Susie Garber

Most people do not attend reunions for their elementary school. Yet, students of Yeshiva Institute, which is now renamed Yeshiva Primary, eagerly attended a reunion for alumni of the class of 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001. The event was coordinated by Rabbi Avner Yusupov, Director of Development at Yeshiva Primary and a graduate of the class of 2000.

One of the advantages of being a local journalist is that you learn about the amazing people and organizations in our community, and people sometimes approach you with inspiring stories. This week, I was privileged to hear about a miracle that happened in our community this past Shabbos, Parshas Noach.

On Motza’ei Shabbos, November 5, Chazaq hosted the popular weekly program Turn Saturday Night into Motza’ei Shabbos with Dr. David J. Lieberman, well-known author and psychologist, and Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, well-known speaker and author.

On Sunday evening, October 30, Let’s Get Real With Coach Menachem featured Rabbi Mordechai (Gary) Neuman, New York Times bestselling author. Rabbi Neuman began by citing a study with 430 women and 200 men. They were interviewed about what happily married couples are doing versus failed couples. All successful couples have their marriage as their priority. Failed couples kind of forget about their marriage. Successful couples continue to work on their marriage. They are always learning. He noted that he doesn’t say “happy couples.” Being successful doesn’t mean you will always be happy.

HAFTR High School had the z’chus to welcome Rabbi David Lau, Chief Rabbi of Israel, on Friday, November 4, and hear his inspiring words of Torah. Students greeted Rabbi Lau with song and dance as they escorted him to the entrance of the high school. Surrounded by enthusiastic students who were eager to spend a few moments with him, Rabbi Lau made his way to the auditorium where the rest of the student body and faculty awaited his arrival.

On Tuesday evening, October 25, the Navigating the Medical System Lecture Series launched its first virtual lecture of the season, featuring Dr. Mel Breite, Founder and Director of the series. Dr. Breite shared that this is the 11^th year of the program and he thanked various individuals who have helped since its inception. He included Councilman Jim Gennaro who was instrumental in helping Dr. Breite to initiate this informative program.