Golda Och Academy Celebrates 60 Years of Impact at 2026 Spring Gala, Honoring Lori and Steven Klinghoffer

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, Golda Och Academy will mark a major milestone moment at its annual Spring Gala, celebrating 60 years of educational excellence while honoring devoted community leaders, transformative philanthropists, and school grandparents Lori and Steven Klinghoffer.

 

Since opening its doors in 1965 as a small start-up co-ed Conservative Jewish day school, Golda Och Academy has grown into a premier Pre-K through 12th grade institution, nurturing generations of students who are confident thinkers, compassionate leaders, and proud members of the Jewish community. Throughout its history, the school has remained steadfast in its mission to inspire a lifelong love of learning, a strong Jewish identity, and a commitment to making the world a better place. This year’s Gala will be a memorable celebration of six decades of achievement, honoring the vision of its founders, the dedication of teachers, and the passion of students and families who have helped shape the school’s remarkable journey. 

 

“Our 60th anniversary is not only a celebration of how far we have come as a school, but a tribute to the people who made its success possible,” said Head of School Carrie Zucker Siegel ‘92. “Lori and Steven Klinghoffer exemplify the spirit of generosity and leadership that defines our community, and their impact will be felt by generations of students to come.”

 

The Klinghoffers are proud GOA grandparents and respected community leaders. From 2022 to 2025, Steve served as Chair of the Golda Och Academy Board of Trustees. Under his leadership, the school conducted the $20M GO Forward capital and endowment campaign dedicated to supporting faculty excellence, financial aid, student support services, and capital improvements. Steve is also the current Chair of the Essex County Improvement Authority and a member of the American-Israel Educational Foundation’s Board, and previously served as a trustee for AIPAC, United Jewish Communities of MetroWest, Temple Beth Ahm Yisrael, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the New Jersey-Israel Commission. 

  

Since 2009, Lori has been on the Board of Governors for the Jewish Agency for Israel, where she has served as Chair of the Partnerships Global Network Subcommittee, Co-Chair of the Partnerships Global Council, and Deputy Chair of the Committee for the Unity of the Jewish People. She is immediate past chair of United Israel Appeal. She is also a current member of the Board of the Jewish Grandparents Network and the Jewish Democratic Council of America. 

 

Lori and Steve are both past Presidents and General Campaign Chairs of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest. Their volunteer-leadership there began in the 1980s, when Steve was named President of Jewish Family Service. Lori’s work as Israel and Overseas Chair and President and Campaign Chair of Women’s Philanthropy led to national leadership roles for Jewish Federations of North America where she continues to serve as a trustee. Her past roles there include Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of National Women’s Philanthropy, and Nominating Committee Chair. 

 

“We are humbled to have been chosen as this year’s Gala honorees, especially as we celebrate 60 years of the school’s growth and impact,” said the Klinghoffers. “During our journey with Golda Och Academy, we could not be more proud of the nurturing community and environment which make offering an incredible Jewish education possible. Perhaps more critical today than ever before, the focus on raising a generation of proud, articulate, strong Zionists is a priority we continue to embrace.”

 

Residing in Short Hills, Lori and Steve are both currently on the Board of Directors for the Valcor Engineering Corporation. They are the proud parents of Lisa Buber (Felix) and Rachel Marcus (Noah), and the even-prouder grandparents of Marlo ‘28, Theo ‘28, Rae ‘32, Frayda ‘35, and Moshe.