Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School

How many schools do you know that have a mascot, an eagle, and teach Hebrew to three-year-olds? Right here in Lake View, Chicago stands Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School. Bernard Zell isn’t your average school. It’s a private Jewish day school, educating children from nursery school through eighth grade. Its story began in 1946, thanks to Rabbi Solomon Goldman of Anshe Emet Synagogue. He envisioned a school that blended general education with Jewish values, culture, and the Hebrew language. This was a time when most Jewish children in Chicago attended public schools. With just 31 students, Anshe Emet Day School opened its doors on September 16, 1946. The school later became Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School in 1988. It has since thrived, receiving the prestigious Blue Ribbon School award in 1987-1988. Bernard Zell boasts an impressive alumni list too. Notable figures like former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, NPR’s Scott Simon, economist Dean Baker, actor Ike Barinholtz, Israeli news anchor Yonit Levi, and actress Zoe Levin all walked these halls. In 2015, Bernard Zell received an extraordinary boost with contributions and grants skyrocketing to over $33 million. This allowed for significant facility upgrades, including a new wing and updated playing fields. However, more recently, Bernard Zell has seen declining enrollment despite growth in the Chicago Jewish community and at peer schools. Interestingly, eighth-graders from Bernard Zell had a remarkable experience in Israel, visiting the unique Hagar School in Be’er Sheva. This school brings Arab and Jewish children together, fostering understanding and friendship amidst complex cultural differences. The students witnessed firsthand the power of unity, inspiring them with hope for a more peaceful future. Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School continues its commitment to fostering Jewish identity and academic excellence. It remains a unique institution in Chicago’s educational landscape.