On Sunday, February 25, the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) will host its 83rd Annual Scholarship Dinner at Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation. This prestigious occasion seeks to pay tribute to individuals whose steadfast commitment and remarkable contributions have left a profound impact on both the Yeshiva and the wider community. This year, YCQ proudly recognizes these remarkable honorees: Guests of Honor Zishy & Esther Rachel Barth, Distinguished Educator Rabbi Ophie Nat, and Parents of the Year Efrahem & Vered Basalel.
Zishy And Esther Rachel Barth
Zishy and Esther Rachel Barth, this year’s esteemed Guests of Honor, epitomize unwavering dedication to our Yeshiva and community. Their steadfast support has been integral, shaping the very fabric of our institution. Zishy’s role as Treasurer of the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) Board of Trustees exemplifies his selfless commitment to nurturing the Yeshiva’s growth, laying the foundation for its enduring success. His strategic financial stewardship has ensured stability and growth, enabling YCQ to thrive in its mission.
Understanding the paramount importance of children’s education, Zishy and Esther Rachel advocate for involvement using personal strengths, resilience, and compassion, fostering a culture of support within our community. As lifelong members of the Kew Gardens Hills community, the Barths chose to raise their family within Kew Gardens Hills’ nurturing environment, prioritizing YCQ for their son Ezra’s education. Under the guidance of dedicated educators, Ezra flourished in a dynamic environment, blending Judaic and general studies, preparing him for a successful future rooted in Torah values.
As Ezra graduates this year, Zishy and Esther Rachel reflect with pride on the love for Torah and learning instilled during his time at YCQ. Their enduring commitment to Jewish education and community service extends beyond their familial responsibilities. Throughout their 25 years of marriage, the Barths have balanced raising their five children with myriad community responsibilities, actively involved in Rabbi Arieli’s shul and Hashevaynu.
Zishy’s dedicated service in Hatzalah, coupled with Esther Rachel’s supportive role in Queens Bikur Cholim, underscores their unwavering commitment to communal welfare. Their selfless acts of kindness and dedication to aiding others have left a lasting impact. Their concern for the community is a shining example of k’ish echad b’leiv echad.
At this year’s YCQ Annual Scholarship Dinner, we celebrate Zishy and Esther Rachel Barth, whose enduring dedication to family, education, community, Torah, and Eretz Yisrael serves as a beacon of inspiration for us all. Their legacy of kindness, generosity, and commitment to Jewish values will continue to inspire future generations to come.
Rabbi Ophie Nat
We are delighted to be celebrating the remarkable achievements of Rabbi Ophie Nat, who has dedicated over two decades of chinuch and inspiration to our children. His unwavering commitment and positive impact on hundreds of students have left an indelible mark on our Yeshiva and community. This year, we proudly honor Rabbi Nat as the recipient of the Distinguished Educator’s Award, recognizing his profound dedication to education and Yiddishkeit.
Rabbi Nat’s influence extends far beyond the classroom, reflecting the qualities of an exceptional educator and leader in Torah values and midos. As an Honors Gemara teacher, Rabbi Nat’s teaching philosophy goes beyond mere instruction. He fosters a deep understanding of Torah concepts, celebrating each student’s “aha” moment when intricate ideas click into place. Through his guidance, students not only excel academically but also develop a profound connection to Torah and its application in their daily lives.
Beyond his role in our YCQ community, Rabbi Nat wears many hats in the Kew Gardens Hills community. With over 25 years as a member of Hatzalah and director of Camp Chazak, he shares his beautiful voice, leading our boys’ choir and davening at special occasions like our Yom HaAtzmaut celebration and hundreds of weddings over the years. Through his years in education, Rabbi Nat has emphasized the importance of children’s midos and safety, integrating ongoing structure into his classes with a blend of camp-style fun.
Guided by the teachings of his grandfather, Rabbi Nat learned the importance of positivity and thanking Hashem even in situations of adversity. This strength of character is shared by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Rabbi Nat’s one piece of advice to his students now and in the future is to remain true to themselves and Hashem, praying that they always remain shomer Shabbos and shomer Torah u’mitzvos.
Join us in honoring Rabbi Ophie Nat, a true leader and baal chesed, whose passion for Torah and teaching has guided students and instilled in them a lifelong love for learning Torah and its application to everyday life, ensuring their success in the future.
Efrahem and Vered Basalel
Efrahem and Vered Basalel are honored recipients of the Parents of the Year Award, recognizing their exceptional commitment to their family and the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) community. Their journey with YCQ began 18 years ago when their eldest son, Itamar, was enrolled, and since then, their dedication has left an indelible mark.
Grateful for the support their family received from YCQ, the Basalels decided to give back by becoming actively involved in the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and various school-wide events. Vered, utilizing her talents as a merchandiser, eagerly volunteers for activities ranging from Chumash and Siddur plays to challah bakes and the Annual Scholarship Dinner Auctions. Their entire family readily volunteers whenever needed, contributing to the warmth and growth of the Yeshiva community.
The Basalels’ quiet strength and selfless love have provided a solid foundation for their children, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in academic and social aspects of education. Their children, who have excelled academically and socially at YCQ, have each surpassed expectation. Itamar (’16) is completing Yeshiva University and applying to law school, Avital (’17) is studying at Stern College to become a Judaic studies teacher while assisting at YCQ, Yoav (’19) is studying at Yeshiva Toras Halacha before starting computer science at Yeshiva University, Hadar (’23) is a freshman at Shulamit High School, Yoel (’24) is graduating eighth grade after being actively involved in extracurricular activities, and Noa (’25) is enjoying seventh grade, continuing the family tradition of forging connections with teachers and friends.
The Basalels attribute their children’s success to the strong foundation they received at YCQ, where they developed a lifelong love for Torah learning and performing chesed and mitzvos. At the 83rd Annual Scholarship Dinner, we honor and express gratitude to Efrahem and Vered Basalel for their profound impact on YCQ over almost two decades, exemplifying humility and dedication to the Yeshiva’s mission.
We eagerly anticipate your presence at the year’s Dinner. To place an ad in our journal, please visit www.YCQDinner.com or call the business office at 718-793-8500 (ext. 300).
