NJV November 2016 Web

In Their Own 

Voice - Our Three 

Principals Speak 

SEE PAGE 5 

RTMA Names New 

Mashgiach Ruchani 

SEE PAGE 9 

Alumni LIVE 

from Israel 

SEE PAGE 20 

Sefer Tehillim Completed Six 

Times at School-Wide Event 

early four hundred Bruriah students, 

faculty and staff participated 

in a pre-Yom Kippur Tehillim-a-Thon 

dedicated in the 

s classes resumed at the Rav Teitz Mesivta memory of the late Mr. Joseph Wilf, longtime 

Academy, the school’s principal, Rabbi Ami benefactor and chairman of the JEC board, 

Neuman, challenged returning students who passed away in August. 

and incoming freshman to live and learn The Tehillim-a-thon brought the entire Bruriah 

student body together for the recitation 

“AboveTheCode.” 

The school’s new mission statement urges students, of the entire Sefer Tehillim, which was completed 

over six times. 

faculty and staff to live and learn beyond the basic requirements. 

“As students, as Jews and as growing, reflective 

people, we dare not be satisfied by doing the opened his remarks by paying tribute to Mr. 

Rav Elazar Mayer Teitz, Dean of the JEC 

minimum necessary,” said Rabbi Neuman. “We reach Wilf as a man who made philanthropy and 

above and beyond what is required. We strive for excellence. 

We achieve greatness.” 

JEC, a cornerstone of his life. The Rav further 

support for Torah institutions, particularly the 

“Together,” he added, “We live AboveTheCode. Guided 

by the Torah, we passionately pursue excellence volves around construction and development, 

noted that though the Wilf family business re- 

through engagement, reflection and growth. That is Mr. Joseph Wilf did not allow the family name the main driving forces of his life was to build 

our mission. That is the 

to adorn any buildings except those dedicated 

to Torah. Bruriah proudly carries the Wilf ture. And there can be no better tribute, espe- 

Jewish community and ensure its strong fu- 

way we live. This is who continued on p.14 

name on its building. 

cially during the Aseres Y’may Teshuva with 

Addressing the assembled crowd of students, 

faculty and staff, Mark Wilf, the late Jo- 

for him.” 

Yom Kippur coming up, for all of you to do this 

seph Wilf’s son, said of his father that, “One of Looking at continued on p.13 

ith a flurry of programmatic enhancements, 

cosmetic updates 

and expanded offerings, a resurgent 

JEC Lower School is shattering 

the status quo and setting a new paradigm 

in Jewish education. 

Energy and spirit courses through the bright 

hallways and pulses throughout engaging 

classrooms from nursery through sixth grade. 

The addition of all-star talent to join the already 

incredible Lower School and Early Childhood 

faculty means students are receiving the best 

in education in a warm, caring and nurturing 

environment. 

“The school is alive with spirit and an embrace 

of the 

endless pos- 

continued on p.13 

n the wake of recent events, the JEC has instituted 

upgraded and enhanced security protocols 

throughout its buildings and across its campuses. 

The goal of the additions is to provide for the 

continued safety of the entire JEC family. 

Major additions include the stationing of armed 

Name Our 

guards in each school building, enhancements to the 

Paper Contest! school’s speakers and emergency communications 

SEE PAGE 3 equipment, and the provision 

of portable commu- 


A Monthly Publication of the Jewish Educational Center | November 2016 | Cheshvan 5777 

Est. 1941 - 5702 

Inaugural Issue Volume I | Issue 1 

A Monthly Publication of the Jewish Educational Center | November 2016 | Cheshvan 5777 

Learn Torah. Love Torah. Live Torah. 

Inaugural Issue 

Est. 1941 - 5702 

Volume I | Issue 1 

In Their Own 

Voices - Our Three 

Principals Speak 

SEE PAGE 5 

RTMA Names New 


SEE PAGE 9 

Alumni LIVE 

from Israel 

SEE PAGE 20 

Learn Torah. Love Torah. Live Torah. 

At RTMA, Students Joseph Wilf Remembered 

Live AboveTheCode 

at Bruriah Tehillim-a-Thon 

A 

New Security Measures 

Keep Students Safe 

I 

? 

N 

Surging Lower School Gives 

New Voice #Proud2BeJEC 

W 

Name Our 

Paper Contest! 

SEE PAGE 3 

At RTMA, Students 

Live AboveTheCode 

A 

s classes resumed at the Rav Teitz Mesivta 

Academy, the school’s principal, Rabbi Ami 

Neuman, challenged returning students 

and incoming freshman to live and learn 

“AboveTheCode.” 

The school’s new mission statement urges students, 

faculty and staff to live and learn beyond the basic requirements. 

“As students, as Jews and as growing, reflective 

people, we dare not be satisfied by doing the 

minimum necessary,” said Rabbi Neuman. “We reach 

above and beyond what is required. We strive for excellence. 

We achieve greatness.” 

“Together,” he added, “We live AboveTheCode. Guided 

by the Torah, we passionately pursue excellence 

through engagement, reflection and growth. That is 

our mission. That is the 

way we live. This is who continued on p.23 

New Security Measures 

Keep Students Safe 

W 

ith a flurry of programmatic enhancements, 

cosmetic updates 

and expanded offerings, a resurgent 

JEC Lower School is shattering 

the status quo and setting a new paradigm 

in Jewish education. 

Energy and spirit courses through the bright 

hallways and pulses throughout engaging 

classrooms from nursery through sixth grade. 

The addition of all-star talent to join the already 

incredible Lower School and Early Childhood 

faculty means students are receiving the best 

in education in a warm, caring and nurturing 

environment. 

“The school is alive with spirit and an embrace 

of the 

endless pos- 


I 

n the wake of recent events, the JEC has instituted 

upgraded and enhanced security protocols 

throughout its buildings and across its campuses. 

The goal of the additions is to provide for the 

continued safety of the entire JEC family. 

Major additions include the stationing of armed 

guards in each school building, enhancements to the 

school’s speakers and emergency communications 

equipment, and the provision 

of portable commu- 


Joseph Wilf Remembered 

at Bruriah Tehillim-a-Thon 

Sefer Tehillim Completed Six 

Times at School-Wide Event 

N 

early four hundred Bruriah students, 

faculty and staff participated 

in a pre-Yom Kippur Tehillim-a-Thon 

dedicated in the 

memory of the late Mr. Joseph Wilf, longtime 

benefactor and chairman of the JEC board, 

who passed away in August. 

The Tehillim-a-thon brought the entire Bruriah 

student body together for the recitation 

of the entire Sefer Tehillim, which was completed 

over six times. 

Rav Elazar Mayer Teitz, Dean of the JEC 

opened his remarks by paying tribute to Mr. 

Wilf as a man who made philanthropy and 

support for Torah institutions, particularly the 

JEC, a cornerstone of his life. The Rav further 

noted that though the Wilf family business revolves 

around construction and development, 

Mr. Joseph Wilf did not allow the family name 

to adorn any buildings except those dedicated 

to Torah. Bruriah proudly carries the Wilf 

name on its building. 

Addressing the assembled crowd of students, 

faculty and staff, Mark Wilf, the late Joseph 

Wilf’s son, said of his father that, “One of 

the main driving forces of his life was to build 

Jewish community and ensure its strong future. 

And there can be no better tribute, especially 

during the Aseres Y’may Teshuva with 

Yom Kippur coming up, for all of you to do this 

for him.” 

Looking at continued on p.13 

Surging Lower School Gives 

New Voice #Proud2BeJEC

Letter from the Editors 

D 

ear Readers, 

Welcome to our first edition! 

We hope you love reading about all of the 

amazing things going on in the JEC Lower 

School, RTMA and Bruriah as much as we loved 

writing about them. 

Just look at all of the astounding things going on 

in school. These articles represent just a small fraction 

of all the educational, developmental, and fun 

things happening every day in the classrooms, lunchrooms, 

gyms, offices and hallways throughout our 

buildings and campuses. 

As you read through this first edition you will notice 

a few interesting things. 

First, the publication has no name! Instead of creating 

a name that we felt best represented the visionary, 

aspirational and future-oriented nature of the 

JEC, we decided to go nameless and let our readers 

and the greater JEC community come up with the 

best name possible for this publication. 

So, if you are up for the challenge, send us an email 

to nameourpaper@thejec.org with your suggestion! 

The winner will have the awesome honor of having 

their submission gracing the front page of every issue 

of this publication going forward. In addition, we will 

recognize the winner in the next issue and provide 

them with some additional benefits and rewards. 

2 NOVEMBER 2016 | CHESHVAN 5777 

Second, each division has its own section and 

front page, with one for the Lower School, one for 

RTMA and one for Bruriah. For this edition, we 

printed them in that order, because that is the order 

of their founding. However, going forward, we 

are going to rotate the sections with a different order 

each issue. 

Third, the front page of this publication includes 

the words Learn Torah. Love Torah. Live Torah. because 

those words best articulate the life and mission 

of the JEC’s illustrious founder Rav Pinchas 

Mordechai Teitz zt’l and what he envisioned for 

our institution and greater communities. 

This paper is a work in progress. We expect it to 

develop over time. We look forward to including additional 

sections such as letters to the editor, student 

columns, feature stories, alumni corner, news from 

the JEC archives, and much more. 

Remember, this is a team effort and we encourage 

you to join us and contribute in any way you 

can. But most of all, we hope that by reading this 

paper you will come to Learn Torah, Love Torah, 

and Live Torah so that you can Make Your Mark by 

living a life AboveTheCode, remembering that we 

are always #Proud2BeJEC. 

Sincerely, 

The Editors 

זצ״ל HARAV PINCHAS M. TEITZ 

Founder 

RABBI ELAZAR M. TEITZ 

Rav and Dean 

**JOSEPH WILF 

Chairman, Council of Governors 

DR. STEVEN SINGFER 

President 

LAWRENCE DIENER 

MARVIN ROSENZWEIG 

Vice Presidents 

BERNARD HALL 

Treasurer 

ORA SHEINSON 

Secretary 

DR. ELLIOTH FISHKIN 

ELIEZER FLINT 

RANDI HERSHKOWITZ 

DANIELLA HOFFER 

DAVID KAHANE 

*MARTIN KNECHT 

BRIAN NESS 

ROANNA PASCHER 

DR. HARRIS SALTZBURG 

Board of Trustees 

BRYAN BIER 

MARJORIE BLENDEN 

*ERWIN FISCH 

WILLIAM GOLDFISCHER 

DAVID HALPERN 

ELI KRAMER 

CHARLES KUSHNER 

MURRAY KUSHNER 

LARRY PANTIRER 

LEO STAHL 

AARON STIER 

MARK WEISSBERG 

LEONARD WILF 

MARK WILF 

ZYGMUNT WILF 

RABBI NATHAN ZEMEL 

Council of Governors 

*Past President 

**Deceased 

RABBI PINCHAS SHAPIRO 

Executive Vice President 

STEVEN KARP 

Executive Director 

ROBERT HART 

Controller 

ANDREW SCHULTZ 

Director of 

Institutional Advancement 

ADINA ABRAMOV 

Chief Marketing Officer 

JEC LOWER SCHOOL 

RABBI UZI BEER 

Principal 

DR. GOLDIE GROSSMAN 

MRS. FAIGY LEITER 

Assistant Principals 

RAV TEITZ MESIVTA ACADEMY 

RABBI AMI NEUMAN 

Principal 

RABBI NOACH SAUBER 

Assistant Principal 

RABBI SHARIR YABLONSKY 

Associate Principal 

Middle School 

BRURIAH 

RABBI JOSEPH ORATZ 

Principal 

MRS. SHLOMIS PEIKES 

Associate Principal 

MRS. SHERRY KRUPKA 

Assistant Principal 

MRS. ZEHAVA GREENWALD 

Coordinator 

Junior High School

Achievements and Aspirations 

and defines who we are as a school and a 

family. 

V’chol banayich limudei Hashem, v’rav 

shalom banayich, “And all your children 

shall be taught of Hashem, and there shall 

be great peace for your children.” (From the 

Navi Yishaya (54:13) which is lained as part 

of the haftarah for Parshat Noach.) 

When Rav Pinchas Mordechai Teitz zt’l 

founded the Jewish Educational Center he 

etched words from this pasuk into the sefer 

depicted on the JEC emblem. There is deep 

meaning beneath these words and in choosing 

them as a symbol, our illustrious founder 

left an enduring lesson that set the course 

we pursue today. 

The Gemara in Meseches Brachos 64a enjoins 

us regarding this pasuk, “Al tikri banayich, 

elah bonayich,” meaning, “Do not read 

it children, rather builders.” 

The Gemara is teaching us that we are not 

charged simply to be receivers of teaching, 

accumulators of knowledge, or children that 

reflect the best of the previous generation. 

We are not merely inheritors, beneficiaries, 

and recipients of the past. Rather, we are 

charged by the Gemara, the prophets, and 

most of all Hashem to be builders. Content- 

By Rav Elazar M. Teitz 

A 

n auspicious anniversary 

in the 

lifetime of an institution 

is an incentive 

for it to take stock -- to 

look back at its accomplishments 

and judge whether it 

has lived up to the purpose for which it came 

into existence. At the same time, it presents the 

challenge of looking towards the future. Does 

the purpose still have the same relevance now 

as it did then? Are the methods used satisfactory, 

or do they require modification? 

The Jewish Educational Center, in mid-June, 

completed the seventy-fifth year of its existence. 

Its school has certainly come a long way from 

its one-teacher, three-grade (kindergarten, first, 

second), fourteen-student start on the day after 

Yom Kippur in 1941. From its one-room beginning, 

it has grown to three divisions offering 

more years of education than the number 

of its original population, located in six buildings 

on two sites, the Elmora complex (actually 

four distinct connected buildings) and the Bruriah 

site (two connected buildings). It has facilities, 

programs and equipment undreamed 

of in its formative years. 

However, through all the growth and the 

changes, its purpose has remained unchanged: 

A Noble Endeavor 

By Rabbi Pinchas Shapiro 

A 

s you can see 

from reading 

the pages of 

this newspaper, 

amazing things are 

happening at the JEC 

and its family of schools. 

Page after page of education, 

energy, creativity, 

and innovation. The stories contained 

herein are just a sampling of the incredible 

teaching, learning and growing that is occurring 

throughout our classrooms and campuses 

every day. 

An unparalleled partnership makes this 

all possible. The dedication and determination 

of our faculty and staff is without comparison. 

The love and engagement of our 

parent body is beyond measure. The support 

and involvement of our alumni is the envy of 

other institutions. And the manifest potential 

of our outstanding students is unrivaled. 

What makes the JEC a singularly unique 

institution is our fidelity to our past and our 

commitment to the future. The universal acceptance 

of this dual purpose by students, 

parents, faculty and staff alike sets us apart 

JEWISH EDUCATIONAL CENTER 

to imbue its students with the dedication to observe 

the מצוות and the Torah knowledge needed 

for that observance; to supply them with 

the education necessary to excel in the world 

at large; and to accept fully the primacy of Torah 

in determining their interaction with the 

secular world -- that when faced with an apparent 

contradiction between the Torah’s demands 

and life’s imperatives, to modify the latter to 

conform to the former, rather than the reverse. 

Though the world around us has changed almost 

beyond recognition, that purpose cannot 

change; it is the very essence of being a Torah 

Jew, and the JEC remains steadfastly committed 

to its continuation. The methods, however, 

can and must undergo constant improvement, 

and to this, too, the JEC has been and remains 

fully committed. 

We shall always strive to be וקיו ה'‏ , those 

whose hope is in the Almighty, whom the 

assures us will be blessed with renewed נביא 

strength. We anticipate the future not as an occasion 

for resting on our laurels, which is a formula 

for stagnation; but rather to build on our 

past successes as a springboard to ever greater 

aspirations -- and with dedication and unremitting 

effort, we shall, with Hashem’s help, 

achieve them. 

Rav Teitz is the Dean of the Jewish Educational 

Center and Rav Hair of Elizabeth, NJ 

Living JEC 

By Dr. Steven Singfer 

E 

xpressing my 

love, admiration 

and gratitude for 

the people of the 

Jewish Educational Center 

is no easy task. The parents, 

students, faculty and 

staff are all so dear to me. 

When I arrived at the JEC, I was no more 

than boy; a young man searching for meaning 

and direction. Now, so much of my life 

is defined by and intertwined with the JEC. 

Our beloved Rav, Rabbi Elazar Mayer Teitz, 

is my rebbe. He taught me how to learn. 

His Torah and principles of life guide me today. 

His illustrious father and our founder 

encouraged me to take an active role in Jewish 

communal life from a very young age. 

He pushed, prodded, and insisted. And I 

am better for it. 

Today, the energy and vibrancy of the JEC 

radiates from the beaming faces of students 

and parents as they are greeted warmly by 

smiles and a spirit that anything can be accomplished. 

This attitude is contagious and 

translates to students of all ages challenging 

themselves to reach higher and accomplish 

more. And we as an institution are doing 

the same. 

Torah opportunities are all around us and 

our students and faculty continue to innovate, 

adding new avenues and mediums to 

instill Torah values and knowledge. Whether 

it is Hallel for Hallel, Chap’ing a Mitzvah, 

Middot of the Month, night seder, chesed, 

ment is not our mission. Complacency is not 

in our DNA. 

Without question, we are the embodiment 

of our mesorah -- our great and storied legacy. 

We proudly carry the banner as Children 

of Israel. But living in the shadows of 

the past is not our charge. We too must build 

and grow; we too must plant, so that others 

might reap. Our effort today will be the yield 

of tomorrow. The labor of our present will be 

the fruit of the future. 

In appreciating that which the previous 

generation bequeathed us, we must ask ourselves 

what we will in turn confer upon our 

children. With faith in Hashem and the best 

of our efforts, together, there is nothing that 

we cannot achieve. 

We must look out into the horizon and with 

expansive vision see not what there is, but 

imagine what might be. Then let us join together 

in the noble endeavor and become the 

builders of tomorrow. 

Rabbi Pinchas Shapiro is the Executive 

Vice President of the Jewish Educational 

Center. 

or more, we are strengthening our link in 

the chain of mesorah. 

We are investing in professional development, 

advanced training and continuing 

education for all our faculty and staff. 

The days of earning a degree and moving 

on are over. Our students are learning, developing 

and growing, and so are we. We 

are all life-long learners. 

Working with parents and benefactors, 

we continue to invest and augment our 

academic offerings. Adding cutting-edge 

technology to every classroom means more 

differentiated learning and specialized attention. 

The expansion of our science and 

technology offerings means that students 

of all ages are working with the skills and 

tools of tomorrow. 

Teaching the whole student, we have not 

one, not two, but a team of three professional, 

licensed mental health doctors on our 

staff. Together they deliver a comprehensive, 

integrated program where every student 

can receive the coaching, guidance, assistance 

and growth they need to become 

their best selves. 

As a school and community, we continue 

to safeguard our sacred values and build 

towards the future. Imparting the wisdom 

of the ages and apply them to a modern 

world. Encouraging and enabling students 

to grow, strive and thrive in every aspect of 

their life. These are the gifts the JEC gave 

to me and this is what we do for the next 

generation. 

Thank you for your trust. Thank you for 

your support. Thank you for being JEC. 

Dr. Steven Singfer, RTMA, 1973, and 

President, Board of Trustees 

Name Our Paper! 

Y 

ou may have noticed that 

this publication has no 

name. 

We decided to leave 

that up to you, our readers, as this 

is a paper that is for all of us and we 

want your input! 

If you are up for the challenge, 

and have some creative ideas to best 

capture the inclusive, visionary and 

aspirational flavor of this paper, 

then please email us your suggestions 

to nameourpaper@thejec.org. 

The winning entry will not only 

win bragging rights but will also 

be rewarded with recognition in 

our next issue and some additional 

benefits that we will announce 

then. 

Good luck to everyone and we 

can't wait to find the winning name! 

NOVEMBER 2016 | CHESHVAN 5777 3

4 NOVEMBER 2016 | CHESHVAN 5777

Communicating Success 

By Rabbi Uzi Beer 


E 

ffective 

partnership 

between 

home and 

school is vital to student 

growth. Children 

learn best when 

their parents, teachers 

and administrators 

work together to support them. This collaboration 

and unity of purposes reduces stress 

and creates a safe, caring and nurturing environment 

where students can flourish. 

This basic fact is one of the seven guiding 

principles of the JEC Lower School, which were 

formalized over the summer as a means of focusing 

and directing our school now and for 

the future. 

When addressing a student’s needs, whether 

academic, emotional or spiritual, a consistent 

message from home and school is more likely 

to resonate. To maintain this partnership, communication 

is essential. 

A motto which has been meaningful to me 

is, “Communicate early, communicate often, 

communicate kindly, communicate accurately, 

and communicate proactively.” 

It is incumbent on the school to communicate 

to the home any and all aspects of a student’s 

development. Similarly, insight shared 

with the school by parents enables the educational 

professionals to engage and interact with 

both student and home in the most effective, 

constructive and positive way. 

Collaborating with teachers, specialists, outside 

professionals and parents provides a common 

language that maintains levels of consistency 

with regard to behavior. As proponents of 

parental partnership, we welcome parental input, 

and encourage parental advocacy for their 

children. To further advance these goals, I am 

forming and personally plan to sit on a number 

of parent committees. 

There are a number of procedures that we 

have established that facilitate proper communication. 

We meet with teachers regularly to review 

the social, emotional, behavior and academic 

progress of each student. We recognize 

the students who would benefit from additional 

intervention and then communicate with parents 

to discuss what we, both school and home, 

feel will be the best path forward. 

The next step, which is key to success, is follow 

up. Throughout the process, we emphasize 

and reinforce that parents are their child(ren)’s 

greatest advocates and should never feel “embarrassed,” 

or think “it’s not worth it,” or decide 

that they are “not that complaining type,” 

when reaching out to the school. To the contrary, 

we welcome it. As a parent, you are your 

child’s greatest advocate and we need to partner 

with you to deliver the best possible environment 

for growth. 

Ultimately, everyone has the child’s best interest 

in mind, which is another of our guiding 

principles. Sharing information can only benefit 

and enhance each child’s educational experience, 

which will lead them to excellence. And, 

to quote another of our guiding principles, we 

all strive for excellence. 

Rabbi Uzi Beer is Principal of the JEC Lower 

School and may be reached at ubeer@thejec.org. 

Living AboveTheCode 

By Rabbi Ami Neuman 

W 

hen considering 

the 

broader 

Jewish educational 

landscape, parents 

might wonder what 

makes the Rav Teitz 

Mesivta Academy unique. With all of the 

schools in North America, students may 

question what benefit RTMA contributes to 

young men living in the tri-state area. 

Ask any of our students these questions 

and they will tell you plainly: Every student 

has a voice, and every student matters. 

Last year, the faculty and administration of 

RTMA set out on a mission to further enhance 

the school. Instead of sitting and debating 

what we believed would best contribute to 

the academic, social, and physical well-being 

of our students without any consideration for 

their thoughts or opinions, we sat down and 

met with every single student in our school. 

In meeting with our students we asked 

three simple questions: What do you like 

about RTMA, what do you not like about RT- 

MA, and what do you want to see more of? 

The answers were thoughtful and the ideas 

were constructive. The conversations were 

incredibly productive and the information we 

gathered was shared with the entire student 

body to hear, see, and discuss. 

Those conversations lead to profound 

changes this school year. You will read 

about many of those changes in the pages 

of this newspaper, but to me personally, the 

most profound initiative that has captured 

our students, parents, faculty and staff, is 

our mission. 

Together we live above the code. Guided 


through engagement, reflection, and 

growth. In the classroom and out, in the office 

and in the home, this mission defines 

our every action. It is how we make our decisions 

and it is the guide by which we move 

forward. 

For student and teacher alike, we strive 

every day to reach higher than the day before. 

We stretch the limits of our imagination 

so we can advance a step further on the 

ground. Our desire for growth is not bound 

by the limits of our past achievements; it is 

propelled forward by the embrace of our mistakes. 

Failure is not cause for abandonment; 

it is the catalyst for improvement. Every day 

and in every way, we strive for excellence and 

work to live above the code. 

Our commitment is to make each day better 

than the one before. Nothing we do is by 

rote. We are deliberate in our intentions and 

purposeful in our actions. 

Enjoy reading about how we are living 

AboveTheCode, join us in this noble endeavor 

and write me about how it is making a difference 

in your life. 

Rabbi Ami Neuman is the Principal of 

the Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy and may 

be reached at aneuman@thejec.org. 

Succeeding on Life’s Journey 

By Rabbi Joseph Oratz 

T 

hose of us fortunate 

enough 

to be in the 

field of education 

know that while 

what we do is important 

and can have 

lasting impact on the 

lives of our students, 

there is often no immediate 

gratification. 

Oh sure we get to see the small victories, 

the “aha! moments,” the improved 

grade, or a student’s hard work that pays 

off. We believe that our students appreciate 

our efforts. Many thank us as they leave 

class and more when they graduate. But 

every once in a while we get “the letter,” 

the one in which a student reflects on his 

or her school experience and how much 

they gained. 

I received one such letter recently in 

which a former student expressed her appreciation 

for what she gained in her four 

years at Bruriah. While the letter was addressed 

to me, the student asked me to 

share it with the faculty. 

The letter included many personal 

thoughts, but there is one line that captures 

the essence of her feelings. “I have 

a deep sense of pride in the fact that I went 

to Bruriah and an endless appreciation 

for what those four years did for me.... I 

couldn’t go another year without being makir 

tov to those of you, who are responsible 

for my high school experience.” (quoted 

with permission) 

While hearing these sentiments is gratifying 

for all those who taught this young 

lady, what we recognize is that the journey 

to adulthood (and yes, through adulthood) 

is a series of small victories - and defeats 

from which we rebound- that lead to our 

greater success. 

In her letter, this graduate acknowledged 

both her successes and her failures 

during her high school years and the role 

her teachers played in guiding her patiently 

through life’s ups and downs. 

I often tell my students that our goal is 

“direction, not perfection.” As Rav Hutner 

zt”l wrote in his famous letter, it is only 

through falling down that we can achieve 

our greatness. 

In school and in life, as we deal with 

challenges, however big or small, remember 

to thank those who are there for you. 

And remember that life is a marathon. You 

win as long as you keep getting up to finish 

the race. And each time you fall, you gain 

more wisdom and strength for the next leg 

of the journey. 

Rabbi Joseph Oratz is the Principal of 

Bruriah High School and may be reached 

at joratz@thejec.org. 


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Confronting 

Bullying with Love 

B 

abies now have a class all 

their own as the JEC is piloting 

a “mommy-and-me” music 

program. An initiative of 

the Early Childhood Department of the 

JEC Lower School, the program seeks to 

provide a much-needed service to the 

broader JEC community. 

“Children of all ages need interaction 

of all varieties to help them develop 

and grow,” said Morah Rivkah Isaacs, 

Director of the Early Childhood Department. 

“These classes, filled with 

songs, games and the presence of other 

children are really important to these 

Est. 1941 - 5702 

Nurturing Environment Leads to Fewer Incidents 

F 

or children, 

school is a friendly, 

welcoming 

place where they 

are free to learn about 

the world around them 

through exploration and 

inquiry. At the JEC Lower 

School, a whole-student 

approach to education 

ensures that the physical, 

social and psychological 

well-being of every student 

is a priority. Nowhere 

is that approach more apparent than in 

the school’s anti-bullying initiatives. 

“Anti-bullying is really misnomer,” explains 

Lower School Principal, Rabbi Uzi 

Beer. “While we surely must confront aggression, 

a pro-growth, caring and nurturing 

environment fosters a sense of 

safety and belonging that diminishes incidents 

of bullying before they even begin.” 

As such, the Lower School’s anti-bullying 

efforts are in place long before an incident 

occurs. Faculty and staff received 

specialized training before they even enter 

a classroom. “Before the first bell of 

the year rings, teachers and staff meet 

with skilled professionals to learn about 

the warning signs, how to identify dynamics 

that can lead to bullying, de-escalating 

situations, and how to respond in 

the event 

something continued on p.21 

Bugle Babies Make Noise 

New Early Childhood Program Launches 

youngest students.” 

Designed for babies of at least six 

months of age and an accompanying 

adult, classes are filled with music, 

tefilah, nursery rhymes, and stories in 

the form of song. Activities included 

bubbles, rolling, bouncing, and throwing 

balls, and more. 

The program is also designed to help 

babies develop physically, advancing 

their fine and gross motor skills. Animal 

crackers and juice were provided 

for snack and the adults were able to 

socialize 

together continued on p.21 

Proud2beJEC 

New Technology 

Hits the Classroom 

Donors Enable 

Cutting-Edge Learning 

Educating in an Election Year 

T 

hanks to the generosity of parent and 

grandparent donors and the hard 

work of the JEC Technology Initiative, 

over 40 new Chrome Books, 15 iPads 

and a 3-D printer were added to the already robust 

Lower School technology program. 

The program, the initiative of several parents, 

introduces advanced technologies into 

classrooms for use in every subject. “This 

was and continues to be a parent-led initiative,” 

said Director of Development, Mr. Andy 

Schultz. “We are so grateful to these parents 

and grandparents for being leaders in helping 

us provide the best educational opportunities 

for every child.” 

The program continues to evolve to meet 

the growing needs of today’s society as well 

as the evolution of educational technology. 

“These devices are ready for use in every 

class,” said Assistant Principal Dr. Goldie 

Grossman. “Students use technology to learn 

and to demonstrate learning in novel ways 

that are true to contemporary society. These 

tools are used to teach every subject from limmudei 

kodesh to limmudi chol, and from middot 

modeling to problem solving.” 

The new hardware is in place throughout 

school so students benefit from mini-stations 

in every classroom. The technology allows 

teachers to provide differentiated and personalized 

instruction. 

“Having access to more Chromebooks and 

iPads allows me to have the whole class engaged 

in an Internet 

or com- 


D 

espite what the pundits might say, 

election year is a fun and exciting 

time when students throughout 

the grades focus on the beauty of 

democracy, the electoral process, and the important 

issues facing our nation and society. 

“When you filter out the noise, there is 

incredible beauty and importance to our 

democracy,” said Lower School Assistant 

Principal Mrs. Faigy Leiter. “We have a privilege 

long denied to millions of people, and 

through learning, modeling and discussing, 

students come to appreciate that gift.” 

One way students are studying the process 

is through Project Based Learning. Mrs. Ben- 

Haim’s students in 5B worked on a specific election 

unit project to address the driving question: 

“How can we 

help ourselves continued on p.21 


tudents ushered in the yomim 

tovim with unbridled excitement 

and enthusiasm. Lower School 

and Early Childhood students 

prepared for the season throughout the 

first month of school with special programming, 

class projects and activities designed 

to make the halachot and practices of the 

chagim come alive. 

“When learning is fun, dynamic and exciting, 

children come to school eager to explore 

their world,” said Lower School Principal 

Rabbi Uzi Beer. “Tanach and Gemara urge us 

to creatively engage students in the process 

of learning and that is what we do every day.” 

Throughout Elul, Rabbi Beer could be 

found in classrooms blowing the shofar, 

speaking about Rosh Hashana and delivering 

age-appropriate messages about teshuva 

and working on one’s middot. 

“The kids love him,” said one Early Childhood 

morah. “When they see Rabbi Beer 

enter the room, their eyes light up, they rush 

to stand and enthusiastically greet him because 

they know they are about to experience 

something special.” 

“During Elul, he would come into the 

class and instantaneously transport the children 

to an enchanted world where yom tov 

THE JEC LOWER SCHOOL 

Yomim Tovim Come Alive for Lower 

School and Early Childhood Students 

S 

was filled with incredible meaning.” 

Rabbi Beer’s visits were an integral part of 

a robust pre-holiday curriculum that included 

items for every special moment in Tishrei. 

SHOFAR MAKING MADE FUN 

Rabbi Rosenblum of Living Legacy joined 

school for a day and showed students how to 

make a shofar from the beginning of the process 

all the way to completion. Each class 

then received a shofar. Children also learned 

about the various sounds of the shofar, their 

lengths and representations. 

KAPAROT IN FULL SWING 

The traditional custom of kaparot with 

chickens was in full swing at the Jewish 

Educational Center, coordinated by Lower 

School and RTMA Rebbe Rabbi Moshe 

Kramer. Students from both the JEC Lower 

School’s early childhood and elementary 

divisions, as well as the Rav Teitz Mesivta 

Academy seized the unique opportunity 

of “shlugging kaparot” with live chickens 

ahead of Yom Kippur, males for the boys and 

females for the girls. Even several teachers 

got in on the action, and Rabbi Kramer used 

the occasion to educate students about the 

safe handling and care of the live birds. 

Youngest Students Learn to 

Speak Hebrew with Bentzi 

Early Childhood’s Chalav U’Dvash Program Provides Hebrew Immersion 

M 

orah Batsheva Kent is a morah 

with a tafkid: ensure students 

learn to speak Hebrew as early 

as possible. And the early results 

are promising. 

Morah Batsheva’s classes feature an impressive 

Hebrew language immersion program 

called Chalav U’Dvash, designed to 

help younger students learn to understand 

and speak Hebrew in the same natural, 

non-technical manner they 

learned their native language. 

“This program is really incredible,” 

said Morah Rivka 

Isaacs, Early Childhood Director 

for the JEC’s Lower School. 

“The natural intuitiveness of 

the program for the children, 

combined with Morah Batsheva’s amazing, 

endearing approach makes learning fun 

MACHZOR LITERACY 

Students and many adults often struggle 

with the rhythm and meaning of much of 

the yomim noraim davening. For some, it 

is the unfamiliar text and for others it is the 

sheer length and volume of the words and 

paragraphs. 

For Lower School students, a comprehensive 

pre-Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur 

machzor literacy program was delivered to 

demystify the machzor and made it accessible 

to students in appreciable and meaningful 

ways. 

and accessible for our students. 

Through the program, which is an initiative 

of the Jewish Agency, Morah Batsheva, 

meets with each Early Childhood division 

class twice a week and teaches the spoken 

Hebrew language through an array of 

songs, dramatizations and special activities. 

Supported by her assistant, a puppet turtle 

named Bentzi, Morah Batsheva 

speaks to students entirely 

in Hebrew, which the program 

designers believe is the most effective 

way for students to learn 

the language. 

Fostering a love for the land 

and people of the State of Israel 

is also a strong part of Morah Batsheva’s 

classes. “Through our program, we learn to 

LULAV LAB 

Rabbi Rosenblum of Living Legacy returned 

to school and in a lively and entertaining 

presentation showed students the 

basic parts of the daled minim, conveyed 

various halachot, and showed students how 

to determine if a particular min was kosher. 

SUCCAH DECORATING 

Students of all grades prepared for Succot 

by making decorations, learning halachot 

and understanding the purpose of the holiday. 

SIMCHAT TORAH 

Children of all ages got to experience the 

joy of Simchat Torah by making model Torahs, 

singing and rejoicing in the completion 

and beginning of the Torah reading. 

Third and Fifth grade rebbe, Rabbi Carlebach 

gave his students a special lesson in 

Hakafot and had them practice with special 

dancing. 

experience the excitement of Medinat Yisrael 

and Israeli culture,” she said. “I hope to 

share my love for our home country with all 

of the children.” 



RTMA Leads with 

New STEM Lab 

A 

vancing its position as one 

of the nation’s leading STEM 

schools, the JEC unveiled a 

new state-of-the-art STEM lab 

at the Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy for the 

2016 fall term. 

The new laboratory is part of the 

school’s commitment to expanding the 

leading edge of education and technology 

and follows last year’s opening of two 

new STEM labs on the JEC’s Bruriah campus, 

and significant STEM additions in the 

JEC’s Lower School division. 

“Our greatest learning has always been 

a product of discovery through question 

and answer, trial and error, and, ultimately, 

growth,” said RTMA Principal, Rabbi 

Ami Neuman. “It has been happening in 

our batei medrash for millennia, and now 

it is happening in our brand new STEM 

lab.” 

In a first for the school, students were 

directly involved in developing the new 

lab and in training on its equipment. 

During the summer, RTMA Seniors Dov 

Frommer and Etan Ohevshalom both of 

West Orange, NJ, took time from their vacations 

and joined with Dr. Jay Smallwood 

of Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education 

(CIJE), RTMA faculty and to work on 

the lab and its new equipment. These 

students now serve as STEM leaders and 

assist faculty in teaching their fellow students. 

“The summer internship in the RTMA 

lab was incredible,” said Ohevshalom. 

“Instead of 

just goof- 


W 

hen eighth graders 

come to a high school 

open house, the last 

thing on their mind is 

what college they are going to, but for 

Mr. Jeff Frank, that is exactly what he 

is thinking about. Mr. Frank, RTMA’s 

Director of College Guidance and Mr. 

Moshe Glasser, the Assistant Director 

know that it is never too early to begin 

preparing for college admissions. 

“Many people believe eleventh 

or twelfth grade is the time,” said 

Mr. Frank. “But in reality, there are 

things every student can be doing 

Pursuing Higher Education 

College Guidance in Full Form 

Est. 1955 - 5716 

right now to start preparing, and it is 

our job to help everyone get ready.” 

Toward that goal, the college guidance 

process begins immediately 

upon a student’s entry to RTMA. At 

orientation, Mr. Frank and Mr. Glasser 

present each grade with information 

they need to make sound choices 

about college admissions. For 

ninth and tenth graders, students 

are charged to begin thinking about 

how to spend a productive summer, 

and consider internships, volunteer 

work, 

and aca- continued on p.23 

R 

abbi Chaim Marcus, Rabbi of Congregation 

Israel of Springfield, NJ, 

and a faculty member in the Bruriah 

Torah Shel Baal Peh department, 

joined the leadership of RTMA as the high 

school’s mashgiach ruchani at the beginning 

of this academic year, and has already made 

an outsized impact on the student body. 

“His dynamic personality, charisma and 

magnetic feeling of goodness have already 

reverberated throughout the school,” said 

RTMA Principal, Rabbi Ami Neuman. “His 

special style of inspiration and guidance enriches 

the lives of students and faculty alike.” 

Rabbi Marcus expressed hope that he might 

help “continue the great work RTMA is doing 

in pushing towards excellence.” 

“As a local Rav, who is also an RTMA parent, 

I am excited to be working with such an 

outstanding group of professionals. I hope to 

help create an “avirah” (atmosphere) of deep 

ruchniut (spirituality) in the school through 

classroom teaching, school programs and one 

on one schmoozing with the students.” 

Students, faculty and parents have all expressed 

appreciation for Rabbi Marcus and the 

contribution he can make to the school. 

Rabbi Marcus helped launch RTMA’s “Tuesday 

Tefila 

Thought Pro- 


B 

eginning a new era, 

RTMA inaugurated 

its House System 

at the start of the 

academic year. Modeled after 

prep-school houses and 

adapted to fit the unique mesivta 

environment, the House 

System seeks to build brotherhood, 

character and growth 

through affiliation, competition 

and reflection. 

“This program is amazing,” 

said RTMA Senior, Shaya Fishman of Staten 

Island, NY. “It completely changed the en- 

AboveTheCode 

Rabbi Chaim Marcus 

Joins RTMA as 


Springfield Rabbi Expands JEC 

Role to Include RTMA and Bruriah 

Students Embrace Growth, Unity and Purpose 

New House Program Launches 

vironment 

school. 

in 




Students Rejoice at Karlin-Stolin 

and Bobov Simchat Beit Hashoeivas 

O 

Over 20 high school students joined 

their rebbeim and thousands of 

chassidim singing and dancing the 

night away during chol hamoed at 

two Brooklyn Simchat Beit Hashoeivas. 

“A truly incredible evening,” said RTMA Junior, 

Nachi Loew of Highland Park, NJ. “This was 

an experience I wish everyone in school had, I 

have never seen or done anything like this in 

my life and it was amazing.” 

Seemingly out of place without the traditional 

Chasidic yom tov dress of streimels and kaputas, 

RTMA students were welcomed warmly as 

they joined the interlocking circles of dancing 

and singing at the Karlin-Stolin beit medrash. 

“We may not have looked the part, but we 

danced like the home team and felt every bit 

like we belonged,” said Loew. 

After hours of uplifting ruach at Karlin-Stolin, 

the students walked to the Bobov tisch where 

they were welcomed into a sukkah with rafters 

and bleacher seating and joined thousands 

in singing Chassidic niggunim they learned on 

the spot. 

“The boys were so moved by the evening that 

they spent the entire bus ride home to New Jersey 

singing and swaying,” said RTMA Director 

of Student Life, Rabbi Yisrael Rich. “They felt a 

brotherhood with these random Jews, and perhaps 

for the first time realized that we are all 

connected and welcomed as part of the Jewish 

people. It was awesome.” 



Bruriah Students Learn 

About National Issues 

at Live Debate 

E 

ight Bruriah students spent eleven 

days this summer in Charleston, 

South Carolina learning about social 

leadership and engaging in volunteerism 

throughout the city. The young women 

worked alongside volunteers and professionals 

engaged in diverse forms of social, environmental 

and economic service projects. 

“The mission was designed to give these 

young ladies 

hands-on expo- 


O 

ver 200 student submissions 

defined the topics discussed at 

a Town Hall style debate hosted 

by Bruriah for its high school 

students in advance of the presidential election. 

The forum, which focused on issues and 

not on candidates, was moderated by Bruriah 

faculty member, Mr. Joel Glazer. 

The school-wide event was organized by 

the student activities leadership and the political 

science class, along with assistance and 

guidance from faculty and staff. 

The debate featured two officials representing 

the Republican and Democratic parties. 

Assemblyman Gary Schaer of the 36th 

District, Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, 

and parent of a Bruriah graduate, faced 

off against Nutley Commissioner and former 

Detective Lieutenant, Steven Rogers. 

Questions for the party representatives 

were posed from the center podium by students 

from all grades. To maintain civility, 

party representatives answered each question 

and did not rebut any comment made 

by the other. 

“Our girls did an incredible job preparing 

Est. 1963 - 5724 

serious, thoughtful and meaningful questions 

about the world in which they live,” 

said Bruriah’s Associate Principal Mrs. Shlomis 

Peikes. “The issues they are concerned 

about provide a real window into how they 

are feeling about their country, what they are 

thinking, and how they feel.” 

The first 

question continued on p.22 

Parents of Hallel Ariel, a”h 

Inspire Students to Action 

W 

hen the parents of Hallel 

Ariel mourned the 

death of their 13-yearold 

daughter earlier this 

year, they never imagined standing 

before nearly four hundred Bruriah 

students in the days before Rosh 

Hashana. Nor could they imagine 

that students would, on their own 

initiative, create and institute a yearlong 

project in Hallel’s name. 

Hallel was kind, compassionate 

and diligent, with a passion for 

dance. She possessed a dancer’s 

poise and confidence, able to befriend 

those less popular without regard 

for what others might say. She 

was a paradigm of positive middot. 

Hallel’s life was tragically cut short 

on June 30, 2016 when she was murdered 

in her bed at home in Kiryat 

Arba by a 17 year-old Palestinian. 

With incredible fortitude, Hallel’s 

parents, Rena and Amichai, addressed 

the Bruriah student body, faculty 

and staff in a pre-Rosh Hashana 

assembly and inspired the audience 

with their incredible faith in Hashem, 

strength in the face of devastating 

adversity, and compassion for others 

amid 

their continued on p.15 

Make Your Mark! 

Make Your Mark 

Enhanced GO Encourages Growth 

Bruriah Summer Mission 

Prepares Tomorrow’s Leaders 

E 

ven in a school with nearly 400 students, 

every individual can shine. 

That is the guiding principle behind 

the revamped student-run General 

Organization at Bruriah High School. Under 

the banner “Make Your Mark,” the GO encourages 

every student to reach higher and 

grow as individuals and a community. 

The new system incorporates four standing 

committees that are pillars of the student activities 

at Bruriah into the structure of the General 

Organization. Vice Presidents for Tzedaka, 

Chesed, Wordwatch, and the America 

Israel Student Action Committee (AISAC) have 

been added to ensure that these activities are 

supported strongly and broadly. 

“Bruriah stands on each of these pillars, 

Chessed, Tzedakah, Israel and Good Speech,” 

said Director 

of Student Life continued on p.22 

Students Learn 

Volunteerism and Give Back 


BRURIAH HIGH SCHOOL 

Camaraderie and Fun on Bruriah Class Trips 

S 

miles, cheers and lots of pictures highlighted 

the incredible trips taken by 

Bruriah High School students in recent 

week. The activities, designed to 

encourage student bonding outside the classroom, 

allowed girls to take a break from the rigors 

of an intense academic schedule and enjoy 

each other’s company in a relaxed setting. 

For all grades, the trips meant time enjoying 

nature and the great outdoors. Ninth graders put 

their agricultural skills to the test by spending 

an afternoon apple-picking. Sophomores and 

juniors enjoyed a breezy day at the beach, where 

they took in some fun in the sun, while seniors 

practiced their nautical skills paddle-boating. 

“These trips are critical to individual and 

group development,” said Director of Student 

Life Aliza Blumenthal. “Breaking the mold of 

daily behavior and providing alternative activities 

allows students to get to know each other 

on a whole other level.” 

Students universally appreciated the break 

from the classroom and an opportunity to spend 

time with their teachers and friends outside of 

the school building. “Bonding with friends 

while having fun doing something enjoyable 

entirely unrelated to school is really great,” 

said Bruriah senior Ashley Elyaszadeh of Elizabeth, 

NJ. 

Similar activities are planned for throughout 

the school year and students can look forward to 

a great year in and out of the classroom. 



New Security 

Measures Keep 

Students Safe 

continued from p.1 

nications 

equipment 

for 

each Lower 

School classroom. 

“The physical and emotional safety and 

security of our students and staff are our 

number one priority,” said JEC Executive 

Director Steve Karp. “We are constantly reviewing 

our security protocols, consulting 

with outside experts, and conferring with 

the Elizabeth police department to ensure 

that we are reasonably and effectively providing 

for the safety of our students.” 

A team of licensed and trained former law 

enforcement professionals hired by the JEC 

are now working throughout the JEC system. 

These skilled guards are tasked with protecting 

students, faculty, staff and all those 

who visit JEC buildings. They also protect 

students and staff during fire drills, security 

lock-in drills and building evacuations. 

Students and parents alike have welcomed 

the new security additions. “It is 

comforting to know that the JEC manages 

our safety and security while ensuring 

that school remains a friendly and welcoming 

environment,” said one appreciative 

parent. 

The school-wide speaker and communications 

system has been upgraded to allow 

for enhanced two-way communications in 

the case of an emergency. Each classroom 

is equipped with a functioning emergency 

button which, when activated, rings administrative 

phones throughout the building 

and allows the faculty or staff member 

in the classroom to conduct a hands-free 

conversation over the speaker system to 

get assistance in the case of an emergency. 

This, and the existing centralized broadcast 

capability of the school office with the entire 

building, was significantly upgraded 

and improved. 

“The effects of these improvements are 

readily apparent in our daily efforts to guarantee 

safety and are on full display during 

drills,” said Mr. Karp. “In fact, during our 

most recent security lock-in drill, our security 

experts observed that it was without 

question the best school-wide emergency 

drill he had ever witnessed.” 

Thanks to the generosity of Daniel 

and Morah Lani Krausz, Lower School 

classrooms and administrators are now 

equipped with handheld walkie-talkies, allowing 

for easy communication and quick 

access in the case of important situations 

or emergencies. 

The walkie-talkies have already improved 

student safety during recess, facilitated efficiency 

during fire and lock-in drills, and 

enabled faculty to get assistance without 

having to leave the classroom. The walkie-talkies 

have also been used by faculty 

to request nachat visits from the administration 

when something extraordinary occurs 

in class. 

“These walkie-talkies dramatically boost 

our entire communications network and I 

could not be more grateful to Morah Lani 

and her family for their generous gift,” said 

Rabbi Beer. “Our staff is truly one-of-a-kind, 

dedicated to their students in every way.” 

All JEC security protocols are under constant 

review. “Safety and security is an evolutionary 

activity,” said Mr. Karp. “We are 

always making improvements, upgrades 

and additions and welcome the community’s 

continued support in that effort.” 

Joseph Wilf 

Remembered at 

Bruriah 

Tehillim-a-Thon 


Surging Lower 

School Gives 

New Voice 

#Proud2BeJEC 



sibility for 

every child,” 

said Board 

President Dr. 

Steven Singfer. 

“People are 

calling, emailing and texting non-stop 

with laudatory praise for the JEC. It is a testament 

to the extraordinary work of our outstanding 

leadership and the unparalleled talent 

we have in every classroom.” 

Credited with leading the Lower School into 

a renaissance, newly minted principal Rabbi 

Uzi Beer demurs and focuses on the people 

around him. “We simply have the best faculty, 

staff, students, and parents in Jewish education,” 

he said. 

“Walk by any classroom and you feel the energy, 

love, creativity and sense of discovery in 

every moment,” he continued. “There is truly 

a sense that working as a team, collaborating 

together we can accomplish any goal we 

set out to achieve.” 

In addition to Rabbi Beer, the school has 

introduced Morah Rivkah Isaacs as the new 

head of its Early Childhood department and 

with it, an array of new programs that benefit 

the youngest JEC students and faculty. Mentoring, 

modeling, coaching and guidance are 

just a few of the areas where Morah Isaacs is 

making a real difference in the classroom and 

the teachers’ room. 


the students, 

Mr. Wilf added, 

“He was 

so proud of 

his association 

with the 

Jewish community, 

but particularly the JEC and Bruriah, 

and there can be no greater honor to his 

memory than all of you sitting you here today.” 

Speaking with his mother, Susie Wilf, listening 

on, he concluded, “You are the future. 

You are the future of the Jewish community… 

And I know that that always made my father 

proud every day of his life.” 

During the one-hour program, that included 

inspirational words from Bruriah 

Principal, Rabbi Joseph Oratz and Director 

of Student Life Mrs. Aliza Blumenthal, each 

student was assigned a perek of Tehillim. 

Rabbi Oratz opened the program by recalling 

the inspiration and influence of longtime 

Bruriah principal, Mrs. Chaya Newman, a’h, 

and delved into the meaning of one pasuk 

from Mrs. Newman’s favorite perek of Tehillim, 

27. He then explained the dedication of 

this year’s tefilah. 

“When we began planning this year’s Tehillim-a-Thon, 

dedicating 

it to the late Mr. 

Joseph Wilf was the 

immediate thought,” 

said Rabbi Oratz. 

“Mr. Wilf was the 

paradigm of class and 

grace. A lover of the 

Jewish people and a 

supporter of Torah 

everywhere,” he explained. 

At the levaya 

in August, his son 

Mark said it best, ‘He 

was a great man, because he was a good man.’ 

That is something we can all learn from.” 

During her remarks, Mrs. Blumenthal passionately 

and personally recounted that as a 

Bruriah student in the 1990s, she received her 

assigned chapter of Tehillim and explained 

how it remains an important and powerful 

source of spiritual strength during times of 

profound grief and joy. Mrs. Blumenthal 

urged students to take their perek of Tehillim 

and make it their own, carrying it with 

them always, and to use it whenever they felt 

the need to call out to Hashem in need or in 

thanks. 

“We are not teaching subjects, we are teaching 

students,” said Morah Rivkah. “When 

teachers are supported and nurtured, students 

receive the same care and attention. 

Looking forward to the potential in everyone 

and providing them the tools and opportunity 

to shine, they will thrive and surprise even 

themselves.” 

Mrs. Faigy Leiter, who before this year was 

the masterful general studies teacher for sixth 

grade girls charged with the herculean task of 

preparing Lower School ladies for entry into 

Bruriah, joined the administrative team as an 

assistant principal where she will continue 

to teach part-time while contributing her incredible 

talents to the Lower School program 

and curriculum. 

“So many amazing things are happening in 

the school,” said Mrs. Leiter. “Every day there is 

something extraordinary and notable enriching 

the education and life experiences of our students 

and giving life to our school. This is such 

an exciting time, I am so happy to be a part of it.” 

During a recent oneg for the entire Lower 

School, Rabbi Beer’s bright smile radiated 

a degree of pride and satisfaction watching 

the students enjoy learning and strong sense 

of togetherness. But he has no time to revel 

in success. “The amazing thing about reaching 

for the stars is that there is always something 

more to achieve. I am #Proud2BeJEC,” 

he said before adding with a grin, “I know you 

are too.” 

The Tehillim-a-Thon also recalled the Koby 

Mandell Foundation and specifically, Camp 

Koby, as well as Project Renewal, through 

which Bruriah chemistry teacher Mrs. Selma 

Eis donated a kidney to a young man from Israel 

several years ago. 

Mrs. Eis spoke to students about her personal 

sacrifice and the determination to do 

all one could to help another person in need. 

She also noted that while the students were 

too young to even contemplate organ donation, 

it was most appropriate for them to embrace 

a healthy and active lifestyle both in 

body and mind. 



Students Learn 

Volunteerism 

and Give Back 

sure to the 

world of volunteerism,” 

said Bruri- 

continued from p.11 ah faculty 

member Mrs. 

Amy Tropp, who along with Coach Susan 

Rifkin led the mission. 

“The mission empowered our graduates 

to see all the opportunities around us to help 

other people. Together, we actualized the lessons 

of middot, compassion and leadership 

that we studied together in the classroom.” 

The mission included a day separating and 

categorizing donated food at the Low Country 

Food Bank, where the Bruriah volunteers met 

the organization’s stern project manager, Mr. 

Wilson. As time passed, Mr. Wilson’s tough 

demeanor melted away when he saw the 

sincerity, enthusiasm and fun that the mission 

volunteers brought to the job. Certainly 

it helped that the group managed to sort and 

organize an astounding 11,000 pounds of donated 

food and other household items. 

“The girls turned each meaningful encounter 

into an opportunity to learn something, do 

good, and have fun at the same time,” said 

Coach Rifkin. 

Volunteers worked with the Low-Country 

Orphan Relief Center sorting and bagging 

clothes for low-income and foster children, 

and did their part to keep the city clean by collecting 

litter with Keep Charleston Beautiful. 

“On the court, we preach that there is a 

place for everyone and everyone has a way 

to contribute,” explained the coach. “This 

summer, the girls saw that the world works 

the same way, and they have a lot they want 

to contribute.” 

Another day was dedicated to building an 

oyster reef with the South Carolina Oyster 

Restoration and Enhancement organization. 

The reef creates a safe habitat for sea life and 

acts as a natural filtration system, purifying 

South Carolina drinking water. 

The mission participants also learned about 

social leadership in a number of informative 

and engaging workshops and lectures. 

“Eleven days. That’s all it took,” said 

Bruriah graduate Sara Schatz. “I entered 

Charleston as an oblivious young adult, fresh 

out of high school, not knowing much about 

issues outside my front door, and I left having 

gained knowledge and experience that can 

put me on the path to fulfilling my responsibilities 

of tikkun olam.” 

Bruriah Summer Mission 2016 participants 

included: Ariel Ezra and Chana Silver of Elizabeth; 

Meira Geyser, Doria Meiseles and Miri 

Nash of Passaic; Sara Schatz of Teaneck; Chana 

Stanislavsky of Fair Lawn, and Yvette Teitelbaum 

of Highland Park. 

The program was coordinated and led by 

Bruriah faculty Amy Tropp and Susan Rifkin, 

together with Laura Menyuk, Director of Service 

Learning at American Jewish Society for 

Service. 

Parents of Hallel 

Ariel, a”h 

Inspire Students 

to Action 



own suffering. 

“It is difficult 

to comprehend 

the 

Ariel’s fortitude 

and depth of their faith; to agree 

to speak to a room full of teenage girls in 

a school similar to the one Hallel would 

have attended this year as a freshman,” 

said Bruriah Athletics Coach Susan Rifkin. 

The Hallels shared a clear message that 

was echoed in a separate address they 

also delivered at the JEC’s Adath Israel 

shul. “Our people have and will always be 

persecuted,” they said. “B’chol dor va’dor. 

We don’t know the reasons behind each 

tragedy. Our faith has to be such that we 

see something good in every situation.” 

This theme reverberated in the hearts and 

minds of students throughout the school. 

“The fact that these parents went 

through such a horrible tragedy that 

would normally push people away, and 

W 

hen RTMA Thunder teams 

take to the home court and 

rink this season, their on-court 

skills will be complemented by 

newly-installed, state-of-the-art scoreboards. 

The boards were generously donated by a 

recently formed athletic Booster Club comprised 

of former players and Thunder enthusiasts. 

“These boards are amazing,” said Thunder 

starting Guard and RTMA Junior Yishai Arnheim 

of Highland Park, NJ. “The old boards 

got the job done, but these boards make me 

feel like I am playing in a real arena.” 

The boards are a dramatic improvement 

and upgrade over the old scoreboards that 

had long passed their prime. In addition to 

keeping time and score, the new systems will 

list individual player numbers and stats as 

well as multiple other data points, including 

still they stand strong 

and committed to 

their faith, community 

and the State of 

Israel, is inspiring,” 

said Bruriah senior 

Tziona Kamara of Passaic, 

NJ, who serves as 

Vice President of the 

Student Government 

America Israel Student 

Action Committee. 

“They kept telling 

us how holy, special, 

safe and wonderful 

Israel is, and encouraged 

us to visit and 

support the country.” 

Inspired by the Ariels and in an effort 

to take positive action in honor of Hallel’s 

memory, Bruriah students unveiled an 

initiative on Rosh Chodesh MarChesvan 

to dedicate the monthly school-wide recitation 

of the Hallel tefilah to Hallel Ariel. 

Students committed 

themselves to daven 

and sing the tefilah 

with the inspiration of 

Hallel Ariel’s amazing 

life in mind. 

“This is what our 

students do, and I am 

so proud of them,” 

said Bruriah Principal, 

Rabbi Joseph 

Oratz. “They took a 

single moment of inspiration 

and turned 


Thunder Get New Scoreboards 

penalty time for hockey 

games. 

The system also 

comes equipped with 

the ability to display a 

shot clock for basketball, 

although the Yeshiva 

League currently 

does not make use of a 

shot clock. 

The new boards were 

the initiative of Thunder 

head coach, Avi Borenstein 

in collaboration 

with the Booster Club. 

For more on the Booster 

Club and Coach Borenstein, see our next 

issue. 

Thunder sports benefit from the continued 

support and interest from parents, alumni 

it into a year-long commitment to spiritual 

growth.” 

The Ariels visited the United States on a 

10-day speaking tour to Jewish communities 

around the country, and Bruriah was 

the only school on their itinerary. The Ariel’s 

trip was coordinated by Rabbi Moshe 

Rothchild of Efrat, an RTMA alum, who in 

introducing the Ariel’s urged the Bruriah 

students to proactively seek out opportunities 

to do chesed. 

Bruriah’s Director of Student Life, Mrs. 

Aliza Blumenthal, who coordinated the 

Ariel’s visit to Bruriah, was presented with 

an original painting by Kiryat Arba artist 

Baruch Nachshon that was dedicated by 

the artist to Hallel’s memory. Inspired by 

the Ariel’s and her own sense of responsibility 

cultivated during her time as a Bruriah 

student, Mrs. Blumenthal in turn gifted 

the beautiful work of art to Bruriah. 

and former players. With many upgrades in 

the pipeline and opportunities for supporters 

to get involved, Coach Borenstein predicts 

great things for the Thunder program. 


Commemorating 9/11 

H 

ow do you commemorate 

an historic event 

that happened before 

you were born, but for 

which history itself has not yet 

contextualized? This is the challenge 

for elementary school students, 

all of whom were born after 

the events of September 11, 2001. 

At the JEC Lower School, the day 

was one of monumental significance 

as students learned about 

life in America prior to that date 

and what was lost because of it. 

Students experienced a day 

of reflection, introspection and 

strength rooted in shared emotion 

and community. The day focused 

on pride in America, the freedom 

our country provides, our ability to be ourselves, 

and the responsibility to be inclusive 

and unified. Programs throughout the day 

focused on these themes and created ways 

for students to express their sense of freedom 

and unity. 

To give the day more tangible meaning, 

and create a singular communal symbol, 

every student in Grades 1 through 6 took 

part in using Lego to build a Freedom 

Tower. The tower includes bricks with the 

names of each student, representing each 

of his or her unique strengths, interspersed 

with words that describe freedom. The 

beautiful red, white and blue monument is 

on display in the Lower School hallway. 

To learn more about the impact of 9/11 

Guiding Our 

Youngest Students 

Bruriah Graduate Returns to Join Guidance Team 

B 

eginning in September, Dr. Rebecca 

Mischel, a Bruriah Graduate, 

joined the JEC Lower School 

support team, as the Director of 

Guidance for the JEC Lower School. 

“Dr. Mischel is an amazing addition 

to our Guidance Department,” 

said Dr. Akiva Perlman, Director 

of Guidance for the JEC family of 

schools, including Bruriah, RTMA 

and the JEC Lower School. “Her 

depth of knowledge, clinical experience 

and approach to the craft of educational 

guidance means students and faculty 

are getting an incredibly gifted resource.” 

Dr. Mischel has a passion for empowering 

student growth. She brings to the JEC, a 

curriculum she developed focusing on the 


on the American consciousness, Grades 

4-6 joined for an assembly and listened to 

various staff members describe their memories 

of that day. Guest speaker, Mrs. Wendy 

Lanski, who was in the Twin Towers on the 

day of the attacks, spoke about her experiences 

at the World Trade Center that fateful 

day. She described the ‘small miracles’ experienced, 

and highlighted the unity and 

kindness that characterized people’s responses. 

“A tragedy of this magnitude is so difficult 

to understand,” said veteran teacher 

Mrs. Suzi Kaplan. “Focusing our attention 

on all the stories of courage and heroism 

helped us feel unified and gave our students 

a stronger sense of community. 

social-emotional development of children 

that she has taught in several day schools 

and summer camps throughout the tristate 

area. 

“Dr. Mischel’s dynamic personality, 

strong communication skills, 

warmth and care for children is 

felt by all who interact with her,” 

exclaimed Lower School Principal 

Rabbi Uzi Beer. 

Dr. Mischel holds a B.A. from 

Barnard College and received her 

doctorate in school clinical psychology 

from Yeshiva University’s Ferkauf Graduate 

School of Psychology. Prior to joining the 

JEC Lower School, Dr. Mischel served for six 

years as the school psychologist at Yeshivat 

Ben Porat Yosef in Paramus, NJ. 

Enhancing Parent-School 

Partnership 

A 

new communications channel between 

parents and the JEC Lower 

School has been developed and 

deployed this year to great effect. 

Weekly newsletters that parents receive each 

week before Shabbat are part of a concerted, 

school-wide effort to strengthen the collaboration 

between classroom and home. The 

addition of “Nachas Notes,” allows parents to 

share news of how the lessons of school are 

practiced at home. 

“Effective communication is the key to any 

relationship and it is the foundation of an 

effective parent-school partnership,” said a 

key faculty member. “When flourishing, this 

relationship dramatically improves the entire 

student experience and helps us do our job 

better.” 

Weekly newsletters, long the hallmark of 

classes in the Early Childhood Department, 

are now being sent out by the other grades 

as well. 

“We are opening as many channels of 

communication with parents as possible,” 

said Rabbi Beer. “We are proactively including 

parents in the conversation about what 

is happening in the classroom, to discuss 

with their children on Shabbat, or just to let 

them know what his happening in school 

by sharing news, insights and photos on a 

weekly basis. 

“The reality is that parents and teachers are 

partners together in their children’s experiences, 

and we need to communicate with one 

another,” he concluded. 

The Lower School’s new newsletter program 

works on a rotation basis. Each week, 

parents receive one newsletter prepared by 

a different department. Elementary parents 

will read one week about general studies, 

the next week about Judaic students, and the 

third week parents will receive a copy of the 

JEC Lower School Scoop, a newsletter highlighting 

key happenings, themes and tidbits 

from the school. 

“I love the new format,” said 

one parent. “It keeps me up to 

date about what is happening 

and helps me stay in touch with 

my children about what is going 

on in school.” 

Working together with parents, 

the JEC Lower School is 

leading more people in being 

#Proud2BeJEC. 

JEC Lower School Sends 

Shana Tova Love to the IDF 

D 

ozens, of smiles, hearts, flags and 

good wishes for a sweet New Year 

sent by our youngest students in 

the JEC’s Early Childhood division 

were delivered to soldiers serving in 

the Israeli Defense Forces in time for Rosh 

Hashana. 

“The children learned about the amazing 

Jewish soldiers who protect the people and 

land of Israel every day. They were sad that 

many of the soldiers would not be able to 

spend yom tov with their families, so they 

wanted to make sure that those soldiers knew 

they were loved even by those far away,” said 

Morah Sarah Karp, whose class sent cards to 

the soldiers. 

The cards, pictures, drawings, and scribbles 

were hand delivered by longtime JEC 

community member Mrs. Cheryl Abramowitz, 

who initiated the Rosh Hashana card project 

two years ago. “It is an amazing lesson for our 

kids, and a meaningful gift to the soldiers,” 

remarked Abramowitz. 

“We think of soldiers as rough and tough 

men, but many of them are just boys not 

much older than our high school seniors. For 

them to receive these cards, and know how 

important they are to their youngest supporters 

6,000 miles away, brings a smile to their 

faces and a tear to many an eye,” she said. 

JEC Lower School Principal, Rabbi Uzi Beer, 

who also served as a soldier in the IDF said, 

about the initiative that it was, “something 

moving and inspirational.” 



Bolstering Security Middle School Updates 

With so much happening in the RTMA Middle School, 

One Mezuzah at a Time 

it is hard to keep up. Here are some highlights: 

A 

As the FBI searched 

the Elizabeth area for 

Ahmad Rahami in connection 

with several 

bombings in the tri-state area, and 

the JEC bolstered security in and 

around all of its buildings with increased 

guards and protection, Mr. 

Dror Frommer had a different kind 

of security in mind. 

“The Jewish guard is the Mezuzah,” 

said the Livingston resident. 

Frommer, a native of Haifa, Israel 

and the father of RTMA Senior, Dov Frommer, 

emailed the JEC, “I am not sure when 

the school’s mezuzahs were checked last, 

but it’s certainly a good time in Elul.” 

Working closely with JEC Executive Director, 

Mr. Steve Karp, Frommer is orchestrating 

the systematic checking of every mezuzah in 

the JEC. Removing a small group of mezuzahs 

at a time, Frommer was accompanied 

by a group of students who participated in 

the process and learned critical, practical 

halachot about mezuzah. 

“It was really cool to take down a mezuzah, 

review the parshiot and be a part of 

this process,” said one student. “We pass 

by hundreds of times a day, but how often 

do we really stop and think about the power 

and importance of a mezuzah?” 

Through his generous financial contribution, 

Frommer is enabling the JEC to have 

each mezuzah checked by a reputable local 

sofer. 

“This is an incredible gift to the physical 

and spiritual wellbeing of our students and 

the entire JEC family,” said Mr. Karp. “I cannot 

tell you how excited we are to be doing 

this.” 

Inspired by Mr. Frommer’s initiative, a 

comprehensive mezuzah practicum and 

age-appropriate review of hilchot mezuzah 

is being designed and implemented across 

all JEC schools to coincide with the removal, 

checking and replacement of the school’s 

mezuzahs. 

JOINT CHAVRUSA 

PROGRAM TAKES FLIGHT 

Students in the RTMA Middle School 

got another opportunity to enhance their 

learning with the launching of the Joint 

Chavrusah program. 

Through the program, sixth and eighth 

grade boys are paired together to learn. 

At the inaugural session, the room was 

buzzing with energy and excitement as 

the boys delved into the halachos of yom 

tov. Students enjoyed learning from each 

other and growing together. 

When asked, all of the boys voted unanimously 

to continue this Joint Chavrusa 

Program. 

The Do-It-Yourself club learned how to 

repair and change flat or damaged tires. 

They used a jack to raise the car, learned 

how to search for any holes, then fill and 

patch them up. 

BRIDGING THE GAP 

T3 Trip a Day of Inspiration 

T 

he RTMA Middle School’s annual 

TTT Trip (Teshuva, Tefila, Tzedaka ) 

took place in gorgeous weather as 

students joined hundreds of other 

people saying Tashlich at Ceaser’s Bay in 

Brooklyn, NY. It was uplifting to be part of 

such a large group of Jews standing by the 

water and davening to Hashem. 

At the “Toys for You” stop on the trip, the 

boys searched in groups for the just right 

gifts for children of Ohel. A number of eight 

graders set an example for all students by 

using their Bar Mitzvah money to purchase 

a number of extra special presents that they 

felt the children of Ohel would greatly enjoy. 

The highlight of the day was joining the 

Noverminsk High School for Mincha, where 

students got to daven with intensity, hear a 

short d’var Torah from the yeshiva’s principal, 

and have a private audience with the 

Noverminsker Rebbe’s son, Rabbi Yisroel 

Perlow. 

At each stop on the trip, the students were 

asked: “Which Yeshiva are you from? All the 

boys are so well behaved!” The boys were 

bursting with school pride and appreciated 

the great kiddush Hashem. 

SCI-TECH FRIDAY 

RTMA Middle School students participating 

in Sci-Tech Friday get to experience 

a rare opportunity to join Mrs. Robyn Brewer, 

RTMA’s dynamic Science Department 

Chair, in the high school Sci-Tech lab. In 

the first session, students got to explore 

electricity and engineering, learned how to 

generate light from an electrical source and 

to modify the colors of the light that was 

produced. 

CLUBS START WITH A BANG 

On alternating Thursdays, RTMA Middle 

School students can choose to focus on a 

subject outside of their core curriculum to 

explore and learn more about. This year, 

RTMA introduced two new clubs: Cooking 

and the Do-It-Yourself. 

The Cooking Club started the year with 

a Rosh Hashana theme and made a Simanim 

Salad and apple cobbler. Students 

worked hard cutting and slicing 

the apples, while the sweet aroma wafted 

through the hallways causing many students 

to wish they had joined the club 

themselves. 

Eighth graders partnered together in the 

year’s first engineering design challenge. 

Students were tasked with designing a 

bridge out of crafts, sticks, and glue, and 

learned about the forces of gravity, compression, 

and tension, all while exploring 

the iterative process of design. Teams 

were tasked with defining the problem, 

brainstorming ideas, creating solutions, 

testing them, refining their ideas, and ultimately 

producing a sound bridge solution. 

The teams were judged on both bridge 

structure and the engineering design process. 

While everyone participating in the 

challenge won, special recognition goes to 

Dovid Engel, Yisrael Gold, Benny Gluck, 

Elazar Milstein for completing the best 

project. 

(Check back next issue for even more 

from the RTMA Middle School) 


Junior High Updates 

Beginning of Year Program 

T 

The Junior High of Bruriah Student 

Organization theme this 

year, “Business,” was introduced 

by Mrs. Frumie Greenfeld with a 

fun, team-building program. The girls divided 

into groups and were given the name 

of a company. Each team decorated a cake 

connected to the company and generated 

a slogan related to JHB. Some notable slogans 

included: “JHB is the best….everyone 

knows that!” (GEICO), “Our TARGET is to 

get good grades,” and, “Developing new 

WAZE to learn.” 

SWIM TRIP 

The weather was picturesque for JHB 

students as they spent the day swimming 

and enjoying time outside with donuts and 

games. It was a trip designed for students 

to have fun with classmates in a relaxed 

setting. 

EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION 

ON DISPLAY FOR PARENTS 

Meet the Teacher evening at JHB was 


phenomenal with parents receiving an 

sampling of the JHB experience. Parents 

met the 7th and 8th grade teachers, learned 

about the classes and goals, and launched 

the home-school collaboration. In a 

unique experience for parents, the Chumash 

“flipped instruction” enabled parents 

to watch an informative video for “homework” 

and use the time in school for an 

engaging collaborative experience similar 

to the manner in which students are now 

learning. 

Students Join Thousands 

for Night of Inspiration 

Bruriah Receives Special Mention at Massive Event 

YOM IYUN 

“The Power of Speech” was the theme 

for an inspirational and enlightening Yom 

Iyun at the JHB. Students joined peers in 

the groups and had the opportunity to 

learn about the different types of speech. 

From complimenting to saying the truth, 

the message was clear - words can be used 

to build and create positivity. A fun game 

of telestrations and an inspirational video 

wraped up the memorable program. 

(Check back next issue for even more 

from the Junior High at Bruriah) 

S.O. Takes Shape with 

Campaign and Elections 

W 

ith election season on everyone’s 

mind, the Junior High 

at Bruriah buzzed with excitement. 

Students running 

for Student Organization of Activities campaigned 

with signs, songs and final presentations 

to their peers. 

The enthusiasm, humor, and creative ideas 

presented were as diverse as the candidates 

themselves. Whether an interactive Harry 

Potter game-show, a dance, or a multi-media 

presentation, everyone was caught up in a 

whirlwind of “election fever.” 

“I am so proud of all our candidates who 

put time and energy into campaigning,” said 

Mrs. Frumie Greenfeld, Director of Programming 

for the Junior High. “It is so incredible to 

see their talent and creativity.” 

Congratulation so the new S.O. Members - 

Sara Rosenwald of Elizabeth, Samantha Gross 

of West Orange, Atarah Mandel of Elizabeth, 

Rebecca Henner of Hillside, and Shoshi Cantor 

of Hillside. 

Being part of S.O. provides students with an 

opportunity to 

develop their continued on p.19 

O 

n the eve of Shabbat Shuva, over 

forty students and faculty joined 

thousands of Jewish women 

at Ohr Naava’s Eleventh Avinu 

Malkeinu Night of Awakening. The evening 

of inspiration included rousing speeches 

from world renowned personalities who 

urged the audience to make every moment 

count in the New Year through serving 

Hashem and the rest of humanity. 

The sold-out Avinu Malkeinu event held 

over forty seats in special reserve for Bruriah 

students and each ticket -- which retails for 

$50 – were snapped up by students eager to 

spend the evening between Rosh Hashanah 

and Yom Kippur in a meaningful way. 

“Our girls eagerly seek opportunities for 

growth,” said Bruriah Principal, Rabbi Joseph 

Oratz. “They gravitate towards programs 

from which they can draw inspiration 

and meaning, and then turn around 

and figure out a way to turn inspiration 

into activation and implementation in their 

own lives.” 

Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, Founder and 

Director of Ohr Naava, provided a special 

invitation to Bruriah students to attend the 

event, and specifically welcomed the Bruriah 

contingent during his keynote address. 

“I am so glad that I was able to go,” said 

Bruriah Senior, Meira Gurell of Teaneck, NJ. 

“This is truly a life altering event that thousands 

of people attend each year and it is 

amazing that Bruriah was singled out to go.” 

Rabbi Eli Mansour and Charlie Hararay 

also addressed the capacity crowd, delivering 

their Yamim Noraim messages. “The 

speeches were incredible. They really 

helped me enter Yom Kippur with the right 

frame of mind,” remarked Bruriah Junior, 

Aliza Kurtz of Passaic, NJ. 

Each speaker presented an important 

and thought-provoking message in a very 

unique way. “The girls were entertained 

and engaged throughout the entire program,” 

said Bruriah faculty member and 

grade advisor Ms. Leora Reichenberg. 

“There was a strong sense of community 

and solidarity in the room, and it was a 

very special opportunity to be part of such a 

committed group of people.” 

Bruriah secured the tickets to the event 

and offered them to students at a steep discount 

on a first come first serve basis. The 

school also arranged for transportation to 

and from the event for students attending. 

The school hopes to continue to be able to 

offer such opportunities to more students in 

the future. 

“This is such a special and meaningful 

evening for thousands of women,” said 

Mrs. Aliza Blumenthal, Director of Student 

Life. “The fact that Rabbi Wallerstein and 

Ohr Naava singled out Bruriah is a testament 

to our girls and Bruriah’s well-earned 

reputation.” 



Shabbaton Brings Students and Rebbeim Together 

N 

othing forges camaraderie and 

unity like spending a spirited 

Shabbos together. With classes 

resuming after a long summer 

break, incoming freshmen joined returning 

high school students for the year’s first 

RTMA shabbaton. 

“Shabbos is a singular gift from Hashem,” 

said RTMA Principal Rabbi Ami Neuman. 

“To keep it, observe it, and celebrate it together 

infuses life with meaning. High 

School is about finding that meaning and 

using it to define a life of happiness and 

purpose.” 

Students and staff boarded buses bound 

for the sprawling grounds of Camp Dora 

Golding for a full weekend itinerary packed 

with Torah, davening, athletics, games and 

food. 

“It was awesome to be back with my 

friends,” said RTMA Sophomore, Josh 

Schanzer of Highland Park, NJ. “I love the 

shabbaton, the ruach is amazing and the 

achdus it builds carries through to the rest 

of the year!” 

Recreational activities included swimming, 

sports and boating. Athletic competitions 

between Houses (See related story 

on Houses in this issue) added spirit to the 

Friday afternoon’s program, with one hockey 

game reserved for students to face off with 

their principal, Rabbi Neuman, who is an 

avid hockey player. 

“The Shabbaton is an important time for 

students, faculty and staff to bond and forge 

relationships outside of school,” said Rabbi 

Yisroel Rich, Director of Student Activities. 

Setting the tone for the entire year, the 

theme of the weekend was Shlomo Hamelech’s 

axiom, “Sheva yipol tzadik v’kam,” 

or “The righteous fall seven times, but still 

rise.” The learning and divrei Torah shared 

over the weekend focused on encouraging 

students and faculty to value their mistakes 

and learn from them. 

“In life, we learn best from our mistakes,” 

explained Assistant Principal Rabbi Noach 

Sauber. “We do not fear our mistakes; we 

are not paralyzed by them. To the contrary, 

we embrace them, we learn from them, and 

we use them to move forward and reach 

higher.” 

Speaking during the Shabbat program, 

seniors Yair Shavrick and Ben Kogos urged 

those present to grow through failure, challenge, 

and struggle. And to recognize that 

life’s best lessons are learned through taking 

life’s lessons and building on them. 

To help students set a high spiritual tone, 

Shabbat began with an uplifting Carlebach-style 

Kabbalat Shabbat led by Rabbi 

Neuman, with students leading davening 

and laining throughout the rest of Shabbos. 

“Far from a day of restriction and limitation, 

Shabbos done right, is a liberating, 

joyous time when students can find inner 

balance, truly enjoy each other’s company, 

and connect with Hashem and one 

another in ways impossible during the 

week,” said Director of Guidance, Dr. Akiva 

Perlman. 

An amazing seuda followed, capped off 

by an incredible oneg that carried late into 

the night. Students spent hours singing, 

talking, learning and schmoozing with 

their rebbeim and each other. The informal 

setting led to deep and meaningful conversations, 

which fostered further unity and 

growth. 

“During the oneg, the barriers came 

down,” said RTMA Senior Mordechai Sheinson 

of Hillside, NJ. “We were able to sing, 

talk and bond in a way only possible in such 

a setting. It was really special.” 

The unity built throughout the weekend 

was typified by an unfortunate sports injury, 

when RTMS senior, Alec Seidman broke 

his foot playing ball on Friday. Instead 

of taking a ride home from the hospital, 

Seidman chose to return to the Shabbaton, 

where his friends happily carried him 

around from activity to activity the entire 

weekend. 

“Who would want to go home and miss 

the Shabbaton?” asked Seidman. “My 

friends are the best in the world. They did 

not want me to miss anything either, so they 

offered to literally carry me on their backs 

the entire Shabbos. It was insane.” 

Shabbos closed with a full-on musical havadalah 

led by Dr. Perlman, whose vocals 

demonstrated why he was a star member 

of the Miami Boys Choir in his youth, and 

accompanied by Rabbi Neuman, who is 

known throughout the northeast for playing 

a mean guitar. 

“The purpose of the Shabbaton is to 

have fun in a meaningful way. To foster 

camaraderie and help set the tone for the 

year. Engagement, reflection and growth,” 

said Rabbi Neuman. That is where we are 

headed, and this weekend was a great beginning.” 

S.O. Takes Shape 

with Campaign 

and Elections 


leadership 

skills as they 

assist Mrs. 

Greenfeld in 

planning and 

organizing 

trips and programs. Getting involved in 

extra-curricular and outreach programs is an 

integral component of JHB. The JHB leadership 

works hard to ensure that all students have an 

opportunity to participate in the organization 

and administration of activities. 

“When our girls get involved in these programs, 

it empowers them,” said Mrs. Zehava 

Greenwald, Junior High Coordinator. “They 

develop life-long skills such as confidence, 

time-management, prioritization, and collaboration. 

There is nothing more rewarding 

than watching students feel happy and good 

about themselves.” 

Activities include after-school art and cooking 

clubs, the Middle School basketball team, 

Torah Bowl, newsletter, the SPIRIT team that 

provides cheering for athletic games, JAISAC 

(Israel awareness), Big Sister Program, JFS 

food packaging, and so much more. 


Alumni in Israel 

Alumni in Israel 

Shira Allen, Bruriah, 2016 Azriel Kimmel, RTMA, 2015 

W 

hen Elul and Tishrei come 

around, the only place I want 

to be is Israel. The journey 

through those months starts 

with Selichot. At midnight on one of my first 

Thursday nights in Israel, a friend and I decided 

to go to the Kotel (because what else 

would we do on a Thursday night in Jerusalem), 

and as we made our way through the 

crowd of people, we couldn’t help wonder 

why 2,000 other people were as crazy as we 

were. Soon enough we realized that the sefardim 

had already begun saying sleichot at 

the beginning of Elul! There was something 

incredibly uplifting about being surrounded 

by hundreds of people, all from different 

backgrounds, observance levels and dress, 

all pouring out their hearts to their Father in 

Heaven. 

Before we knew it, we reached Rosh 

Hashana. The entire country was in the 

spirit—even the buses took part, with “Shana 

Tova” flashing on their screens. (Don’t 

be confused, the bus still goes to Har Nof 

and Shana Tova is not a stop on the line!) 

Aseret Yimei Teshuva came and went, and 

suddenly, we were standing before the Ultimate 

Judge on Yom Kippur. In addition to 

being a beautiful culmination of 40 days of 

intense seminary-induced introspection and 

repentance, Yom Kippur is a unique holiday 

on a national level. The entire country shuts 

down. Imagine being able to sit down comfortably 

in the middle of the busiest intersection 

you know. It’s unreal. 

I had the privilege of having an unbelievably 

uplifting davening in Migdal Oz. When I 

looked around at the girls, I saw some dancing 

and some crying and I couldn’t help but 

think of one of the ideas we mentioned last 

year when learning L’Dovid with Mrs. Neuberger. 

She explained how in the first part of 

the mizmor the author expresses confidence, 

serenity and major bitachon b’Hashem, 

whereas in the second part he expresses fear, 

loneliness and confusion. There are many 

perakim in tehillim that begin with the author 

feeling lost and end with Hashem’s 

salvation, but one of the things we can 

learn from the particular order of this mizmor 

is that just like the Yamim Noraim, 

life is a roller coaster. We smile, we cry, 

we dance, we moan, and through it all, 

we pray. 

Not five days later, we put on our fancy 

clothes once again and went out to eat in 

the sukkah. Here are a few reasons Sukkot 

is so incredible in Israel: firstly, it’s not 

freezing! In fact, depending on where you 

are in Israel, you might even need a fan in 

your sukkah! Secondly, families can actually 

hang pictures and paper chains in 

their sukkot because it doesn’t rain. Sukkot 

is also the most visual of the shalosh regalim. 

Everywhere you walk, you see sukkot—outside 

of every restaurant, on every 

mirpeset, in every hotel and every mall. 

Because its OUR country and OUR holiday. 

Another great thing about sukkot if you 

are a shana ba’aretz student, is that all of 

your friends are off too!! My class organized 

a reunion in gan ha’atzmaut during 

chol hamoed!! Even Ms. Carl stopped by! 

It was so wonderful to be with old friends 

and to laugh about old times. Mostly, on 

sukkot in Yerushalayim, one truly feels 

that he/she is fulfilling the mitzvah of aliya 

l’regel. On Hoshana Raba morning, 

as one walks to the Kotel for vatikin, he 

will be joined by thousands of fellow Jews 

pouring out of each alleyway, all heading 

to the makom hamikdash. 

However well I attempt to describe the 

experience of being in Israel during the 

chaggim, you will never get the full picture 

until you come yourself. Consider it 

strongly because, believe me, there is no 

place you would rather be. 

Shira Allen is from Highland Park, NJ, 

is a Bruriah Graduate, Class of 2016 and 

served as G.O. President during her senior 

year. She is currently spending her 

year of study in Israel at Migdal Oz. 

W 

ow! I can’t even describe 

what these past couple of 

weeks have been like in Israel. 

Sukkot in Yerushalyim 

is like none other. On Chag, when I was 

walking down the street, all I heard were 

the voices of Zemirot emanating from the 

Sukkah. In the morning, you saw everyone 

walking down the street with their 

Lulav and Etrog. I felt like this is where I 

am meant to be, that here, Eretz Yisroel, is 

home. However, this passion started way 

before I even went to Israel. RTMA instilled 

in me a sense a Zionism and love for Eretz 

and Medinat Yisroel since day one. Our 

rebbeim and teachers gave over their love 

for Torah and Eretz Yisroel, and showed us 

that these two things need to be a central 

focus of our lives. 

There is nothing better than when I run 

into a JEC classmate at the Tachana Merkazit, 

or when I spend shabbos at a random 

family in Israel and discover that he 

too is a JEC Alumni. Even though I graduated, 

I am still part of the RTMA family. 

I love speaking to my rebbeim from 

high school and telling them about all 

my wonderful experiences here. One of 

the highlights of everyone’s year is when 

Rabbi Parnes visits, and we have a huge 

RTMA reunion at Cafe Rimon. Everyone 

from Yeshiva students to Alumni that are 

currently serving in the IDF attends and 

it is truly an amazing experience. 

Azreil Kimmel is from Hillside, NJ and is 

an RTMA graduate from the class of 2015, 

currently spending Shana Bet learning at 

Yeshivat Mevaseret Tziyon. 


9/11 Victims Remembered 

on 15th Yartzheit 

Bruriah Receives Special Mention at Massive Event 

W 

hen the quiet of a beautiful 

September day was shattered 

by terrorists, Mr. Jeff Cohen, 

now of Fair Lawn, NJ, was at 

the World Trade Center. His tale of survival 

and rebirth was shared with some 400 

students and staff at Bruriah’s annual 9/11 

commemoration, which was held this year 

on the 23rd day of Elul, the Hebrew date of 

the horrific attacks. 

“9/11 is a day filled with meaning for so 

many Americans,” said Bruriah Principal, 

Rabbi Joseph Oratz. “The Hebrew date 

of those tragic events has an additional 

profound significance for us as Jews and 

Americans.” 

In a short but powerful presentation, 

Mr. Cohen 

recounted continued on p.21 


Bugle Babies 

Make Noise 


at the end of the program. 

The spirited and joyous atmosphere 

delighted babies and 

adults alike, as the positive and 

energetic atmosphere brought 

participants from throughout 

the greater JEC community. 

The program takes place 

once a week on Tuesdays from 

9:30-10:15am and is for children ages six 

months to three years. Although the initial 

class was at capacity, coordinators say that 

the program still has available spaces and 


interested parties may contact Assistant 

Principal, Mrs. Faigy Leiter for more information 

at fleiter@thejec.org or 908-355- 

4850. 

New Technology 

Hits the 

Classroom 


puter-based 

activity at the 

same time,” 

said Mrs. 

Lisa Ben- 

Haim. “This enables students to access 

resources, digitally create and collaborate.” 

For the youngest of students, iPads allows 

students to personalize and explore, heightening 

their engagement and furthering their 

reading and comprehension skills. 

Leaders of the Technology Initiative include 

the families of Dr. Sarah and Mr. Alex 

Krause, Dr. Talya and Dr. Effie Gluck, Mr. 

Yitz and Mrs. Debbie Stern, Mr. Benjy and 

Mrs. Malky Singfer, Mr. Seth and Mrs. Suries 

Dombeck and Mr. Brian and Mrs. Arielle Ness. 

Those interested in becoming involved 

in this or any other initiative may contact 

Mr. Andy Schultz at aschultz@thejec.org, 

or 908-355-4850, extension 6206. 

Confronting 

Bullying 

with Love 


unfortunate 

does happen. 

“We foster 

a social 

eco-system 

in school where every child feels comfortable 

amongst their peers and teachers,” 

said Beer, “and that is key to their success 

in every aspect of development, educationally, 

physically and socially.” 

Building a wholesome community is what 

the Lower School focuses on from start. 

Walking down the hall of the Early Childhood 

Department middot are on full display 

through behavioral modeling, projects, and 

general instruction. “These amazing little 

people are learning everything about the 

world around them,” said Department Director 

Morah Rivka Isaacs. “We reach them 

in multiple ways so that they see positive 

behavior, develop conflict resolution skills, 

and understand themselves in relationship 

to others.” 

Part of the Lower School approach also 

focuses on empowerment. Teachers are 

empowered to empower their students to 

further their sense of self-worth and self-esteem, 

important skills for any person at any 

stage of life. 

9/11 Victims 

Remembered 

on 15th Yartzheit 


the events 

of 9/11 from 

the perspective 

of 

someone 

who experienced 

the attacks in person and lived 

to tell the story. He described the sense 

of panic and fear as the planes crashed 

into the towers. And the moments of uncertainty 

and desperation as the buildings 

collapsed. 

Inspiring the students with his words, 

Mr. Cohen described a singular sense of 

revelation in the moments of his escape. 

As if reliving the experience, Mr. Cohen 

As a new addition to the Lower School 

team, and head of its guidance office, Dr. 

Rebecca Mischel has already contributed to 

further developing and advancing the anti-bullying 

program. Unlike past models for 

guidance, she is working proactively with 

teachers and students. 

Dr. Mischel’s presence in the classrooms 

helps students develop a sense of social appropriateness 

and empowerment to control 

their behavior in difficult situations. 

Through a combination of activities, discussions, 

dramatizations and of course role 

playing, she is able to bring advanced social 

principles into the classroom. 

“By being in the classroom in a proactive 

manner, Dr Mischel introduces these key 

concepts in a constructive manner to students,” 

said Rabbi Beer. “She is then part 

of the conversation, part of their lives, and 

is someone who becomes a resource to help 

guide them going forward. 

“This approach demystifies and destigmatizes 

guidance by bringing it out of an office 

and putting it into the world where our 

students are living. As a result, our school 

is a safer, warmer and more wholesome environment 

and students are responding well 

to that,” he concluded. 

explained that the miracle of his survival 

was guided by the hand of G-d. 

“In planning the event, we all came to recognize 

that none of the students in the room remembered 

that day; they were too young,” said 

Director of Student Life Mrs. Aliza Blumenthal. 

“Mr. Cohen was able to convey the experience 

of the day and how the world changed since 

then in a very meaningful manner.” 

The event was held on the Hebrew date 

of September 11, 2001 and in commemoration 

of the yartzheit of those who perished 

in the attacks. A special kel maleh was 

recited for those who died and the entire 

school was moved by the moment of reflection 

and inspiration. 

Educating in an 

and other students 

make an 

Election Year 

continued from p.7 informed decision 

when 

we vote for president in November?” Students 

designed unbiased presentations about 

each candidate and their running mate. 

Another encounter with the thrills of democracy 

took place when students were given 

the opportunity to elect a President of the 

Lunch Room. This election was designed to 

model the electoral process to help students 

better understand how an election works. 

The two candidates, Rabbi Petriska and 

Mrs. Ben-Haim, each presented their campaign 

platforms on how to best enhance the 

lunchroom experience. One candidate offered 

computer time during lunch, and the 

other offered board games during that time. 

Students then had the opportunity to 

cast their ballots and see who won. (Our 

exit polling showed that a majority of voters 

preferred screen-time to board-time.) The 

winner fulfilled their campaign pledge, delivering 

one day with 15 minutes of computer 

time in the gym at the end of lunch period. 

Fifth graders, split into groups, collaborated 

on creating incredible video displays 

for particular candidates describing key elements 

of the candidate’s personal and professional 

biography as well as their current 

political platforms. Each group, outfitted 

like professionals, presented their videos 

to their peers and spoke about what they 

learned about each candidate that they did 

not know before. 

Sixth grade girls presented actual campaign 

ads to the 3-6 grades and then explained 

the ad content and how the ads were 

designed to promote a particular candidate. 

“It is so gratifying to see how excited and 

informed the children are about the upcoming 

presidential elections,” said Rabbi Uzi 

Beer, Principal of the JEC Lower School. “The 

faculty is doing an excellent job engaging 

students and exploring important topics.” 

Rabbi Beer further explained that as students 

grapple with the actual issues and 

candidate positions on those issues, the 

conversation may at times become heated. 

“Open debate is a hallmark of American democracy,” 

he said. “At the same time, civility 

is a hallmark of a yeshiva. 

“As our students express their ideas, we 

remind them constantly that every American 

is entitled to his or her opinion, and every 

member of our school community is entitled 

to respect.” 



Rabbi Chaim 

Marcus Joins 

RTMA as 

Mashgiach 

Ruchani 


gram,” with 

a special pre- 

Rosh Hashana 

presentation 

on the 

importance 

and value of 

tefilot. Rabbi 

Marcus illustrated his point by dramatically 

recounting two moving stories that 

demonstrated the value of prayer and its ability 

to accomplish incredible things. Talmidim 

left with clarity and direction and pledged to 

work continuously to improve their tefila. 

“Rabbi Marcus spoke to our class many 

times during Elul,” recalled RTMA Senior, 

Jason Silverstein of Springfield, NJ. “He gave 

us a new understanding and appreciation 

for Rosh Hashana and connected the tefila 

L’Dovid Hashem Ori to everything we do! We 

loved it.” 

RTMA Leads with 

ing around, I 

spent a couple 

of weeks 

New STEM Lab 

continued from p.9 developing 

and advancing my STEM skills in a fun 

and relaxed environment. And I got to work 

with some really cool equipment before anyone 

else,” he concluded with a grin. 

That cool equipment Etan referred to includes 

two new 3D printing machines and 

a Computerized Numerical Control, or CNC 

machine, generously donated by RTMA parents 

Brian and Arielle Ness (Brian is also a 

JEC board member, and Arielle is a Bruriah 

graduate). The CNC machine is a revolutionary 

device that represents the next generation 

of printing, as it facilitates digital imaging 

on wood and metal. The lab includes a 

special enclosed area specifically designed 

to enable students to train and create using 

this advanced equipment. 

Students and faculty worked with professional 

engineers from PicoTurbine, makers 

of the CNC machine, and CIJE to assemble 

and calibrate the new equipment, train on 

its varying uses, and develop initial projects. 

RTMA is only one of four schools selected to 

compete in this year’s first ever CIJE Robotic 

Challenge. (See our next issue for more on 

RTMA’s cutting-edge Robotics Program and 

the CIJE Contest.) 

The sophisticated and precise CNC equipment 

is directed by student controlled 

three-dimensional design software that 

opens doors to creativity and imagination, 

and enables students to actualize and realize 

their conceptual ideas. 

“RTMA lives on the cutting-edge of STEM 

and educational technology. The world is 

moving so fast and our students are pushing 

the envelope every day,” said Rabbi 

Neuman. “They will continue to drive innovation 

and work on their own discoveries. 

Through experimentation and persistence, 

they will learn from their experience and 

grow to even greater heights.” 

Make Your Mark 

Mrs. Aliza 

Blumental. 

continued from p.11 “ T h e 

theme for the year is Make Your Mark – 

when looking at our hands, our four fingers 

each represent each of these, and our thumb 

represents us,” she explained. “We can 

touch each finger with our thumb, and leave 

our mark on the world with each of these.” 

Each student leader serves throughout the 

year as a role model and leader who dedicates 

their time and energy in services to 

their peers and school, developing programs 

and events for everyone. 


GENERAL ORGANIZATION 

LEADERSHIP 

5777, 2016-2017 

President - 

Shlomit Wachsberg, Senior, Passaic 

VP of Tzedakah - 

Racheli Goldstein, Senior, Passaic 

VP of Chesed - Aliza Ochs, Senior, Clifton 

VP of AISAC - 

Tziona Kamara, Senior, Passaic 

VP of Wordwatch - 

Rivka Hirsch, Senior, Passaic 

Treasurer - Mili Chizhik, Sophomore, 

Highland Park 

Treasurer - Miri Nash, Junior, Passaic 

Secretary of Programming - 

Batya Feman, Junior, Teaneck 

Secretary of Programming - 

Michal Herman, Junior, Bergenfield 

Secretary of Public Relations - 

Elisheva Hirsch, Sophomore, Teaneck 

Secretary of Public Relations - 

Anya Roberts, Sophomore, NYC 

Bruriah Students 

Learn About 

National Issues 

at Live Debate 


was posed 

by Ariel Ezra 

and Sara 

Fried and focused 

on efforts 

to stop 

domestic terrorism 

and the radicalization of U.S. citizens. 

From there, questions ranged from 

wire-tapping and email privacy, to school 

vouchers, the minimum wage, and taxes. 

A question about each party’s support for a 

two-state solution to the Israeli – Palestinian 

conflict instigated the afternoon’s most dramatic 

display. Assemblyman Schaer noted that the 

Republican president nominee said he would be 

“neutral” in the conflict, while the current president 

of the United States, a Democrat, just authorized 

a $38 billion defense commitment to 

Israel over the next 10 years. 

Commissioner Rodgers, argued that the 

Democratic president also sent billions of dollars 

to a terrorist state that is developing nuclear 

weapons and that has stated its intention of destroying 

Israel. In a moment of political theater, 

Commissioner Rodgers then walked over to the 

Israeli flag, lifted it up and said, “We stand side 

by side with Israel, and this star goes with those 

stars,” pointing to the American flag. 

“In the end, our students won the debate,” 

said faculty member Mrs. Shuli Fuchs. “They 

learned about the electoral system, got to participate 

in the political process by questioning 

party leaders, and learned about where the 

parties stand on issues the students found important.” 


At RTMA, Students 

we are.” 

Live AboveTheCode The creed 

is emblazoned 

on 


walls, notebooks, and student spaces 

throughout the school. Teachers and faculty 

can be heard echoing the mantra throughout 

the day and urging students to go the extra 

distance. 

“At this age, it is critical that high school 

students develop the positive character traits 

that will define how they approach life as 

they become adults,” said Rabbi Shmuel 

Taub, long time RTMA Limmudei Kodesh rebbe. 

“Living AboveTheCode now means that 

they will emerge with a sense of drive and determination 

to improve themselves and their 

world, and not be satisfied with the lowest 

common denominator.” 

The mission informs every decision made 

in the school and the manner in which they 

are carried out. “Our compass is the Torah. 

We are guided by it in everything we do, in 

every goal we set, and in every measure,” explained 

Rabbi Neuman. 

“We are passionate, and we are always 

Pursuing Higher 

Education 


demic mini-camps. 

“More and more, 

colleges are looking beyond grades 

to see the whole student,” said 

Mr. Frank. “From summer jobs, 

to extra-curriculars, to advanced 

courses, hobbies, and interesting 

experiences - students benefit from 

thinking about these things right 

from the beginning.” 

Tenth grade is also the time to 

begin working on SAT and ACT 

prep, with full preparation taking 

place in eleventh grade when Mr. 

Frank teaches an SAT prep course to juniors. 

Eleventh grade is also a time to focus 

on building transcripts to make sure 

they are up to the standards of prospective 

institutions. Seniors focus on the application 

process, the application essay, 

and their admissions interview. 

To help students plan for their future, 

the college guidance team meets with 

every student to partner in crafting an 

individual strategy tailored to each student’s 

goals. “There is no one formula,” 

explained Mr. Frank. “Every student is 

unique and it is our job to help them present 

their best selves.” 

The College Guidance department also 

maintains close contact with college admissions 

offices around the country as 

well as with peers in other high schools. 

Those relationships are the basis of a 

newsletter the department produces for 


in pursuit of our goals. But, these things don’t 

just happen to us, they happen only when we 

are fully engaged and reflective.” 

Students have already taken to their new 

code, are advancing their learning, helping 

each other succeed, and improving images of 

themselves and their own self-respect. “Now 

I know that it is not enough just to skate by,” 

freshman Dovid Rozehzadeh of West Orange, 

NJ. “Half of life may be just showing up, but 

the other half is hard work and determination. 

And I am ready to do my part.” 

Rabbi Neuman could not be more proud of 

the way his students and faculty have internalized 

and actualized this ethos. “The transformation 

is amazing. Where students were 

once satisfied with mediocrity, they are now 

demanding more of themselves, their friends 

and their school,” he said. “Each day we are 

challenged to improve ourselves as individuals, 

as a community, and as a school. The 

growth is incredible and the sky is the limit. 

“Together we live AboveTheCode. Guided 


through engagement, reflection, and 

growth.” 

parents to help them keep track of critical 

dates and inflection points in the process. 

The newsletters also provide updates on 

school selection processes, scholarship 

news, financial aid packages and other 

college related activities. 

Mr. Frank is also sensitive to the unique 

needs of a students graduating from a mesivta 

in choosing a college or university 

that also provides opportunities for students 

to live a proper Torah life on campus. 

“Our job is to enable students and parents 

to pursue their dreams and achieve 

their goals,” said Rabbi Ami Neuman. 

“Set the bar high, and we’ll help you get 

there.” 

RTMA recently produced one of its best 

years ever with fully 25% of graduates 

being accepted to the Yeshiva University 

Honors College 

New House 

Program 

Launches 


Instead of knowing only 

my friends, I have met students 

in every grade and we 

learn, work and collaborate 

on so many things. It’s really 

awesome.” 

All students were randomly 

divided into one of eight Houses, 

with each House having a 

balanced representation from all grades and 

academic tracks. 

“There is a place and role for everyone,” 

explained Rabbi Yisroel Rich, Director of 

Student Activities. “Every student has 

strengths, everyone has something they can 

get better at. This system allows students to 

excel and grow in all areas, without judgement 

or precondition.” 

Each House carries the name of one of the 

ten sefirot, with chachma, binah and da’at, 

all falling under da’at. Houses are led by 

“House Deans,” one Junior and one Senior 

per House, selected by the faculty and administration 

after an extensive interview 

process that examined student’s character, 

commitment and leadership qualities. 

“Over thirty applicants came in suits and 

ties to be interviewed,” said Mr. Jeff Frank, 

Director of College Guidance and teacher of 

AP History, who helped conceive and design 

the program. “Students took the process incredibly 

seriously. They withstood a battery 

of serious questions from faculty and administration 

and were really quite impressive.” 

House Deans will have additional leadership 

training and skill cultivation opportunities 

throughout the year together with other 

students seeking such advancement. 

The sorting and selection process was incredible, 

with a laser light show, pulsating 

music and cheers accompanying the random 

drawing and selection of each student. “The atmosphere 

was electric,” one student was overheard 

exclaiming. “It was like each student 

was special. At that moment we were all a star.” 

As part of the initial induction into the 

Houses, students were met by United States 

Marines, who provided students with leadership 

training. Together, they learned what 

it means to work hard, to persevere in the 

face of adversity, and to be consistent. The 

Marines also discussed what it means to be 

governed by standards and live above the 

code, raising expectations. To demonstrate 

this, the Marines put students through a 

rigorous basic training course requiring students 

to push themselves further and faster 

than ever before. 

Throughout the year, students will have 

opportunities to work together and to learn 

the importance of being responsible to and 

for one another. Every month will focus on 

a theme signifying a particular aspect of life 

that each House will seek to grow in. The 

first month’s theme was Achdut or “Unity.” 

Students were challenged to learn about 

each other and to then face off in an adaptation 

of the newlywed game during the 

school’s Shabbaton. 

Over the Succot break, students were challenged 

to do as many acts of physical chesed 

as possible by building and taking down 

sukkahs in their neighborhoods. Working 

together to help others reinforces the House 

System’s goals of unity, community service 

and personal growth. 

The “Build Those Houses” contest incentivized 

students in that each Sukkah built and 

taken down earned points for the House. The 

House that accumulated the most points from 

the challenge earned the opportunity to work 

with Habitat for Humanity and contribute to 

building an actual house for someone in need. 

“This was an incredible challenge that is 

still ongoing,” said RTMA Sophomore, Joseph 

Matthew of Edison, NJ. “RTMA has built and 

taken down over 300 sukkahs this month. 

Think of all the mitzvot. I can do something 

small and impact so many people.” 

The Houses will continue with themes and 

competitions throughout the year ranging from 

academic challenges, to technological and scientific 

innovation, Torah knowledge, chesed, 

mitzvot and more. The House that accumulates 

the most points by the end of the year will win 

the House Cup and associated prizes. 

House deans are working with members 

to design unique crests and insignias for 

each House that will be emblazoned on 

House-specific paraphernalia and SWAG. 

The program originated in the results of 

focus groups conducted by Rabbis Neuman 

and Sauber last year. During those meetings, 

which were held with every student in 

RTMA, it was learned that students desired 

a more cohesive student body that would 

bring together students from different tracks 

and grades into stronger units. 

“We heard the boys yearning for more opportunities 

to bond with each other and feel the 

achdut and ruach of a yeshiva,” said Rabbi Sauber. 

“This system really helps encourage that 

environment of unity, depth, and purpose.”

NJV November 2016 Web

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