Hebrew Academy of the Capital District

REMINDER: HACD's David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship provides a one-time $2,000 scholarship to one undergraduate student. Alumni of our school who are interested in applying should submit a brief essay (no more than 250 words) reflecting on their experience at HACD and how it has influenced their current studies or career choice. Please send your essay to Rabbi Dr. David Bauman, Head of School, at [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, May 31, 2026. The scholarship recipient will be announced at our graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

We are proud to share the news that HACD alum Michael Kay ('93) has been selected to serve as the next CEO of UJA-Federation of New York! Kol Hakavod!

Nevatim (1st -2nd grade) students visited the Shalom Food Pantry today. That’s a lot of meatballs!

Grandparents and Special Friends Day was a joyful celebration of the learning that our HACD students engage in every day.

We are so grateful to everyone who was able to join us and for the important role you play in our students’ lives.

Tickets sales are now open! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear two of our graduates discuss the future of Jewish education.

If you’re interested in becoming one of our sponsors or joining one of the Honorary Committee, you certainly still can do that. Your name will be added to our website and will appear in the event journal.

Ticket sales, sponsorships, and committee memberships close on May 20. Find out more by going to our event website: https://hacdalbany.org/giving/spring-gala-2026

Wishing you a sweet and joyful Pesach!

May this year bring us peace, joy, and hope as we celebrate our own freedom and pray for the liberation of those not yet free.

It’s time to meet this year’s speakers!

Michael Kay is head of school at The Leffell School, a K-12 Jewish independent school serving 840 students on two campuses in Westchester County, NY. Prior to joining Leffell in 2013, he served as Upper School principal and director of Judaic Studies at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD. Michael also taught Judaic studies and economics and coached baseball at the New Atlanta Jewish Community High School (now the Weber School), and he served as director of Camp Givah, a Jewish summer camp in upstate New York.

Michael holds a PhD in educational leadership and Jewish studies from New York University and an undergraduate degree in religion and history from Harvard College. He is an alumnus of the Day School Leadership Training Institute and the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, and he is a recipient of the Young Scholar Award from the Network for Research in Jewish Education. He is a member of the board of trustees of the New York State Association of Independent Schools and is presently studying for rabbinical ordination at the Shalom Hartman Institute.

Michael and his wife live in NY and have two children.

It’s time to meet this year’s speakers!

Ruthie Strosberg Simon is the Executive Director of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, located in Riverdale, NY. She has been with the organization since 2004. A rabbinical school, beit midrash, and Torah center, YCT serves as the spiritual home for an open and inclusive Orthodoxy, as well as a thriving hub for its 150 rabbis serving around the world, its 60 Rikmah Israeli rabbis and rabbaniyot in Israel, and their communities. (Nachat moment: Three YCT rabbis are also Bet Shraga alumni: Saul Strosberg, Joshua Strosberg and Mordechai Harris!)

She is a 1990 graduate of Bet Shraga, with degrees in Spanish & Russian languages, Jewish Education, and a Certificate from the Institute for Jewish Executive Leadership, a joint program of UJA Federation and Columbia Business School. Ruthie has devoted 30 years to Jewish education and communal service. Previously she taught middle school Hebrew at Bet Shraga, directed the afterschool program at the Sidney Albert Albany JCC, and was on the leadership team of Prozdor Hebrew High School of Hebrew College in Boston.

Ruthie lives in with her husband, formerly of Albany, and their son. Their daughter is currently serving in the IDF.

Students at HACD have started their new Artist in Residence program. This time, it’s Brazilian drumming! It’s sure to be a real hit!

We are so pleased to announce that Sponsorship opportunities are open for our Spring Event on May 31, 2026. Sponsorships are a wonderful way to support our work and ensure the continued success of our school.

Celebrating the Vision of Jewish Education
Dinner and Dialogue with Dr. Michael Kay and Ruthie Strosberg Simon

Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 5pm

https://hacdalbany.org/giving/spring-gala-2026/