would absolutely send my children
to a school like Chalutzim." MT
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Jake Rosenberg shares memories with Josh Lowenthal. Chalutzim graduates
are now scattered all over the world, many in ministry.
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Shoshana Rosenberg hugs Dena Epstein.
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Josh Waller and big brother Ari pictured here with Sharon Wilbur at the Chalutzim reunion.
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