Kehilah, a Hebrew word meaning “community,” represents one of Rodeph Sholom School’s four core values and reflects our commitment to a sense of unity, respect, and collective responsibility. We are proud to highlight members of the Rodeph Sholom School community, like alumnus Jacob Marcus ’11, through our Kehilah Spotlight series.
Starting at Rodeph Sholom School in Kindergarten, I attribute my strong educational, social, and Jewish foundation to Rodeph Sholom School, which continues to shape my life today.
The Rodeph Sholom School curriculum provided a comprehensive education that did not prioritize any single subject. Through a balanced blend of “regular” coursework and Jewish Studies, I not only acquired knowledge in various subjects but also developed essential skills to learn and assess myself within the broader context of the world. This approach empowered me to become a lifelong learner.
After graduating from Rodeph Sholom School, I went on to Trinity for high school, where I felt both well-prepared and positioned to thrive. Even in subjects that I initially considered challenging, Rodeph Sholom School equipped me with the necessary tools to succeed in a competitive academic environment. This comfort in the classroom allowed me to confidently pursue extracurricular interests, such as being an active member of Trinity’s soccer and basketball teams. Eventually, I enrolled at Cornell University, where I pursued a major in Economics and minors in Business and East Asian Studies. This educational path laid the foundation for my career in investment banking, working at Centerview Partners and previously Rothschild & Co. All of these accomplishments trace back to the solid foundation I built during my time at Rodeph Sholom School.
Finally, from a social standpoint, some of my best friends to this day are the friends I made at Rodeph Sholom School. The school fostered an incredible sense of community not only for me but also for my family, enriching our lives.
With all that Rodeph has given me in my lifetime, I choose to give back. I am a member of the Alumni Council, where I work with fellow alumni of all ages on alumni initiatives and the growth of the Rodeph Sholom School alumni network. I also contribute to the Annual Fund every year, recognizing that previous generations’ generosity paved the way for my growth and achievements.
I invite you to join me in creating opportunities for future generations to thrive, just as others did for us.
Sincerely,
Jacob Marcus ’11
Since its inception in 1970, Rodeph Sholom School has been proud to have a strong culture of philanthropy. Our teachers and staff are invaluable in guiding our students through their early lives and adolescence, and our families and friends offer tremendous support, year after year, to make that work possible and to help our programs thrive. Learn more here.