When Elana decided to attend, she thought she would be networking. Little did she know she would meet her future husband! The dinner ended with Justin, who joked he knew who she was, taking her card. Elana said, “stay in touch,” and soon thereafter, Justin and Elana had their first date. Of course, Elana didn’t realize it was a date until Justin, ever so thoughtful and detail-oriented, brought succulents to her doorstep, knowing Elana had a love for home décor and succulent walls.

Just a year and a half later, Justin and Elana were married in a fairy tale style wedding surrounded by family and friends. Funny enough, Elana knew all of Justin's groomsmen in high school, but never could have imagined that they would be standing next to her under the chuppah at their wedding. A full circle she never anticipated.

Elana jokes, "all roads lead back to Milken!" Not only would she go on to marry someone who was a student alongside her all along, but her mother-in-law, Vivienne Friedman (Executive Assistant to Head of School), is the “epicenter of Milken,” having been at the school since its inception.

Now parents to Jack (7 years old) and Stella (5 years old), who are elementary students at Heschel, the couple reminisces about their journey and the role of Milken in shaping their family culture and Jewish identity. The Jewish values of their youth spill into their home in every aspect. Elana acknowledges the influence of Milken in forming her family unit. She noted that both she and Justin have previous Milken classmates whose children have ended up attending school in the same classes as theirs, witnessing a new generation coming together, and highlighting the enduring connection within the Jewish communities; once again how “all roads lead back to Milken.”

Justin and Elana have managed to pass on their strong Jewish roots to their children, ensuring that Judaism continues to play an impactful role in their household. It is commonplace to hear “Jack’s Jewish Jams,” a Spotify playlist Elana created for Jack when he was little, blasting in the car or throughout the house, with both children joyfully singing their favorite Hebrew tunes. The children have developed a profound love for Jewish holidays and Shabbat dinners, a constant reminder of their origin, heritage and values of their upbringing. It is a living testament to their journey, which started unexpectedly but deeply rooted in a shared Jewish identity and the Milken community.