JAO gala to honor Cheryl and Greg Finkelstein

Jewish Academy of Orlando, celebrating 43 years of Jewish education, announced it will be honoring Cheryl and Greg Finkelstein at the Soaring Into the Future Gala on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., held remotely. 

Cheryl and Greg Finkelstein, with their children Eli and Emily, moved to Orlando in 2003, shortly after Greg co-founded a local education technology firm. Greg and Cheryl immediately embraced the Orlando Jewish community, with their children attending the Roth Family JCC Early Childhood Learning Center and Jewish Academy of Orlando, and the family joining Congregation Ohev Shalom. While continuing to advise academic institutions and education tech companies, Greg serves as special adviser to the JAO Board on a myriad of leadership, financial and operational issues and also sits on the Board of Central Florida Hillel. Greg previously served on the JCC's Board and its Finance Committee and in 2014 led JAO's head of school search committee. A retired elementary school teacher, Cheryl joined the JCC/ECLC Board in 2003 and has worked tirelessly at JAO and the ECLC, serving on multiple committees. In 2015, Cheryl joined the Jewish Federation's Momentum organization, JOIN, and is a founding Board member of SPARK. Cheryl serves as a Board member of the Friends of the Jewish Pavilion and is on the Advisory Board for J-Life Magazine. Cheryl joined the JAO Board in 2017 and, along with Greg, continues to support the JAO with her leadership and unending generosity.

"We take great pleasure in honoring Cheryl and Greg," said Alan Rusonik, head of school. "The Finkelstein's contributions to the school and greater community have made an immeasurable impact, and for that, we are truly grateful."

The Soaring Into the Future Gala will spotlight the school's innovations in learning, including its cutting-edge Innovation Lab and the many technology innovations sponsored by the Katzen family. The Katzen's have provided JAO with state-of-the-art remote learning technology, the latest version of apple laptops and ipads, and cutting edge Violet Defense ultra violet virus prevention in every classroom. The program will also feature a look at autonomous vehicles with alumni parent, Jason Eichenholz. Guests will be entertained by the school's space performance and a sneak peek from the school's upcoming feature film, Star Warts, which will be released this spring.

The Gala is the school's biggest annual fundraiser; proceeds fund new curricula, field trips, educational programs, and provide scholarship funds. Gala "boarding passes" are $150 per household and include delivered dessert and wine, entertainment by JAO theater students, live and silent auction and much more. The event is Saturday, Feb. 6 at 7:30pm at and will be held remotely. To purchase boarding pass(es), please visit http://www.jewishacademyorlando.org/gala/. To sponsor or advertise, please email Alan Rusonik at office@myjao.org.

Jewish Academy of Orlando serves Central Florida students of all faiths from kindergarten through fifth grade. The school delivers a whole-child education fostering academic excellence and character education rooted in Jewish values. Jewish Academy of Orlando is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools.  

To learn more about Jewish Academy of Orlando, please visit: jewishacademyorlando.org or follow the school on Facebook https://facebook.com/JewishAcademyOrlando/ 

To learn more about COVID-19 Precautions at Jewish Academy of Orlando, please visit: https://www.jewishacademyorlando.org/covid19.