Incoming Head of School

 

January 14, 2021 | 1 Sh’vat 5781 

 

Dear Barrack Community,

 

I am both thrilled and humbled to become the next Head of School at the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy.

 

As a proud graduate of Akiba Hebrew Academy, I understand the value and importance of a Barrack education. While the school has evolved over the years since I was last a student, I have always felt a deep connection to its mission and purpose.  It was apparent to me in my ongoing and detailed conversations with community members that Barrack remains a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Jewish community with a storied past and a bright future.

 

With a commitment to academic excellence, Barrack is dedicated to providing young people with an array of learning and extracurricular opportunities, is focused on their social-emotional growth, and remains deeply devoted to Jewish learning, Jewish identity development, and fostering a lifelong commitment to Israel. I am inspired to begin my work in a community that values diversity, dialogue and pluralism, and strives to create an environment in which young people love where they learn.

 

I was impressed by the many individuals with whom I met over the past few months, including students, parents, faculty, staff, administration, the search committee and board members. Their combined love for the school and the community is palpable and energizing. I look forward to joining and collaborating with a talented team of professionals, and to partnering with our students, parents, community members and the Board of Directors next year and beyond. As we prepare for the 2021-2022 school year, I am eager to meet many of you in the weeks and months ahead.

 

My family and I are excited to relocate to the Philadelphia area this summer as we begin this new adventure together. It is also personally meaningful that two of my children will begin their own journeys at Barrack this fall.   

 

May you and your families continue to stay safe and healthy, and with many thanks to Mrs. Sharon Levin for her continued leadership, may Barrack Hebrew Academy go from strength to strength, מחיל אל חיל.

 

Go Cougars!

 

B’shalom,

Rabbi Marshall Lesack ‘97