Golda Och Academy to honor Andrea and Rabbi Jesse Olitzky
The Golda Och Academy, in West Orange, will honor Andrea Olitzky and Rabbi Jesse Olitzky ’02 of South Orange at its Spring Gala at Congregation Beth El in South Orange, on June 4. The highly anticipated annual event — GOA’s marquee fundraiser and community celebration – will pay tribute to the honorees’ outstanding service as leaders and ambassadors for the school.
“Rabbi Jesse and Andrea Olitzky are extraordinary exemplars of the ethos of Golda Och Academy,” Head of School Rabbi Danny Nevins said. “They are committed to the school rising to new heights, are true thought partners, and are parents to three of our wonderful students. We are delighted to honor them this year at the spring gala.”
“Golda Och Academy holds deep significance for our family,” Rabbi Olitzky said. “Being part of the school community has provided our family with a profound sense of belonging, and has fostered a sense of pride and solidarity in our Jewish heritage and shared experiences,” Ms. Olitzky added.
Andrea Olitzky, a clinical social worker and therapist, recently joined the Resolution Counseling Center after many years at Jewish Family Service of Greater MetroWest. As a volunteer leader at GOA , she had been chair of the Parent Ambassador committee, co-chair of the b’nai mitzvah program, a class parent, an annual fund grade captain, and a volunteer for the Parents Association’s lunch program.
Rabbi Olitzky, whom the Forward named as one of “America’s most inspiring rabbis,” received his rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary and leads Congregation Beth El in South Orange. He is active on both of GOA’s campuses as a volunteer, parent, and community rabbi. He also dedicates time to Camp Ramah, the SOMA Interfaith Clergy Association, and the Maplewood Police Clergy Chaplaincy Program.
The Olitzkys are the parents of three GOA students — Cayla ’29, Noah ’32, and Hannah ’35.
“Over the last several years, GOA has provided our children with a comprehensive education, opportunities to build life-long friendships, communal celebrations of holidays and developmental milestones, and has encouraged them to further develop their Jewish identities, ethics and values,” Ms. Olitzky said. “Most of all, GOA has been a loving and supportive environment for our children, with excellent educators, administrators and fellow students always being there for them.”
Sponsorships, journal ads, and tickets are available at www.goldaochacademy.org/gala. For information email Michael Bressman, GOA’s director of development, at mbressman@goldaochacademy.org or call (973) 602-3667.
comments