A remarkable milestone took place in Chicago on a sunny Sunday afternoon, characterized by an unusually warm day and a vibrant community atmosphere. Attendees from across the United States gathered to commemorate an event that many labeled as miraculous—the inauguration of a stunning $14 million high school and synagogue campus dedicated to an often-overlooked Jewish heroine from 18th-century Belarus.
The Devorah Leah Campus pays tribute to the legacy of Rebbetzin Devorah Leah of Vitebsk, who was the aunt of the revered Alter Rebbe and famously known as the Lamdonis, which means "the learned one." This heritage serves as an inspiring example for students at the Lubavitch Girls High School (LGHS), a distinguished Chabad institution catering not only to local learners but also to out-of-state students residing in a nearby three-story dormitory.
Rabbi Baruch Hertz, the Dean of the school, shared that the inspiration for the campus's name stemmed from Shira Malka Walder, the widow of the late Dr. Joseph Walder and the Founder and Director of the Walder Foundation. "Mrs. Walder's unwavering belief in empowering girls through education has shaped her life’s mission," Rabbi Hertz noted. "When we initially approached her with the vision for the new school and presented the architectural designs, she encouraged me to expand our goals, to think beyond the immediate and to galvanize broader support for this vital project."
The concept of the campus evolved into a beautiful structure designed to host advanced science laboratories, spacious study areas, and a sunlit library, among other wonderful spaces aimed at enriching the educational experience for the girls.
However, the development of this inspiring facility depended heavily on securing additional financial resources.
Fortunately, the Rabbi didn't need to look far for assistance. One notable piece of land included in the campus development was directly adjacent to the esteemed Congregation Bnei Ruven and had formerly belonged to Aaron and Clara Jolcover, a couple deeply committed to the community and known for hosting overflow services in their basement.
"I learned a great deal about the Jolcovers from Rabbi Shusterman, the previous leader and architect behind Bnei Ruven in West Rogers Park," remarked Rabbi Hertz.
Dr. Howard Berger, a grandson of the Jolcovers, shared memories of his childhood spent in their inviting home, where laughter and family gatherings were abundant. "Their home was always filled with joy and was a favorite place for my cousins and me to play, often darting around in the basement where we would dodge folding chairs and make-shift holy ark arrangements for overflow minyanim."
In the 1960s, the Jolcovers relocated, and their home changed owners several times. Meanwhile, their descendants spread out across the United States and even abroad, successfully cultivating the spirit of Jewish values and generosity wherever they settled.
In 2005, Rabbi Hertz recognized a unique opportunity when the Jolcover home became available for purchase, envisioning it as perfect supplemental dormitory space for LGHS. This acquisition allowed the purchase of the adjacent alleyway from the city, linking the residence to the synagogue.
As time went by, it became increasingly evident that a larger, more suitable facility for the educational institution was essential.
In 2020, the acquisition of a three-story apartment complex marked a pivotal moment, replacing four older homes (including the former Jolcover property) used as dorms. This new building provided the necessary foundation to create a school campus that truly embodies the vibrancy and essence of the teachings of the Torah and Chassidus.
Rabbi Hertz emphasized that the stunning campus is the result of collective effort. Rabbi Shua Greenspan, the institution’s Administrator, dedicated countless hours to the planning and execution of the construction project, while Mrs. Rivky Wolf, the school’s Administrative Assistant, played a crucial role in the design process.
Completing construction in time for the 2025-2026 school year, the campus now resonates with the joyful sounds of students engaging in learning.
As Rosh Hashanah drew near, the moment had finally arrived for celebration.
Surrounded by hundreds of students, alumni, benefactors, and members of the Jolcover family who traveled from across the nation, Mrs. Walder officially unveiled the Devorah Leah Campus, which includes the Aaron & Clara Jolcover Lubavitch Girls High School.
Cheers erupted as the Jolcover family gathered at the entryway, exactly where their grandparents’ beloved home once stood. In that emotional moment, their family, now several dozen strong, joyously celebrated by cutting the ribbon, creating a fitting tribute to a couple renowned for their generosity and to a woman whose life set a precedent for others to emulate.
