“Our goal is explicitly clear and intentional: to inspire your children to love Hashem and to come closer to Hashem.” Rabbi Mordechai Ginsparg, Menahel of the Bais Yaakov Academy of Queens, spoke at the 65th Annual Bais Yaakov of Queens Dinner at the Sands in Long Beach.
Baruch Hashem, having had the honor and privilege of teaching at the Bais Yaakov of Queens for several decades, both as a teacher and as a writing coach, and having five daughters who are graduates of this wonderful school, including three who taught there, this writer sees the tremendous, beautiful impact that the Bais Yaakov of Queens has had on her own family, the community, and klal Yisrael.
Mr. Nechemia Hoch, Board Member of BYQ and the Dinner Chairman, welcomed everyone. He thanked the Presidium, Dr. Meyer Halberstam and Mr. Bernie Shafran, who always keep the Bais Yaakov of Queens first in their hearts. He also thanked Rabbi Mordechai Ginsparg for his amazing, hard work and dedication to the students of the Bais Yaakov of Queens.
Next, Mr. Bernie Shafran, President, thanked the principals and the teachers. He thanked the parents for entrusting their precious daughters to the school and for supporting BYQ. He thanked Rabbi Ginsparg and said that he is the heart of the school.
Next, Rabbi Ginsparg spoke. He shared that it is a great honor and a z’chus to be the Menahel of BYQ and to address everyone at the dinner. He then spoke about the fact that Haman had some grandchildren who studied Torah in Bnei Brak. The question is: What z’chus did Haman have to merit this? Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l taught the answer with a mashal. There was once a prince who was choking on a bone, and the son of his enemy hit the prince to help dislodge the bone. The enemy was then sentenced to death for hitting the prince. However, since he saved the prince’s life, his children would be rewarded. In the same way, Haman caused the Jews to do t’shuvah and to come closer to Hashem. Thus, since he did this indirectly, he was rewarded with descendants who joined the Jewish people and learned Torah.
He shared that parents of BYQ will receive an eternal reward for educating their children in the derech Hashem. “We should have the z’chus to continue to see generations following this way.”
He related that the Bais Yaakov emphasizes the beauty of learning Torah, davening, midos tovos, and chesed projects. BYQ taught the students how to react during an eis tzarah. Students recite T’hilim and perform acts of chesed. “Everything we do is directed towards teaching them to impact everyone around them.” Rabbi Ginsparg shared that he davens every day that we are successful in inspiring and impacting the students of BYQ so they will impact others.”
He lauded the incredible staff who give their lev and nefesh on behalf of the students at BYQ. He named the wonderful principals and thanked each one individually for all they do: Mrs. Nechama Jurkowitz, Limudei Kodesh Principal, Mrs. Sarah Bergman, General Studies Principal, Mrs. Karen Reisbaum, Assistant General Studies Principal, and Mrs. Ora Love, Preschool Director. He then thanked the moros and teachers who are professional and caring and shared that they are truly the backbone of the school. “I enjoy visiting their classrooms.”
He also thanked the cheerful, patient office staff who are always willing to help, and the business office under the direction of Rabbi Simcha Noble. In addition, he thanked the board and the Parent Association. He also thanked the honorees who represent the concept of impacting and inspiring others.
He pointed out that Morah Devorah Wangrofsky, Educator Award recipient, has had a lasting influence on hundreds of talmidos in both limudei kodesh and general studies.
“Her care for each talmidah is legendary. Bais Yaakov of Queens is privileged to have her.”
He spoke about the high academic level and standards of both the limudei kodesh and the secular studies at the school. He also spoke about the special midos program under the direction of Mrs. Elisa Taub. This is an integral part of what we want to accomplish at BYQ, he said. There is also an after-school program and there is a mid-winter vacation camp.
He then shared that a special award was being bestowed on three mothers: Mrs. Sharon Erlbaum for her work on the PA calendar, Mrs. Ruchy Grossman for work as treasurer of the PA, and Mrs. Yehudis Rubin, who gave so much time for the success of the pizza program.
Colleagues spoke about Miss Wangrofsky and her vivacious energy and her dedication to her students. Miss Wangrofsky shared that she loves what she does and knows she is fortunate to love her job. Mrs. Rivka Dina Rodkin, second grade BYQ teacher, noted: “She is dedicated, devoted, Devorah.” She doesn’t shy away from a challenge. She always wants to learn from others, and she knows how to make all the children feel special.
After this, Rabbi Leibel Rockove, Rav of Khal Nachlas Avos, praised the recipients of the Oskim B’Tzarchei Tzibur Award, Rabbi and Mrs. Yitzchok Wurem. Rabbi Wurem is a master rebbi and, in addition, he and his wife are involved in kiruv through Camp Nageelah and JEP. Rabbi Herschel Welcher, Rav of Congregation Ahavas Yisroel, praised their selfless work on behalf of klal Yisrael.
Next, Rabbi Josh Goller, Rav of the Young Israel of West Hempstead, spoke about Mr. Yossi and Mrs. Naomi Wargon, Keser Shem Tov Awardees, who extend themselves and do so much for their community in West Hempstead and beyond.
Following this, Tuvia Paris, son of the Guests of Honor, introduced Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, Rav of the Young Israel of Queens Valley. Rabbi Marcus shared how the Guests of Honor, Mr. Reuben and Mrs. Lauren Paris, bring the Bais Yaakov of Queens lessons to life.
After this, Rabbi Simcha Noble, Director of the Business Staff of BYQ, spoke about the all the wonderful programs in BYQ and the need for our community to continue to donate and help BYQ to meet its financial needs so it can continue to deliver the high standards of education that it does.
Then, there was a short video. Mrs. Nechama Jurkowitz, Limudei Kodesh Principal, shared, “The teachers walk into the classroom, and then, magic happens. They impact the children by example and then the students’ neshamos are set in motion – they’re activated!” Mrs. Sarah Bergman and Mrs. Karen Reisbaum shared that BYQ teaches the life impact of performing chesed. It impacts the person performing the chesed in such a powerful way. Mrs. Bergman shared how graduates of BYQ in high school are noted not only for their high academic performance but also for their dignity and chesed that BYQ played a role in inculcating into them. Mrs. Reisbaum shared that the girls make packages for nursing homes and hospitals. “The lesson BYQ wants to impart is that everything we do is helping others.”
Mrs. Ora Lov, Pre-School Principal, shared, “Our classrooms are built with the goal of creating a safe, warm, and loving environment where children can thrive and grow. Our teachers get to know the whole child.”
The elegant dinner, with cherry blossom centerpieces and a warm, friendly feeling, was a beautiful celebration of a wonderful Torah institution in our midst.
