Peoria Hebrew Day School

Welcome New Board Member, Debbi Merrill

Debbi Merrill joined the PHDS Board of Directors in November 2009. “I’ve always admired the school. I know they are small, and yet they are resilient and rise above obstacles (such as small enrollment). I always thought they were pretty special and they are an important part of the Jewish community in Peoria. It’s a big accomplishment for a city the size of Peoria to have a Day School. I feel we’re very lucky to have PHDS and I wanted to help them.” Debbi wants the students of PHDS to grow up and be successful and be good citizens both to the Jewish community and to the community at large.

Debbi has been married to Joel since 1966, has two grown daughters, Valerie and Sharon and three cats, Teddy, Lilly and Gobbles the Wonder Cat. When she has free time, Debbi enjoys reading mysteries (she just finished Faye Kellerman’s Ritual Bath, which she really enjoyed), going to see live theatre, (she recently saw the musical “Beauty and the Beast” and loved seeing all the little girls dressed up like Beauty at the theater), chocolate, and jewelry. Two places she has traveled to that she really enjoyed are southern Spain and Israel. “I loved the sense of history that you get from both places; their historical significance.”

Debbi’s favorite Jewish holiday is Rosh Hashanah because “it’s the beginning of the New Year and it gives everyone the chance for a fresh start. I also love all the traditional foods that are associated with Rosh Hashanah. I like to make them as well as eat them!”