Robbins Hebrew Academy

19 Friends for Life Bonnie Oppenheimer (RHA '03) On His Way Zachary Friedman (RHA '13) RHA was a family affair for Bonnie, who is one of four Abramsky sisters to graduate from the school. "I am still influenced by some of my RHA teachers," comments Bonnie as she discusses the impact of her elementary years. "They helped nurture my spirit. They were always able to put a positive spin on things and build my strengths." Graduating from RHA in 2003 and CHAT in 2007, Bonnie went on to complete her BA Honours degree with a major in Acting from Dalhousie University. When she graduated with a Masters degree in Theatre Education from Emerson College in Boston, Bonnie came home to Toronto and back to family and friends. It was there she made the choice to embrace community work over a career in acting. As Director of Education and Engagement for The House, Bonnie is committed to helping young, Jewish adults find meaning in Jewish tradition. "My education gave me skills to do my job," she says. "Acting taught me how to communicate, how to make friends and how reach out to my community." Bonnie values her lifelong friends from RHA and says they still laugh at the memories. "My friendships from elementary school have grown and lasted through so many life transitions, it's difficult to keep track. When we get together, it is like no time has passed. Some of my friends from RHA were bridesmaids at my wedding, 20 years after kindergarten." Bonnie is a recent recipient of the Dr. Aaron M. Nussbaum Award, as well as a recipient of a grant from the Zach Kaye Leadership Fund, acknowledging excellence in a Jewish community professional. While Zachary Friedman graduated from RHA five years ago, he says he still thinks about how the school not only prepared him academically, but also helped shape who he has become. "RHA had a culture where no one was afraid to be themselves," he remembers. Zach's experience gave him the confidence to explore his many interests. He's pursuing a business degree at Western University. He participated in Model UN, an educational simulation that teaches diplomacy and international relations. He's a member of Western U's DECA, an academic business club that prepares emerging leaders. Closer to home, Zach served as president of the Beth Tzedec Teen Board. While Zach and his RHA friends share different stories about their years there, they all agree that it was the teachers at RHA that made the real difference. "The transition into high school was easy for most of us because we had the right skills." Zach gives a shout out to Cherie Sachar, his grade 8 math teacher, who he says prepared him so well for what came next."We were ready."

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