The Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation: Supporting Jewish Education with the Gan Frida Schools in North Miami Beach and Sunny Isles
Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best dividends.” Inspired by this timeless wisdom, the Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation is proud to make an impact on the lives of South Florida’s youngest residents. The Foundation has supported the expansion of the Gan Frida in North Miami Beach and its most recent campus in Sunny Isles for both the Gan Frida and Tamim Academies.
A Legacy of Learning: The Gan Frida’s Growth and Impact
Founded in 2007, the Gan Frida, named in honor of the family’s matriarch, Frida Finker, has been a cornerstone of Jewish early childhood education in the region. With a focus on welcoming Jewish families who may not have been as actively involved in their religious communities, the Gan Frida offers an inclusive environment where children develop a strong foundation in both academic skills and Jewish values. Originally mainly serving Russian-speaking families, the Gan Frida has evolved with its community, embracing students from a variety of backgrounds, including Latin American and Israeli families, amongst others.
“We like to call ourselves the United Nations,” says Chanie Kaller, Founder and Head of School at the Gan Frida. “Our school is about building community and connecting families across different cultures and backgrounds. This is a special place for those passionate about education and children.”
A Holistic Approach to Education and Community
At the Gan Frida, preschool-aged children thrive in a space designed to foster social skills, self-confidence, and curiosity. The school prioritizes creating an inclusive space where families feel connected, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds. Here, Jewish heritage is emphasized, while the unique cultures of its student body are embraced.
In classrooms where English and Hebrew are the primary languages of instruction, teachers incorporate students’ native languages to promote inclusive and warm learning. The school’s curriculum encourages students to actively participate in Jewish holidays and share these traditions with their families. In many cases, it’s the students who teach their parents about Jewish customs and celebrations, many of whom had not previously observed these traditions.
A New Chapter: The Finker-Frenkel Family Tamim Academy of Miami
Following the success of the North Miami Beach campus, the Gan Frida expanded with a new location in Sunny Isles. This new campus is a product of the partnership with Tamim Academies, a national network of Jewish schools that work with local Chabad centers. The most recent Finker-Frenkel Family Tamim Academy of Miami includes both a Gan Frida early childhood component and an elementary school. Currently, the elementary school serves first and second graders, with plans to add one grade level each year, ultimately reaching up to fifth grade. Together, the Gan Frida serves approximately 150 students across both locations, supported by a dedicated staff of 35 teachers and administrators.
“The largest demographic in our community is non-observant,” explains Ms. Chanie Kaller. “Our mission is to reach families that may not have a strong connection to the Jewish community and make them feel welcomed and at home, regardless of their level of observance.”
The Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation’s commitment to expanding education reflects their belief in the transformative power of knowledge and community. Through these efforts, the Foundation is helping to ensure that more children, from diverse backgrounds, and their families, have access to quality education rooted in Jewish values.
To learn more about the Gan Frida and Tamim Academies, visit the Gan Frida and the Finker-Frenkel Family Tamim Academy of Miami websites.
