On Sunday, March 2, the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) will host its 84th Annual Scholarship Dinner at Da Mikele Illagio. This prestigious occasion seeks to pay tribute to individuals whose steadfast commitment and remarkable contributions have left a profound impact on both the Yeshiva and wider community. This year, YCQ proudly recognizes five remarkable honorees: Guests of Honor Aliza & Leon Yehuda Peled, Distinguished Educator Morah Reut Berkowitz, and Parents of the Year Daniela & Ariel Shamayev.
Aliza & Leon Yehuda Peled – Guests of Honor
Aliza & Leon Yehuda Peled, this year’s guests of honor, epitomize unwavering dedication to YCQ and the broader community. Their leadership and support have had a profound impact on the school.
Aliza’s connection to YCQ dates back to her own elementary school years, having attended the Yeshiva for a few years before her family moved. Years later, when choosing a school for their children, Aliza and Leon weren’t just looking for a kindergarten; they were seeking a long-term educational partner, a place that would provide a strong foundation in both Torah and academic excellence. They found that in YCQ, where they now proudly send their three children: Chaim (Grade 8), Shalom (Grade 7), and Leah (Grade 1).
Aliza quickly became an integral force in YCQ’s leadership. As a member of the Board of Trustees, she began as PTO liaison, later joining the Executive Committee and taking on key roles in marketing, admissions, student life, and strategic planning. She has chaired search committees for major leadership positions, ensuring that the right people were in place to uphold and enhance the school’s mission. Her work extended to shaping YCQ’s Mission, Vision, and Values committee, helping articulate the Yeshiva’s guiding principles.
As a seasoned professional at Yeshiva University, where she serves as AVP for Events and Special Projects, Aliza brings invaluable expertise in branding, communications, and event management to YCQ. Her strategic approach to storytelling and communications ensures that YCQ is recognized as the thriving, dynamic institution it is known to be.
Leon is equally committed to YCQ and the broader Queens community. His behind-the-scenes support has helped ensure the success of countless school events. The school has greatly benefited from LYP Designs, one of his business ventures, that produces promotional items and apparel.
Leon’s deep involvement in local chesed and Torah initiatives reflect the values YCQ instills in its students. He is an active volunteer for Misaskim and Chaverim, and also serves as a chaplain. He davens at Neitz each morning, followed by Daf Yomi, and spends his evenings learning in the Tov Beit Midrash.
Whether through marketing and school spirit, logistics and event planning, or direct chesed work, their contributions have helped shape the school into a vibrant, welcoming home for so many families. At the dinner, YCQ is honored to celebrate Aliza and Leon Yehuda Peled, whose passion for education, leadership, and chesed continues to elevate the experience for students, faculty, and families alike.
Daniela & Ariel Shamayev – Parents of the Year
Daniela & Ariel Shamayev are this year’s Parents of the Year, recognizing their unwavering dedication to the YCQ community and countless chesed initiatives. Their commitment to fostering a nurturing educational environment and passion for giving back serve as an inspiration to all.
Both Daniela and Ariel grew up in Forest Hills, where they continue to raise their four children—Matthew (Grade 7), Tiffany (Grade 5), Lauren (Grade 3), and Ashley (enrolled for Kindergarten in September). Daniela’s deep-rooted connection to YCQ began as a student herself, graduating in 2006. She recalls her years at the Yeshiva as an experience filled with warmth, excellence in chinuch, and a community that felt like family. It was only natural that she and Ariel chose YCQ for their own children, ensuring they receive the same strong Torah values and exceptional education.
From an early age, Daniela and Ariel were instilled with the values of chesed and community service, a legacy passed down from their parents. Their commitment to giving back is evident in their extensive involvement in YCQ and beyond. They have spearheaded bake sales, Shabbat meal initiatives, and toy drives, raising tens of thousands of dollars for organizations such as Chai Lifeline, One Family Fund, B’Lev Echad, and the Richie Rich Wish Foundation. Inspired by the memory of their nephew, Binyamin Natanel ben Brachah Tovah a”h, they have dedicated themselves to projects that elevate his neshamah, including hospital deliveries and community-wide chesed initiatives.
Daniela’s leadership within YCQ’s Parent-Teacher Organization has been instrumental in strengthening the Yeshiva’s fundraising and community-building efforts. Since 2022, she has helped coordinate annual dinners, teacher appreciation events, school-wide campaigns, and fundraising initiatives that have significantly enhanced the YCQ experience. In 2024, she assumed the role of PTO President, working alongside Natalie Rakhminov to further YCQ’s mission.
The Shamayev’s dedication to YCQ is driven by their belief in leading by example: demonstrating to their children and the community the importance of selflessness, involvement, and giving back. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on YCQ, ensuring that it continues to flourish as a place of Torah, learning, and kindness.
YCQ proudly celebrates Daniela and Ariel Shamayev, whose steadfast devotion to education, chesed, and community makes them truly deserving of this prestigious honor.
Morah Reut Berkowitz – Educator of the Year
YCQ is proud to recognize Morah Reut Berkowitz as this year’s Educator of the Year, honoring her dedication, passion for teaching, and deep commitment to her students. Since joining the Yeshiva in 2006, Morah Reut has been a guiding force in the classroom, inspiring young minds with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering belief in each child’s potential.
Originally from Israel, Morah Reut dedicated two years to Sherut Leumi, National Service, before moving to the United States. During that time, she worked with deaf children in Israel, helping them develop communication skills and navigate daily life with confidence. She then continued her service in Los Angeles, where she worked with Bnei Akiva, strengthening Jewish identity and connection to Eretz Yisrael for young members of the community. These formative experiences instilled in her a deep passion for education, mentorship, and personal growth, which she carries into her classroom every day.
After moving to the United States at the age of 20, Morah Reut earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Queens College. However, her path took an unexpected turn thanks to Rabbi Landsman, who saw in her the makings of a remarkable educator. While taking afternoon classes, she looked for a way to stay busy in the mornings and decided to inquire about substitute teaching at YCQ. She began working with fourth graders, and just a few months later, when a second-grade teacher had to leave unexpectedly, Rabbi Landsman encouraged her to step in full-time. She has been an integral part of the YCQ family ever since.
Over the years, Morah Reut has touched the lives of countless students, fostering a love for learning while emphasizing the values of kindness, inclusivity, and warmth that make YCQ so special. She particularly appreciates the diversity of the school community, where students from different backgrounds come together in a welcoming and supportive environment. The natural compassion and camaraderie of her students inspire her daily, making teaching at YCQ a truly fulfilling experience.
Beyond the classroom, Morah Reut and her husband Michael are proud parents to four children: Eitan (Grade 8), Dani (Grade 6), Eli (Grade 4), and Maya (Grade 1), who proudly attend YCQ. Choosing YCQ for their own family was an easy decision, as they were drawn to its strong academic foundation, exceptional faculty, and warm parent body. Teaching at YCQ allows Morah Reut the unique privilege of seeing her children throughout the school day, building relationships with their teachers, and sharing in their educational journey.
Morah Reut is also an active member of Beis Knesses of North Woodmere, where she and her family contribute to the community in any way they can. Whether in the classroom or at home, she is dedicated to fostering a love of Torah, learning, and kindness in both her students and her own children.
Morah Reut Berkowitz’s dedication, expertise, and love for her students continue to make an everlasting impact on YCQ, and her honor is well deserved.
We eagerly anticipate your presence at the year’s dinner on Sunday, March 2. To make a reservation and place an ad in the journal, please visit YCQDinner.com or call the business office at 718-793-8500 (ext. 300).
