HERZL HESSED

On the west side of Chicago sits a school named for Theodor Herzl. At one time a Jewish neighborhood, Lawndale is now almost exclusively African American. Once home to Sears Roebuck, Martin Luther King and Golda Meir, Lawndale values its deep multicultural history.

Four years ago, Toronto resident David Matlow, the world’s largest private collector of Herzl memorabilia, found a willing partner in support of the school in a 102-year-old Skokie synagogue called Temple Beth Israel. After hearing about the school, known as a “turnaround school,” TBI’s director of congregational learning, Lori B. Sagarin, saw an opportunity to partner with Matlow and the school staff to improve the lives of the students, from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. The initiative began modestly with winter wear provided for the youngest students, growing to now providing holiday gifts for all 480 students (with seven carloads delivered), as well as supplies for teachers.

Last year, a philanthropic organization known as the Great Vest Side Club joined Temple Beth Israel and provided funds to support the project.

“Herzl famously said, ‘If you will it, it is no dream,’” said Sagarin. “We hope to continue to partner with the school, growing the personal relationships and enhancing each other’s lives.”

Temple Beth Israel, Matlow and the Herzl School’s next collaboration is a public-speaking contest for the Herzl School students on the theme of Herzl, which will take place in May.