This past Motza’ei Shabbos, Rambam Mesivta celebrated its 33rd Annual Scholarship Dinner. The event honored several distinguished individuals, including Ariel (Class of ’98) and Julie Holzer as Guests of Honor, Yehuda and Shira Kessock as Parents of the Year, and Rabbi Avi and Dr. Mindy Haar with the Pillars of Rambam Award. Additionally, Dr. Yehuda Herschman (Class of 2005) was recognized as Alumnus of the Year, alongside Chezky “Jonathan” Frieden (Class of 2015), who was also named Alumnus of the Year.
The evening, held at 140 Central (formerly The Mansion), was filled with warmth and excitement, as attendees came together to celebrate Rambam Mesivta’s continued success and its unwavering commitment to “Torah, Midos, and Excellence.” Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet while mingling with fellow parents and attendees, fostering a sense of community and connection that spanned across decades.
The esteemed Honorable Judge Ronald Goldman served as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding the evening’s program with grace. The program commenced with a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem, performed on the saxophone by senior Benny Feder, followed by a stirring rendition of HaTikvah, sung by alumnus Josh Aminov (Class of ’24), as a slideshow was played highlighting the Rambam Alumni serving in the IDF. Rambam rebbi, Rabbi Yosef Ziskind, then led the guests in T’hilim in support of our brothers and sisters in Israel.
Following the musical opening, Rosh Mesivta Rabbi Avi Herschman delivered an inspiring d’var Torah on the upcoming holiday of Purim. He reflected on the significance of remembering its miracles and how recounting those events can inspire us to strive for personal growth, leading more complete lives in the service of Hashem.
Principal Dr. Hillel Goldman then addressed the crowd, gearing up to present Chezky “Jonathan” Frieden with the Alumnus of the Year award for the Class of 2015. Dr. Goldman connected Chezky’s experience at Rambam, involving clubs, sports, rallies, and more, as laying the foundation for the leadership role he took in national politics in the wake of October 7. As a student at Harvard Law School, Chezky found himself as the face of those speaking out against anti-Semitism on campus, as he advocated for the Jewish people on Capitol Hill, after being introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, C-SPAN, Fox News, and more.
Dr. Yehuda Herschman was honored as the Alumnus of the Year for the Class of 2015, presented by our Rosh Mesivta and his younger brother, Rabbi Avi Herschman. A distinguished neurosurgeon and a true embodiment of a Rambam Man, Yehuda, together with his wife, Ester, dedicated his life to building a family centered on Torah and avodas Hashem. Deeply passionate about Jewish education, he devotes his free time to supporting and strengthening Jewish institutions and communities. It was a privilege to recognize Yehuda’s remarkable contributions with this well-deserved honor.
Rabbi Herschman then welcomed the next honorees, Parents of the Year, Yehuda and Shira Kessock. He shared with guests that this award is a reflection of their unwavering dedication to the community, which they demonstrate daily through their involvement with Rambam and the community of Oceanside. Yehuda is a devoted supporter of the school and a familiar presence at every hockey game, proudly cheering on Rami (Class of 2025) as he defends the net. Shira, with her generosity and expertise, volunteered her time this past year to coach Rambam’s esteemed robotics team, The Rambots. Rambam is truly fortunate that they graciously accepted this well-deserved recognition as Parents of the Year!
Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, Rosh Yeshiva, then addressed the crowd with a meaningful d’var Torah before presenting the next honorees, Ariel and Julie Holzer, with the Guests of Honor award. Rabbi Friedman went on to describe them as true paragons of the Five Towns community and of the Rambam Mesivta community. Ariel (Class of ’98) generously volunteers his time at the school, coaching hockey and instilling in students the values of hard work, teamwork, and sacrifice. Julie is a passionate advocate for the school, always ready to lend a hand whenever needed, as does their son, Moshe, Rambam Class of 2026. Their unwavering commitment and dedication make them most deserving of this honor.
The final award of the evening was presented to Rabbi Avi and Dr. Mindy Haar in a heartfelt tribute. A special presentation featuring a slideshow was followed by five distinguished speakers, each representing a different core value. The speakers included Rosh Yeshiva and longtime friend of the Haars, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman; their granddaughters, Evie and Lea Haar; Rabbi Henoch Bald, a former talmid and now colleague; Rabbi Warren Cinamon, a chavrusa and dear friend; and Eli Wiesenfeld, an alumnus and talmid from the Class of 2005.
Each speaker eloquently conveyed the profound impact that Rabbi and Rebbetzin Haar have had on the more than 1,000 alumni of Rambam Mesivta. They have been instrumental in shaping a derech ha’chayim and derech ha’limud for every student who has walked through the yeshivah’s doors. Whether in the classroom, through casual shmoozing, summers at Camp Mesorah, or warm and welcoming meals in their home, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Haar embody what it means to be true Pillars of Jewish Education.
As the evening ended, there was a sense of gratitude and school pride among all in attendance. The 33rd Annual Scholarship Dinner was not only a celebration of the honorees, but also a testament to the dedication of the Rambam Mesivta community. The stories shared, the values upheld, and the connections reinforced throughout the night highlighted the school’s unwavering commitment to “Torah, Midos, and Excellence.” With heartfelt appreciation for its supporters and visionaries, Rambam Mesivta looks forward to continuing its mission of inspiring and educating the next generation of Jewish leaders.
