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On Sunday night, the parents of Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion came together for, what many are saying, was the most uplifting and best annual dinner in the Yeshiva’s history. For the first time in over a year, the entire YSZ family was able to come together in person to celebrate the accomplishments of our Yeshiva. Unlike many dinners, which typically honor specific people, this dinner was focused on honoring every member of the YSZ family. The Hanhalah, rebbeim, morot, teachers, parents, and the students were all honored for not just getting through the COVID crisis, but growing to unprecedented heights.

Photo credit: Maxine Lipshitz

 The Yeshiva of Central Queens gratefully acknowledges the Names, Not Numbers© Program that has taught our students about the Holocaust through the accounts of eyewitnesses, provided them with interviewing, filming, and editing skills and, most importantly, enabled meaningful relationships to be forged between the survivors and our students. YCQ has benefited tremendously from its participation in this Legacy Heritage project.

With the inauguration of the SKA Beit Midrash Fellowship Program, the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls pioneered an outstanding initiative last year that contributed to the vibrant Torah atmosphere of the school while developing impactful Judaic educators. This year, with the extensive renovation of the SKA Library, the program has been broadened to include a fresh and creative space, increased hours and added responsibilities for its participants.

It is not uncommon for individuals to execute a will and other estate planning documents for themselves and to make sure that aging parents also have these documents in place. But unfortunately, we seldom see parents reminding their adult children to engage in this type of planning, including those children who have only just recently reached majority age.

Sunday, August 29, was a meaningful and inspirational day for graduates at the Bnos Malka Academy. There was a culminating brunch and video premiere for the program Names, Not Numbers©: an interactive, multi-media Holocaust project created by educator Tova Fish-Rosenberg.

The brunch facilitated beautiful intergenerational connections where students, the interviewers, and their families, sat with survivors, the interviewees. Together they watched the documentary, created by the students. Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, students at Bnos Malka took the necessary steps to create this incredible masterpiece. They learned about the Holocaust with their teacher, Ms. Atara Kanner, and created a professional film that will be archived in museums and universities.

Having the opportunity to connect to past generations and perpetuate their memory is something that these students will never forget. The lessons learned of emunah, bitachon, and hope will stay with them for many years to come. The Names, Not Numbers© program is generously supported by a prominent national foundation.