Federation's planning department,
would not comment on Darchei
Torah's prospects for receiving an allo-
cation. "We have an application from
them and have had discussions previ-
ously," she said. 'At this point, we're
waiting for more information from
them."
Maza, a ba'al teshuva (newly
Orthodox Jew) with experience in
business and Jewish outreach, was
recruited by the Darchei Torah board
after years of on-off searching for the
perfect candidate.
"Jeff's got a level of energy and a
drive that is key. He's an outgoing per-
son, and he has a level of dedication
that we think is impressive," said
Allon.
Although Maza has never worked
in fundraising before and has received
no formal training in development, he
is confident that his education and
experience in management, communi-
cations, sales and real estate have pre-
pared him for his current responsibili-
ties.
Formerly an account executive at
Capital Mortgage Funding Inc., Maza
says he is earning the same salary now
that he earned in the for-profit sector.
"But I'll have to prove myself and
bring in the funds," he explained.
Since starting work on Aug. 4,
Maza has been making new contacts,
developing public relations materials
for the school and writing grant pro-
posals.
Maza's biggest goal is to provide
financial security for Darchei Torah. "I
want the school to be in a position
where it's not having to worry about
finances and it has nice buildings, so
we can just worry about the kids and
teaching."
Founded in 1986 by Rabbi Dovid
Kahn, his wife Sara Kahn (principal of
the girls' school), and a number of
parents, Darchei Torah is funded
through tuition, fundraisers and indi-
vidual gifts. Sixty percent of the bud-
get comes from tuition.
Among the school's unique quali-
ties: a prohibition on television view-
ing, a focus on inculcating students
with a strong sense of self-esteem and
an honor system for determining
tuition. According to Rabbi Kahn,
Darchei Torah has also been a leader
in the field of special education.
Currently, the school rents class-
room space in the Agency for Jewish
Education building and a charter
school in southern Southfield, but it is
hoping to purchase a permanent
building in the next few years.

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Take This Simple True or False Test:

1. Judaism is not only a religion; it's also the culture and
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If you think that all of these statements are true,
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44

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THE BIRMINGHAM TEMPLE

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28611 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills

For more information, call (248) 477-1410.

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LOCATED IN
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6385 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD
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9/12
1997

25