On Tuesday evening, June 17, the Yeshiva of Central Queens hosted its annual commencement for the Class of 2025 at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center.
This year’s commencement took place against the backdrop of the matzav in Eretz Yisrael, and the different presentations throughout the night made it clear that our brothers and sisters are always on our minds, in our hearts, and in our t’filos.
One hundred four students, dressed in caps and gowns, kicked off the evening with a processional down the aisles as proud family members looked on. Rabbi Ophie Nat led the packed auditorium in renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner, HaTikvah, and Acheinu, with musical accompaniment by Morah Tali Brody.
Over the course of the evening, Principal Rabbi Mark Landsman and Mrs. Melissa Cohen, Associate Principal of General Studies K-8, addressed the graduates. They offered words of Torah, encouragement, and praise for the students as they take their next steps.
The student awardees each took on meaningful roles, as well. Aiden Aminov and Sophie Sisser, the two salutatorians, recited the T’filah LiShlom HaMedinah and the Mi SheBeirach for the IDF. Leora Traeger and Eitan Berkowitz, valedictorians, delivered powerful speeches reflecting on their school experiences and the path ahead. Ilana Ismailov, recipient of the Keter Shem Tov award, led a t’filah for the Hostages, and Yosef Chaim Yakobov, also a Keter Shem Tov honoree, recited T’hilim.
Mrs. Esther Lowinger, Junior High School (JHS) General Studies Assistant Principal, recognized the students who achieved High Honors, and JHS Principal Rabbi Stephen Knapp introduced the respective performances by the boys and girls. This year’s student presentation was titled “Yerushalayim, Oro shel Olam” – “Jerusalem, Light of the World” – and took the audience on a journey through time from Creation until today, about the centrality of the city and Eretz Yisrael.
Led by Morah Mashie Kapelowitz, Director of K-8 Judaic Studies, the talmidos told of the significance of the city in the past, present, and future, with meaningful songs sung by the talmidim interspersed throughout. To conclude, the lights went out and black lights turned on; girls wore white lights and signed “Oseh Shalom,” a message for peace in the future.
Diplomas were then awarded. To conclude the spectacular evening, the crowd watched a heartwarming video montage created by Mrs. Jen Jaffe. Fond memories from over the many years in YCQ were displayed as the students looked on, recalling the shared moments they experienced together.
A collation back at YCQ concluded the memorable night. Graduation was an exclamation point to a wonderful year and a recognition of all the amazing talmidim and talmidos of the Yeshiva of Central Queens. Mazal tov!
