Throwback Pictures


We’re approaching a major milestone: 25 years of legacy, learning, and leadership. From our beginnings as CJHS to the RZJHS we know today, it’s been an incredible journey. To kick off the celebration, we’re diving into the archives and sharing throwback photos from the past two and a half decades. Get ready to relive the memories, reconnect with the past, and celebrate how far we’ve come.	Here’s to the very first graduates of CJHS — Class of 2004, the five pioneer students who set the tone and launched a legacy that continues to grow stronger each year. From bold beginnings to lifelong bonds, this group lit the path for all future Tigers. As we kick off celebrating 25 years of our school, let’s honor their courage and commitment.	From ARK to coffee club, DEAP to drama, and IFYC to all the Va’ads, Tigers have always found their place to shine outside the classroom. The activities fair is all about discovering passions, trying something new, and joining the incredible range of student life that has made both CJ and RZ so vibrant.

Throwing it back to where it all began — Founding Board President Larry Adler and first Head of School Roz Stein, the visionaries behind CJHS. In the late ’90s, they came together with one bold idea: to create a Jewish high school for Chicago’s teens that blended strong academics with deep Jewish values. Their vision became our foundation.	The very first day of CJHS was September 10, 2001! Excitement all around, schedules in hand, and a Tiger community ready to grow together. From that first bell, our students weren’t just walking into school—they were stepping into something bigger. Now, years later, the spirit is still the same: curious minds, proud Jewish identity, and friendships that last a lifetime.	Here are some of the Tigers who made the big move from our Morton Grove campus to our forever home in Deerfield — signing the beam that would become part of the Caplan Gym! Have you noticed the beam before? What about the dedication plaque at the skybox?

In a powerful display of commitment and community, our pioneers carried our Torahs by hand from the Morton Grove campus to our new home in Deerfield. Step by step, they brought more than scrolls—they carried our mission, our values, and our future. That day wasn’t just a move, it was a milestone. And every step forward since has been built on their dedication.	Sukkot at RZJHS has always been a time of joy and celebration! From the days of our Sukkah Hop to today’s Sunny Sukkah Stop—bringing the fun straight to school with games, treats, and ruach—our community knows how to celebrate together.	Throwback to Holla for Challah—our beloved student-led tradition that brought, and still continues to bring, warmth (and the smell of fresh-baked challah) to campus every Friday. From creative braids to bold toppings, students have taken the lead in making Shabbat a little sweeter, one loaf at a time. Here’s to the joy, flour-covered hands, and the community built around the table.

Throwback to two of our biggest champions, Larry & Angie Adler! From the very beginning, the Adlers have been true visionaries for RZJHS, helping bring our school to life and cheering us on every step of the way. Larry, our honorary “CJ/RZ Saba,” is a familiar face at many Friday tefillot, proudly standing with our students. Angie matches his warmth with endless support and heart — together, they’ve become honorary grandparents to every RZ student, past and present. Their love and dedication are stitched into the fabric of our community, reminding us of what it means to build not just a school, but a family.	Here's to our incredible Parent Organization (P.O.) volunteers! From Holla for Challah to birthday surprises to making our teachers feel extra loved — our P.O. does it all with heart, spirit, and Tiger pride. We truly couldn’t do it without them — thank you, P.O. , for everything you do to make RZ so special! Want to get involved? Join the P.O., volunteer at an event, or cheer on our community — there’s always room for more Tiger pride!	From 2001 to 2025, every yearbook tells a piece of our story of friendships, milestones, and the unforgettable moments. Mark your calendars for October 11, 2026, when we’ll come together to celebrate 25 years and flip through these memories in person. You won’t want to miss it.