On Motza’ei Shabbos, March 7, parents, staff, and teachers gathered for a beautiful melaveh malkah in the Yeshiva Primary ballroom in Holliswood, Queens.
Rabbi Avner Yusopov, Executive Director, welcomed everyone. He shared that the purpose of the evening was for parents and staff to connect with one another so that they can have a greater impact on each other and on the students. He noted, “It means a lot when we see the parent body involved.”
Rabbi Zalman Deutscher, Dean and Founder of the yeshivah, spoke next. He said, “Imagine you had a friend who was leaving you. Even though you know he will eventually return, people come to see him off. The purpose of seeing him off is to show kavod. Melaveh malkah is about showing kavod to Shabbos, which has just left us.” He added that “Shabbos is the ideal vacation.”
The melaveh malkah allows us to spend time together as we escort the Shabbos. He expressed his appreciation to the staff and to Mrs. Judy Klein, principal, and shared that students always come back to visit.
Rabbi Yusopov then shared that it is an honor to be part of this historic event. He spoke about his own experience as a student at Yeshiva Primary and the tremendous impact it had on him personally. He also shared that when he was learning at Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, his rebbi planted a seed that changed his life. When he was in ninth grade, he told his rebbi that he wanted to become an eye doctor. His rebbi responded, “Avner, you can do so much for the Bukharian community that I can’t do because you come from that community.”
When Moshe saw the dancing around the Golden Calf, he asked, “Who is for Hashem?” The entire tribe of Levi responded. They came as a whole because they had a special closeness to Moshe, as he was part of their tribe. That extra love from being related made the difference. Rabbi Yusopov shared that he chose to follow his rebbi’s advice and work on behalf of his community.
Following this, Ms. Wunder, a teacher, led a fun game of Kahoot featuring Yeshiva Primary trivia.
Next, an alumnus of the yeshivah, Mr. Avraham Yusopov, spoke from the heart about how Yeshiva Primary changed his life. “It built the foundation for me as a person,” he said. “It’s more than a school. It’s a family. It’s a place where you can become what you want to be.”
After that, the featured speaker, Dr. Avi Ben Mordechai, LCSW, shared that he taught at Yeshiva Primary at the same time his sister was also teaching there. She is now a head teacher in Eretz Yisrael. He pointed out how Rabbi Deutscher and Mrs. Klein provide wonderful support for the teachers. Every teacher is dedicated, and the school has a very warm atmosphere. He thanked Mrs. Klein, Mrs. Yocheved Abramovitz, Rebbetzin Channah Hecht, and Dr. Anne Douglas for their years of devoted teaching.
He explained that one of the biggest issues in schools today is children not feeling safe in a school setting. It is extremely important for children to feel safe in school. Rabbi Deutscher and Mrs. Klein create that safe, caring environment. Yeshiva Primary is a place where learning is tailored to each child’s specific needs. Thousands of children have attended this school, and the teachers are incredibly dedicated.
He asked the audience to consider what factors contribute to a child’s success. Morah Zina shared that there are many factors, including parental support, collaboration among teachers, and ensuring that children are taught at their individual level.
Dr. Ben Mordechai added, “Kids in Yeshiva Primary feel safe and not alone.”
This writer asked a few teachers to share their thoughts about the yeshivah.
Ms. Naama Rambod said, “It’s breathtaking to watch children who come from public school with no Jewish background become so excited about learning about Yiddishkeit. They ask so many questions, and it becomes such a big part of who they are.”
Morah Zina shared, “I’ve been so fortunate to be part of the Yeshiva Primary faculty for the past 13 years, working alongside a phenomenal staff! It’s more than a school. It’s a family.” She added that former students visit all the time. They grow into professionals and return to say thank you. They still feel that warmth.
The evening ended with lively circle-dancing and music. It was a beautiful evening of unity among parents and faculty.