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 parent and alum Olivia Spiewak ’04, P’35, through our Kehilah Spotlight series.
My name is Olivia Spiewak, Rodeph Sholom School Class of ‘04, and mother of Penelope ‘35 (Threes). I have the very special experience of being both a Rodeph Sholom School alumna and a current parent.
During my time as a student at Rodeph Sholom School, I formed friendships that have lasted a lifetime. There is no feeling quite like running into a fellow Rodeph Sholom School alum—there’s an unspoken bond, an immediate sense of connection, and shared experience. And it’s not just with classmates; it extends to parents, faculty, and staff. Just the other day, I bumped into a former teacher who still remembered the projects I worked on in middle school, a testament to the deep, lasting relationships built within this community.
As a parent, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for the value and importance of a Rodeph Sholom School education. One of my favorite moments of the day is the time Penelope and I spend together in the Ira and Diana Riklis Early Childhood Library each morning. It’s become our little ritual—browsing books, sharing stories, and soaking in the warmth of a space that has always felt like a second home to me. Watching her find her confidence in the classroom and build her own community has been a beautiful experience. She is growing into her own, supported by teachers who truly see and encourage her. The kindness, care, and dedication that shaped my education are still very much alive today, and I once again have the privilege of seeing how Rodeph Sholom School is inspiring and nurturing the next generation.
I am so proud to be part of a school that now spans multiple generations, and that Rodeph Sholom School continues to exist as a place for our children to receive a top-tier education grounded in Jewish traditions and values from an early age. Knowing what the School has done for me and what it continues to offer my daughter every day, I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing community.
Sincerely,
Olivia Spiewak ’04, P’35
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.