Robbins Hebrew Academy

Portraits of RHA Graduates David Matlow, class of 1975 David Matlow is a legal superstar – he is a partner at Goodman's LLP, one of Canada's most prestigious law firms – but he never forgets the impact Robbins Hebrew Academy (then USDS) had on his life. A 1975 graduate, David is a community leader and a bona fide Herzl expert. How did RHA shape you? I wouldn't say that everything I learned, I learned in kindergarten – but I would say that everything I learned I learned at USDS. Most importantly, we learned how to learn. The school was small so we had opportunities to get to know one another. My classmates were like my family – we grew up together. Do you still keep up with classmates from your years at RHA? In June, we had our 40th class reunion. It was a very moving evening. While we may not have seen one another for some years, we all shared a common bond: our early lives. After our 30th reunion, one of our classmates wrote an email saying what a privilege it was to grow up with this group. We all feel that way. Have you been involved in community work over the past years? I was the co-chair of the 2015 UJA Campaign. My first experiences with philanthropy were at USDS. At the outbreak of the Yom Kippur war in October 1973 (when I was in grade eight), I was the co-president of the Junior High Student Council. We organized a door-to-door emergency campaign that raised $2,500 for Israel's war effort. That same year, we participated in an experiential game called "Dilemma." Its purpose was to identify the priorities of a Jewish community and how to allocate a limited pool of funds amongst the many competing interests. All Jewish communities still wrestle with that issue. Why did you choose RHA for your children? My wife, Leanne, and I have three daughters – Naomi, Orli and Yael – who all graduated from RHA and TanenbaumCHAT. RHA was such an important part of my life that I wanted them to have the same experience. Leanne and I believe that a good Jewish education is critical to our children living meaningful lives in a pluralistic society because it grounds them in our history and traditions and lets them open their minds to new experiences at the same time. How has the school shaped your girls? Each of my kids had a unique RHA experience. But they all emerged from the school, and TanenbaumCHAT, with a love for the State of Israel, an appreciation for our history and an understanding of our traditions. They will chart their own paths through life, but Leanne and I have no doubt that they know where they came from. Why is RHA so special? RHA is unique because it is intimate. It makes Jewish values and history relevant because they are taught within the context of today's realities and challenges. RHA doesn't want to be just another school. It has purposely designed itself as a Jewish learning academy that is at the cutting-edge of teaching. It empowers graduates to live a Jewish life in a secular world and to have feet squarely in both camps. RHA changed my life. It will do that for the next generations of children.

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