Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School Home

For Mandel JDS Class of 2023 alumna, Eliana Fieldman, the social experience of COVID-19 stayed with her. When she returned to in-person learning in 2021, she realized how reliant she and her peers had become on technology and social media for communication. They were not used to genuine, in-person connections.

In 2023, she began researching teen social isolation. In her research, Fieldman found that teen isolation extends far beyond social discomfort — it carries severe physical and mental health risks comparable to major lifestyle health factors. Driven by her findings and a desire to bridge these social gaps, Fieldman founded Youth Connect CLE, a nonprofit helping high schoolers improve their social health, to turn her findings into direct action. The interactive, “Find Your Thing Fair” is a curated experience meant to encourage making new social connections.

Our alums continue to excel at the next level. Samuel Heiser was National Merit Commended at Orange High School, Gideon Polster was named National Merit Semifinalist at Shaker Heights High School, and Alma Saltzman was recently elected National Honor Society Vice President at Beachwood High School. Kol Hakavod!

Mazal tov to our very own Toby Lausin, ESL Program Coordinator, for being named one of Cleveland Jewish News’ “12 Under 36”!

Toby has completely reimagined our ELL program, implementing best-practice structures that strengthen language development while helping new students acclimate and thrive. She brings a deep well of knowledge, a passion for teaching, and an unwavering commitment to our students. We are so fortunate to have her on our team. Mazal tov Toby!

Aliki and Peter founded the Agnon School in 1969 for their daughter, Lisa who graduated in 1978. Aliki served as an Honorary Life Board member, in addition to being an involved parent, grandparent, great grandparent, great aunt to generations of Mandel JDS students, founder and friend of the school. Beyond the brick and mortar of our beit sefer, Aliki leaves a legacy of philanthropy, civic engagement and true love of learning, essential to the fabric of the Agnon/Mandel JDS.

The head chef of the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School’s has loved cooking since she was a child growing up in Brazil. As her passion for cooking grew, Chef Soraya began looking into culinary schools. In 2010, she enrolled in the French Culinary Institute in New York City and graduated as a chef in 2011. Soraya began working in the school’s kitchen in 2021, taking on the role of food services director and chef. She immediately began thinking about ways to provide more nutritious, freshly prepared lunches for students.