Yeshivah of Flatbush Annual Report 2022-2023

22 ANNUAL REPORT Y E S H I V A H O F F L AT B U S H

‫ישיבת פלטבוש‬ 2022-2023 ‫תשפ״ג‬-‫תשפ״ב‬

YOF YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH President Mr. Abe Hanan (ES ’90, HS ’94)

Elementary School

Head of Elementary School Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi Principal, Middle School Rabbi Alan Berkowitz Co-Principal, Middle School Rabbi Ronn Yaish (HS ’92) Head of Student Life Mr. Robert Berkman Associate Principal, Judaic Studies, Lower School Mrs. Chani Gratzman Associate Principal of General Studies, Lower School/ Director of Teaching and Learning Rabbi Dr. David Saltzman Assistant Principal of General Studies, Lower School Ms. Marie Angel Director, Student Services Dr. Nicole Yossef Director, Early Childhood Ms. Debbie Levine Greenbaum

Joel Braverman High School Head of School Rabbi Joseph Beyda Associate Principal, Teaching and Learning Ms. Esther Hidary (HS ’94) Associate Principal, Student Advancement Rabbi Yigal Sklarin Associate Principal, Student Life Dr. Michael Atlas Associate Principal, Student Experience Rabbi David Galpert (ES ’05, HS ’09) Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser Rosh Bet Midrash Rabbi Avi Harari (ES ’99, HS ’03) Director of Guidance Dr. Etty Mizrahi (ES ’97, HS ’01) Director of College Guidance Ms. Emily Mottahedeh Director of Admissions Ms. Sally Hamway Principal Emeritus Rabbi Dr. David Eliach, Z”L

Executive Office

Executive Vice President Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman Director of Development Mrs. Vicky Amzalag Director of Informational and Instructional Technology Dr. Christine L. Coleman, DPS Director of Finance Mrs. Faigie Gelbstein Director of Operations Ms. Esther Kizelnik Director of Marketing and Communications Ms. Ilana Lax Director of Capital Campaign Mrs. Norma Shamah Director of Admissions Ms. Sonia Shacalo Annual Report Editors Mrs. Hila Stern Ms. Michelle Olveira Annual Report Committee Mr. Abe Anteby Mr. Abe Haddad Mr. Ralph Tawil (ES ’00, HS ’04) Design Franklin Group

2

Leadership 2022-2023

Officers

President: Abe Hanan (ES ’90, HS ’94)

Vice Presidents: Dawn Levy (HS ’91) David Oved Seymour Sammell (HS ’98) Ami Sasson (ES ’88, HS ’92) Isaac Silvera Jeanne Zirdok (ES ’95, HS ’99)

Treasurer: Ralph S. Shamah (ES ’89, HS ’93) Associate Treasurers: Albert Hasson (ES ’94, HS ’98) Hymie Mishan (HS ’00) Louis J. Shamie (HS ’02) Morris Tabush Financial Secretary: Morris Doueck (ES ’94, HS ’98) Associate Financial Secretaries: Abe Anteby (ES ’84, HS ’88) Jaret Feldman (ES ’92, HS ’96) Dory Salem (ES ’88, HS ’92) Sam Shamie (HS ’74) Secretary: David Azar (ES ’94, HS ’98) Associate Secretaries: Joey M. Allaham Joseph Betesh David Chabbott (ES ’97, HS ’01) JoJo A. Chehebar Dr. David Khaski (ES ’90, HS ’94) Ruvin Levavi (ES ’97, HS ’01) Assistant Secretaries: Limor Madeb Joey Oved (ES ’05, HS ’09) Amy Sasson (ES ’87, HS ’91) Alberto Smeke Eric Stern (ES ’96, HS ’00) Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary Sarah Chalouh (ES ’01, HS ’05) Esther Mishan (ES ’01, HS ’05)

Board of Trustees

Steven Adelsberg Zvi BenHaim (ES ’73) Maggie Betesh (ES ’90, HS ’94) Jack Cayre (ES ’87) Morris Doueck (ES ’94, HS ’98) Marjorie Gindi (ES ’86) Mark Goldstein Abe Haddad (ES ’97, HS ’01) Abe Hanan (ES ’90, HS ’94) Ralph Harary Abie J. Hidary (ES ’90, HS ’94) Louis Jerome (HS ’03) Albert Laboz Ronit Laniado Hymie Mamiye (ES ’78, HS ’82) Jack Mann (ES ’74, HS ’78) Jack Mosseri Solomon Mosseri David Oved Jack A. Rahmey (ES ’69, HS ’73) Seymour Sammell (HS ’98) Ami Sasson (ES ’88, HS ’92) Alan Shamah Ralph S. Shamah (ES ’89, HS ’93) Louis J. Shamah Isaac Silvera Steven Stein (ES ’89, HS ’93) Joseph Tawil (ES ’90, HS ’94) Jeanne Zirdok (ES ’95, HS ’99)

Honorary Trustees

Robert Frastai (ES ’85, HS ’89) Ronald Tawil Mitchell Vilinsky

F

Contents 4-5

Letters from YOF Leadership

8

Empowering Opportunities

9

Moving Forward

10

Admissions

12

Growing Up at Flatbush

14

The Cost to Educate a Child

15

Philanthropy: Long-Lasting Growth

16

Honor Roll

3

I

t is an honor and a privilege to commend our Annual Report Committee on another wonderful presentation of the Yeshivah of Flatbush. Throughout the report, you will see an underlying theme that has been pervasive throughout the Yeshivah this past year: Growth. We are exceeding our expectations as we move our initiatives forward.

Primarily, we are witnessing tremendous growth in religious commitment, Torah learning, and a dedication to mitzvot from our students and families alike. There is a yearning for increased after school programs for our students, and Lishmah learning for our families. The vigor and renewed drive to bring in more Torah teachers is at an elevated level. It is beautiful and gratifying to see so many of our current students, alumni, and, most importantly, our families, experiencing a spiritual and religious growth.

We have also experienced significant growth in our school enrollment.

Starting with our youngest students and extending well into our High School, our enrollment is not just blossoming, but booming. We are quickly approaching 500 students in our Early Childhood program, which means our future is bright and ripe for sustained growth and expanded offerings for many years to come. As our Early Childhood welcomes in the JBHS Class of 2040, we are diligently working to continue in the traditions of our rich past and simultaneously incorporating new learning initiatives and programming.

Finally, our expanding facilities. Our High School campus is undergoing the final phases of a multi-year expansion with the completion date slated for the end of summer 2024. The new gymnasium, classrooms, Administration wing, College Guidance and Shifra Hanon Pathfinders Department offices are being completed as we print this report.

Our Elementary School campus is next on the horizon with the completed acquisition of the adjacent Coney Island Avenue site. We are beginning to draw up architectural plans so we can accommodate both current and projected future needs.

As we reflect upon the past year, from academics to athletics, from Early Childhood to the Alumni Beit Midrash program for our graduates, from building construction and plans to new real estate acquisitions, our Board is working to ensure that the Yeshivah will continue to grow from strength to strength, while holding steadfast to our mission and values.

Abe Hanan President

4

T

he 2022-2023 school year was an exciting one, during which our ever-growing Flatbush Family celebrated together on numerous occasions, our student numbers skyrocketed, and our physical space expanded.

More than 4,000 of us celebrated Yom Ha’Atzmaut together last spring, hundreds showed off their ice skating moves at our Annual Auction in Industry City, and hundreds more prayed, danced and sang together at the Annual Family Shabbaton weekend. As we start off the 2023-2024 school year, we can build on our successes and plan even more exciting activities for the upcoming year.

Our Joel Braverman High School continues its expansion and will open a new gymnasium this September with more bleachers for our scores of fans, and a modern, oversized scoreboard. Basketball teams at both the High School and Elementary School will be led by our growing Athletics Department. New offices for our Administration and College Guidance members are also on the way to completion.

The Elementary School finished its first full year of the Ve’Ahavta Campaign, which highlighted a different worthy organization every month. The Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary worked hard to add additional creative programming for our students.

The Annual Campaign had its strongest year yet, with all funds directed towards the Scholarship Fund that provides the necessary tuition assistance to more than 400 Flatbush families. We launched a new annual benefits program exclusively for corporate partners that will provide them with the opportunity to actively participate in our most highly visible campaigns throughout the year. If you are aware of any corporate companies interested in partnering with us, please reach out to me at jrothman@flatbush.org.

We look forward to Empowering, Educating and Inspiring our students so they can grow with us throughout their formative years.

Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman Executive Vice President

A

s we round out an exhilarating school year, I want to share a more intimate lens with you as to some of our areas of growth over the past year.

In our Elementary School, we saw significant and meaningful growth in a multitude of areas, including, but not limited to, the highlighted four points of focus below: Admissions and Enrollment: Over the past five years, our Early Childhood numbers continued to climb at an unprecedented rate rising just above 35% growth in that span of time, and for the first time this year, climbing to just over 450 students. Applications and general interest in the Yeshivah continues to rise as indicated by our record amount of tours and interviews.

Leadership Growth: Over the past four years, we have been deliberately expanding our opportunities for leadership growth, focusing on teacher support and mentorship. We embarked on a project in partnership with the Jewish New Teacher Project (JNTP), which specializes in the area of training master teachers so they can grow into master teacher mentors. We now have a pool of 17 accredited master teacher mentors, many of whom have already been promoted to positions of greater responsibility. This will only continue to grow as we have now embarked on a new partnership with the JNTP focused specifically on administrative leadership training for developing leaders.

Chidon HaTanach: For the third year in a row, our school has broken the record for students who qualified for the Chidon Hatanach (National Bible Contest). More than 60 Middle School students competed against 300 of the best and brightest students from across the country in learning approximately 70 perakim of Tanach. The interest and engagement in Tanach study could not be higher, and we are thrilled to continue developing and broadening the program.

Facility: With the unprecedented level of interest in the Yeshivah and the continued growth of our community, our school has made the critical decision to expand its physical footprint and is embarking on a transformative campaign to build a facility that will support our students’ education at the highest level for years to come.

YOF has a rich history. My position is to ensure that we have as prosperous and bold a future. I take this as an incredibly humbling and even more rewarding task and thank each of you for the opportunity.

Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi Head of Elementary School

T

his past year is one which has seen extraordinary growth at our Joel Braverman High School. We began the year by taking on the largest incoming 9th grade class we have had in well over a decade. At the same time, we on-boarded over 25 new staff members, amounting to 20% of our team. I’m happy to report that both groups succeeded admirably.

Our 9th grade class was outstanding on all counts, but the one they might remember most is that they were a few points short of shocking the school by winning our annual SGO Grade Wars. Likewise, our new faculty made a major impact, with a number of them already taking on leadership roles.

Our continued emphasis on strengthening student commitment to Torah learning and Mitzvah observance led to growth in a number of initiatives. We connected with more alumni than ever before through programs and campus outreach. Under the guidance of Rabbi Avi Churba, multiple cohorts of students celebrated the milestone of a siyum for finishing a masechet of Gemara learned during their free time during the school year and over the summer. Our Friday morning T-Club program had scores of students spending breakfast together to gain insight into the weekly parashah.

We welcomed an almost entirely new College Guidance Department, led by Emily Mottahedeh, Director of College Guidance. Students and parents reported feeling a renewed commitment to a customer service approach. Multiple educational initiatives were planned, implemented and well received. Existing relationships with admissions offices were strengthened and new ones forged. The overwhelming number of our graduates will be studying at the colleges of their choice.

Perhaps most noticeable was the ongoing renovation of our Al and Sonny Gindi Campus. Our original building is in the process of receiving the upgrade it desperately needs. In September, we already began to benefit from some of the work we did: our production studio, a stateof-the art gym, refreshed classrooms and new administrative offices.

Looking ahead, we’re extremely excited about the upcoming school year. In particular, as we open our new gym, we look forward to the revamped athletics program which will be led by Adam Ginsburg.

We can’t wait to report all of the meaningful learning, chesed initiatives, and inspiring student stories in the year to come!

Rabbi Joseph Beyda Joel Braverman High School Head of School

5

"The professional development I've been afforded here, both as a teacher and as an administrator, has broadened my role and elevated what I love doing most.

The growth of my role enabled me to engage more deeply in curricular and pedagogical work, facilitate inspiring teacher collaboration, and establish meaningful relationships with students and families."

Marie Angel, Assistant Principal, General Studies, Lower School

“Participating in the Names, Not Numbers© Holocaust program made a big impact on me as I learned to be grateful for what I have, to never give up, and to have emunah in Hashem.”

C. Schvarcz Photography

Jack Yossef, 8th grade

6

“Years before I made aliyah, Flatbush grew my love of Israel and made it feel like my home. I felt comfortable using Hebrew, studied Jewish history, had many Israeli teachers, learned about the Holocaust, marched to save Soviet Jewry and celebrated Yom Ha’Atzmaut.”

Teddy Weinberger, ES '75, HS '79

"The Yeshivah of Flatbush has a long history of educational excellence, but to continue that legacy, we must always think about how to keep raising the bar. It’s the collective passion of board members, administrators, faculty and parents that keeps me motivated and engaged, and when I see how each of my children is learning, growing, and flourishing, it further reinforces my commitment to the school."

C. Schvarcz Photography

Abe Haddad, ES '97, HS '01 Board of Trustees

7

Empowering Opportunities The Shifra Hanon Pathfinders Department nurtures our students and their career aspirations by providing personalized career counseling and work experiences outside of the classroom. Students attend career speaker lectures and informational trips, learn professional skills, participate in resumé writing workshops, and explore networking opportunities. In order to grow their college portfolios, students are encouraged to explore their personal growth through joining extracurricular clubs, meeting with their Pathfinders counselor, and engaging with a professional mentor.

Vicky Kabareti, Class of ’23

Michael Mosseri, Class of ’26

Frieda Novick, Class of ’25

“Because of the support I received from Pathfinders, I was accepted into the Maimonides Women in Science Program where I was able to learn and grow. Pathfinders was there to guide me through the application process, essays and mock interviews, and I felt prepared. While shadowing an ENT surgeon, I became more comfortable in a professional environment and networking with other physicians in the hospital. By the end of the summer, I felt confident enough to present a research project to a group of surgeons.

This experience allowed me to surround myself with passionate female physicians who inspired me to grow and continue my journey in pursuing a career in medicine.”

“I joined the Leaders in Business Club as well as the Real Estate Club where I received advice from students from each grade about business, real estate, and their experiences at Flatbush. Next year I will be a student leader in Leaders in Business and one of my main goals is to encourage younger students to get involved, speak up to share their ideas, and have the confidence to present in front of the group.”

“Every time I attend a curated speaker event, I learn something new. After hearing from Rina Cohen from UJAFederation of NY, I learned that you can have a job working with grants and volunteers at a non-profit. As someone who loves to do chesed and help others, it was very eyeopening to see that I could pursue a job that allows me to do chesed every day. I have attended many speaker events to learn about a variety of careers including event planning, speech therapy, culinary arts, and photography.”

195

students found summer programs and internships through the Pathfinders program 8

61

career speakers spoke to students

529 internships, programs, college courses, and extracurricular activities offered by the department

Moving Forward The College Guidance Department is proud of the determination shown by the Class of 2023. Meet some of our graduates and learn what they plan to do in the next four years and beyond.

10

students accepted to hyper selective colleges with a 1-5% acceptance rate

40 60 150 58

students accepted to highly selective colleges with a 6-15% acceptance rate

students accepted to selective colleges with a 16-25% acceptance rate

Arlette Anteby School: Midreshet Moriah (gap year), then Cooper Union Category: Highly selective Intended major: Mechanical Engineering Life goal: To impact the world in a positive way using technology and the sciences

Maurice Silvera School: Brown Category: Hyper selective Intended major: Architecture Life goal: To be working in the fields of architecture and real estate so I could utilize my creativity daily and work on meaningful projects

Frieda Catton School: Barnard Category: Hyper selective Intended major: STEM Life goal: To work in the veterinary field

students accepted to accessible colleges with a 25% + acceptance rate

students spending their gap year in Israel

Jacob Coopersmith School: Eretz Hatzvi (gap year) then Cooper Union Category: Highly selective Intended major: Electrical Engineering Life goal: To be an inventor of practical AI that people will use in their everyday lives

Michelle Belenkiy School: Emory Category: Highly selective Intended major: Political Science/Economics Life goal: To become an attorney

Shelly Zebak School: Brooklyn BA/MD Program/ Macaulay Honors College Category: Hyper-selective/Highly selective Intended major: Biology Life goal: To become a physician

College Acceptances Adelphi University · Babson College · Bar-Ilan University · Barnard College · Baruch College (CUNY) · Bentley University · Binghamton University (SUNY) · Boston University · Brandeis University · Brooklyn College (CUNY) · Brown University · Connecticut College · University of Connecticut · City College (CUNY) · Columbia University-TAU Dual Degree · The Cooper Union · Drexel University · Emerson College · Emory University · Fashion Institute of Technology · Fordham University · George Washington University · University of Hartford · Hofstra University · Hunter College (CUNY) · John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) · Indiana University - Bloomington · Lehigh University · Lehman College (CUNY) · LIM College · Long Island University · Macaulay Honors College (CUNY - Baruch, Brooklyn, John Jay, College of Staten Island) · Manhattan College · University of Maryland (College Park and Baltimore County) · Marymount Manhattan College · University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Massachusetts Institute of Technology · University of Miami · Michigan State University · Monmouth University · Muhlenberg College · New York Institute of Technology · New York University · Northeastern University · Pace University · Parsons School of Design · Pennsylvania State University · Pratt Institute · Queens College (CUNY) · Rutgers University (New Brunswick, Newark, Camden) · Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education · College of Staten Island (CUNY) · Stony Brook University (SUNY) · Syracuse University · Temple University · Touro College · Union College · Wagner College · Wesleyan University · Yeshiva University

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400+

C. Schvarcz Photography

JBHS students attended Yachad and Ohel chesed events

10

8

chesed organizations benefited from the Elementary School Ve’Ahavta Chesed Program

60

JBHS students helped hundreds of IDF soldiers, senior citizens, sick children, at-risk teens, and hungry Israeli families on the 19th Annual Chesed Mission

Yeshivah of Flatbush Ve'Ahavta Chesed Program is dedicated by the Douek Family Foundation.

Elementary School Admissions Elementary School Early Childhood enrollment for September 2022 continued to exhibit overall growth. The Admissions Department focused on special events to engage families, including an interactive Open House as well as a New Family Dinner.

Families had the opportunity to meet administrators, lay leaders and parent liaisons and become familiar with other families.

To recruit prospective families, YOF held a spring “Barnyard Bash” event that was a fun way for new faces to be a part of the Flatbush Family.

318

new Elementary School student applications,

9%

13%

increase in Early Childhood enrollment

66

increase in Early Childhood applications

new families

Joel Braverman High School Admissions The JBHS September 2022 incoming freshman class was composed of students from 17 different elementary schools. The Open House, held annually in November, included short sessions, student ambassador-led tours, and the opportunity to meet many of our faculty members and board members. In addition, our principals visited area elementary schools and personally invited students to come to the Open House. Prospective families had the opportunity to hear our students’ personal experiences and speak one-on-one with our administrators at parlor meetings.

96% 286

of YOF 8th graders applied to the High School

applications

79 900+ of 186 students are non-YOF students

300+

Open House attendees

visits and tours

11

Growing Up at Flatbush We are honored that several three-generation families have chosen to continue their Flatbush legacy. They explain their connection to the school, why they want their children's and grandchildren's formative years to be spent at the Yeshivah, and why they continue to give back to the Flatbush Family.

The Rahmey/Zirdok Family Jeanne (Rahmey) Zirdok (ES ’95, HS ’99) and Walter Rahmey (ES ’99, HS ’03) come from a family of Flatbush philanthropists. Their father, Jack A. Rahmey (ES ’69, HS ’73) has held the roles of YOF president, treasurer, and chair of the Board of Education. He has been a trustee for more than three decades. His wife, Barbara, is an honorary president of the Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary. Jeanne and Walter are also heavily involved. Jeanne, a trustee and a vice president, is also the current chair of the Board of Education. Walter is the Alumni Committee Chair and participates on other committees as well. Jeanne is presently the parent of three YOF students spanning from second grade through High School, as well as two High School alumni. Walter has a son in Nursery as well as a daughter in first grade. His wife, Robin, is also an alumna (Chalmé, ES ’07, HS ‘11). Jack and Barbara’s grandchildren are the third generation of Rahmeys to attend YOF.

“YOF pushed me to grow and be more than I thought I could be,” explained Walter. “This is something I want for my daughter as well as my nieces and nephews, and is the reason I volunteer.”

“Growing up, our parents inspired us by giving their time and making a philanthropic commitment to the Yeshivah,” explained Jeanne. “As a family, we feel a deep sense of Hakarat Hatov.

Thankfully, we are in a position to invest in the next generation and give back and provide for others so they can have the same opportunity that my father had.”

Jack’s family legacy holds strong at YOF. Jack's other children,

12

Albert (ES ’97, HS ’01), Evelyn (ES ’02, HS ’06) and Raquel (ES ’07, HS ‘11) are also alumni. Two of his grandchildren are graduates, 10 are current students, and two more will be coming here in the near future.

“I know the arc of my life changed when my parents decided to send me to the Yeshivah of Flatbush,” shared Jack. “The decision to do volunteer work for the Yeshivah has also had a major impact. I have made many lifelong friends, developed new skills, and experienced some very fulfilling moments through my work at the school. I could never fully repay the Yeshivah of Flatbush for enriching the lives of every member of our extended family.”

The Shweky/Weinwurzel Family “To say the Yeshivah of Flatbush holds a special place in our hearts is just the beginning,” said Lauren Weinwurzel (ES ’92, HS ’96). In 2021, her daughter Gaby Weinwurzel graduated 12th grade, and in 2022, Lauren celebrated her 25th JBHS reunion along with her husband Dani (HS ’96).

Lauren’s father, Edward Schweky (HS ’72), recently celebrated his 50th JBHS reunion. Lauren and Dani celebrated two graduations this past June: Rebecca (8th grade) and Sammy (12th grade).

Lauren feels that having three generations of YOF graduates holds a special honor. “It's easy to see the pride my father has when saying his grandchildren graduated from the same high school he did, having walked the same halls and having sat in the same classrooms while learning from teachers who may have once been his peers,” she shared.

It’s fun for us to see our children in class with fellow students whose same parents were in our classes over 25 years ago.”

1972

2023

“YOF is a place where dedication to Torah and middot help shape young minds in ways that prepare them to live and work in the secular world while maintaining a Jewish and Zionist identity,” explained Lauren. As the students move through their Elementary and High School experience, “the bond between students, teachers, and classmates inspires our children to mature into dedicated, strong individuals.”

2023

1996 1996

2023 2021

13

The Cost To Educate A Child The cost to provide all that our school offers is significant, and with the rising cost of tuition, we are diligent about increasing our revenues from other sources. Year after year, our Trustees and Board of Directors, along with our Executive Office and administrators, maintain fiduciary responsibility while ensuring there is no compromise on the quality of education. The Finance Committee, along with the Director of Finance, meets monthly to ensure that our school runs efficiently by monitoring the budget, analyzing accounting processes and researching future project possibilities. The school also undergoes an annual audit by an outside accounting firm.

PAYROLL 73%

TUITION 73%

EDUCATION 12%

GRANT 11%

ADMINISTRATION 6%

DONATIONS 10%

BUILDING 4%

OTHER 6%

FUNDRAISING 2% OTHER 2% INSURANCE 1%

EXPENSES

INCOME # OF STUDENTS RECEIVING AID

TUITION ASSISTANCE

900

$13,000,000

800 $12,000,000

700 600

$11,000,000

500 400

$10,000,000 2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

WE DEEPLY THANK THESE ORGANIZATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS THAT HAVE AIDED THE YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH THIS PAST YEAR:

MICHAEL GORDON FOUNDATION 14

Philanthropy: Long-Lasting Growth Over the past five years, our fundraising campaigns have witnessed a remarkable trend of continued growth, reflecting the ever-evolving dynamics of community engagement within the local and global YOF family. We have harnessed innovative strategies, leveraged technology and social media, and personalized our outreach to expand our donor base and volunteer network. This growth can be attributed to the hard work of our Board and staff as well as a growing spirit of collaboration and confidence in YOF’s mission among individuals, corporations, and grant-making nonprofits. Our fundraising efforts have become more targeted and data-driven. Donors are increasingly drawn to transparent and impactful projects, fostering a sense of trust and loyalty. This upward trajectory in fundraising underscores a collective commitment to creating positive change and building a brighter future for the next generation of Jewish leaders who are YOF students.

DONATIONS $5,361,344 $5,500,000 $4,501,074

$5,000,000 $4,098,284

$4,500,000 $4,000,000 $2,968,674

$3,500,000 $3,000,000

$2,489,914

$2,500,000 $2,000,000

0 2018-2019 18% GROWTH

2019-2020 19% GROWTH

2020-2021 38% GROWTH

2021-2022 9% GROWTH

2022--2023 19% GROWTH

*These amounts do not include the Flatbush Forever Fund (Endowment) and Blueprint for Excellence (Capital Campaign).

2,886

TOTAL DONATIONS

290

FIRST-TIME DONORS

1,861 977

DONATIONS MADE BY 1,115 ALUMNI

DONATIONS MADE BY 445 PARENTS

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Honor Roll A gift to the Annual Scholarship Fund supports every aspect of a student’s experience, providing opportunities for learning as well as the ability for the Yeshivah to be responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges. Gifts to this fund make an immediate difference in the lives of students and faculty, as donations are directed to where the need is the greatest and are an important complement to our Capital and Endowment Campaigns. Annual Scholarship Fund donations turn ideas into actions and are critical in achieving our mission of academic excellence. We thank our dedicated supporters for choosing YOF as their philanthropic priority.

!‫תודה רבה‬

BENEFACTORS ($100,000+) Claudia and Avi Houllou Debbie and Jack Saadia Adele and Louis J. Shamie Shayne and Eli Zami

Alberto & Elliot Sutton & Families Alison and Richard Sutton The Stern and Blond Family Rachel and Morris Tabush Nathalie and Mitchell Vilinsky

PILLARS ($72,000+) The Jay and Avital Cohen Foundation Ralph J. Harary Foundation

PATRONS ($10,000+) Odette and Nathan Accad Alice and Harry Adjmi Gladys and Richard Adjmi Vicky and Abe M. Anteby Racquel and Bobby Ashkenazi Paulina and Ralph Azrak Nadya and Gennadiy Belenkiy Amy and Joseph Betesh Elizabeth and Steven Betesh Chalmé Family - Elliot R. Chalmé Foundation Gail and Jojo Chehebar Susan and Elliot Cohen I. Chera & Sons Foundation Adelle and Ralph Dweck Ruby and Steven Dweck Franco Foundation Sarah and Jack Franco Renee and Aaron Harari Hana and Albert Hasson Celia and Jason Hoffman Judith and Elliot Horowitz Jack A Kassin & Family Adele and Dr. David Khaski The Laboz Family Erika and Ruvin Levavi Caryn and Lawrence Malitzky Esther and Jack Mosseri Rachel and Ricky Novick Yaffa and David Rosilio Charles and Brenda Saka Family Foundation Ami and Ralph J. Sasson Amy and Steven Sasson Danielle and Michael Sasson Juliette and Eddie Setton Elaine and Nathan Shalom Victoria and Hymie Shamah Louis and Lorraine Shamie Philanthropic Fund Bella and Toby Souleiman Gail and Saul Tawil Eli Weiss Meredith and Kenneth Yager Jeanne and Ralph Zirdok

CHAMPIONS ($50,000+) The Bailey, Jerome and Horovits Families Jody and Zvi Benhaim Century 21 Associates Foundation Inc. Douek Family Foundation Ralph S. Gindi Foundation Haddad Brands Family Foundation The Mamiye Foundation / Marlene and Hymie Mamiye The Oved Family SCHOLARS (36,000+) Joe and Trina Cayre Foundation Alice and Stevie Goldman Morris Hanan and Sons Tammi and Solomon Mosseri Leah and Alexander Reyngold Robyn and Seymour Sammell Helene and Alan Shamah & Sally and Joey Shamah Terry and Ike Silvera Triangle Capital Group AMBASSADORS ($26,000+) Lillian and Joey M. Allaham Elliot & Raymond Betesh & Family Maggie and Elliot Betesh Fund Lisa and Lee Cohen Sharon and Michael Haddad & Nellie and David Haddad HIS International Dr. Isaac Madeb Karen and Sheldon Schwartz Marlene and Steven R. Shamah & Family Betty and Joseph Sitt Morgan and Abraham Sultan Laura and Joe R. Tawil

16

LEADERS ($18,000+) Reneé and Steven Adelsberg Victoria and Jack Aini Paulette and Hymie Azar Terri and Jojo A. Chehebar Lori and Harold Dweck Marcy and Steven Feldman & Family Frieda and Joseph M. Franco Raquel and Joe A. Franco Lillian and Eli Haddad Michelle and Victor Hakim Diana and Joseph Hedaya Limor and Dr. Ralph Madeb Nicole and Darren Oved The Joseph Safra Foundation Deborah and Jack Setton SDI Technologies / Ihome Jamie and Mickey Shamah & Sons Freda and Alberto Smeke Raquel and Raymond Srour

PIONEERS ($5,000+) David Aizer Alan Ashkenazi Julie and Michael Betesh Nava and Jeffrey Beyda Tiffany and Michael Beyda Rebecca and andrew Birnbaum & The J Drugs Family Mazie and Eddie Chehebar Jennifer and Danny Cohen Helen and Eli Cohen Joyce and Sami Flaster Rachel and Richard Franco Claire and Robert Frastai Grace and Ralph Gindi Sophia and David Gomberg Pauline and Fred Harari

Terri and Edmond Harary Lisa and Alan Jemal Sari and Matthew Jemal Roberta Kaylie Michele and Allan Levy Rachel and Morris Lincer Natalie and Steven Maksin Candice and Isaac Maleh Michelle and Jack Maleh Joan and Jack Mann Karen and Jacques Mehani Linda and Morris Missry Elayne and Barry Moss Dara and David Orbach Jaclyn and Steven Pahuskin Marlene and Charles Rawas Erika and Eddie Romano Jennifer and Shawn Safdie Pia and Steven Scaba Mimi and Jack Senior Arlene and Jimmy Shalom Liza and Hyman Shamah Carolyn and Eddie Sitt Sharon and Steven Sutton Lori and Eliot Tawil Shari and Saul Tawil Rochelle and Robert Terzi Sophia and Gabriel Zeitouni PARTNERS ($3,600+) Joy and Ariel Akkad Vicky and Sammy Ayal Annie and Elliott Azrak Gail and Jack Bendheim Etty and Jack Benzaken Lorraine and Sion Betesh Mandi and Morris Bildirici Linda and Raymond Chakkalo Leah and Jack Chalouh Barbara and Mark Chraime Daniel Epstein Freda and Zeke Faham Leslie and Richard Grazi Renee and Douglas Haddad Elaine and Bernie Hafif Zahava and Rabbi Avi Harari Shari and Steven Hidary Susan and Robert Izsak Lisa and Joseph Jemal Adele and Jack Jemal Shelly and Mourad Kattan Beth and Peter Kolevzon Daniel and Annette Levy Galit and Ronnie Levy Lisa and Maurice Levy Marlene and Alan Maleh Jean and Marshall Mizrahi Marilyn and Danny Mizrahi John Morse Shelly and Jacob Orfali Adam and Carol Reich Linda and Eddie Rishty Rachel and Sol Safdieh Jacqueline and Jack Sakkal Regina and Jordan Samstein Yael and Eddie Sassoon Audrey and Steven Shalom Margrette and Jack Shammah Jamie and Jack Shamosh Stacey and Amin Tebele

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS THE MINYAN ($1,000,000+) Terry and Ike Silvera Triangle Capital Group FOUNDERS ($500,000+) Lisa and Alan Jemal Stephanie and Jack Mosseri BUILDERS ($250,000+) Adele and Louis J. Shamie Annie and Elliott Azrak BENEFACTORS ($100,000+) Joe and Trina Cayre Foundation Melodie and Martin Scharf Etty and Jack Benzaken Valerie and Elliot Betesh, Joyce and Raymond Betesh Rochelle and David Beyda Vivian and Abraham Dushey Michelle and Victor Hakim Tammi and Solomon Mosseri Rachel and Albert Pardo Robyn and Seymour Sammell The Jay and Avital Cohen Foundation Jennifer and Shawn Safdie PILLARS (72,000+) Jamie and Mickey Shamah & Sons CHAMPIONS ($50,000+) Odette and Nathan Accad Gladys and Richard Adjmi Alice and Harry Adjmi Gail and Jojo Chehebar Grace and Jack Dayan SCHOLARS ($36,000+) Mazie and Eddie Chehebar Sharon and Steven Sutton, Barbara and Jesse Sutton & Family AMBASSADORS ($26,000+) Eva and Louis Galpern LEADERS ($18,000+) Merav and Ezra Dweck PATRONS ($10,000+) Melissa and Joseph Smouha

We are pleased to continue our donor recognition program that acknowledges the important role of our major donors in advancing the YOF mission.

The Annual Naming Program for ANNUAL DONORS of $26,000 and above with multi-year commitments is filled with many exciting and robust offerings.

The donors below have made annual gifts and dedicated the following programs:

PILLARS ($72,000)

AMBASSADORS ($26,000+)

THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT Dedicated by The Jay and Avital Cohen Foundation

COOKING FOR A CAUSE Dedicated in Honor of Marlene and Steven R. Shamah

CHAMPIONS ($50,000+) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEFILLAH PROGRAM Dedicated in Memory of Ralph J. Harary A”H ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VE’AHAVTA CHESED PROGRAM Dedicated by The Douek Family Foundation JBHS BOYS & GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAMS Dedicated by the Oved Family JBHS COLLEGE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT Dedicated in Memory of Ruth and Ralph Gindi A”H

ARCHON SERVICE SOCIETY ASSEMBLY NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION CEREMONY Dedicated by the Hanan Family EARLY CHILDHOOD PKRE READING IN PAJAMAS Dedicated by Terry and Isaac Silvera ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEFILLAH DAY Dedicated by the Maggie and Elliot Betesh Fund GRANDPARENTS’ DAY Dedicated by Sharon and Michael Haddad & Nelly and David Haddad KINDERGARTEN SCIENCE FAIR Dedicated by Leah and Alexander Reyngold

JBHS HISTORY DEPARTMENT Dedicated by the Bailey, Jerome and Horovits Families

*NAMES, NOT NUMBERS© Dedicated by Dr. Lawrence A”H (ES ‘47) and Suzanne Fishman Holocaust Education Fund

YOM HA’ATZMAUT CELEBRATION Dedicated by the Mamiye Family

PARENT SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP Dedicated in honor of Esther & Jack A. Hidary

SCHOLARS (36,000+) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Dedicated in Honor of Natalie and Eli Greenberg by Adele and Louis Shamie

PEGASUS LITERATURE & ART MAGAZINE Dedicated by Laura & Joe R. Tawil *Names, Not Numbers© is part of The William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute

FLATBUSH FAMILY SHABBATON Dedicated by Haddad Brands Family JBHS EVENING OF THE ARTS Dedicated by Trina and Joe Cayre and Family THE SHIFRA HANON PATHFINDERS DEPARTMENT CURATED SPEAKER SERIES Dedicated by Triangle Capital Group

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Corporate Sponsors SCHOLAR SPONSOR DIAMOND SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

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Endowment Evolution: Growing YOF's Legacy Building the Flatbush Forever Fund is a crucial component of our long-term strategy to ensure the financial stability of the Yeshivah of Flatbush. This fund serves as a dependable source of income for our school, thanks to your generous legacy gift, which will provide YOF with an annual interest distribution from our investments. We believe that the Flatbush Forever Fund offers an excellent opportunity for donors to enhance the impact of their contributions to the Yeshivah, and we encourage many to participate in this vital initiative.

The primary goal of this fund is to support our ongoing efforts to maintain affordability, financial security, and educational excellence. As we look beyond this year's budget, we understand that investing in our school's future is essential to ensure a thriving and engaged Jewish community for generations to come.

The best way to ensure our Yeshivah’s future is to take care of our future generations. We would like to thank our legacy gift donors for partnering with us.

VALEDICTORIANS ($6,000,000+) William S. Levine Family The William S. Levine Family Shoah Institute

THE MINYAN ($1,000,000+) Anonymous

FOUNDERS ($500,000+) The Hanon Family The Shifra Hanon Pathfinders Department

ENDOWMENT ANNUAL INCOME

Avi Houllou The Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary

Julie and Steven Montague

$500,000

Dr. Albert Montague A”H STEM Institute

$435,921 $400,000

BUILDERS ($250,000+) Stephanie and Jack Mosseri Adele and Louis J. Shamie

BENEFACTORS ($100,000+) Joe and Trina Cayre Foundation Dr. Ira H. Gewolb A”H Renee and Albert Laboz Marlene and Hymie Mamiye The Wichs Family

$300,000

$260,092

$196,732 $224,255

$200,000

PILLARS ($72,000+)

$184,101

Renée and Steven Adelsberg The Jay and Avital Cohen Foundation Morris Hanan and Sons Oved Family Terry and Ike Silvera Helene and Alan Shamah and Family

$100,000

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

TO MAKE A LEGACY GIFT

DONATE TODAY A donation made today will have a large impact on every facet of our school, as it will add to our annual income.

INCLUDE A BEQUEST IN YOUR WILL Bequests to YOF are deductible for estate tax purposes.

They may be structured in many ways and directed to a purpose of your choice. Contact us for bequest language samples.

ADDING YOF AS A RETIREMENT ACCOUNT BENEFICIARY YOF is exempt from income taxes, unlike individual heirs, so your philanthropic impact will go further when you leave an account to the Yeshivah.

CHAMPIONS ($50,000+)

CONSIDER AN IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER For those 70-anda-half years or older, directing gifts to YOF from your IRA is an easy, convenient way to make a gift from one of your major assets. The gift will be excluded from your gross income: a tax-free rollover will count towards your required minimum distribution (RMD).

Anonymous Blumenthal Family Gail and Josef Chehebar Claire and Robert Frastai Marjorie and Jack J. Gindi Hidrock Properties Gaye and Sheldon Hoffman Rachel and Albert Pardo Sarah Shamah Foundation Susan and Sam Shamie Beatrice and Jeffrey Sutton Triangle Capital Group Nathalie and Mitchell Vilinsky

SCHOLARS ($36,000+) Lisa and Lee Cohen Haddad Brands Family Foundation Lisa and Joseph Jemal Ronit and Hagai Laniado

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THE MISSION OF THE YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH IS TO

EMPOWER

our students to develop exceptional character and intellect.

EDUCATE

through a rigorous Torah b’Ivrit and General Studies program with a robust set of co-curricular opportunities in a supportive and nurturing environment.

a love for and commitment to Torah u’Mitzvot , Medinat Yisrael , and Klal Yisrael with responsibility to advance the welfare of all humanity.

INSPIRE YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 919 East 10th Street | Brooklyn, NY 11230 | 718.377.4466 JOEL BRAVERMAN HIGH SCHOOL Al and Sonny Gindi Campus | 1609 Avenue J | Brooklyn, NY 11230 | 718.377.1100 EXECUTIVE OFFICE 975 East 13th Street | Brooklyn, NY 11230 | 718.377.4040

Visit us online at

@yofhs @yofalumni @yoflatbush @yofladiesauxiliary

flatbush.org

Facebook.com/YeshivahOfFlatbush Facebook.com/YOFHS Facebook.com/YOFALUMNI

Annual Report Editors: Hila Stern

Michelle Olveira