On Monday, January 13, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) hosted its annual Dinner of Tribute at the Sephardic Temple of Cedarhurst. The event is an opportunity for YUHSG to celebrate its community and express appreciation for those who have made noteworthy contributions to the health of the school over the past year. Faculty, students, and other members of the school community gathered for the event.
Remarks from Mr. Andrew (Avi) Lauer, Vice President of Yeshiva University, and Mrs. Miriam Goldberg, Chair of the Yeshiva University High School Board, explored YUHSG’s unique identity, stressing the school’s longstanding commitment to educating curious, courageous young women.
YUHSG’s Associate Principal, Ms. Leah Moskovich, and the Dean of Students, Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz, honored the work of YUHSG’s Head of School, Ms. Bracha Rutner, with a heartfelt tribute. “Our honorees embody the spirit of Moshe Rabbeinu,” remarked Ms. Rutner. “They saw needs within our community – whether in education, connection, or support – and answered the call. Like Moshe, they didn’t just see challenges; they saw opportunities to strengthen and uplift those around them. Through their contributions, they have cultivated a sense of belonging and growth for all of us.”
The 2025 dinner also recognized a select number of parents whose partnership and support have contributed to the success of the YUHSG vision, demonstrating that the school’s advancement is dependent upon meaningful collaboration between families, faculty, and school leadership.
Drs. Leah and Jon Fish, parents of Tani (’24) and Orli (’26), of West Hempstead, were honored for their work, as well as Mrs. Ayelet and Mr. Shlomo Katz, parents of Sarit (’22), Ariella (’23), and Michal (’25), of the Five Towns.
Other honored parent-partners included Mrs. Dahlia (’04) and Dr. Nathaniel Jacob, parents of Ayla (’26), of Great Neck, and Dr. Eve (’94) and Rabbi Todd Sullivan, parents of Leeba Laub (’18), Rivka (’23), and Sarah Leah (’26), of Queens.
Lastly, the 2025 Ethel Dworetsky Morrel z”l Teacher of the Year award was given to YUHSG’s Humanities Department Chair and Director of College Guidance, Mrs. Rena Boord. Mrs. Boord was recognized for the many contributions she makes to the YUHSG community every day as a committed and passionate English teacher, as well as a faculty leader and mentor. In addition to her work guiding YUHSG juniors and seniors through the college application process, Mrs. Boord has made a tremendous impact on academic life at YUHSG in coordinating the Adira Rose Koffsky a”h Humanities Program, a newer school initiative that deepens the school’s relationship to the written and performing arts. “It was an honor to share the evening with all my colleagues and friends at Central,” Mrs. Boord said. “I have tremendous gratitude for being able to work in such a warm and welcoming environment. It is a pleasure to be a part of this incredible community.”
The dinner, positioned in the last days of first semester midterms, was also a way to welcome the semester to come. Approaching events include Yeshiva University’s Student Medical Ethics Conference, which a group of budding scientists from YUHSG attended on Sunday, February 2, YUHSG Mock Trial’s first match at the Queens County Courthouse on Tuesday, February 4, and YUHSG College Bowl’s first match of the semester at Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence, also on Tuesday, February 4.
