Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School Alumni

Two weeks ago, on what would have been Omer Balva ’19 z”l’s 25th birthday, family, friends, alumni, and community members gathered at CESJDS for a morning minyan followed by a beautiful dedication ceremony in his memory.

We honored Eyal Balva (Omer's father) and Jon Missner (Omer's best friend's father) with an Aliyah to the Torah.

The program featured reflections from current parent Elias Saratovsky, CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation ; Elliot Brandt, CEO of AIPAC; alumni parent Jon Missner; Shahar Balva ’14, Omer’s sister; and Head of School Rabbi Mitch Malkus, who shared moving words about Omer’s life, character, and enduring legacy.

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Through the generosity of the Balva family, both the Sephardic Minyan and the CESJDS Dining Hall were dedicated in Omer’s memory, creating lasting tributes to his impact on our school community.

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Thank you to Eyal and Sigal Balva for this meaningful dedication and to their children Barak ’10, Shahar ’14, and Itai.

May Omer’s memory continue to be a blessing and an inspiration to all who gather in these spaces.

Lions in Love featuring Rivka ’16 & Yaakov Bellas ‘16 💙✨

From CESJDS classmates to Gettysburg bus seat buddies, to prom dates, to reconnecting during the pandemic while working at the school, and finally to their wedding this March—this is a full-circle JDS love story.

Two incredible members of our CESJDS Alumni Network, Rivka and Yaakov remind us that some of the most meaningful connections begin right at home. Rivka is a current Lower School teacher at CESJDS, and Yaakov works in hospitality as a manager of restaurants and athletic outlets at Congressional Country Club.

Mazal Tov to Rivka & Yaakov on their recent marriage 💍 We can’t wait to continue following your Lions in Love journey!

15 alumni from the Class of 1995 gathered in NYC nearly 30 years after graduation for what many described as a truly special evening full of love and appreciation for CESJDS. As Debbie Stillman ’95 shared, “To reconnect after all these years and feel the warmth in the room was amazing.” She added, “It was fun to see whose personalities have evolved and who has stayed exactly the same. Giving this experience to my kids now is so unique and speaks to the impact that JDS has had on so many of us.” From reminiscing about teachers and the Israel trip to hearing where life has taken everyone, the night was filled with laughter, reflection, and the kind of shared experience “that no one else can understand.” 🦁

A special thank you to Andrew Zuckerman ’95 for hosting at his studio in NYC, and to Orit Blatt ’95 for organizing.

Interested in organizing your CESJDS reunion? Please be in touch with Alumni Relations—we’d love to partner with you in celebrating your milestone.

Once a Lion. Always a Lion.

Alumni Spotlight featuring Emily Griminger ’11 ✨Emily found a home at CESJDS during a pivotal moment in her life, quickly embracing the school’s warm and welcoming community. That sense of belonging helped build the confidence and resilience that continues to ground her today. Now, as the founder of Semmi, Emily is reimagining personal care with chic, display-worthy products designed to blend seamlessly into everyday life.

Mazal Tov to JDS Hagshama Family, Wendi and Danny ’82 Abramowitz on receiving the Joseph Ottenstein Award at JSSA’s “The Stars Come Out” celebration this week!

Wendi currently serves as a member of the CESJDS Alumni Leadership & Legacy Council, and Danny is a proud CESJDS alumnus. Their children, Josh ’17 and Marli ’15, joined in celebration to honor their parents on this special achievement.

For decades, Wendi and Danny have led our community with extraordinary generosity, humility, and heart, dedicating themselves to strengthening Jewish life across the DMV through service, philanthropy, and volunteer leadership.

Their impact can be felt across so many organizations, including CESJDS, where their commitment to community and connection continues to inspire generations of students and families.

We are so proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor and grateful for the example they continue to set for all of us.

Mazal Tov, Wendi and Danny! 🦁🎉💕

You can hear more about their impact here: https://share.google/HA85dnrwJ7Son6Qc8

Jake Horowitz (BT Class of 2013) proposed to Keera Ginsburg ’14 in front of the Royal Palace of Madrid on April 13, 2026. ✨

After first meeting in 2016 at Towson University and reconnecting years later, their long-distance leap led to a home in Pikesville—where they now live with their rescue pup, Orli. Mazal Tov, Jake & Keera! 💙

This Alumni Giving Day, shoutout the classmate who made an impact on your journey! The one who inspired you, challenged you, or helped define your JDS experience.

Make a gift in their honor and send them a personal tribute. We’ll share your message directly with them as we celebrate the LEGENDS among us.

Our goal: 60 alumni gifts for 60 years of CESJDS. Make a gift. Honor your LEGEND.

Donate TODAY: https://www.cesjds.org/alumnigivingday

Legends aren’t just remembered — they’re experienced. 🦁✨

In our newest episode of the CESJDS Pawdcast, we sit down with legendary educators Sue Zuckerman and Rochelle Sobel, along with alumna Maya Arber '17, to reflect on the teaching, lifelong friendships, and the magic that makes JDS home.

From powerful classroom moments to multi-generational connections, this episode celebrates the impact of our faculty — and looks ahead to Legends from the Lion’s Den on March 22 as we honor Sue, Rochelle, and alumna Abby Frank '89 during our 60th anniversary year.

🎧 Listen now at https://www.cesjds.org/pawdcast or wherever you stream your podcasts

Join us on March 22 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Upper School campus as we celebrate 60 years of legendary impact.

Catch Ben Hamburger ’04 on March 2 at 7:30 PM on ABC as he appears on Wheel of Fortune. You can stream the episode March 3 on Hulu or Peacock.

As Ben shared, “I’d like to think my whole JDS career prepared me for this.”

We’re so proud of you, Ben, and are cheering you on — good luck!