Our History

It began with a group of devoted parents, friends, and visionaries who imagined a school in Cleveland where Religious Zionism, Torah, community, and a love of learning could flourish together. That dream became Bet Sefer Mizrachi—the seed that would grow into the Fuchs Mizrachi School we know today.

Opening its doors in 1983 on Taylor Road with just 18 students in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, the school was powered by passion and determination. Families rolled up their sleeves—volunteering in classrooms, teaching, and even searching auctions and garage sales for furniture, toys, and equipment. The school’s very first bank account, named Tikvah (“Hope”), captured the optimism and commitment of a community determined to build something lasting.

From the outset, the founders believed that education was about more than books. They sought to nurture values, faith, and personal growth alongside academic excellence. That philosophy continues to guide us today, inspiring students and connecting them to a thriving, supportive community.

In 1992, Leonard and Susan Fuchs z”l launched a challenge grant to jump-start a $4 million capital campaign. By 1994–95, thanks to their leadership and the community’s commitment, the campaign succeeded, and the school proudly became Fuchs Bet Sefer Mizrachi. A few years later, in 1999–2000, we adopted our current name: Fuchs Mizrachi School.

From those early days of hope, determination, and community spirit, Fuchs Mizrachi has grown—but the heart of our story remains the same: a community coming together to inspire, educate, and build a future rooted in faith and learning.

From purchasing our first home on Fenwick Rd in University Heights in 1993 until now, Mizrachi has continued to expand and grow in vision, scope, and impact:

Our campus on Shaker Boulevard was built and opened its doors for the 2010-2011 school year.
We quickly grew and built our first expansion in the Early childhood and Junior High wings opening new spaces again in the 2015-16 school year.
For the 2026-27 school year we are projected to serve over 610 students
And now, with a new expansion project underway, Mizrachi continues to grow in ways our founders could only have imagined!

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Founders & Visionaries

We honor and thank our founders for all they did to bring our school to fruition:

Sharon Aronheim; Eliezer Balanson; Regina and Barry Cik; Evie and Howard Davis; Diana (z'l) and Milton Davis (z’l); Edythe (z’l) and Sidney Davis (z’l); Esther Weisz Falk; Sylvia (z’l) and Moishe Feigenbaum (z’l); Aileen and Howard Friedman; Sheri Hoenig; Sam Hoenig; Judy and Cal Kirchik (z’l); Jane and Jordan Lefko; Rachel and Earl Lefkowitz (z’l); Iris and Doug Mandel; Ann Joy and Jeffrey Pickholtz; Phylis and Lawrence Pomerantz; Rena and Joe Rosen; Nancy Simon; Edi Simon; Eudice and Menachem Spitz; Sally (z’l) and Sheldon Steiger; Alice and Chaim Weissmann; Miki and Michael Wieder.

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Timeline: The First Ten Years

Timeline: The First Ten Years

Let’s take a look at the first ten years that helped pave the way for Mizrachi’s future. Here are a few highlights from each year - watch the school grow.

1983/84 – Year 1 | Enrollment: 18

Bet Sefer Mizrachi opens with pre-K and K classes at Taylor Road Synagogue.
Staff consisted of 3 teachers and Edythe Davis (mother of three parent founders and grandmother of 2 students.) serving as secretary and nurse!
No principal or supervisory staff; pioneering families handle curriculum, certification, and housekeeping.
First President: Michael D. Wieder | First Chairman: Bernard Rutman.

1984/85 – Year 2 | Enrollment: 35

Receives charter from the Ohio State Board of Education — fully accredited.
First annual Yom Ha’atzmaut parade held, asserting Bet Sefer’s Religious Zionist identity.

1985/86 – Year 3 | Enrollment: 60

Hired our first librarian filling a library with donated bookcases with donated books.
The first Bet Sefer Mizrachi family moved to Israel.

1986/87 – Year 4 | Enrollment: 74

School moves across the street to Taylor Elementary School.
The school became affiliated with the Bureau of Jewish Education.

1987/88 – Year 5 | Enrollment: 74

Bet Sefer Mizrachi moves “uptown” to Northwood School in University Heights.
Israel’s 40th birthday was celebrated with a city-wide carnival and parade — first parade covered by local media.

1988/89 – Year 6 | Enrollment: 80

We hired an Educational Director and our first Director of Development.
First computer center opens with six Commodore computers.

1989/90 – Year 7 | Enrollment: 101

First student council elected.
“Mizrachi Mashers” basketball team debuts; Drama Club stages “Free to Be You and Me.”
Students participate in Yom Hashoah commemoration

1990/91 – Year 8 | Enrollment: 152

Nine families have made Aliyah since founding.
Middle School formed (grades 6–7); departmentalization begins.
Hire our first Judaic Studies Coordinator and school psychologist.
First annual Science Fair held

1991/92 – Year 9 | Enrollment: 180

Students study in the new Bet Midrash with ark & mechitza hand-crafted by Mizrachi family.
First minyan held; celebrate our first Bar Mitzvah’s in the school Minyan.
Receive our first Torah loaned by a student grandparent
Hebrew Language Program expands with four faculty trained in “Ivrit B’Ivrit.”
Early Childhood wing opens; and hire our first Early Childhood Coordinator.
Middle School Science Fair projects compete regionally, with seven awards.
First 8th grade graduation held.

1992/93 – Year 10 | Enrollment: 201

High School opens with twelve freshmen — a realization of the founders’ dream.
13 families (30 students) have made Aliyah to date.
Leonard & Susan Fuchs honored at 10th anniversary banquet; their challenge grant launches $4M Capital Campaign.
Upper School celebrates first siyyum of Gemara.
Two Sifrei Torah acquired.
After seven years of renting, school purchases its own home following negotiations with Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education.