T A G
newsletter
summer 2012
Elementary School 444 Beach 6th Street Far Rockaway, NY, 11691 Phone 718.471.8444 Fax 718.868.4612 High School 636 Lanett Avenue Far Rockaway, NY, 11691 Phone 718.327.2300 Fax 718.327.2315 dean
Rabbi Meyer Weitman
executive director
Dr. Shmuel Reisbaum
director of development
Rabbi Baruch Lovett
principal , high school Mrs. Aleeza Berkowitz, Limudei Kodesh Mrs. Miriam Tropper, Assistant Principal Mrs. Barbara Cinamon, General Studies principal , elementary school
Mrs. Sara Drillman, Limudei Kodesh Mrs. Menucha Levin, Limudei Kodesh Mrs. Temima Feldman, General Studies Mrs. Cecile Wieder, Junior High director , early childhood Mrs. Miriam Tikotzky newsletter editor
Mrs. Liba Lieberman
layout editor
Mrs. Shaindel Plumer
A Complete Campus to Serve Our Community Phase 1 of the historic expansion currently underway at Torah Academy for Girls (TAG) is nearing completion, and with it comes twenty-seven new classrooms to serve the burgeoning student body whose needs have necessitated the construction. An attractive new, spacious, high-ceiling gymnasium is already being used, and an outdoor swimming pool and lower play deck are undergoing the finishing touches to make TAG’s swim area ready for the upcoming camp season. TAG’s new look has been developed to create a complete learning and recreational environment, to serve its students and their families. The most startling surprise for visitors happens upon entering the front hallway, which is being totally revamped. The corridor is being widened by fifty percent to accommodate the greatly expanded school population. Alumni, especially those alumni who are now parents in the school, are commenting that this is not the TAG they have known throughout the years. A new lobby, administrative offices, and an upper play deck are also under construction, and the current auditorium will be redecorated to create a beautiful simcha room. The expansion includes as well vastly increased space for resource room instruction for selected students. The second floor audito-
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rium has been totally redone. The building designs have been developed so that existing classroom facilities will merge with the new wings to look like one large building. Corridors have been painted and tiled so that each floor has a uniform appearance. The construction comes years after using trailers for classrooms when necessary, and over utilizing one multi-purpose room on the first floor. Phase 2, which will begin next year, will provide ten additional classrooms. The original building was built to accommodate three classes in every grade; the new, abundant classrooms have been added to accommodate six classes per grade level. The growth of TAG has also prompted new additions to the staff, which includes increased guidance staff in both the pre-school and elementary divisions; support staff for the principals; and the promotion of Mrs. Barbara Cinnamon, a long-time teacher in TAG’s high school division, to Assistant Principal. The entirety of the project is both exhilarating and formidable. Rabbi Meyer Weitman, dean of TAG, explains, “While it’s becoming more difficult to meet our financial obligations for construction, as we proceed, we are extremely confident that our parents, grandparents, and friends will recognize the necessity of the project, and will continue to come forward in support of the building campaign.”
For dedication opportunities please call Rabbi Baruch Lovett at extension 212.
A Message From
Rabbi Meyer Weitman
Boruch Hashem, as we conclude another very successful school year, I would like to reflect upon the accomplishments of our past and our goals for the future. With regards to the physical aspect, we have, Boruch Hashem, completed 27 new beautiful classrooms, as well as a magnificent gym, and a new play deck and outdoor pool. This expansion will allow us to accept six classes per grade level. We have always prided ourselves on maintaining reasonably small classes with a higher teacher to student ratio. We are already at the maximum number of students in our younger grades with the six classes. We have also hired new social workers, both in pre-school and elementary school, as well as additional support staff for the principals in the various divisions. Together with our resource room, headed by Dr. Devorah Zelasko and her team of experts, these new additions will go a long way in helping TAG make certain that “no child is left behind”. At this time, on behalf of the 1500 young ladies who are benefitting from the stellar chinuch of TAG, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to all those who have made this expansion possible. We are certainly indebted to our building chairmen, Moshe Feuer, Evan Genack, Ben Lowinger and Aroni Parnes. Thanks as well to our Executive Director, Dr. Shmuel Reisbaum, for all his technical expertise and our Director of Development, Rabbi Baruch Lovett, for his tireless efforts to ensure the financial stability of this project. Our deepest appreciation to the many supporters who have stood behind us, as we somehow managed to work our way until this point. We look forward to the future as we prepare to embark on the next phase of our expansion which will involve erecting an additional ten classrooms in order to fully accommodate six classes on every grade level. While the task is indeed daunting, I am fully confident, that with the help of Hashem, our friends and our parent body will realize the absolute necessity for this project and will continue to provide support and encouragement. However, I am well aware that our beautiful building only portrays the outer beauty of our school. It’s inner beauty is reflected by our talmidos through the efforts of an entire dedicated faculty who provide not only the educational tools for our students, but who show care and concern and make each one of our girls shine. If it takes an entire village to raise a child, it certainly takes an entire team of auxiliary
staff, secretaries and administrative staff, and I am most grateful and aware of the bracha that TAG enjoys with our entire outstanding staff. Our exemplary dedicated Principals, are the true builders of our school. My deepest gratitude goes to Mrs. Miriam Tikotzky, Director of the Ganger Family Early Childhood Center, Mrs. Sara Drillman, our Limudei Kodesh Principal, Mrs. Menucha Levin, Assistant Principal, Limudei Kodesh, Mrs. Sarah Goldstein, General Studies Principal, Mrs. Cecile Wieder, General Studies, Principal,Junior High School division, Mrs. Aleeza Berkowitz, Principal, Limudei Kodesh, High School division, Mrs. Miriam Tropper, Assistant Principal, Limudei Kodesh, High School division, Rabbi Michoel Shepard, General Studies Principal, High School Division, and Mrs. Barbara Cinamon, Assistant Principal, General Studies, High School Division. At this time, I would like to wish Mrs. Sarah Goldstein mazel and bracha upon her relocation to California. With her 24 years of outstanding service, she has indeed left a rich legacy in TAG. By the same token, we warmly welcome Mrs. Temima Feldman and wish her much hatzlacha in her new position at TAG. While TAG looks proudly at our many accomplishments, we look forward to not only expanding our physical plant, but to expanding our legacy of properly educating the future imahos of Klal Yisroel. Best wishes for a happy, healthy and restful summer.
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Voyages
A Memorable Supperette and Evening of Appreciation
When veteran and beloved General Studies Principal, Mrs. Sarah Goldstein, announced that she was retiring to move to California to spend time with her children and grandchildren, the Women’s League decided to give the veteran educator a royal send off. With the appropriate theme of “Voyages”, parents, faculty, and guests boarded the USS TAG, and entered the beautiful, new athletic center bedecked with lovely tablecloths, animal luggage TAGs, and a colorful luggage centerpiece, which a lucky winner at each table took home.
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The School Service Award was presented to Mrs. (Morah) Leah Mond, a dedicated morah in TAG’s pre-school, who works tirelessly to start TAG’s youngest talmidos on the path of learning. Morah Leah is also a devoted and active member of Women’s League.
As Mother of the Year, Mrs. Esther Eisenberger was noted for her creativity, which regularly enhances the pre-school curriculum. Her beautiful mishloach manos for TAG Staff last Purim were sights to behold. The highlight of the evening was the moving tribute to Mrs. Goldstein, that left many teary-eyed, including Mrs. Goldstein herself. Rabbi Meyer Weitman, TAG’s Dean, made a surprise presentation of a magnificent leichter tray with words of appreciation engraved. Parents and faculty members shared their thoughts and feelings; Mrs. Shelley Honickman, long time secretary, administrative assistant, and friend presented Mrs. Goldstein with a lovely memory book. Mrs. Goldstein, in turn, eloquently expressed her appreciation. It struck
home to everyone attending just how much Mrs. Goldstein would now be missed. A riveting video was followed by an amazing fourth grade choir presentation, under the direction of Morah Chani Lieberman. Their goodbye song left everyone with a lump in their throats and pride in their hearts. Bon voyage, dear Mrs. Goldstein. You leave a lasting legacy as Principal of TAG that won’t easily be forgotten.
A Heartzige Welcome to
Mrs. Temima Feldman
A Fond Farewell to
Mrs. Sarah Goldstein General Studies Principal, T A G Elementary Division
TAG welcomes Mrs. Temima Feldman as the new General Studies Principal of the Elementary Division for the school year beginning September 2012. With over twenty years of combined teaching and administrative positions, Mrs. Feldman brings enormous skills and expertise to her new position. She holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, and was previously the Junior High School Principal at Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey and a teacher and curriculum advisor at Yeshiva of Spring Valley. Mrs. Feldman is excited to bring the fruits background in Differentiated Instruction of her rich and varied career to TAG. and role as a lecturer on differentiation in “I have worked at Torah Day School of the classroom for all students, regardless Atlanta, the Epstein Hebrew Academy in of ability or level, has singled her out as a St. Louis, Evilina de’Rothchild in Yerushapopular child advocate for all students. layim, and have run adult and family “I strongly believe,” she notes, “that every education programs in Columbus, Ohio, child has the potential to learn and grow, and Miami, Florida,” she points out with although not all in the same way and at the enthusiasm. “All of these positions have same time. Each child has a unique makegiven me the opportunity to see many dif- up, and must be viewed as a tzelem Elokim.” ferent models of education and different TAG is thrilled to types of children and learning styles.” welcome Mrs. FeldAlthough a Brooklyn native, Mrs. Feldman and her family man’s exposure to different cities has given to the neighborhood, her unique experiences to interact with all and is honored to types of schools and communities. Each city have such an educaoffered something special that she explains tor with heart and she has “packed” with her. Her strong vision join its administration. We look forward to a seamless transition, to continue providing quality education to TAG’s elementary school students.
After twenty-four years of devoted service to TAG as General Studies Principal of the Elementary Division, Mrs. Sarah Goldstein is passing the torch to Mrs. Temima Feldman. Mrs. Goldstein’s service to the school originally encompassed being General Studies Principal for the pre-school through twelfth grade. Since those earlier years, divisions were established to accommodate the growing student body; Mrs. Goldstein will be leaving as the principal of grades one through five.
their lives. Her balance of discipline and love created a singularly warm environment in which students flourished.
The guardian of so many students throughout her long and beloved years at TAG, Mrs. Goldstein has been known as a deeply compassionate educator who —plainly and simply— loves the children. Students turned to her because they were certain she was in their corner, rooting for them and wishing them the best in all areas of
Mrs. Goldstein was given a special farewell tribute at this year’s Women’s League Supperette, aptly entitled “Voyages.” The entire TAG family wishes her the greatest happiness and blessings, as she begins this new chapter in her life. She will be sorely missed by a grateful community, and innumerable students whose lives were transformed by having her in their lives.
As a frum woman with a Masters’ in Education, she also stood as a role model par excellence, showing her charges that it is possible to be religious, and also have a significant secular education. She worked with her teachers as partners, brainstorming with them before making major curriculum decisions, and always showing them how much their opinions and work were valued.
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Rabbi Nosson Schreiber
basis with each class in the HS and focus on encouraging our students to aspire for personal growth in their Avodas Hashem. “The greatest challenge in chinuch today is to inspire our talmidos. I have every confidence that Rabbi Schreiber will do just that”, says Rabbi Weitman.
girls high school in the East. He was also the first Educational Director of Bais Yaakov of St. Louis. Rabbi Schreiber and his family moved to New York six years ago when he assumed the position as the first full-time principal of the Shulamith Middle School in the Five Towns.
Rabbi Nosson N. Schreiber has had a distinguished career in Chinuch for As an original close to 20 years, with a particular focus and innovative on, and success with, Chinuch HaBanos. program, TAG HS After learning for many years in Yeshivas has created a new Ner Yisroel in Baltimore and Yeshivas position of Mashpia Mir, Yerushalayim, Rabbi Schreiber Ruchni. While all of received S’michah from HoRav Sh. our dedicated and Yaakov Weinberg ZT”L of Ner Yistalented teachers roel and earned his Masters Degree include Hashkofos, Yiras Shomayim and in Education from the Johns Hopkins Midos Tovos in all of their daily lessons, University. Rabbi Schreiber has served as Rabbi Schreiber will focus exclusively on the founding Principal of Sha’arei Torah these areas. He will meet on an ongoing of Richmond, VA, the first residential
“I am honored and thrilled to join the illustrious faculty at TAG HS,” said Rabbi Schreiber. “Rabbi Weitman, as well as the school administration and lay leadership are to be congratulated for this visionary initiative. Certainly we all appreciate the need to stimulate and nurture spiritual growth and connectedness to the Ribono shel Olam from a very deep and personal place in our children’s n’shamos. I am both humbled and excited about this personal and professional opportunity to shape and deliver this critical and cutting edge component in an already extraordinary school program.”
appointed as Mashpia Ruchni in TAG HS
Enrollment The overwhelmingly popular choice of settling in the Far Rockaway and Five Towns communities among many young couples is greatly due to the wonderful opportunities for chinuch in this community. As Rabbi Weitman explains, “We are the victims of our own success!”
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open in September of 2012 to a student body reaching close to 1,530 students; a total student population increase of approximately one hundred students from the current academic year. Calls are received daily from parents desiring to transfer their children, but TAG is very limited with their acceptances, due to the current severe space constraints.
when the school building had literally run out of room. The severity of the need was the basis for TAG’s initiating its historic expansion, which is now completing its first phase.
Originally, TAG planned never to go beyond four classes per grade level. Community need, coupled with a Enrollment has swelled, reinforcing deep sense of responsibility on TAG’s the desperate need for the building “The fact that the greatest growth part to fill that need, coerced TAG’s expansion currently underway. TAG is in the lower grades division is an administration to proceed. TAG’s is at capacity in almost all grade levels. extremely positive development,” Rabbi enrollment speaks for itself—the future The upper divisions have four classes Weitman notes. “The numbers reflect a of the school is already unfolding, currently per grade, and next year’s fifth healthy outlook for the school’s future.” as new generations of Bnos Yisroel and sixth grades will be comprised of fill each new classroom to capacity, TAG’s building campaign is the five parallel classes. Almost all of the eager to receive the kind of Torah response to parents’ requests for their lower grade levels will have six parallel true education on which TAG was children to be accepted into TAG classes next year. The doors of TAG will founded almost fifty years ago.
Women’s League The Year in Review
When the kids begin to count down to the last day of school and the twinkly song of the ice cream truck drifts in through the open window, it’s a sure sign that the school year is drawing to a close. For the TAG Women’s League, the past year has been a truly successful one. We have held many events and run various projects that have enriched the lives of our students, mothers, and faculty. We have already enjoyed our beautiful, newly constructed building, and have raised additional funds to help the school in its future growth. Here is our 2011-2012 Year in Review!
Our Membership Tea featured Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner, and TAG mothers came out en masse to kick off our new school year. Our New Mothers Meet and Greet a t Coffee Bar provided a warm and welcoming setting for new TAG mothers to get acquainted with each other, as well as with school administration (and to be recruited as Women’s League volunteers!). A Father-Daughter Melave Malka, as well as a Mother-Daughter Brunch and a Mother-Daughter Evening were held, featuring magicians, story tellers, and bird shows. As with any Women’s League event, the food was abundant and a fun time was had by all. Throughout the year our girls were treated to gifts, snacks, and prizes, courtesy of our “For the Girls” Committee. From a keychain waiting on their desks on the first day of school, to Chanukah pekalach to the End of the Year treat, our talmidos looked forward to these creative goodies all year long. Pizza Day! W hat more is there to say? Let’s not forget our teachers! The Women’s League presented our teachers with Chanukah gelt, and a beautifully prepared Mishloach Manos for Purim. We ended the year with a splash! Our Voyages Supperette was surely one to remember. The tremendous crowd in attendance, representative of our new mothers, veteran mothers, and TAG faculty, demonstrated the warm feelings we all have toward our school. Our Bon Voyage program to Mrs. Sarah Goldstein and our fourth grader’s beautiful song, was a moving experience. Paying tribute to dedicated and hardworking TAG women, supporting TAG for the experience it provides for our girls, and enjoying lots of delicious food…that’s what the Women’s League is all about!
It has been a remarkable year, and we are already preparing for next year! The Women’s League encourages all mothers to get involved and volunteer, for jobs both big and small. It’s hard to say who will enjoy the experience more- you or your daughter. Whether you have one evening to devote to the Women’s League, or would like to help plan an event, your help is always needed and appreciated. Please contact any of the Women’s League Presidents. We would like to welcome our new Women’s League Presidents for the upcoming school year: Mrs. Gitty Friedman and Mrs. Leah Mond! They bring with them years of Women’s League experience and dedication, and will surely add a lot of fun and creativity to our school. We bid farewell to Mrs. Aliza Gold, Mrs. Goldie Sebrow, and Mrs. Yona Spinner, and we thank them for their years of devotion. We wish you all a healthy and fun summer. See you in September! Women’s League Presidium Mrs. Gitty Friedman 718-715-0490 Mrs. Chayale Gorlin 516-295-3846 Mrs. Leah Mond 718-471-0844 Mrs. Naomi Newman 516-569-0847
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building
uPdATE Over 1500 Talmidos and growing!
c’’ga, kukt
Summer 2012
Phase 1 Report: • New Rooftop Pool Completed • 27 New Classrooms Completed • Brand New Full Size Gym Completed • Roof top play areas Completed • Expanded 2nd Floor Auditorium Completed • Widening Main Entrance & Lobby in pRogReSS
Phase 2
Coming Soon
• 10 New Classrooms • Renovated Main Auditorium
• Dedication Opportunities • School Name Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,000,000 Elementary School South Wing Dedication . . . . . . . . .1,000,000 Elementary School North Wing Dedication . . . . . . . . . .1,000,000 Junior High School Name Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAKEN Early Childhood Name Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAKEN Special Ed Learning Center- Name Dedication . . . . . . . 500,000 Elementary School Entry Plaza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360,000 Roof Top Playground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360,000 Dedication Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360,000 Building Cornerstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360,000 First Floor Early Childhood Division Wing Dedication . . . 250,000 Second Floor Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250,000 Third Floor Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250,000 Fourth Floor Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAKEN The Zichron Moshe Memorial Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250,000 Kitchen (Milchig and Fleishig) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250,000
Elementary Gym . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250,000 Elementary Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250,000 Computer Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150,000 Lobby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAKEN Expanded Second Floor Auditorium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150,000 South Wing Plaza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAKEN Front Atrium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAKEN Learning Center Suite Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,000 Jarvis Entrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,000 Meehan Entrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,000 Classrooms (Multiple) MANY TAKEN . . . . . . . . . 50,000 Dean’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAKEN Faculty Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,000 Parnes Hayom Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,000 Executive Director’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,000 Director of Development’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,000 Principal’s Office 1 TAKEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,000
Pre -School Director’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,000 Front Entrance Mezuzah (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,000 Side and Rear Entrance Mezuzah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,000 Junior High School Office Reception Area . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,000 Washing Station in Dining Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,000 Nurse’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,000 Administrative Offices (Multiple) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36,000 Art Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAKEN Pre-School Vestibule Mezuzah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,000 Founder’s Plaque- Lobby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,000 Builder’s Plaque- Lobby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,000 Learning Center Room Dedication (Multiple) . . . . . . . . . . 10,000 G .O . Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TAKEN Classroom Mezuzah (Multiple) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000 Donor’s Plaque- Lobby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,000 Windows (Multiple) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,600
For a complete list of dedication opportunities, contact Rabbi Baruch Lovett at 718-471-8444 x212, or email blovett@tagschools.org
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49th Annual Dinner On looking back at TAG’s 49th Annual Dinner, the astounding number of people attending—close to nine hundred packed into the Banquet Hall at the Sands in Atlantic Beach—is testimony to the unswerving support and allegiance TAG families feel for the school. Not only did it represent the present parent body; a large number of mothers attending were TAG alumnae themselves. The kind of relationship that TAG’s extended family of parents and supporters has with the school bespeaks a deeply rooted history, brimming with Torah true values, and an appreciation for the role TAG has played in the building of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns. The Dinner Chairmen—Moshe Feuer, Evan Genack, and David Greenbaum—rolled out a red carpet to the community that was impossible to resist, as seen in the record breaking crowd that came out last January to the Sands. The Chairmen’s efforts, combined with the hard work of TAG’s dynamic Executive Director, Dr. Shmuel Reisbaum, and Director of Development, Rabbi Baruch Lovett, yielded historic results, setting a new standard to which all TAG Dinners must now aspire. The funds raised during the dinner campaign are being directed to the operating expenses of the school, and TAG’s scholarship fund. The financial success of the Dinner campaign, and the parent support implicitly stated in the tremendous amount contributed, reflect just how fully TAG’s parent body is staunchly behind the school. “I received such chizuk seeing the spectacular turnout at the dinner,” observes Rabbi Lovett. “So many of our friends contributed to the financial success of this dinner. Many of our nedivim also participated in a very generous way to
the Most Successful Dinner to Date
our building campaign. I take that as an overwhelming vote of confidence in the chinuch that our school provides.” Each honoree was also the parent of a TAG student. The Guests of Honor, Mr. and Mrs. Tzvi and Shifri Perl, were lauded for their participation on TAG’s Board of Directors, and their enthusiastic interest in the school. Of special note was the presence of Mr. Perl’s grandmother, Mrs. Rita Kolter, bli ayin hora, and the great, great-grandchildren who have come from her life of sacrifice and struggle. Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Lonnie Schick received the Rabbi Moshe Weitman, zt”l, Award, citing their long association with TAG beginning with Lonnie Selig Schick, who graduated TAG High School in 1987. Both Michael, a successful caterer, and Lonnie, a dedicated social worker for the Jewish Board of Family Services, expressed deep admiration for Rav Moshe Weitman, explaining, “When a leader has a vision, it trickles down to everyone involved in the school, to this day.”
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Mr. and Mrs. Chesky and Naomi Newman were honored as Parents of the Year. Their connection to TAG is deeply rooted in the memory of Tully Newman, a”h, Chesky’s father, who was a long time supporter of TAG. Chesky is now a litigator at Stahl and Zelmanovitz, a law firm in Manhattan. His wife, Naomi, is a full-time mother who currently serves as a Co-President of TAG Women’s League. The recipient of a Master’s Degree in School Psychology from Brooklyn College, Naomi recently trained as a Magen LI educator to teach local yeshiva students about personal safety.
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A special Community Service Award was given to Gourmet Glatt for “Corporate Social Responsibility”; receiving the award for the emporium were Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Ratner and Mr. and Mrs. Yoeli Steinberg. Last year, the emporium hosted a special evening dedicated to Renewal, an organization that helps raise funds
to cover the costs of transplants. It also outfits the new Bikur Cholim room in South Nassau Hospital. Yoeli Steinberg explains, “Gourmet Glatt is committed to reaching out to the community and giving back to them.”
a”h, both of whom came to the United States after the churban of Europe. The destruction they witnessed fueled a desire to build Jewish life, which is now being realized fully through the dedication of TAG’s new preschool wing in their loving memory.
Moshe Ratner notes that, “We appreciate our customer’s loyalty and feel it is a A special thank you to the Dinner Committee for working to make such privilege to be involved in the mosdos a successful Dinner: Dr. Boruch and concerns of our community.” Adler, Moshe Feuer, Evan Genack, Toward the end of the program, a David Greenbaum, Yaakov Spintouching video was shown in tribute to ner, Jeffrey Weinberg, Menachem the life of Rabbi Amos Bunim, the legKagen, Avinoam Rosenfeld, Rabbi endary askan, who also was one of the Yaakov Abramowitz, Mrs. Ilana founding forces of TAG as well as other Abramowitz, Pesach Sod, Yehuda makomos Torah in Far Rockaway, such Biber, Heshy Blachorsky, Akiba as Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv, and Yeshiva Cohen, Mendy Jaroslawicz, Dr. Darchei Torah. A stunning plaque was Ernie Isaacson, Uri Schlachter, presented to the Bunim family as well. Yossie Nussbaum, Mrs. Shari RumAs the program was drawing to a close, stein, and Mrs. Daphna Zwickler. the Ganger Family Early Childhood May this “citadel of chinuch habCenter was established by Mr. and Mrs. nos”, as TAG was referred to durYitzchak Ganger, in loving memory of ing the dinner, always be zoche to meet the needs of the community it their parents, Mr. Joseph Ganger, and has served for almost fifty years. Rabbi and Mrs. Aryeh Leib Newman,
The
Zichron Henya Ahavas Chesed Program
One aspect of the remarkable education that TAG high school students receive is their participation in the Zichron Henyah Ahavas Chesed Program. Under the auspices of Mrs. Breindy Judowitz, the program utilizes the strengths of each student through a multi-faceted, highly creative and original program that offers as wide a range of opportunities as there are personalities among the students. From Adopt-a-Bubby—which had life-saving consequences resulting from an Erev Shabbos weekly phone call—to bringing entertainment to children’s hospitals, the program spreads out a panorama of chesed opportunities to each grade. From a list of over thirty chesed project choices, each student decides which chesed activity best suits her abilities. The Zichron Henyah Ahavas Chesed Project is named for Helen Meir, a”h, a well known and admired resident of Far Rockaway who left a profound mark on the entire neighborhood. Although her life was fraught with physical challenges, her fierce desire to live and achieve resulted in her being a role model for everyone who knew her. In fact, her disabilities made her stand out as an eved Hashem who would let nothing deter her from her dedicated observance of the Torah and mitzvos. The chesodim that Helen pursued in her lifetime are now forever imprinted on the hearts and minds of every TAG student, all of whom participate in the project so lovingly named in her memory. The project is designed to teach comes up. The girls who become involved with the Jewish Education Prostudents how to reach out and give to the community in which they live gram of Long Island (JEP) work to educate children from irreligious homes and beyond. It is seen as a stepping about Judaism. Chaverim brings stone to adulthood, a chance to assume responsibility for one’s immedi- together TAG students with children ate environment. For example, twice who have special needs. As they give of themselves in challenging situaa month, selected students visit the tions, they themselves mature as they Woodmere Rehabilitation Cenlay a foundation for their transition ter, where they enthrall the senior into a healthy, generous adulthood. residents with stories, play Bingo, sing, do arts and crafts, and occasion- They learn that academic achieveally present a performance. Other ment is only one way of achieving students are Bnos leaders, giving of in the world, and that they can their time on Shabbos afternoons to make such a difference through create a fun environment for younger their actions. Eleventh and twelfth children. The Be’er Miriam Tziporah graders create exciting Motzei ShabHachnosas Kallah Fund is a tzedakah bos activities in the Time for Teens fund that helps needy kallahs and program, designed for junior high chasanim in the Far Rockaway and school students. By taking responFive Towns. This fund was started sibility for others, they grow and lezecher nishmas Miriam Tziporah Ad- develop as young adults who truly ams, who passed away while in semi- have ownership of their own actions. nary. Miriam Tziporah was a graduate They learn about relationships, and of TAG elementary and high school; how relationships grow through it was the wish of Rabbi Moshe giving, both directly and indirectly. Weitman, zt”l, to establish a memoWhether the activity is tutoring, rial in her memory. For the past ten participating in the Hands On/ years, TAG seniors have created an Chai Lifeline Program, livening up inventive, annual Chinese Auction a simcha, or working every Thursto raise money for this purpose. day evening after school filling Yad Giving is the key ingredient to the Yeshaya/Tomchei Shabbos packages, success of TAG’s chesed program. the message from TAG’s Chesed Students learn to give of themselves, program is giving, giving, and givoften to strangers, and learn how to ing again. It’s about diving into focus on other people’s needs. “Help mitzvos, and working on oneself a Mom” brings students into homes until the mitzvah can be performed with large families, as mother’s help- with a full and eager heart. As Mrs. Judowitz points out, it’s about the ers, homework aides—anything that
basis of Yiddishkeit, the fundamental principle of loving kindness. “The signature mark of a TAG girl is the acts of kindness that she does for others,” she explains. “Doing chesed is a talent that needs to be nurtured, and perfected. The students understand that the chesodim they perform are their way of contributing to Hashem’s world. We are instilling in them the priceless lesson of ‘Veholachta Bedrochov’, enriching the high school years of our precious talmidos, and hopefully, leaving an impression of chesed that will impact their choices for the rest of their lives.”
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Camp Atara As the summer season is upon us, Camp Atara is welcoming two new co-directors, Mrs. Leah Mond and Mrs. Schonie Schwartz, to head the newly renovated and multi-faceted community camp program. Mrs. Mond and Mrs. Schwartz will be replacing Mrs. Rivi Schiffer, who has been the camp’s director for thirteen years. “Mrs. Schiffer paved the way for us,” Mrs. Mond explains. “We are truly following in her footsteps, using the skills and professionalism we observed by being part of the camp and under her direction for so many years.”
school. All waterfront activities will be headed by a certified Aquatics Director and life guards.
The excitement will keep on coming in this new camp season, as Atara unfolds its well-known program using TAG’s newly built facilities. Its insistence on a high staff to camper ratio is a gold standard that will not be compromised. Camp staffers have been working throughout the year planning and coordinating the many trips and overnights that highlight the program. Once part of the team creating a summer of dynamic fun and opportunity, co-directors Mrs. Mond and Mrs. This year’s camp season will be differSchwartz are committed to continuent than any other, as a result of the massive renovations taking place on the ing the camp schedule and features that have given Atara such a golden TAG campus. Campers will be in new reputation for neighborhood families. bunk rooms, and will be utilizing the new outdoor, in-ground pool, outdoor “We both love giving kids a fun water park, and huge new gymnasium. time,” explains Mrs. Schwartz. “We The increased gym space and new play were passionate as campers, and decks will afford multiple sports opare passionate about making camp portunities, such as hockey, volley ball, an unforgettable experience.” baseball, softball, and sports leagues. Professionalism and safety are key Camp Atara will also be utilizwords for both directors as they develop ing the indoor pool in its high the camp’s program. In the pre-school,
every classroom continues to be supervised by one morah and two counselors, ensuring both safety for the campers and fun. The elementary division will be hosting the camp’s usual array of specialties and features and an expanded sports program. In addition to weekly trips, these campers are regularly engaged in such activities as baking, arts and crafts, ceramics, drama, dance, sports, swimming, gymnastics, weekly Onegs, Shabbos parties, and shiurim. The upper division participates in Atara Adventures, a travelling trip camp that schedules trips four days a week, and one overnight per session. On Fridays, they bake challahs, and participate in learning chaburas, arts and crafts, swimming and other exciting on-campus activities. “We provide them with everything they need, from A-Z,” Mrs. Schwartz observes. Meals for Camp Atara’s new season will be provided by the famous Elite Caterers, under the direction of Mrs. Nechama Katz. From the happy greetings upon arrival, to the ices distributed every day to send campers home cool and contented, Camp Atara is a complete summer experience not to be missed.
After School Program
TAG’s After School Program has brought together this year students in grades three through five, two nights a week, for lively activities and creative pursuits. Scheduled from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., the program begins with each student having a snack and doing homework. From 4:30 until the program ends at 6:00, there are scheduled activities providing a wide range of choices for students’ participation. This year, the after school program included Swimming in the TAG High School, an Arts & Crafts Program, a variety of gymnastic activities , and a drama program culminating in a presentation at the end of
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the year. Homework helpers, including teachers from schools throughout the neighborhood, are available for those students who sign up for homework assistance. The program has been supervised by Mrs. Sarah Goldstein, Secular Studies Principal, and will continue to be supervised in the upcoming year by Mrs. Shelley Honickman. Mrs. Goldstein notes that, “The girls have loved to be together. A camaraderie develops among the students when they work together, doing team work. It’s an outstanding program, and hopefully, more funding will return to include even more students.”
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