When it came time to choose a high school for my daughter, I knew I wanted a place that would not only provide a rigorous academic education but also nurture her Jewish identity, instill a love for Israel, and connect her to something greater than herself. That’s why we chose Golda Och Academy in West Orange.
Golda Och Academy is more than just a school; it’s a community that shares our values and vision for Jewish continuity. Its mission — “to nurture the unique potential of each student through an outstanding Jewish and general studies education” — aligns perfectly with what we want for our rising ninth grade daughter and our younger children. We believe that education should not only challenge the mind but also shape the soul, and at Golda Och, we have witnessed that these two aspects go hand in hand. The school fosters intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership and a strong connection to Jewish tradition and peoplehood, all within an environment that feels just like home.
One of the key factors in our decision was the transformative Israel experiences that Golda Och provides. Beginning with the Na’aleh trip in ninth grade, which gives students their first opportunity to explore Israel as young adults and deepens their relationship with the land and its people. This immersive journey allows them to experience the history, culture and modern vibrancy of Israel firsthand, making their connection to Judaism personal and tangible. Then, in 12th grade, the three-month long Neshama Israel trip serves as the culmination of their Jewish education. This deeply meaningful experience enables them to engage with Israel on a more mature level, reinforcing their commitment to Jewish life before they head off into the wider world. These trips are not just educational; they are life-changing.
I know this because I experienced it myself. My own high school trip to Israel in 12th grade (Gann Academy ’01) was a defining moment in my personal Jewish identity. While walking through the streets of Jerusalem, hiking in the Negev, and attending high school in Haifa, I felt an undeniable connection to my people and my heritage; I was home. That experience shaped the choices I made as a young adult — how I engaged in Jewish life in college, the kind of community I sought as an adult, and ultimately, the values I wanted to pass on to my children. I want my daughter to have that same foundation, and I know that Golda Och Academy will provide it.
Jewish education is essential to the continuity of the Jewish people. It ensures that our children not only learn about their heritage but live it. At Golda Och, my daughter is surrounded by teachers and peers who share her values and encourage her to explore what Judaism means to her. She is developing a sense of pride, purpose and responsibility; an understanding that she is part of something much larger than herself.
Choosing Golda Och Academy is about more than academics or extracurriculars — it’s about giving my daughter a strong Jewish foundation that will stay with her for life. We are excited to watch her grow, learn and embark on her own journey, knowing that she is supported by a school that shares our deepest hopes for her future. Through the education and experiences Golda Och provides, she is not just preparing for college; she is preparing for a lifetime of meaningful Jewish engagement.
For more information on Golda Och Academy, contact Sari Allen, director of admissions and enrollment management, at sallen@goldaochacademy.org.
Andrea Olitzky is a licensed clinical social worker and clinical director at Resolution Counseling Center. She grew up in Boston and attended Gann Jewish Academy (’01). She has lived in South Orange for last 11 years with her spouse, Rabbi Jesse Olitzky (GOA ’02) of Congregation Beth El, and their children Cayla (GOA ’29), Noah (GOA ’32), and Hannah (GOA ’35), and labradoodle Bim-Bam.
