Dear SDJA Community,

Today, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I am writing to share an important announcement regarding the future leadership of San Diego Jewish Academy.

After seven years of dedicated leadership as Head of School and nearly 50 years in Jewish education, Zvi Weiss has shared his decision to retire at the end of the 2026–2027 school year.

While there will be many opportunities in the year ahead to celebrate Zvi and recognize his many contributions to our community, I want to begin by expressing our deep gratitude for his leadership, commitment, and service to SDJA. Zvi has helped strengthen our community and guide the school with care, vision, and an unwavering focus on students.

In advance of this planned retirement, Zvi has spent the last year working closely with SDJA's leadership team to ensure a thoughtful and well-planned transition.

The Board will form a Search Committee to conduct a needs assessment and guide a thoughtful process for SDJA's next leadership chapter. Leadership transitions give us the opportunity to reflect on the success of SDJA under a strong history of vision and leadership, and to look ahead with confidence and excitement as we build upon the incredible foundation and the future potential of SDJA to continue to meet the needs of our Jewish community.

Please read Zvi's personal message below.

Warmly,

Daniela Jinich

Board President

San Diego Jewish Academy

Message from Zvi Weiss

In the fall of 1976—four years prior to the founding of SDJA—I took my first teaching job as a young Hebrew High instructor at Congregation Beth Tefilah in La Mesa. Now, as I embark on the 50th year of my career, I have made the deeply personal decision to conclude this extraordinary chapter of my professional journey and retire at the end of the 2026–2027 school year.

Serving as a Jewish educator has always been far more than a profession to me. It is a calling, a privilege, and a source of profound purpose, deeply rooted in my commitment to the Jewish people and our future, both in the diaspora and in Israel.

While I wanted to share this decision with you now, please know that my work is not yet done. I will remain fully engaged as your Head of School throughout the upcoming academic year. I look forward to working alongside our exceptional faculty and staff, partnering with our Board of Directors, and collaborating with you, our families, as we witness the growth, achievements, and daily moments that make this community so special.

Although there will be many opportunities over the coming year to reflect and celebrate together, my focus today remains exactly where it has always been: on our students, our community, and the bright, exciting future ahead for SDJA.



Thank you for allowing me the immense privilege of serving this extraordinary community.