Shalhevet High School

IT’S A GIRL! Mazal Tov to Firehawk Talia (Nimmer) ‘10 and David Stahl on the birth of a baby girl. Mazal Tov to big brother Asher and the entire Nimmer and Stahl families! 💖

Mazal Tov to Noa Segal ‘18 and Eytan Merkin on the birth of baby Shoham Nediva! We couldn’t be more excited to wish former Shalhevet Head of School Rabbi Ari Segal, and former Judaic studies teacher Yoetzet Atara Segal, a big Mazal Tov on the birth of a granddaughter! Congrats to both the Segal and Merkin families! 💖

IT’S A GIRL! Mazal Tov to Shalhevet’s Guidance Counselor and Psychology Teacher, Gabby Marcus and Jonathan Schwartz ‘02 on the birth of a baby girl - Sophia Golda! Mazal to siblings Talia, Abey, Simone and to the entire Marcus and Schwartz families! 🔥💖

We are excited to share that Firehawk Alumna and IDF Reservist, Rachel Lester ‘12, just published a book! ‘Digital Warrior: Inside Israel’s Battle for the Narrative After October 7’ is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into the IDF Spokeperson’s Unit as they fight for Israel’s reputation on social media. Rachel went from being a student journalist at Shalhevet’s Boiling Point to managing the social media accounts for the IDF - and this book is a culmination of years of hard work.

In Rachel’s own words:
“Written for diaspora Jews (and non-Jews) who wonder, ‘Why is Israel’s PR so bad?’, this book is the first-ever behind-the-scenes look into the world of fighting for Israel’s reputation from the inside. Our successes, our failures, our challenges, and what it was like to go through all of that for a year. If you’re interested in the world of hasbara, IDF, or general social media, I recommend giving it a read!”

Here’s where to order it (link also in bio):
🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇨🇦 🇿🇦: http://bit.ly/4etGA1Q
🇮🇱: https://bookpod.co.il/product/digital-warrior-2/
Kindle: search Digital Warrior

And follow her Rachel 🇮🇱 for even more 🔥 The Boiling Point

We’re excited to share that Firehawk Ashley Botnick ‘20 has been selected to be the Head Coach for the U15 Women’s Volleyball Team at this summer’s Maccabiah Games in Israel. She is currently Yeshiva University’s Assistant Athletic Director/Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach and we couldn’t be more proud of her for being a part of the 2026 U.S. Delegation. Kol Hakavod! 🔥🏐 Maccabi USA

Mazal Tov to Shalhevet alum Jeremy Asheghian ‘19 and Emily Nackab from Brooklyn, NY, on their engagement! We wish them and both families only happiness and bracha! 🙌🏽

Mazal Tov to Shalhevet alumni Sam Navon ‘19 and Abby Sentchuk ‘19 on their engagement! We wish them and both families only happiness and bracha! 🙌🏽

Mazal Tov to Shalhevet alum Adin Keiter ‘19, son of Shalhevet faculty Dr. Sheila (Mitchell) Keiter, on his engagement to Zoe Melzer of Teaneck, NJ.
We wish them and both families only happiness and bracha! 🙌🏽

It was a gorgeous evening as the Shalhevet Firehawk Class of 2006 came together for their 20 Year Reunion - with nearly 60 alumni and their spouses joining from far-and-wide: New York, Israel, Miami, etc. The event had plenty of delicious food, drink, and lots of schmoozing. Rabbi Block spoke about our wonderful community and what all Shalhevet is today, with credit given to all the Firehawks from years past. We always love seeing our alumni reconnecting and catching up. A special thank you to our Director of Development, Sanaz Sazegar, for facilitating this event. And we look forward to even more reunions in the future - stay tuned! 🙏🔥 stayingclose firehawkfamily

We couldn’t be more proud of Firehawk Jacob Hoenig ‘22 for being recognized as one of only SIX outstanding Class of 2026 graduates by The UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. Jacob was honored with the Bioengineering Award of Excellence for his exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service.

As a biotechnology student at UC San Diego, Jacob conducted research in nanomedicine in the labs of Professors Liangfang Zhang and F***y Chapelin, developing biomimetic vaccines and technologies to track therapeutic immune cells. His work led to multiple publications, conference presentations, and a Most Innovative Award for his senior design project.

Beyond the lab, Jacob led philanthropy efforts for Alpha Epsilon Pi, helping raise more than $15,000 in donations to support individuals experiencing homelessness in downtown San Diego. His service earned Outstanding Philanthropy and Outstanding Service Awards from UC San Diego Sorority and Fraternity Life.

Jacob also co-founded UC San Diego’s TAMID Group chapter, supporting early-stage biotech ventures through consulting and commercialization strategy.

His advice to students: “Connect with the incredible faculty and research opportunities at UC San Diego, and explore classes beyond your major requirements if they spark your interest. Some of the most valuable opportunities and ideas come from following your curiosity.”

Next year, Jacob will pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship recipient, where he hopes to develop targeted therapies that retrain the immune system and restore healthy immune function.

Click the link below or in our bio to read more.

Kol Hakavod!



https://today.ucsd.edu/story/outstanding-engineering-computer-science-undergraduates-honored-with-awards-of-excellence