TDSA to Mark 40th Anniversary with Gala

“For a year, we met – we had no building, no head of school and no money. There were those who thought we were never going to open. It seemed like a dream. And now, here we are 40 years later.”

These sentiments were shared at a recent Torah Day School of Atlanta (TDSA) board meeting by Rabbi Ilan Feldman, TDSA’s rabbinic advisor, about the school’s humble beginnings. He added that, “It took courage and vision on the part of those who stepped forward to lead given the uncertainty and lack of resources.”

The magnitude of this 40th anniversary milestone is not lost on TDSA’s current leadership and administration. Rabbi Meir Cohen, TDSA’s head of school, comments, “The number has a lot of significance in Jewish history and practice. The flood lasted 40 days, we wandered for 40 years, Moshe stayed on Mount Sinai for 40 days, the gestation period for a baby is 40 weeks. It marks the culmination of a developmental period, and an inflection point when a new phase begins, rife with potential.”

To mark this occasion, TDSA will host a gala celebration on Feb. 22, honoring three couples who have made monumental contributions to its success across the school’s history. Dr. Henry was TDSA’s founding president and Roslyn Falk served as vice president and treasurer for many years. They have stayed connected to the school continuously – long past the graduation of their own children, assisting in many different capacities. Through their intimate involvement, they have been witness to the school’s transformation.

“That first day in 1985, we had 19 students in a retooled childcare facility. Now, to see the school thriving, with a campus that was only a dream and more than 350 smiling faces is truly amazing.”

At the heart of TDSA is its beloved faculty. TDSA will honor a couple who have been a critical part of TDSA’s teaching staff. Rabbi Mordechai and Naomi Cohen came to Atlanta to teach at the school in 1995.

“They have been making a difference in the lives of our students for 30 years. And each year they continue to innovate,” notes Rabbi Cohen. “The Torah is a constant, but the students are new and unique every year. It never gets old,” remarks Naomi Cohen. During COVID, Mrs. Cohen began teaching her students ASL to help them translate the Torah passages they were learning, since masks were getting in the way of enunciation. Her students loved it so much that it has become a regular part of her curriculum. Walking into Rabbi Mordechai Cohen’s classroom, his genuine enthusiasm for Torah learning is palpable and infectious. So much so that he is now inspiring a second generation of “grand students.”

As TDSA looks toward its future, they are also acknowledging the contributions of its young leadership. Jordan and Erica Tritt moved to the Toco Hills neighborhood 15 years ago. Even before their own children were of school age, they knew TDSA would be their school of choice and wanted to get involved to help make a difference.

“Both our families taught us at a very young age that Jewish communal engagement and philanthropy were priorities. Supporting TDSA came naturally to us,” explains Jordan Tritt.

Both Erica and Jordan have served in numerous capacities – Jordan was on TDSA’s finance committee, board treasurer and is a member of the school’s current and prior capital campaign committees. Erica is current board secretary, serves on the legal advisory committee, and has been involved in developing TDSA’s strategic plan, coordinating parent engagement activities and promoting TDSA’s endowment. Rabbi Cohen points out, “Jordan and Erica represent the face of TDSA’s future – engaged community members who want to build a better tomorrow – knowing that the education of our children is key.”

In addition to paying homage to these three couples, TDSA will reveal plans for its future at the gala event, entitled, “Now is the Time to Illuminate TDSA.” Rabbi Cohen asserts, “Our history has shown time and again that Jewish education is critical to our national success. We see this 40th anniversary as the launching point for our exciting next chapter and hope that the community will come out to celebrate with us and share in our excitement for a bright future.”

For more information about the event, go torahday.org or contact the school office at 404-982-0800.