Arielle and Jason Kay are originally from Albany, NY, where they grew up just around the corner from each other. They both attended Hebrew Academy of the Capital District, which was then a Schechter school. Both were campers and counselors at Camp Givah, a local Jewish day camp, and were also active in United Synagogue Youth (USY). Though Jason wishes it were longer, they have been a couple since high school and have been married for nearly 20 years. They, along with children Ellie, Avi, and Jesse, have called West Hartford home for nearly 10 years. Arielle is a social worker in the Farmington Public School District, where she makes a positive impact on many students’ lives. Jason is an optical engineer at The Nexterra Foundation, a nonprofit seeking to develop a telescope to catalog planets around the nearest stars.

Because the Jewish community and Jewish youth life were instrumental for both Arielle and Jason, they believe strongly in the impact of a vibrant Jewish youth scene. Schechter has become a second home to their family: Ellie and Avi are recent graduates, and Jesse is in Alim (4th grade). Arielle has been a dedicated classroom parent ambassador for many years, and Jason is serving his sixth year on the Board of Trustees, including two as a president. He is a graduate of Federation’s CLI leadership training program. Most Friday mornings, you can find Jason on the keyboard at Schechter’s ReLiSh program, which is a highlight for students, faculty, and parents alike. Jason is steeped in numerous other Jewish community efforts as well, serving as the director of the New England Region of USY, as a popular educator at the Jewish Teen Learning Connection (JT Connect), and an active member of Beth El Temple, where he leads one of the High Holiday service offerings and helps with engagement and programming.

The Kays love being part of both the Schechter community and Jewish life in Greater Hartford. They find Schechter to be a supportive and vibrant community with nurturing and talented teachers. When not in town, they try to spend as much time as possible with family, in particular on Cape Cod and at Walt Disney World.

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Alli Bliss*
Leah Berson
Gayle Temkin*

HONORARY TRIBUTE COMMITTEE 

(in formation)

*Board of Trustees