Faculty and Staff

Judy Finkelstein-Taff has been the Head of School at CJDS for 18 years. She earned her undergraduate degrees from the University of Judaism, Los Angeles and Arizona State University. Judy also holds a Masters Degree in Education and Human Development from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Judy, known as Ms. J to the students and families of Chicago Jewish Day School, has devoted her career to Jewish Education and brought her experience working in all areas of the field to CJDS.

Ms. J began her career working in informal Jewish Education at Camp Ramah, Ojai in California. Her experience in formal education settings began in early childhood and spanned all grade levels through high school.

Ms. J held both faculty and administrative positions in Jewish Day Schools both here in the States and in Israel. Her involvement in the Reform Movement, Conservative Movement, and Modern Orthodox Communities provided her with a unique foundation for leading the first Multi-denominational Jewish Day School in the Midwest.

In 2013, Ms. J was honored with receiving the nationally recognized Covenant Award.

Ms. J is the proud parent of three sons, Avi, Josh and Ari, two daughters-in-law, Amy and Tirzah, and three grandchildren, Ethan, Eliana, and Noa.

Words written by the founders of Chicago Jewish Day School reflect Ms. J’s philosophy: Chicago Jewish Day School is dedicated to: "Educating our children in the richness of their past, the diversity of their present, and the possibilities for their future."