Lizzy Goldman

I graduated from Schechter Westchester in 2011. My resume includes Morgan Stanley, Venture Capital and most recently starting my own company. I was even awarded Forbes 30under30 where Forbes Israel chooses 30 of the most promising young professionals in Israel. But for me, Schechter Westchester/The Leffell School’s impact has always gone beyond the resume and been more about a sense of self.

I’m a proud unapologetic Jew. I was empowered to be one at a young age where my school challenged me to think independently and spend time working and understanding myself. I currently live in Israel where religious Judaism is often the source of contention. My Israeli peers are envious of the joy I have for some of the traditions, my ability to find the positive even in the parts I don’t enjoy, and my understanding of which tribe I belong to, who I am, and what I’m willing to fight for. Schechter offered me an education where I could experience the joy of Judaism as both a culture and a religion. We were encouraged to find our own lane and enjoyment. We debated, disagreed, and discussed. Schechter created an environment where it was okay to speak my mind — appropriately, of course — and it was understood that the school is developing young adults into people.

I enlisted in the IDF in 2013 and served for two years as a combat soldier in the Iron Dome unit, where I was active duty during Protective Edge. While my husband and I were debating moving back to the U.S. before October 7, when we both found ourselves in reserves when the war started, we realized how important living here is to the future of Judaism everywhere. I feel grateful to Schechter for giving me the confidence, awareness, and tools to face the darkness of today.

I credit my education for many of my accomplish- ments to date, since they wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t have a school, teachers, and community who enabled it. I’m proud of both my service and
my profession, and, most of all, my ability to navigate both. Character and understanding who you are before you’re launched into the world is so important, and I’m grateful for Schechter/The Leffell School for helping me develop both.