On Monday evening, June 15, the Yeshiva of Central Queens hosted its annual commencement for the Class of 2026 at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center.
Nearly 100 students, dressed in caps and gowns, kicked off the evening with a procession down the aisles as proud family members looked on. Rabbi Ophie Nat led the packed auditorium in renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “HaTikvah,” 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 took their next steps.
The student awardees each took on meaningful roles as well. Ayala Kenigsberg and David Inoyatov, the two Salutatorians, recited the Tefilah L’Shlom HaMedinah and the Mi Sheberach for the IDF. Orrin Amsalem and Shalom Peled, Valedictorians, delivered powerful speeches reflecting on their school experience and the path ahead. Samuel Abramov, recipient of the Keter Shem Tov award, led a Tefilah for the United States, and Maytal Samouha, also a Keter Shem Tov honoree, recited Tehilim.
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 focused on the value of Hakaras Hatov.
Led by Morah Mashie Kapelowitz, Director of K-8 Judaic Studies, the talmidos detailed the various brachot in their personal and communal lives for which they are thankful, including attending YCQ and the establishment of Medinas Yisrael. As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, they also expressed gratitude for the opportunities the country has afforded its Jewish citizens.
The presentation was interspersed with meaningful and relevant songs, including “Tov Lehodos,” that were beautifully sung by the talmidim. To conclude, the lights went out, black lights turned on, and girls wore white lights and signed “Oseh Shalom,” a message for peace in the future.
Diplomas were then awarded. During the presentation, a spectacular slideshow created by Mrs. Jen Jaffe showcased photos of the students from nursery school to the present day, alongside heartfelt messages of gratitude from every student about their YCQ experience.
A collation back at YCQ concluded the memorable night. Graduation was an exclamation point to conclude a wonderful year and recognize all of the amazing talmidim and talmidos of the Yeshiva of Central Queens. Mazal tov!