The students at the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) enjoyed an exciting, interactive, and meaningful week of learning, with exceptional programs designed to elevate the New Year!
The YCQ New Student Program, initiated by Dr. Elana Dumont, YCQ’s School Psychologist, and Mrs. Elana Joffe, YCQ’s Social Worker, welcomed new YCQ students through partnering with eighth grade mentors. After introductions, each new student received a gift from his/her mentor and worked together in a creative group activity. Dr. Dumont, Mrs. Joffe, and Rabbi Landsman warmly welcomed all new students to the YCQ family.
YCQ Junior High School eighth grade students had the privilege of hearing from Rabbi Lavi Greenspan, a YCQ alumnus, and a Yeshivah of Flatbush High School and Yeshiva University graduate, who lost his sight while studying at Fordham Law School. He went on to complete law school, pass the Bar Exam, obtain s’michah from YU, and earn a master’s degree in social work. Rabbi Greenspan spoke of four things that kept his spirits high, “Family, am Israel, his rebbe, and Torah.” Everyone loved his stories, jokes, compassion, inspiration, and wisdom.
Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade YCQ students had the honor of meeting Rabbi Finkelman, Mashgiach Ruchani of Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim. Rabbi Finkelman spoke about t’shuvah, the extraordinary opportunity to improve ourselves and get closer to Hashem during Yom Kippur. After divrei Torah and a drashah, Rabbi Finkelman gave each student a special brachah!
Flushing Meadow Park was the place to be for our YCQ fifth grade students! Rabbi Ribalt and YCQ’s fifth grade teachers coordinated an impressive Tashlich program, including hiking to the park, meaningful learning about Tashlich, and reflecting on the past. Students were inspired by Rabbi Ribalt’s story about t’shuvah, and how to work on our judgments. At the end of the hike, students were treated to Slurpees from 7-Eleven!
YCQ enjoyed a magnificent start to 5782. Baruch Hashem, this is a new beginning to a very strong school year!
