Nurturing Jewish Souls
The mission of Starr Family Jewish Day School is to cultivate confident, engaged Jewish adults through a joyful educational experience grounded in traditional Jewish values.
2012: Laying the Foundation
In 2012, recognizing growing concern within the community and the potential closure of the local Jewish day school, Rabbi Aryeh Scheinberg and Rabbi Chaim Block convened community leaders to preserve and strengthen Jewish day school education in San Antonio.
Starr Family Jewish Day School was officially registered with the State of Texas on May 18, 2012, and an initial Board of Directors was appointed, consisting of Aaron Sarfati, Ronen Bass, Dan Ashlag, Rivkie Block, Keren Ashkenazi, Malkie Marrus, Chava Shaul, Sara Bram, and Megan Fisher.
The board held its first meeting on May 30, 2012, during which the inaugural executive committee was established:
Mr. Sarfati as President, Mr. Bass as Treasurer, and Rebbetzin Marrus as Secretary.
The early months focused on building the foundation of the organization—working toward tax-exempt status, drafting bylaws, defining governance roles, fundraising initial operating support, and temporarily operating under the name Torah Academy of San Antonio. During this period, the board closely monitored developments within the broader community, knowing that the school’s ultimate direction would depend on these unfolding events.
Early 2013: Moving Forward
By the end of 2012, the previous day school’s Board of Trustees formally accepted the state-issued charter and announced plans to close the school at the conclusion of the 2012–2013 academic year. At that pivotal moment, the Starr Family Jewish Day School board made the decision to move forward decisively.
Dr. Ken Rothrock and Rabbi Marrus were hired to form the school’s initial administrative leadership, and the first open community forum was held on January 27, 2013—just three days after the administration was officially in place.
In the months that followed, the administration recruited a highly qualified teaching staff and developed the school’s academic and curricular framework. At the same time, the board secured seed funding, finalized a lease agreement with Congregation Rodfei Sholom, and worked closely with administration to engage prospective families and build trust in a brand-new school launched on an accelerated timeline.
August 19, 2013: Opening Day
Starr Family Jewish Day School officially opened its doors on August 19, 2013, welcoming 25 students in grades K–5, supported by a staff of five. Classes were organized in multi-grade groupings: K–1, 2–3, and 4–5.
Despite launching the school in just seven and a half months, the inaugural year proved to be both a success and a testament to the community’s commitment. Students thrived academically, reflected in strong national assessment results, families expressed confidence and satisfaction, and Starr Family Jewish Day School began to establish itself as a vital and enduring presence within the greater San Antonio Jewish community.