Schools

The Yeshiva of Central Queens got off to a great start this week, as faculty and students returned to the physical building for the first time in six months. Students and staff were patient as everyone began to acclimate to the new environment. The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) decorated the school with banners, flags, and signs, welcoming students and staff back from a very long break.

While Yeshiva may look a little different this year, MTA’s signature ruach, energy, and achdus are still the same! The excitement of the talmidim, rebbeim, and faculty was palpable, as they reunited in person after more than five months. The year is already off to a strong start as talmidim learned b’chavrusa in the beis midrash with Plexiglas dividers to keep everyone safe, enjoyed grade-wide socially distanced outdoor games with a special appearance by Yeshiva University President Dr. Ari Berman (’87), and participated in interactive shiurim and academic classes. Talmidim can’t wait to continue learning, growing, bonding, and making the most of their MTA experience.

SINAI at YCQ is finally here! Children from first through eighth grade gathered for t’filah, learning, and playing with their peers. SINAI is so grateful to the Yeshiva of Central Queens and the Queens community for welcoming it with open arms. Let’s have a great year, everyone!

We Need the Zechus of the Chofetz Chaim Now More than Ever

If there was ever a time that Klal Yisrael needed to unite in a massive outpouring of tefillah and achdus; if there was ever a time when tens of thousands of tinokos shel beis rabban needed to come together to invoke rachmei shomayim, that time is now!

What a difference a year makes!

SKA’s faculty and staff orientation, held on Tuesday, September 1, was unlike any other year’s. School desks surrounded by special plastic barriers and spaced out chairs filled the auditorium, while photos were plastered on shirts of mask wearers for identification. The warmth and camaraderie of the SKA administrators, teachers, and staff, however, remained the same. “I’m smiling,” was a constant refrain throughout the day.

After a stirring welcome from SKA Principals Mrs. Elisheva Kaminetsky and Mrs. Bluma Drebin, discussions on the theme of Orientation centered around preparing for the fall semester and the future, with special emphasis on social and emotional learning – for faculty and students alike. Connecting with our students, even with physical barriers in place, is a top priority for SKA, and much thought was given to how to reach our girls in every class.

Thanks go to Associate Principal Ms. Elana Flaumenhaft and School Social Worker Mrs. Yael Fischman for their input into this vital area. A special note of thanks goes to SKA Administrative Coordinator Mrs. Shira Englander and SKA Nurse Mrs. Joan Sherman for their endless support and assistance in making the school ready for this academic year.

We are so excited to welcome SKA students – and the largest Freshman class ever – to our building!