A New Era for King David Students Begins Now

As we approach Passover — a time for telling stories of journeys taken and values carried forward — we are honoured to share a bit of history about the Sacks family: Abe z’l and Leyla z’l, and their children, Paula (John), Neil (Elaine), Jeff (Dina), and David (Rhonda).

Before he passed away in December 2024, Abe Sacks made one deeply personal commitment: to name the new library at King David High School in memory of his wife, Leyla. It would be the most significant philanthropic gift of his life.  His son, Jeff Sacks, describes it as a gift rooted in love — and an intergenerational legacy.

A Thread That Runs Through Generations

"There is a connection that runs through all of it," Jeff says. "A sense of history — of remembering one’s parents and grandparents. Each generation remembers the one before it, and tries to build something worth passing on."

In 1929, Abe’s father, Rabbi Menachem Ben Tzion from Chicago, founded the Associated Talmud Torahs, establishing the city’s first Hebrew day schools. He served as an Executive Director for nearly 40 years, helping mold it into the central agency for traditional Jewish education it is today.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Abe was active with the Hebrew Academy, Talmud Torah, and Maimonides School, the predecessor of King David. His wife, Leyla, was a dedicated pillar of the Jewish community. She proudly championed inclusivity by advocating for the uniform policy at Vancouver Talmud Torah, supporting countless community events, and co-leading the fundraising campaign for the Jewish Community Centre library. When the idea of naming the new library in Leyla’s memory was raised at a meeting with the JWest team, Abe immediately felt it was right. Her years of service to the Jewish community made it a natural fit — a quiet, resonant way to honour her memory.

Jeff and Dina’s children all went through King David, and the school became its own chapter in the family's story. Jeff describes the King David experience with warmth and points to the strength of the academic and Judaic curricula — shaped by educators like Rabbi Stephen Berger, former Head of School Russ Klein, and Head of School Seth Goldsweig — and a supportive environment that instilled a deep sense of pride. The school trips to Israel and other Jewish communities were eye-opening and monumental. He also praises the music and foods program, and the athletic culture that his son experienced as part of the winning basketball team at the 2023 BC Provincials. Abe was in Langley that day, cheering the team on. He would reminisce, “The moment was electrifying. The whole gym erupted with singing and dancing.”

It is precisely this combination — a rigorous academic foundation enriched by outstanding extracurricular activities — that makes King David something truly special.

Reflecting on the important role school plays in a young person's life, Jeff states: “Schools and community centres are foundational to keeping the community vibrant from generation to generation. The potential is enormous.” 

What JWest Makes Possible for KDHS

Seth Goldsweig was in the room when Abe made his commitment — the first time the two had met. The conversation stayed with him.

"He came from a family with such a deep connection to Jewish education," Seth says. "And here he was, extending that legacy in his own way.”

For Seth, JWest introduces something new for King David: state-of-the-art facilities, expanded learning spaces to allow for enhanced course options and greater student collaboration, and a school that’s fully integrated with the Jewish Community and the JCC. It also introduces something that doesn’t currently exist at the school: a beit midrash, a purposeful space for Torah study. “Having a dedicated space for students to engage in Jewish learning, filled with texts that show the continuity of Judaism across thousands of years — that will be incredibly powerful.”

But it also means something more immediate: a gym of their own at the Jewish Community Centre. “Having our own gym is a game-changer. It will give us the flexibility to create an even more student-centred schedule, and allow us to host tournaments of our own. It’s really part of the high school experience — the banners up, everyone coming together.”

The expanded school will have space for up to 400 students, with a dedicated gym at the JCC and shared access to the 8-lane pool, theatre, and arts spaces, and will give the next generation of KDHS students a home equal to their potential.

"What JWest makes possible goes beyond facilities," Seth says. "For our students to be part of an environment that actively builds their sense of Jewish identity and belonging — that's a real gem.”

Be Part of the Next Chapter

For families considering their own gift, Jeff’s message is straightforward.

“Investing in our schools and community centres is how we keep the Jewish community vibrant from generation to generation. My parents believed that deeply,” he says.

This Passover, as we ask what we are passing along to the next generation, we invite you to join the JWest story and write your own chapter.

This gift, along with over 60 others, brings our total raise for the JWest Community Campaign close to $4 million – and stands as the largest single family gift in this phase of the campaign. We’re four weeks in, and our community is showing up: new donors are up by 25%, and momentum is building with every passing week. 

There is just over $14 million to raise — and every gift, at any level, is proof that when this community comes together, anything is possible.

To learn more about ways to give and the project, please contact info@jwestnow.com or call 604-808-2440. Every gift matters. Every voice counts. This is our community — l’dor v’dor - from generation to generation.

The JWest project would not be possible without the generous funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Diamond Foundation, and the Ronald S Roadburg and Al Roadburg Foundations, as well as the steadfast support of the Jewish community and its allies, and the valuable contributions of the Vancouver residents who use the current Jewish Community Centre.