The TDSA Dinner of Honor on May 23rd will highlight multiple "firsts." Honorees Gerald and Ruby Grossblatt are experienced at breaking new ground. When TDSA opened, Mrs. Grossblatt was one of two general studies teachers, and enrolled two daughters in the fledgling school. Still in the forefront of Jewish education, the Grossblatts participated in the founding of Temima High School, where Mrs. Grossblatt has also taught. The Grossblatts are deeply involved in Jewish educational affairs and communal activities. Continuing family tradition, the Grossblatt's grandson is among 300+ TDSA students.

At the Dinner, Malka Rabinowitz will be the first TDSA Alumna of the Year. Malka represents many 'firsts'- first child of Mr. Irvin and Mrs. Linda Rabinowitz, and first grandchild on both family trees. Malka was in the first class when her parents helped found TDSA. Her teacher? Mrs. Ruby Grossblatt. At TDSA, Malka qualified for the Duke University TIP Program at the highest level, and became a National Merit finalist and valedictorian at Yeshiva Atlanta.

She graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania's Warton School of Business. Her Judaic education has continued with study at Michlala Seminary in Israel before college and Matan Seminary afterward. She was the first TDSA graduate to return as a long-term substitute teacher. Malka is now in her third year as a strategic planning consultant with the Boston Consulting Group.

Malka's mother, Linda Rabinowitz, set the pattern for leadership. She joined the faculty in the second year. Now, as TDSA's Educational Resources Coordinator, Mrs. Rabinowitz frequently creates original teaching materials. Combining educator's experience, artist's eye, and boundless imagination, her exciting and innovative designs have included support materials, literary journals with handcrafted covers and bindings, and, for the first time, an entire Atlanta Studies curriculum, with student handbook and companion teacher's guide. From the original collage of Atlanta icons to the customized map, the handbook takes students from the founding of the Georgia colony through today. It introduces famous Atlantans, places of local interest, arts, sports and recreation, with color illustrations, in an easily updated format. The teacher's guide extends learning with projects and activities. This is the first full publication from the Torah Day School Press, but certainly not the last from Mrs. Rabinowitz. 

Torah Day School of Atlanta is one of Federation's local beneficiary agencies, and received an allocation of $356,868 in FY04.