On June 8, beneath the warm lights of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, the RTA–Richmond Hebrew Day School community gathered—not merely to close another school year, but to celebrate how connection, mentorship, and sportsmanship have shaped lives and strengthened bonds.

The evening began with an intimate VIP reception honoring some of RTA’s most dedicated supporters—individuals and families whose generosity and partnership have played a vital role in advancing the school’s mission. As part of this gathering, Josh and Elly Goldberg received special recognition for their leadership and steadfast commitment to RTA, both through their philanthropy and their willingness to invest time, energy, and vision into the life of the school.

Following the VIP reception, the full community joined for the evening program. Board President Dr. Sheri Prupis and Head of School Rabbi Elisha Paul opened the celebration with thoughtful reflections, setting the tone for an evening centered on the relationships and values that define the RTA experience.

One powerful moment honored the memory of athletic instructor James Lawitz, whose gift for understanding his students extended far beyond the gym. James was remembered for his rare ability to truly see each child—gently encouraging them to grow as both athletes and individuals.

Basketball coach Henry Solomonsky was recognized for his dedication to the school through his coaching and volunteerism. In his remarks, he spoke about how meaningful it was to mentor students and how much he gained from the experience—highlighting the deep value of forming personal connections and supporting each student’s growth.

Rabbi Dovid Asher was also recognized for helping facilitate donations that have brought new life to RTA’s gym facilities. A video highlight reel from the recent gym dedication in memory of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, z”l, reminded the audience of the community’s commitment to honoring memory through meaningful action.

The heart of the evening was a lively conversation between Miami Marlins co-owner Ari Ackerman and RTA alum Adam Shor. Ari shared his personal journey into entrepreneurship, activism, and community involvement, speaking candidly about how his Jewish day school experience helped shape his identity and path.

The evening concluded with a dessert reception, where guests lingered in conversation—reconnecting, reflecting, and celebrating a year well spent. The atmosphere captured the spirit of the school itself: warm, thoughtful, and rooted in purpose. As the crowd filtered out, there was a shared sense of pride in the year behind and excitement for what lies ahead at RTA.