The Yeshiva of Central Queens hosted its annual commencement for the Class of 2023 on Thursday, June 15, at the state-of-the-art Queensborough Performing Arts Center.
Ninety-seven students, dressed in blue and white caps and gowns, kicked off the evening with a procession down the aisles, as proud family members looked on. Rabbi Moshe Hamel led the packed auditorium in renditions of the American and Israeli national anthems.
Over the course of the evening, Principal Mark Landsman, President of the Board of Trustees Dr. Joel Wein, and Associate Principal of General Studies K-8 Mrs. Melissa Cohen addressed the graduates. They offered words of Torah, encouragement, and praise for the students as they take their next steps.
Student speakers included Valedictorians Esther Inoyatov and Assaf Davidov, Salutatorians Michelle Allayev, Aylea Moussaieff, and Michael Zavulun, and Keter Shem Tov Awardees Avital Levy and Adam Kaykov. The students thanked faculty, family, and friends for helping shape who they are today.
The night continued with respective performances by the boys and girls. Led by Morah Mashie Kapelowitz and Morah Tali Brody, the talmidot wowed the crowd with an impressively choreographed daglanut. The boys performed a series of songs that were arranged and conducted by Rabbi Ophie Nat.
The crowd was then taken for a journey through time with a heartwarming video montage created by Mrs. Jennifer Jaffe. Fond memories from over the many years in YCQ were compiled and displayed as the students looked on, recalling the shared moments they experienced together.
Diplomas were then awarded by Rabbi Landsman, Rabbi Yaakov Lonner, Rabbi Hamel, Mrs. Esther Lowinger, Rabbi Joshua Rohr, Mrs. Melissa Cohen, Rabbi Avraham Kovitz, Mr. Israel Glaser, Dr. Wein, Mrs. Julie Faska, and Dr. Eliana Langbaum.
A collation back at YCQ concluded the memorable night. Graduation was an exclamation point to concluding a wonderful year and to recognize all of the amazing talmidim and talmidot of the Yeshiva of Central Queens. Mazal Tov!
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On Tuesday, June 13, the PTO hosted its annual Superette at YCQ. After a delicious dinner catered by Claire’s Kosher Kitchen, the main program of the evening began.
Rabbi Landsman welcomed everyone with a d’var Torah and then passed the microphone to Mrs. Jennifer Jaffe, who honored Morah Maxine Lipshitz upon her retirement and thanked her for over 30 years of dedication to YCQ. Morah Max first worked in the Early Childhood Program before transitioning to her current role as School Photographer.
Mrs. Esther Lowinger then offered words of appreciation about Mrs. Heather Finkel, our longtime English Language Arts teacher in the Junior High School. In addition to the devotion Mrs. Finkel showed in the classroom, she was also instrumental in leading countless programs, including Names, Not Numbers, and for publishing a beautiful yearbook each year.
Mrs. Tamar Turk, one of our dedicated First Grade teachers, was praised by Mrs. Melissa Cohen for all her efforts in helping our students at a crucial juncture in their education.
Mrs. Valerie Olsen then spoke about Mrs. Rachel Stern, a former PTO President and Board Member. She was thanked for her ongoing support of our Yeshiva and her major role in helping the PTO become the amazing and supportive organization it is today.
Lastly, Ms. Ashley Landsberg, YCQ graduate, and daughter of Mr. Simon Landsberg, thanked her father for his work as past PTO president and his dedication to the role.
The evening concluded with an entertaining performance by magician David Rosenfeld. Special thank you to Mrs. Penina Nussbaum, the Superette Committee Chair, and her committee for organizing such a wonderful evening. Thanks to Mrs. Julie Faska and Dr. Eliana Langbaum the PTO co-presidents, and for all their efforts, as well.
