CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Deerfield private high school named for Jewish philanthropist
by Donald Liebenson
November 24, 2015

Chicagoland Jewish High School, founded in 2001, changed its name to Rochelle Zell Jewish High School (RZJHS), effective last Thursday. The name change follows a long-term naming gift in excess of $10 million from the Zell Family Foundation, and honors Rochelle Zell, mother of Sam Zell, founder and chairman of the private investment firm Equity Group Investments. Sam Zell is a Chicago-area philanthropist and former chairman and CEO of the Tribune Company. Sam Zell and his wife, Helen, were unavailable for comment. In a statement released by the school, Matthew Zell, one of Rochelle Zell’s grandchildren, said, “We are proud to strengthen this vital and essential institution in our community.”..The financial gifts to the school will be used, in large part, to retire the school’s debts incurred by construction of its permanent building more quickly, [Head of School Tony] Frank said. READ MORE