February 9, 2026

During a recent visit to Los Angeles, Director of Finance and Operations Elham Makabi invited Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi to attend Sinai Akiba Academy’s State of the School ceremony. The ceremony featured a fireside chat with the entire SAA Executive Team in which they were interviewed and shared the role of their departments, celebrated recent successes, announced new facilities and programs, and answered questions submitted by parents. The well-attended celebration was meaningful and beautifully conducted, complete with an elegant reception spread featuring many traditional Jewish dishes, an inspiring greeting from the board president, an arrangement performed by SAA’s student musicians, a Hebrew song for all in attendance led by the cantor, and a powerful message from the head of school. Elham treated Scarlett to a whirlwind after-hours tour of the school’s iconic Wilshire Boulevard property following the event, including the stunning Sinai Temple, where scenes from Netflix’s recent hit series Nobody Wants This were filmed. Big thanks to Elham and the whole Sinai Akiba Academy team for their generous hospitality!

Above: Director of Marketing and Communications Robyn Fener (far right) interviews her colleagues Head of School Dr. Lauren Plant, Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement Lisa Zide, Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning Lauren Dolinka, and Director of Finance and Operations Elham Makabi at their 2026 State of the School ceremony.

Above: Executive Director Scarlett Vanyi and Sinai Akiba Academy Director of Finance and Operations Elham Makabi

Left: Head of School Dr. Lauren Plant presenting during the State of the School.