Breaking News
Schechter receives a transformational gift from Andrea and Ken Saffir
This transformational gift was made in conjunction with a similar major gift to Rochelle Zell Jewish High School. The Saffirs are deeply committed to ensuring that Chicago-area families have access to outstanding Jewish day schools at both the elementary and high school level, and to provide funding and leadership to make Jewish education more affordable. Andrea and Ken are generous supporters of our Chicago Jewish community and were assisted in making this gift through the JUF Center for Jewish Philanthropy.
At Schechter, funds from this multi-year gift will be used over the next 20 years to support the school’s Flexible Tuition program, which includes the Saffir Scholarship Awards established through their $2 million gift in 2018. This innovative scholarship program was designed to expand Flexible Tuition to serve more middle-income families. In each of the last two school years, Schechter has provided over $4 million in Flexible Tuition, benefiting more than 73% of Schechter students.
As Schechter approaches its 60th anniversary, the Saffirs also recognize that now is the time to make strategic capital improvements to ensure our facilities remain state-of-the-art. A portion of their gift will be used to fund these improvements.
Andrea and Ken are parents of two Schechter alumni, and are long-time supporters of the school. When asked about this unprecedented gift, they responded, “We feel grateful to God for the good lives we have enjoyed, for our family, for our community, and for a business career that has allowed us to make a significant impact on institutions that we love. "
"We believe all Jewish children should be able to receive an exceptional Jewish and secular education and we believe in the future of Solomon Schechter Day School and Rochelle Zell Jewish High School," they added. "We also hope this gift will inspire others to follow our lead and support these vital institutions.”
We are truly grateful to Andrea and Ken for their vision and their unwavering belief in the importance of Schechter. Please join us in celebrating this moment in Schechter's history and the extraordinary commitment of the Saffirs.
In three words, Schechter is a community, learning, and Judaism. Schechter is the type of community that promotes friendship, leadership, learning, fun, and most of all the love of being Jewish. Each day when I walk into school, I am greeted. Whether it's a security guard, a parent, a teacher, and sometimes even a student, I know that I'm starting my day in a community way.
- A Schechter Student
A partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.
We appreciate the generous assistance provided by the Bernard Heerey Family Foundation Seventh Grade Scholarship Program for our Schechter families. Solomon Schechter Day School accepts students and parents of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender identity.
We appreciate the generous assistance provided by the Bernard Heerey Family Foundation Seventh Grade Scholarship Program for our Schechter families. Solomon Schechter Day School accepts students and parents of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Administrative Office: 3210 Dundee Road Northbrook, IL 60062 847.498.2100
