Schools

Mercaz Academy sixth grade students designed, created, and ran an exciting and engaging Purim Carnival for the rest of the school on Shushan Purim. Enthusiastic students hopped from booth to booth, participating in Purim-themed activities like “Haman Tossin’,” “One-on-One Basketball Challenge: Mordechai vs. Haman,” hamantash baking, “Pin the Hat on Haman,” and “Vashti Pimple Pop” (which involved lollipops, not blemishes). One particularly popular game of skill involved tossing a beanbag to knock over a bucket of “garbage” on Haman’s head, and participants enthusiastically cheered every time the bucket went over.

The Yeshiva of Central Queens is thrilled to announce that Rabbi Stephen Knapp has been appointed the inaugural Principal of YCQ’s Junior High School, effective July 2023. This is a newly created position that will elevate the Junior High School (JHS) to even greater heights.

The transition into spring coincides with an exciting time at Central, which includes Purim, Pesach, Senior Seminar, and all of the high-energy programming marking the months leading to the school year’s end. Students look forward to Purim, in particular, and Central celebrated with festivities throughout the entire month of Adar.

Bnos Malka Academy will host its 27^th Annual Dinner on Wednesday, April 19, honoring Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzin Ora Nisanov. The Nisanovs, who are strong supporters of Bnos Malka, and have two daughters who attend the school, have been leaders in the community for over 30 years. Michael Salzbank, Bnos Malka’s Executive Director, remarked, “It is indeed a privilege to recognize Rabbi and Rebbetzin Nisanov as our Guests of Honor. There is hardly an area of communal life that has not directly benefited from their guidance, effort, and hard work. I think the secret to their success is that no matter how large the undertaking, they never ever forget it is about helping individuals who are in need, whether it be financial, spiritual, or social.”

Congratulations to the HANC Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team and Coach Danielle Ben-Hamo ’19 on winning the MYHSAL championship! The Hurricanes had an unbelievable year, going 10-0 in the regular season and then defeating Maayanot, Ramaz, and Frisch in the playoffs, winning an astounding 39 out of 45 sets this season.

Imagine the bravery and courage it would take to sit at another hearing for the attackers who, without provocation, knocked you to the ground; pummeled you with a metal crutch, signs, and fists; kicked you in the ribs, stomach, and throughout your entire body; and then burned your face with mace and pepper spray. On Thursday, March 9th, Joseph Borgen, did just that at a hearing for his case amidst many Jewish advocates. Joey, a young man wearing a yarmulke, had been walking to a pro-Israel rally on May 20, 2021, when he was brutally and mercilessly assaulted. Joey required surgery following a concussion and severe injuries.