Debate Team Wins Big
The YCQ Debate Team took home three awards at a competition on the topic of government funding for college education hosted by YCQ at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. Michael Zavulun and Elianah Aminova were the First Place Team, Michael was also awarded Second Place Speaker, and YCQ was the second-place school overall.
Coach Mr. Miles Ehrenkranz remarked, “This win marks yet another successful accolade for YCQ’s debate team, as they follow up on last year’s impressive victory.” Coach Ehrenkranz praised the team’s members for their hard work and dedication, noting, “Tuesday’s results demonstrate the immense talent and dedication that this team embodies. I am so proud to coach this team, and the results are the reward of their hard work and effort.”
The debate team’s successes have been a source of pride for YCQ, and this recent tournament victory cements their reputation for excellence in the debate circuit. The team will undoubtedly continue to be a formidable opponent for any school that dares to challenge them.
Senator Leroy Comrie Visits
On Thursday, February 2, YCQ, in partnership with Teach NYS, welcomed State Senator Leroy Comrie, who visited and toured the school.
Due to recent redistricting in the State Senate, Senator Leroy Comrie now represents Kew Gardens Hills and YCQ. The Senator has been in office since 2015 and previously served as a member of the New York City Council from 2002 to 2013.
Teach NYS is a division of Teach Coalition, a project of the Orthodox Union, which advocates for equitable government funding for nonpublic schools. Teach Coalition works to make nonpublic schools better, safer, and more affordable through advocacy and grassroots activism. Teach Coalition advocates on behalf of approximately 90 percent of yeshivah and day school students nationwide.
As a proud member school of Teach NYS, YCQ has benefited tremendously from their ongoing legislative efforts and program support in many areas. YCQ is grateful to Teach NYS and Senator Comrie for all their support.
Spotlight on the After-School Mishnah Club
Sounds of Torah can be heard throughout YCQ long after school is dismissed. In addition to the mishmar programs that happen each week, a group of approximately 20 JHS boys meet every Monday night with Rabbi Ophie Nat to learn mishnayos. After eating supper, students learn b’chavrusa amongst each other, and then Rabbi Nat concludes the evening with a shiur.
The special club is by invitation only. Students are chosen by Rabbi Landsman and their rebbeim from the previous year, and learn completely lishmah, without any external incentives. This year, students are learning Maseches Bava M’tzia. The program functions in a three-year cycle, learning Bava Kama, Bava M’tzia, and Bava Basra. Students who join in sixth grade will complete and master the three masechtos by the time they graduate.
There is a major siyum at the end of the year, where parents are invited to “shep nachas” from their boys. Each student presents a mishnah, and when the evening has concluded, the entire masechta has been summarized.
Rabbi Nat noted how Rabbi Landsman believes that the shiur and group of young men are the crown jewels of our after-school programs, and it wouldn’t surprise him if these boys go on to being great rabbanim, leaders, and even g’dolim in our community.
Of course, Rabbi Nat wholeheartedly agrees with this sentiment. “Personally, it’s a great z’chus for me to be the one chosen to lead this incredible group of young men. I am so proud of everything they have accomplished,” he said.
