Brandeis Hebrew Academy becomes Lev Jewish Academy in Leviev Foundation partnership
The Lawrence school dedicated its new name at an Oct. 15 ceremony, with the Leviev family as partners and a focus on making Jewish day school more accessible.
Brandeis Hebrew Academy in Lawrence is now Lev Jewish Academy, according to the Nassau Herald. The change was made possible through a partnership with the Leviev Foundation and philanthropist Lev Leviev, and was celebrated at an Oct. 15 dedication ceremony attended by Lev and Olga Leviev, their daughter Chagit Leviev-Sofiev, the school's new president, and Head of School Raz Levin, along with families, community leaders and rabbis from the Five Towns and beyond.
Levin said the school aims to combine academic excellence with a Jewish education rooted in Torah, mitzvot and tradition, describing a Modern Orthodox approach. Leviev-Sofiev said the family's philanthropy has supported more than 150 Jewish schools and educational institutions in the former Soviet Union, Israel and elsewhere, and that its commitment to Jewish education in New York began more than 25 years ago.
The Leviev Foundation's current education program helps Jewish families whose children attend public schools, or are moving from them, make the switch to Jewish day school, with financial assistance and guidance. Village of Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias presented a village proclamation honoring the Leviev family. The article does not say what the name change or the partnership's financial terms involve.