A CESJDS lifer, Ben now shares a deeper connection to the school beyond his own experience. Grateful for the formative opportunities he had at CESJDS, he is passing that legacy on to his two daughters: Noa, who is currently in the Lower School, and Jordan, who plans to follow after graduating preschool at B’nai Israel.
Reflecting on his journey, Ben attributes much of his success to the values instilled in him during his time at CESJDS. The school not only taught him academic knowledge but also helped shape his moral compass. "Doing the right thing, especially when it’s hard, and treating others with respect and dignity,” Ben says, “those are the principles that continue to guide me in every aspect of my life.” These principles, woven into the very fabric of the CESJDS experience, still guide him today—personally and professionally.
One of the most profound gifts CESJDS gave him was a deep foundation in Hebrew, a tool that became invaluable when he moved to Israel to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). “It was the groundwork I needed,” Ben explains. The language and cultural knowledge he gained at CESJDS equipped him to excel in the IDF, where he rose to the rank of officer in the Paratrooper Brigade. His CESJDS experience didn’t just prepare him academically but shaped his life’s trajectory.
Beyond school work, CESJDS was a place where Ben thrived in other pursuits as well. He played on the varsity soccer team and contributed to The Lion’s Tale, the school’s newspaper, building lifelong relationships along the way. His teachers, mentors, and fellow students became more than just classmates—they were part of his community, and those connections continue to resonate with him to this day. Many of his classmates are now sending their own children to CESJDS, perpetuating the cycle of growth and learning.
After CESJDS, Ben pursued his academic interests with a dual major in Biology and Modern Hebrew Language and Literature at Washington University in St. Louis. From there, his career path led him into the world of strategy consulting, where he now serves as the Managing Director of the North America Consulting team at Ollion. His work in consulting has taken him to some of the biggest names in the industry—Slalom Consulting and Accenture—and given him the opportunity to tackle complex business challenges, build strong client relationships, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
However, Ben also knows that life isn’t all about career accomplishments. Balancing a demanding career with family life has always been a priority for him. “I actively create that balance,” he says. “It’s not something that just happens.” For Ben, his greatest accomplishment isn’t professional—it's personal. With a wonderful spouse and two young daughters, Ben prioritizes family above all else. "Creating and maintaining a strong, loving, and caring family environment is the most important job that I have," he shares. The lessons he learned from his own upbringing at CESJDS—values of love, respect, and community—continue to guide him as he raises his children in the same nurturing environment that helped shape him.
Looking back on his life, Ben has advice for current students and younger alumni. “Embrace unique experiences, even if they seem daunting,” he says, recalling his decision to move to Israel on his own. At the time, he worried that stepping away from a traditional career path would put him behind his peers who were advancing in more conventional professions. But that time spent abroad, in Israel and in the IDF, was transformative. “It shaped who I am today,” he reflects. He doesn’t regret a single moment of it, and he encourages others to step outside their comfort zones and embrace challenges that foster personal growth.
For Ben, CESJDS was the foundation that gave him the tools, the confidence, and the values to lead a meaningful life—both in his career and in his personal endeavors. And as he now passes those same values and lessons on to his daughters, he understands that the school isn’t just a place of learning—it’s a catalyst for life, guiding students long after they leave its halls.