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Hebrew Academy building ‘state-of-the-art’ playground

Seen at the groundbreaking for Hebrew Academy’s new playground are, from left, Hebrew Academy development director Carolyn Steinman, executive director Linda Lehrer, project co-chairs Karl Fallenbaum and David Tordjman, vice-president Elly Miller and educational director Rabbi Boruch Perton with kindergarten students.

MONTREAL — Hebrew Academy in Côte St. Luc has started construction of a state-of-the-art outdoor playground.

The groundbreaking took place May 2, coinciding with the official launch of a fundraising campaign.

The new playground will include a soccer field, basketball court and climbing wall, as well as a preschool area and a common space designed to provide a safe environment for students.

Hebrew Academy hopes to complete the project by the end of August in time for the start of the school year.

Forty per cent of the required funds have already been raised among private donors. In addition, over $5,000 has been raised by the students themselves through their recent Skip-a-Thon.

Hebrew Academy is seeking another $300,000. Donations will be recognized on bricks, benches, or even the entire project itself.

“There’s a buzz of excitement at the school,” said Shlomo Drazin, president and chair of the board. “Staff and students alike are enthusiastically awaiting the completion of this wonderful new playground. It will be enjoyed by children of all grade levels… providing them with more opportunities to get much needed fresh air and physical activity.”

“We are off to a flying start,” said Marla Veres, co-chair of the Campaign for Excellence. “Thanks to the generous contributions of our donors we are finally able to put our dreams into reality,”

“This playground is just one example of how donors’ dollars add value to the school,” said Elly Miller, the other co-chair. “As we approach our 50th anniversary, this campaign will contribute to our broader goal of ensuring the financial security and growth of the Hebrew Academy for the next 50 years.”

The co-ed school, founded in 1967, is “committed to the overriding importance of Talmud Torah and religious practice,” while upholding “the central religious significance of both the land of Israel and the State of Israel in the life of the Jewish Canadian community.”

The current enrolment is 630 students from kindergarten to Grade 11.

Parents and other donors are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming receptions to learn more about the playground project. Contact Carolyn Steinman at 514-489-5321 or visit: www.ha-mtl.org.