Established in 1947 the Seattle Hebrew Academy stands before you. It began as the Seattle Hebrew Day School. The school integrated Jewish and secular studies. This was a significant step following World War II. The following year it merged with the Seattle Talmud Torah.
In 1969 the name changed to the Seattle Hebrew Academy. This reflected the addition of a childhood center. The building you see today has a rich history. It was once occupied by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. It was also the old Forest Ridge school for girls. The Academy purchased the building in 1973.
The Nisqually earthquake in 2001 caused extensive damage. The school was deemed unsafe. The Academy temporarily relocated. They used Mercer Island’s Herzl Ner Tamid. They also used Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath’s parking lot. The lower school was housed there. Middle school students learned in portables on the Academy’s upper field. The school board raised eight million dollars for renovations. This took three years. The Academy reopened on Capitol Hill in the autumn of 2004.
In 2006 Rivy Poupko Kletenik became head of school. She was the first woman to hold this position. Her appointment led to a breakaway school. This highlights the complexities of change and tradition within the community. Kletenik served for sixteen years. That’s tied for the longest tenure. Rabbi Samuel Gruadenz also served for sixteen years. Rabbi Benjy Owen became the first Sephardic head of school in 2022. In 2023 the school adopted the Stars of David as its mascot. The school colors are dark blue athletic gold and white.
The Seattle Hebrew Academy is accredited by the Northwest Association for Independent Schools. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Jewish education in Seattle. It’s a place where history learning and community intertwine. It’s a place that continues to evolve. It’s a place that continues to serve the community. This is more than just a school. It’s a living legacy.