THE 11th AC REUNION IN VIRGINIA

11TH AC REUNION UPDATE - THEN AND NOW

Welcome to the 11th AC Reunion web site. Today is March 16, 2001 and the photos you are about to see were taken nearly 2 years ago.
It was a fun filled weekend in May of 1999 in West Virginia that saw most of the 11th AC ex-nicks reassemble for memories and new experiences - based in food, wine, song and friendship. Most came alone - some with spouses and some with kids. I have compiled a class list with pictures and words, and some candid shots from the weekend.
If  you want to add to the site, update it, or correct some info - send me an email to mgoldberg@oslmarketing.com. I promise that sometime in the next couple of years, I will do my best to incorporate your changes. After all - it has only taken nearly two years to get this done.

In the text, please note that the THEN refers to The 11th AC Yearbook - published in the late Spring of 1980; the NOW refers to some months in late 1998/early '99 as Robert and I pulled information together from this great group of ex-nicks. ENJOY!
 
 

Michael Almog

Then: We thought he would be a "Jewish Mafia Leader"; Greatest Accomplishment was "taking a shower"; Favorite Expression "Sure, I knew you could. Beseder."

Now: Michael attended the University of Pennsylvania as an undergraduate and received his Masters and Ph.D. from New York University.

Michael currently is a self-employed film producer, but really "does lunches."

In his spare time, Michael enjoys world travel, widget production and psychological and spiritual exploration.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) Near-fatal car accident; (2) trekking in the Himalayas; and, (3) leaving academia for Hollywood.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) End of the Cold Ware; (2) Michael Jordan; and (3) Internet.

Whom do you admire and why? Roberto Begnini – His perspective on life.

 What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? Finding the meaning of life.

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? The Tiyul Shnati.

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? Yes, in every conceivable and inconceivable way.

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? Eating Thai food.
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Judy Bornstein

Then: We thought she would be a "mid. Yeh. Midricha" or "Body language therapist.; Greatest Accomplishment "surveying every tiyul"; Favorite Expression "Yeesh! I’m so fired up!"

Now: Judy graduated from Hampshire College and then received an MBA from Simmons Graduate School of Management.

Single, Judy has several good friends whom she refers to as the Inner Circle (Melissa, Peter, Chris, Lynn, Jeff, Stephanie and Polly).

She is the director of National Operations for Smartroute Systems and does lots of "really cool work" organizing each of Smartroute’s Operations nationally. Smartroute is trying to be in every major metropolitan area in the US. She works on budgets, financial models and putting practices in place to get Smartroute organized and nationally consistent.

When not working, Judy is learning to play the trumpet, studying Italian, spending time with friends and dreaming of Tuscany.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) Becoming an adult; (2) getting involved in feminist politics; and, (3) going back to business school.
 
 

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) The ongoing/increasing transition to a multinational economy; (2) the event of the Internet; and (3) the demise of disco.

Whom do you admire and why? "Everyone in the Inner Circle and a cast of thousands! I think it’s easy to find people to admire – lots of excellent people out there accomplishing amazing things every day, and with plenty of moral fortitude to boot!"

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "Something substantial in the arena of work and/or society, and maintaining a commitment to joy."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "I don’t have one favorite memory, but I do remember laughing so hard when we’d arrive at school in the morning and the desks would have been rearranged (facing backwards, on the field, on the roof). Who did that anyway?"

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "Well, it certainly instilled in me a deep appreciation for community, which in turn affects many choices I make to this day (and ongoingly)."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "Can I get back to you in 2018 about this?"
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Tamara E. Cheyette-Cohen

Then: We thought she would be a "hair stylist"; Greatest Accomplishment was "Master’s degree in hairstyling"; Favorite Expression "I’m just being Josephus."

 Now: Tamara graduated from Umass Amherst and the received her MS from Vanderbilt University. She married Alberto on July 24, 1994 and they have one son, Jacob born June 19, 1995.

 "Jacob is my full time job. But I do have a part time job where I wear all the hats. I’ve started a custom clothing business out of my home." Her job title is "Maymeeee! (must be said with a whine!).

 "In my full time job: make meals (often consisting of peanut butter on crackers), clean out boo-boos, carry a bag full of trucks and snacks to the park, arrange play dates, entertain on nonplay date days, lots of shlepping to the library, children’s museums etc. and ENDLESS amounts of laundry!"

 "In my part time, I design, create all the patterns for, and sew custom clothing for women of any size, 12 years of age and up. I design both sports wear and special occasion wear. I love it! Sometime I wish I could make my full time job part time and my business my full time job! But until I can charge $1000 for a skimpy T, like Donna Karan, I’ll have to make do."

 "I don’t really have any non-work projects that I’m passionate about since I turned my non-work passion (designing, sewing, etc.) into work. We do have a new house that has endless amounts of work to be done both inside and out, plus we have a puppy that needs a lot of love and affection and training. That’s about it for non-work projects."

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? "(1) Graduate School: Made me realize I love the world of fashion more than the world of science (shallow but true); (2) Meeting Alberto: I loved him enough to work hard at putting my screwy emotional life in order so that we could have a happy and healthy marriage; and, (3) Having Jacob: Has made me admit to myself that I am not a patient person and that although I love being a mother it is not the be-all-and-end-all of my life. I need to have some outside intellectual stimulation to stay sane."

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) The world wide spread of AIDS; (2) the Israeli-Palestinian Peace accord; and (3) the break-up of the Soviet Union.

Whom do you admire and why? "A local designer, Eiko, who has a very successful boutique here in West Hartford, selling original designs. " The late Yitzchak Rabin, King Hussein of Jordan and Yassir Arafat, all for having the courage to give up some of what they fought for to make a lasting peace.

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "I would like to have my own design label and boutique, whether it is a store front in town or simply out of my own home."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "That’s a really difficult question! I have lots of memories that I’m fond of so I will name two that stand out: Our misibat sium and working in the children’s clothing factory. At our misibat sium, I felt like our class had really come together as a group. I was proud in my choreography for the dance the class did (even though Pinchas refused to put my name on the program for my choreography). And I had fun singing with Robert. I just remember being on a real happy high that night. Although it was the one and only time I drank so much that I don’t really remember how I got to my bed that night. The last thing I remembered was all of us lying on the lawn together looking at the stars."

"I loved the job I had in the children’s clothing factory, even though I really just did a lot of scut work and rarely got to work on one of the machines. I didn’t realize how much the women who worked there thought about me until the end when they gave me a surprise party where they presented me with a Jalabia that they had made for me."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "I’m not really sure. I had wanted to return to Israel since my family had spent a year in Jerusalem when I was in first grade. I think I still would have returned after graduating high school, as I did. The only thing that Kfar Blum probably changed for me was that I was able to graduate a year early from high school, which I doubt I would have been able to do without being in the American Class."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "I would like to be enjoying a successful business and a happy (empty nest) marriage. I hope that Alberto and I will be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Hopefully with grown happy, healthy child/ren and the possibility of travel, and turning our house in to the dream home we fantasize about."
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Naomi Coodin (nee Cohen)

 Then: We thought she would be a "leg shaving specialist"; Greatest Accomplishment was "changing and growing"; Favorite Expression "Come on guys, communism?"

Now: Naomi received both her bachelors degree in music and education from the University of Western Ontario. She married Sheppy on August 5, 1990 and has two children: Yonaton "Yoni" (July 25, 1996) and Netanel "Elly" (July 21, 1998).

Besides being a mom, Naomi teaches Judaic studies at the Gray Academy of Jewish Education. Naomi also sings, dances, reads stories, paints, dries tears, does-up zippers both at home and at work! She is also on an Israel Committee that plans programs for the community around Israeli themes.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) Solo trip to Europe in 1989; (2) wedding and birth of children – "I know, I know, too cliché – but these events did change my life in more profound ways than anything else could have"; and, (3) "Conversation with my mom before she died in which we decided that we would continue to communicate after her death through the Canada geese that fly overhead in April and October."

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? "I have to answer this one by saying that the following things were the least important events to happen to the world but for reasons that I will never understand, they occupied our time, minds, and energy for way too long: OJ, Monica and Princess Di."

Whom do you admire and why? "My mother-in-law, who is the most resourceful person I know. She is a widow (of seven years) who doesn’t allow her being alone to cramp her style. She backpacks to exotic places, stargazes in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere, and treats her grandchildren like the smart little people that they are."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? Go back to Kfar Blum and skinny dip in the swimming pool.

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "Sitting on the banks of the Jordan writing in my journal and looking at a rainbow. Running on the track at dusk. Dipping biscuits in chocolate sauce at the back of the bus on one of the tiyulim."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "Yes. When I decided to go into Music Education at university, it was originally because I saw myself returning to a kibbutz in Israel to teach violin. I never have returned to live there, mainly because I can’t bear the thought of my children having to serve in Zahal."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "I can’t wrap my brain around what I’ll be doing that far in the future. Life throws too many curve balls.. . ."
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Ari David

Then: We thought he would be the "Defense Minister of the USSR"; Greatest Accomplishment was "changing his mind"; Favorite Expression "God Bless America, god-damn commie!"

Now: Ari graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in finance. Ari received his JD from Temple University Law School and currently works from Crowell & Moring where he is an associate in the firm’s government contract group.. He represents clients in contract disputes with the US Government.

He married his wife Wendy in October 1996 and they are expecting their first child. In his spare time, Ari is passionately trying to secure a favorable place in history for Richard Nixon.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? Getting married.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) The retirement of ABBA; (2) the collapse of the Soviet Union; and (3) the first time Monica Lewensky felated Bill Clinton.

Whom do you admire and why? "Howard Stern, Baba Booey and Dirk Digler. Who wouldn’t admire them?"

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "Raising our yet to be born children to be menchen."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "Nothing in particular comes to mind, but I only have fond memories."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "I don’t know."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "Enjoying life with a healthy family."
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Steven Eisner

Then: We thought he would be a "miser" or the "5^th Beatle"; Greatest Accomplishment was "getting it"; Favorite Expression "Why don’t you ever hug me?"

Now: Steven graduated from Tulane University with a BSE in biomedical egineering. He puts this to food use as a facility engineer for Cenesite Digital Studios. He does a lot of systems administration, film scanning and recording.

He has one son, Benjamin (January 15, 1995), and was married to his wife Jill in 1988. He enjoys being a father and husband.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) Marriage; (2) Child; and (3) Reunion 1999.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) LA Riots; (2) current activities in Kosovo; and (3) 1980 murder of John Lennon.

Whom do you admire and why? "I admire my Dad. He’s a great guy with a well-balanced life."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "Peace of Mind" "My favorite memory is of the feeling of camaraderie and love I had for the class and adoptive family. I also kissed Ronda once, which was kinda fun."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "My favorite memory is of the feeling of camaraderie and love I had for the class and adoptive family. I also kissed Ronda once, which was kinda fun."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "Who knows. But I do believe that a lot of who I am today has to do with that year."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "I’d like to still be healthy, be done with college payments (at least my current child’s), not yet be a grandfather, and still be made incredibly happy by my wife and kid(s)."
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Jason Ellis

Then: We thought he would be "Superman" or "Rocky II"; Greatest Accomplish-ment was his "body!"; Favorite Expression "Silly goose, you faggot."

Now: Jason went to Golden Gate University and received a degree in hotel and restaurant management.

He married Rose on June 30, 1989 and has two sons: Mike (January 18, 1982) and Matt (May 20, 1991).

 Jason has his own catering company, Mayflower Catering, and does everything from sales, bookkeeping and deliveries. He is also the head bottle washer.

In his spear time, Jason plays hockey and soccer, spends time with his kids and volunteers at the Rotary.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) College degree; (2) marriage, and (3) kids.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) Fall of Soviet Union; (2) computers; and (3) Kfar Blum Class Reunion.

Whom do you admire and why? "Elvis – he’s dead."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "Positive cash flow."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "Moving Pinchas’ classroom outside, and Tiyulim trips."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "It sparked my interest in cooking."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "More travel."
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Ronda Erenberg

Then: We thought she would be a "housewife or cleaning lady"; Greatest Accomplishment was "burning the most candles"; Favorite Expression "Save it."

Now: Ronda graduated from the University of Manitoba and then received an MBA from the University of Toronto. She married David on August 19, 1990 and has two children: Max (May 11, 1993) and Jona (October 14, 1994).

Ronda is a full-time mom and is self-employed in her own financial planning company. She also sells real estate on the side. She does everything!

She volunteers for the Winnipeg Jewish community, raises money to fund Jewish agencies, plans children programming for the Jewish Community Center and sits on boards of various Jewish organizations.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? "The birth of my two children would have to rank as the two most life altering/amazing/awesome/miraculous and important events of my life. Of course, neither of those two events would have been possible if it hadn’t been for my marriage to my husband, David. I fell in love with David when I was in 7^th grade and he in 12^th. Only he didn’t know it until we were reintroduced some 13 years later. He is the lightening rod of my life, source of all love and stability."

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979?

"My life resolves around my children and my family, but if I am forced to look outside our cozy little cocoon, I would say world events worthy of notice would be: Fall of the Berlin Wall, Middle East Peace Talks and easing of borders restrictions in the FSU."

Whom do you admire and why? "My late grandfather, Joseph Erlichman. My daughter is named in his honor. He was a man of strong character, flawlessly fair, generous with his time and resources and loving and supportive of his family."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "To raise children who will be become worthy citizens of our community and the world."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "Waking up in the desert on our Judean Heights field trip. Being in the middle of such an historical locale, far from our modern conveniences and sensing nature and history all around."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "Yes. I cam back to Winnipeg with a strong sense of my Jewish identity and a connection to Israel and our local Jewish Community."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "Retired, living in Florida?!"
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Marty Goldberg

Then: We thought he would be a "dealer in hot term papers" or a clown; Greatest Accomplishment was "getting it up"; Favorite Expression "I’ll do it! I’ll do it!"

Now: Marty went to the University of Manitoba and graduated with honors in economics. At York University Faculty of Administrative Studies, Marty did an MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. He married Sharon Eve on August 4, 1987 and has three children: Adina (November 13, 1991), Tamar (August 15, 1993) and Leora (November 27, 1995).

 Marty is the managing director of Generator Ideaworks and comes up with marketing ideas for clients. Marty spends a lot of time with his family.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) Went to Camp Ramah in 1984 and met Sharon; (2) had sex (at least three times); and (3) brought wife and babies home from the hospital three times.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? The three items listed above or (1) the Internet; (2) the Fall of the Berlin Wall; and (3) hair loss.

Whom do you admire and why? "My wife, my complement – noble, loving, bright women."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? Pay off the mortgage. Retire young enough to enjoy it. Travel to Spain. Become a grandfather and live well.

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? Panty raid. Meeting everyone. Rugby. The Miklat. Sonia/Margolit.

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "Yes - development of a personality, confidence."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "Voting for Ari David, Commander-in-Chief of North America."
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Melanie Hahn

Then: We thought she would be a "nuclear plant manager"; Greatest Accomplishment was "getting a joke"; Favorite Expression "I’m not gullible! Wow, that’s great!"

Now: Melanie attended Oberlin College and Columbia University and is now attending New York University for her masters in acting.

She currently works for Credit Suisse First Boston as an administrative assistant. Nonetheless, she is writing a novel, a site-specific opera and a CD ROM film. Melanie loves to write, but not while practicing yoga.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? "(1) Had artistic residences at Yaddo, Virginia Center for Creative Arts; (2) performed in Europe and NYC: and (3) moved to NYC and earned my MFA."

 What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) The dissolution of the Soviet Union; (2) the Internet; and (3) the dialogue between East, West, North and South hemispheres."

Whom do you admire and why? "My great, great grandfather, Ephraim Katzman and subject of my novel. He made a life proscribed by others totally his own."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "To leave behind a body of creative work that resonates with others. To have a primary relationship and good friends."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "The gazelles leaping around the pool. Dancing in the Miklat. Tiyul to the West Bank and Golan."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "Yes. I spent another year on a kibbutz before deciding I’m too private to live so communally."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "I’d like to be writing, teaching, involved in a relationship, maybe raising a child, living in NYC and the Country."
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David Klaiman

Then: We thought he would be an "unemployed comedian" or a "2 year old"; Greatest Accomplishment was "getting it down"; Favorite Expression "Studley dudley!"

Now: David graduated from Grinnell College and then received his MSW from the University of Michigan. David received his JD from the University of Minnesota.

David married Amy (July 23^rd is their anniversary) and has two boys: Maxwell "Max" Julius (February 10, 1997) and Jacob "Jake" Seth (November 5, 1998).

David is an attorney for Aafedt, Forde, Gray & Monson where he does the "usual lawyer stuff – play cards, schmooze clients and take naps." When not at work, David runs and plays with his kids and wife "sappy as that is."

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) Divorced from his first wife; (2) his marriage to Amy; and (3) birth of his two sons.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) Fall of the Berlin Wall; and, (2) "People realizing just how stupid Jesse Ventura is – wait, that hasn’t happened yet."

Whom do you admire and why? "Anyone who knows when to use who and whom correctly."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "Getting ready to retire so I can travel with my wife and golf whenever I want."
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Sam Kramer

Then: We thought he would be the "6^th Beatle" or a transvestite: Greatest Accomplishment was "increasing pigmentation in nose"; Favorite Expression "I’ve got shilsul. Nuggie patrol."
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Debbie Kriss

Then: We thought she would be "dean of physical science at Oxford"; Greatest Accomplishment was "swatting a fly"; Favorite Expression "Scatological."

Now: Debbie graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School with a degree in economics.

She lives in Tokyo where she works for General Electric Medical Systems. Debbie is the Risk Management Champion for Japan and manages balance sheet risk, runs GE’s Financial Management Program in Japan and frequently does financial training in China. She is the membership director of the Board of Tokyo’s Foreign Executive Women’s Group and is very involved with a number of specific events the group organizes.

Aside from her family and friends, Debbie enjoys the company of her two cats.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) Moving to Japan; (2) working for GE; and (3) becoming involved with Foreign Executive Women.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) Rapid Progress in information technology; (2) fall or modification of communism in many parts of the world; and (3) globalization of the world economy even as political barriers refuse to yield.

Whom do you admire and why? "Bill and Hillary Clinton – They’ve both made sincere and successful efforts to promote women’s equality and civil rights; Bill Gates – Microsoft’s software launched the revolution that has helped level the playing field in the business world and drive productivity to high levels; Jack Welch – a visionary corporate leader who proactively made GE one of the most successful and admired company in the world; my parents – they did their very best to give me all the opportunities they could."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "Besides making a lot of money and leaving it all to good causes, I’d like to write a really good historical novel, but I’m a lot better at making money than writing, and I haven’t made a LOT of money yet, so I doubt I will achieve the literary goal . . "

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "A few things I remember specifically – Aruchat Arba with my adoptive family each day; visiting a mysterious Byzantine Church built into the wall of a gorge (wadi something, I can’t remember now) on a tiyul we took, and striking up an acquaintance with a German volunteer who personally expressed her deepest regrets to me about the Holocaust and who in doing so made me realize that guilt and blame are neither collective nor eternal."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "Yes. Living in Israel that year was the first time for me to be away from my family, and I made a lot of mistakes, but at the same time I developed a great curiosity about the world and decided I wanted to experience living in many different places. I’ve been able to this and generally I’ve not repeated the mistakes I made in that year in Israel."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "I will be living in the US and will perhaps be running my own company. I think that it would be very interesting to be involved in local government at least on a part-time basis."
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Caroline Libresco

Then: We thought she would be a "flower child"; Greatest Accomplishment was "shaving her legs"; Favorite Expression "Anyone want applesauce? Groove City."

Now: Caroline graduated from Oberlin College with a BA in religion and theater. Then she attended Harvard University where she received a masters in history of religion. In 1999 she is planning to graduate from UCLA Film School with a masters in film producing.

Fresh out of a break up, Caroline has good friends, family and a few key colleagues: "I could name them, but I won’t bore you."

Aunt Caroline has one niece, Juliana DeVaan (January 14, 1997) and is expecting a second niece the week of May 13^th!

 Caroline works for Independent Television Service that funds, produces and promotes documentaries and dramas for public television as a communications and programming consultant. She handles media and field relations, writing and editing, web site development, programming and development.

Caroline is working on her thesis for her MFA in film producing (writing a script, producing a documentary and a children’s show) and co-writing a book on the phenomenon of single life for women in this country. Caroline sing and participates in film juries (Sundance and SF Int’l Film Festival) and reviews films for the San Francisco Bay Guardian.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? "(1) Falling in love; (2) living in Russia, traveling Eastern Europe, visiting my grandmother’s birthplace in Belorussia in 1993; (3) getting involved in film (beginning with writing/producing my own feature film and directing the SF Jewish Film Festival)."

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) AIDS; (2) The fall of the Berlin Wall (Perestroika); (3) the Internet; and (4) "tofurkey (it’s a joke)."

Whom do you admire and why?"

- Molly Picon, comic 1920s Yiddish screen actress, for embodying irreverence, ballsiness, hilarity, and feminine passion all at once. (Yidl Mit Ein Fidl.)

- Niki de St. Phalle, 1960s action painter, for playing target practice with paint-filled balloons nailed to canvasses and for building brightly-colored dwellings in the Tuscan countryside in the shape of huge female bodies.

- Marion Wright Edelman, head of the Children’s Defense Fund, for having all the right priorities.

- PJ Harvey, singer, for writing beautiful, edgy melodies and smart lyrics that get you right where it hurts.

- Lenny Bruce, for saying "fuck you"

- Warren Buffett, for making a ton of money in a persistent, understated way.

- Walter Salles, Brazilian director, for writing and directing the best film I’ve seen all year: "Central Station"

- Meredith Monk, composer/dancer/filmmaker ever, for successfully bringing ancient ideas into avant-garde forms.

- Paul Robeson, for being full of integrity in art and politics

- Hilary Clinton, for being smart and wildly capable

- Abraham Joshua Heschel, for creating a politicized, very cool theology

- Oh yeah, and Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Malcolm X, Che Guevara, Cesar Chavez, Allende etc. You know, all those lefty political leaders…"

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? living well, making a lot of money, exercising my huge ambition – on intellectual, artistic, monetary, professional levels, being the head of a mini-studio and a major film festival, adopting 1 child, learning French, Russian and Yiddish, living in Europe for longer than six months, traveling to India for an extended period, getting over my dad being such a schmuck, meeting my half-brother and half-sister, memorizing 20 poems, growing up, making a record"

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "Friday afternoons/evenings – that sense that there is nothing more to do: work day is done, shower off, get clean, put on best clothes, have kabbalat shabbat with the gang in the Mo’adon, go to family’s house as the sun goes down, eat in the chadar ochel, dance in the miklat, sleep the sleep of the innocent."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "I was emotionally kind of cut off (cauterized) that year. Plus, soon after, I got politically disgusted with Israel and denounced the whole "Zionist" project into which I felt I had been indoctrinated by both the American class and Habonim. But, that said, the year at KB definitely awakened my fascination with origins, Jewish history, ancient beginnings, the complexity of religious traditions."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "- working hard; creating art; hanging out with loved ones in interesting places; learning a new profession, such as clinical psychology or teaching; celebrating the new legislation for socialized medicine in this country."
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Glen Makiri

Then: We thought he would be a "veterinarian"; Greatest Accomplishment was "bar mitzvah"; Favorite Expression "fluchers! Fluchers!"

 Now: Glen graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a B. A. in Psychology and then attended UCLA’s M.S.W. program. In 1997, Glen obtained his license in clinical social work (L.C.S.W.). Glen is Bilingual in Spanish and has studied Hebrew, Italian and German.
 
 

Glen is the Director of Homeless Services at St. Joseph Center in Venice, CA., where he provides leadership to 10 paraprofessional Case Managers who assist clients to regain a sense of their position in our very complex society. Glen’s objectives at the Center have been to create new systems so that the program can increase its success ratio in reducing homelessness in the Santa Monica-Venice community. Since the homeless are so unpredictable in their behavior, Glen works very closely with case managers, drilling in the notion of "Customer Service." In order for the client to succeed, s/he must feel valued by the case manager. Glen worked for three years with Spanish speaking individuals and families, living with HIV/AIDS. Glen has been on the frontline of HIV/AIDS since 1983, when he brought doctors to UC Santa Cruz to educate Gay students about the illness. Glen would like to transfer all of his expertise into the business world in order to start making some "fluching" money! Teachers and Social Workers are so fluching financially under-appreciated.

When not working, Glen spends time training for the California AIDS Ride, hiking, studying Italian and German and visits with good friends. Glen highly reveres strong friendships. Glen no longer sings "Emek Huleh" in his spare time as he has so little of it.

Three Most Important Events to happen to me since 1979? 1) coming out, 2) graduating from college and graduate school 3) being involved in HIV/AIDS work

Three Most Important Events to happen to the world since 1979. (1)Austin Powers. (2)The AIDS Quilt (3) More Gay and Lesbian activism to fight the Moral Majority, which is neither moral or the majority. Hopefully, the legalization of gay and lesbian marriages will be coming down the pike.

Whom do I admire? I admire all of the unsung heroes in the world, including those who devote their lives to social services and to volunteerism. I guess I admire myself! I admire those living with HIV and cancer, as I have witnessed such courage in so many diverse individuals who have succeeded in leaving their mark in the world. I admire those who are teachers for planting seeds of hope in the lives of babes. I admire Austin Powers for his silly attempts to emulate James Bond.

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? I hope to improve upon my financial portfolio, to find that special sensitive and sexy man and to adopt at least two children. (Matchmaking will be graciously received). I look forward to the idea of being a grandparent and aging gracefully. I would also like to have those great abs (impossible-how’d you do it Robert?), travel Latin America, become fluent in as many foreign languages as possible, learn to play a musical instrument and maybe to become the first Gay President.

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel? Actually, my ultimate memory is standing in that tiny synagogue and having all of you guys around me cheering me on. It still brings happiness to me. I loved the part when my dad took a photo of me and the old men in the corner started talking very loudly and I had to bang on the bannister to get them to shut up during my torah portion. Tiulim were also incredibly important to me.

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum Experience? If I said no, I'd be lying. It was the best year of my youth and probably one of the best in my life to date. Kfar Blum instilled in me more than I will ever be able to express in this survey.

What would you like to be doing in 2019? We will be about 54 years old? Well, it’s very hard to think that far ahead. I hope I will be doing a little more traveling, saving for my children’s college tuition, Riding in the AIDS Ride for the 20th year ( if AIDS is still around) and building houses with Habitat for Humanity.
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Ron Medzon

Then: We thought he would be an "instructor of any kind"; Greatest Accomplishment was "one day of optimism"; Favorite Expression "Oh? It’s simple."

Now: Ron graduated from McGill University with a bachelors in science before attending Albert Einstein College of Medicine at the Yeshiva University.

Ron is married to Karyn and they have two sons: Daniel (December 31, 1992) and Noah (May 29, 1997).

Ron is an assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine where he teaches residents emergency medicine, how to tie disorderly drunken people to their stretchers and sew assorted body parts back onto trauma victims. When not working, Ron spends time with his family.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) A year of travel through Europe and North Africa; (2) going to medical school and meeting the wife; and (3) delivering a baby.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) Cloning vertebrates; (2) realignment of Eastern Europe; and (3) personal computers and the Internet.
 
 

Whom do you admire and why? Ignaz Philip Semmelweiss – Austrian physician who discovered that germs from one infected individual could be passed to another by a doctor who had not washed his hands between examining patients. Spent an entire year living on an obstetrics ward forcing reluctant and ridiculing doctors to wash their hands thereby reducing the 30-40% mortality rate to zero for expectant mothers. He solved a major worldwide problem with a beautifully simple solution, and had the tenacity to stand by his beliefs despite scorn and ridicule.

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "Walking on the edge of an aqueduct above a sheer drop-off in Wadi Kelt exhilarated and oblivious to the obvious danger."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "It instilled in me a love for travel which has taken me to more than 20 countries and plans for many more."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? Traveling, experiencing excellent health, possibly dean of a medical school.
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Robert Mison

Then: We thought he would be a "fat man in circus"; Greatest Accomplishment was "weight loss"; Favorite Expression "No offense, but . . . "

Now: Robert graduated from Brandeis University and attended Mansfield College, Oxford University. After working in the real-world for a while, he attended Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California in Berkeley where he became a lawyer.

Robert is a senior associate at Steefel, Levitt & Weiss in San Francisco. He specializes in intellectual property and advertising law, helping clients advertise responsibly while challenging their competitors who don’t.

In his spare time, Robert was a founding director of San Francisco Opera’s BRAVO! Club, the young professional support organization for SFO. He also was a former president of the National Educational Foundation for Individual Freedom, a non-profit organization that funds law student work in gay and lesbian civil rights and direct legal services to those with HIV disease. Robert also has written several articles about and lectures on advertising and diversity within the legal profession.

Robert enjoys to travel, listen to good music, watch loud-special effects movies, works out regularly and still watches his weight every day.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) Transformation from a happy, go-luck kid to a professional, efficient attorney; (2) moved to California in time to defrost my frozen New York heart; and (3) had sex..

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) AIDS; (2) the invention of the PC and its aftermath; and (3) the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union.

Whom do you admire and why? ""Without question my parents. They instilled in me a commitment to community and responsibility to help others. They also made sure I had a strict musical education, despite my Mom’s inability to sing. They represent to me all that is good in man (and woman) and the paradigm of a loving relationship."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "Leave something, anything, to be remembered by in the generations to come."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "On one of tiyuls with the nationwide 10^th Grade classes, the counselors line the walls of a deep-powder and chalk wadi with candles. If memory serves me, they woke us all up early and made us walk through this wonderland of candles before watching an unforgettable sunrise over the desert."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "I learned never, ever to match the color of my socks with the stripes in my shirt."
 
 

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? Listening to good music in a comfortable chair overlooking a beautiful vista while friends gather in the kitchen to cook dinner.
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Daniel Promislow

Then: We thought he would be a lawyer; Greatest Accomplishment was "not being a F.W."; Favorite Expression "What about math Martin?"

Now: Daniel graduated from the University of Chicago and then received his D. Phil. In Zoology from Oxford University.

Daniel is an assistant professor at the University of Georgia where he studies "the evolution of sex and death." He also teaches, counsels, writes manuscripts and grants, manages a lab, purchases equipment, sits on committees and, of course, speaks about sex and death.

When no talking about sex and death, Daniel kayaks, cooks and listens to music.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? "(1) I returned to KB to attend an ‘outdoor recreation’ program in lieu of school for a semester. It helped me to develop a real love for the wilderness 9though that really first happened in the Judean desert); (2) College (U. Chicago) was another critical step in my life course. It was really the first time that I felt challenged and exposed to the limitless possibilities for intellectual discovery; and (3) Graduate school in England, where I came to really appreciate the virtues of warm, flat beer.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? "I don’t think we can really know the answer for a least a few decades, but at this point I’d hazard a guess; (1) the end of apartheid; (2) the fall of the Berlin Wall/Collapse of communism; and (3) the development of the Internet."

Whom do you admire and why? "So many people. The Bulgarian all-women’s choir, If there were on e true harmony, the ‘platonic’ harmony, they would be it."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "Fix my car, replace the pipes in my house, work on my horn playing, get tenure, have a family, live in Vancouver, inspire my students, see Antarctica, paddle in Northern Canada, speak Spanish, walk the High Sierras, study piano, find the right balance of work and play, etc."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "I have no ‘favorite’ memory – there are so many – but I will always have fond recollections of scrambling up rocky hillsides in the desert on our tiyul."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "Probably the biggest effect of KB was on my social life. The intensity of friendships at KB has affected what I look for in friendships ever since."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "Probably a lot of what I’m paid to do now – thinking up crazy ideas, writing, helping students learn ho to teach themselves."
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Sarah Leventhal Roark

Then: We thought she would be "president of the Pinchas Rimon fan club"; Greatest Accomplishment was "healthiest classnick"; Favorite Expression "Sam, you god-damn homosexual!"

Now: Sarah went to the Hebrew University and Goucher College and received her BS in elementary education and philosophy. She then attended George Washington University where she received a masters in education and human development. Sarah is also certified by the College of Jewish Studies of the Board of Education of Greater Washington as a Jewish Family Life Educator.

Sarah has been married to her husband David since October 8, 1992 and they have two children: Simone Anne (October 22, 1993) and Brendan Gabriel (May 30, 1997).

Sarah is director of family education and a religious school teacher at Congregation Beth El of Montgomery County. She develops programs to realize Judaism’s relevance and accessibility. Her family and work take up most of her time.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? "In addition to the children, marriage and graduations listed above, my mother’s passing away five years ago has had enormous impact."

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? "Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination would be number one."

Whom do you admire and why? "Teachers - -I have had and many ordinary people whose lives are about selflessness, giving, caring for others and change."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "I would like to be a good person."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "The buoyant feeling of being constantly surrounded and supported by love, friendship and acceptance."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "More than I ever could have imagined. I lived in Israel for many years after the class and was a member of Kibbutz Sde Yoav for four years. I am a Jewish educator."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? I wouldn’t be shocked to find myself professionally doing the same thing, but maybe I’ll go back to school and become a medical ethicist, rabbi or administrator."
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Dan Sabah

Then: We thought he would be an orthodontist; Greatest Accomplishment was "being mature"; Favorite Expression "What is this, not talking to me hour?"

Now: Dan went to various colleges before he received his degree in English literature and religious studies. He received his JD from Loyola Law School and is married to Lisa.

He works at SEIF where he is the VP of Development. Dan says he "rapes the land and puts up little pink houses." Dan also is a member of the Mastiff Club of America.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) Gained weight; (2) got laid; and (3) matured.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? "(1) I gained weight; (2) I got laid; and (3) I matured."

Whom do you admire and why? "Daniel Promislow, because he gets to be a scholar."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "Relaxation and no stress – a long way to go!"

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? Jodi Smorden.

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? Yes.

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? Sailing the Caribbean.
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Lora Elliachar Tarlin

Then: We thought she would be an astronaut; Greatest Accomplishment was "being polite in Menashe’s class"; Favorite Expression "Ishkabibble-bushki. Help Me!"

Now: Lora graduated from American University and then went to Brandeis University for her masters.

She married Dan on December 15, 1991 and has two children and is expecting another child this fall: Solomon (August 6, 1995) and Issac (March 14, 1997).

Lora teaches Hebrew school and takes care of her kids. She also volunteers at the Jewish Community Center, Early Intervention programs and Hadassah.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) Got married; (2) father died; and (3) had children.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? "I have to think about this!!"

Whom do you admire and why? "My mom, because she is an amazing person and has accomplished a lot in her lifetime on her own."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? "Being the best damn class Kfar Blum ever had."

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "Yes! Life was totally altered."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? Retired.
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Ayelet Waldman
Then: We thought she would be an actress; Greatest Accomplishment was "growing ½" up"; Favorite Expression "tan me sun."

Now: Ayelet graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA and then went off to Harvard Law School.

She married Michael Chabon on October 10, 1993 and had two children: Sophie Helen (October 31, 1994) and Ezekiel "Zeke" Napoleon (July 3, 1997).

Ayelet is a writer and recently signed a three-book deal with Penguin. She also is an adjunct professor at Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley.

Ayelet is producing an independent feature film in between driving writing, teaching and driving carpool.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) "I met my B’sheret – my husband"; (2) graduated from law school; and (3) had kids.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) The cyber-universe; (2) the end of the cold war and the destruction of the Soviet Union – leaving a fractured, poverty-stricken society that just so happens to have whole shitload of nuclear warheads; and (3) the ATM machine.

Whom do you admire and why? "(1) My husband because he is not only a brilliant writter but an amazing father and partner; (2) The Hon. Fern M. Smith of the United States District Court because she went from being a stay-at-home mother with no college degree to one of the most thoughtful judges on the federal bench in Northern California; (3) Hillary Clinton – It’s obvious why; and (4) The physicians of the organization Doctors without Borders for being motivated entirely by a desire to do good and for being brave enough to risk their lives every day."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "I would like to find a solution to the dilemma of parenting and work. I would like to find a way to have a challenging and exciting career without abandoning my children. Any one have any ideas because so far I’m stumped."

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? Disco Eged. Karen’s tampon cake. Eating soup with Sarah at her family’s house on rainy school days.

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "Well, I probably wouldn’t have been so enamored of Israel that I spent six years in a pointless relationship with a kibbutznick. But then, I might not have been free to meet my husband when I did so it’s all for the best. Kfar Blum salvaged my relationship with my family be getting me out of the house at the right moment."

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? "Writing, traveling and watching my children graduate from college."
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Jay Wiener

 
 

Then: We thought he would be a "con artist"; Greatest Accomplishment was his "perfect Hebrew accent"; Favorite Expression "my fish pond."
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Karen K. Zivan

Then: We thought she would be a "ballerina"; Greatest Accomplishment was "moving her big toe"; Favorite Expression "David, write me a poem. How silly of me."

Now: Karen graduated from Smith College and then married Bruce on November 8, 1987. They have five children: Noah (July 11, 1990); Etan (April 7, 1992); Mickey (January 2, 1994); Ari (August 1, 1995) and Elie (November 3, 1998).

Besides raising five boys, Karen is a Hebrew teacher at the Hillel School. Karen also likes to "keep Shabbat, show (through example) loving kindness to all human beings to my children, grow our business, keep up with friends and family and exercise."

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to you since 1979? (1) Got married; (2) had 5 wonderful boys and is raising her children near family; and (3) remained active in the Jewish communities where she lived.

What do you think are the three most important events/occurrences/things (in no particular order) to happen to the world (i.e., humanity as we know it) since 1979? (1) Bombing (terrorism) in Jerusalem; (2) the Internet; and, (3) kosher Oreos.

Whom do you admire and why? "My grandmothers, who I have the pleasure to see/talk to every week. They remind me about unconditional love, perseverance and how lucky I am to be strong and healthy."

What do you hope to accomplish in your life time? "Pay for college for these five boys (although it may kill me.)"

What is your favorite memory of your year in Israel as a member of the 11^th American Class? The smell of a fresh meeshmeesh, the chill and the dampness of the winter season, folding everyone’s laundry and the familiarity of everyone’s belongings, returning from a successful tiyul, ice-cream in Kiryat Shmona, crusty sh-t.

Did your year at Kfar Blum affect you or the choices you made in your life that would not have happened without the Kfar Blum experience? "I don’t think KB changed my choices in life, but it definitely helped me be more comfortable making decisions. Going away for 10^th grade was such a tremendous decision and it was such a positive and unique experience that all future decisions were made with confidence and were made with expectations of high standards."
 
 

What would you like to be doing with your life in 2019? Learning and living in Eretz Yisrael. Hiking. Visiting spas and cooking gourmet dinners for very interesting people including possible daughters-in-law and grandchildren – yikes! And of course cure the world of all evil.
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