News and Events
Open House - December 8, 2019
Alumnus Michael Chetrit ('19) speaks to new families at our Open House, and shares his experiences about the education he received as a student.
Schechter Queens 1st 5K in memory of Adam Klager z"l ('05) - November 10, 2019
Josh Schwartz ('05) and Elad Bronstein ('05) went to Schechter Queens with Adam from K-8th grade and remained close friends with Adam up until his passing. Elad and Kyle McCaffrey met at SSHSLI where they were teammates on the varsity basketball team. They eventually started a rock band with Adam called Nothing Is Easy, as Adam was a very talented songwriter and guitarist. Josh and Hanna are recently married.
"Adam was a brother to me. I stayed at his place basically an entire summer. He came up to visit me and Josh in Albany more than anyone else" (Kyle).
"We all stay in touch and still make music, play basketball or workout together and we appreciated the opportunity to participate in this event in memory of our close friend and Jewish War Veteran, Adam Klager." (Elad). Pictured above: Elad Bronstein, Kyle McCaffrey, Josh Schwartz, Hanna Schwartz.
Schechter's Gala Dinner - May 30, 2019
A beautiful evening at the The Museum of the Moving Image. Congratulations to all the honorees and our four retiring teachers: Rita DeVita, Marsha Rosner, Robin Gossett and Rhonda Weissman. And to Eric Benaim ('93) our Alumni of the Year. Alumni parents: Gloria Golan, Susane Felder, Julia Bobrow, Susan Weg, Edith Weisfeld and Toby Silvera gathered for an evening of fun and reminiscing. Thank you to Jacob Wasserman ('11) for being the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Community Building at Glaze-A-Riffic - April 1, 2019
Alumni parents/board of trustees members, and a member of the Education Initiative participated in a team building exercise at Glaze-A-Riffic. While each may have chosen a different piece or paint with different colors, we are all Jews coming together as a community to get ready for Pesach. Thank you to Judy Krinitz who helped make this experience possible and to Silvia Kogan, Jeanine Mashihi, Karen Chazan, Nancy Borko and Rabbi David Wise for their participation.
Ramah Sports Academy - April 2019
Congratulations to alumnus Steve Goldstein ('70) on spearheading the Ramah Sports Academy. Together with Gabe Nechamkin, founding lay leader of Schechter Westchester, Dave Mendelowitz, a Schechter LI graduate, and Dave Levy, a parent at Schechter Manhattan this project becomes a reality. Ramah Sports Academy is an overnight summer camp in Fairfield, CT, offering elite sports instruction within an inspiring and joyful Jewish community.
USY Discussion on Summer Programs - January 2019
Alumnus Tomer Langer ('07) visits and talks about camping. Tomer is a Project Coordinator at USY - United Synagogue Youth. He returned to Schechter Queens to discuss how 7th and 8th grade students can get involved with summer programs at USY, one of the largest Jewish Youth Groups in the country.
Alumna Nily Rozic ('00) Speaks with Schechter Queens Teachers & Students - March 18, 2018
Assemblywoman Nily Rozic ('00) met with middle school students from The Solomon Schechter School of Queens. The students came to the Capital to meet with legislatures, learn about state government, and advocate for education funding as part of the Teach NYS advocacy mission. Rozic spoke with the students from her alma mater about civic engagement and community building.
A Visit From an Alumnus
We felt honored to have Sargent Jordan Brandwein (’10) visit our school and speak with the Middle School students. Upon graduating from SSSQ, Jordan went on to study at Townsend Harris High School. After high school graduation, he made Aliyah to Israel where he joined the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Within a short two years, Jordan rose to the rank of Sargent. Jordan described his experiences in training and being away from his family. He credits Schechter Queens and his parents with instilling in him the love of Israel. We are extremely proud of Jordan and wish him continued success. Pictured above are Naomi Horowitz, Rabbi Efrem Reis, Jordan Brandwein, Rabbi Boaz Tomsky and Sheldon Naparstek.
Schechter Queens Alumni Sukkot Event - Thursday, October 1, 2015
Schechter Queens Alumni Sukkot Event took place October 1st at Bnai Zion in Manhattan.
Members of the class of 2006 and others enjoyed an evening with friends. Though the weather didn't allow us to be in the Sukkah ... the sushi and drinks were a hit ! Natalie Hayon, Briana Hart, Melissa Glassman, Aliza Altman and Mirielle Maor from the Class of 2006 participated in the event.
Members of the class of 2006 and others enjoyed an evening with friends. Though the weather didn't allow us to be in the Sukkah ... the sushi and drinks were a hit ! Natalie Hayon, Briana Hart, Melissa Glassman, Aliza Altman and Mirielle Maor from the Class of 2006 participated in the event.
SSSQ's First Network Event - June 2014
It was a fun evening! Schechter Queens alumni presented ideas for career growth and networked with each other. It was nice meeting new faces and greeting familiar ones at our first Network Night.
Thank you to our speakers and Alumni Council Members for their participation and support and special thank you to Yaara Bank Plotkin (’96) for helping us with logistics and the event space.
Presenters:
Mona Kremin ('67) Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Douglas Elliman
Myron D. Rumeld, Esq. ('72) Partner, Proskauer
Mark I. Lev, Esq. ('73) Chairman & CEO, Wellfleet Partners, Inc.
Jonathan D. Lupkin, Esq. ('81) Founding Member, Rakower Lupkin PLLC
Ari Kirschbaum (’87) Financial Representative & Planner, New York Life Insurance Company
Eric Barna, MD ('92) MD MPH & Assistant Professor, Mt. Sinai Medical Center
Hila Ratzabi ('95) Freelance Editor, Writer, Tutor, Founder of Red Sofa Salon & Poetry Workshop
Jackie Topol ('98) Registered Dietitian & Culinary Nutritionist
Alumni Council:
Richard C. Hochman ('73), Attorney at Law
Roni Grill Nadell ('92), FCB Health, VP, Account Group Supervisor
Elana Jacob ('00), Attorney, Paul Weiss
Lara Pollack ('05), HR Coordinator, Zenith Optimedia
"I enjoyed the evening and reflecting on my memories while attending SSS of Queens. But most enjoyed catching up with classmate Richard Hochman. With his amazing memory, we went through almost the entire class of 1973 and I found what most were up to. He's been much better than I in that regard. Look forward to the next event."
- Mark Lev ('73)
Thank you to our speakers and Alumni Council Members for their participation and support and special thank you to Yaara Bank Plotkin (’96) for helping us with logistics and the event space.
Presenters:
Mona Kremin ('67) Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Douglas Elliman
Myron D. Rumeld, Esq. ('72) Partner, Proskauer
Mark I. Lev, Esq. ('73) Chairman & CEO, Wellfleet Partners, Inc.
Jonathan D. Lupkin, Esq. ('81) Founding Member, Rakower Lupkin PLLC
Ari Kirschbaum (’87) Financial Representative & Planner, New York Life Insurance Company
Eric Barna, MD ('92) MD MPH & Assistant Professor, Mt. Sinai Medical Center
Hila Ratzabi ('95) Freelance Editor, Writer, Tutor, Founder of Red Sofa Salon & Poetry Workshop
Jackie Topol ('98) Registered Dietitian & Culinary Nutritionist
Alumni Council:
Richard C. Hochman ('73), Attorney at Law
Roni Grill Nadell ('92), FCB Health, VP, Account Group Supervisor
Elana Jacob ('00), Attorney, Paul Weiss
Lara Pollack ('05), HR Coordinator, Zenith Optimedia
"I enjoyed the evening and reflecting on my memories while attending SSS of Queens. But most enjoyed catching up with classmate Richard Hochman. With his amazing memory, we went through almost the entire class of 1973 and I found what most were up to. He's been much better than I in that regard. Look forward to the next event."
- Mark Lev ('73)
Ian Levine ('03), Lee Hamburger ('03), Matan Stein ('03), Marc Pollack ('02), Lara Pollack ('05) attended.
Legacy Video & Alumni Reunion Classes ('63) - ('69)
Thank you to all that attended this event and made it special.
October 6, 2013
Sharing your memories and stories of Schechter Queens ….
Enjoying an afternoon with your Schechter family!
Dear Alumni and Friends,
This year I had the pleasure of putting together a video interviewing several alumni parents from early Schechter days – “Raconteurs” (click here to see “Raconteurs”). Throughout the video we learn the fascinating history about our school from the perspective of these alumni parents who open their hearts and share their experiences, stories and memories. Visionaries and leaders in every sense of the word choosing a Jewish day school education for their children – our school, Schechter Queens.
All were involved in the PTA when their children attended Schechter - some PTA presidents, many very hands-on for volunteering particularly helping with schools performances, chaperoning trips and being there when needed. Special thanks to the PTA under the leadership of co-presidents, Janice Bigler-Lisch and Taline Kozuch for sponsoring this project.
As an added bonus, Rabbi Alex Kaplan, the first principal at Schechter Queens was interviewed in Israel by alumna, Rachel Trager (‘00).
It has been my absolute joy being part of this project and sharing precious memories with these wonderful alumni parents.
Coupled with the excitement and emotional surge of presenting this video there was a reunion for the classes of ’63-’69. The suggestion came from Debby Danis and Naomi Danis to invite the early classes back to Schechter for an afternoon of reminiscing and reconnection. We gathered in the library for a delicious brunch, mingled and took many pictures. A moment of silence was observed for several classmates that sadly passed away.
Later we settled in the gym for the premiere of “Raconteurs” – our Schechter Legacy video. All watched with interest and it was so quiet in the room you could hear a pin drop.
Everyone that attended was glad to connect back to each other and to Schechter. Many commented that this is a day they will always remember.
To the many alumni who were not able to join us, we missed you.
Thank you to the people interviewed and to our alumni for attending. Stay connected to each other and to Schechter Queens. It was my honor working on this event and getting to know you all and I look forward to having our paths cross in the future.
Enjoy the upcoming holiday season with love and light,
Naomi
October 6, 2013
Sharing your memories and stories of Schechter Queens ….
Enjoying an afternoon with your Schechter family!
Dear Alumni and Friends,
This year I had the pleasure of putting together a video interviewing several alumni parents from early Schechter days – “Raconteurs” (click here to see “Raconteurs”). Throughout the video we learn the fascinating history about our school from the perspective of these alumni parents who open their hearts and share their experiences, stories and memories. Visionaries and leaders in every sense of the word choosing a Jewish day school education for their children – our school, Schechter Queens.
All were involved in the PTA when their children attended Schechter - some PTA presidents, many very hands-on for volunteering particularly helping with schools performances, chaperoning trips and being there when needed. Special thanks to the PTA under the leadership of co-presidents, Janice Bigler-Lisch and Taline Kozuch for sponsoring this project.
As an added bonus, Rabbi Alex Kaplan, the first principal at Schechter Queens was interviewed in Israel by alumna, Rachel Trager (‘00).
It has been my absolute joy being part of this project and sharing precious memories with these wonderful alumni parents.
Coupled with the excitement and emotional surge of presenting this video there was a reunion for the classes of ’63-’69. The suggestion came from Debby Danis and Naomi Danis to invite the early classes back to Schechter for an afternoon of reminiscing and reconnection. We gathered in the library for a delicious brunch, mingled and took many pictures. A moment of silence was observed for several classmates that sadly passed away.
Later we settled in the gym for the premiere of “Raconteurs” – our Schechter Legacy video. All watched with interest and it was so quiet in the room you could hear a pin drop.
Everyone that attended was glad to connect back to each other and to Schechter. Many commented that this is a day they will always remember.
To the many alumni who were not able to join us, we missed you.
Thank you to the people interviewed and to our alumni for attending. Stay connected to each other and to Schechter Queens. It was my honor working on this event and getting to know you all and I look forward to having our paths cross in the future.
Enjoy the upcoming holiday season with love and light,
Naomi
We Need Your Contact Information
Please complete the Contact Form online. Help us update our database and re-connect.
Alumni on the Move
Send your memories, ideas, notes and updates throughout the year--any time the muse strikes--to: [email protected]
Scoop - Alumni Corner
Be sure to check out issues of Scoop filled with school stories, Alumni Spotlights about some of our most inspiring alumni, along with class notes, announcements, and other information designed to keep you engaged and connected. Visit sssq.org and select the Our Community tab to read the Scoop.
Please complete the Contact Form online. Help us update our database and re-connect.
Alumni on the Move
Send your memories, ideas, notes and updates throughout the year--any time the muse strikes--to: [email protected]
Scoop - Alumni Corner
Be sure to check out issues of Scoop filled with school stories, Alumni Spotlights about some of our most inspiring alumni, along with class notes, announcements, and other information designed to keep you engaged and connected. Visit sssq.org and select the Our Community tab to read the Scoop.
Class Reunions
We will be glad to help any members of any alumni class who are interested in planning a reunion. Please contact Naomi at: [email protected] or 718-591-9800 ext. 323 for more information.
Alumni Donations
Your support guarantees continued excellence in education today, and ensures a vibrant future. Please consider making an online donation to Schechter Queens by clicking here or sending a check made payable to: “SSSQ” and mail to:
We will be glad to help any members of any alumni class who are interested in planning a reunion. Please contact Naomi at: [email protected] or 718-591-9800 ext. 323 for more information.
Alumni Donations
Your support guarantees continued excellence in education today, and ensures a vibrant future. Please consider making an online donation to Schechter Queens by clicking here or sending a check made payable to: “SSSQ” and mail to:
Naomi R. Horowitz, Alumni Coordinator
Solomon Schechter School of Queens
76-16 Parsons Blvd.
Flushing, NY 11366
For more information about charitable giving, kindly contact Naomi R. Horowitz, Alumni Coordinator, at [email protected].
It's Nice When Alumni Connect ...
"This morning, I returned to Schechter Queens I believe for the first time since I graduated in 1986 to watch as my nephew, Max ('15) put on his tefillin on the occasion of becoming a Bar Mitzvah. Together with my brother Ron ('84), his wife, Michelle, my nieces Zoe, a current SSSQ 5th grader and Alexa we celebrated this milestone in Max's life."
- David Amram ('86), father of three daughters all attending SSLI, in grades 4, 3 and 1.
Reunion
Reunion - Class 2008 and Class 2012
Congratulations!
You are invited back to SSSQ to see your friends and celebrate your college and high school graduations. Hope you can attend !
Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Place: SSSQ Library
RSVP as soon as possible to:
[email protected]
SSSQ Trivia
Q.
1963 was the year of the first graduating class.
Do you know where graduation took place?
1963 was the year of the first graduating class.
Do you know where graduation took place?
A. 1963 graduation occurred at the original home of the SSSQ - The Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd, Rego Park. Rabbi Josiah Darby, one of the original founders of the school, was the Rabbi at the Center. His son, Lavey Jay, was in the class of '64 - my class. - Stew Brenner '64
Q. The Year is 1961. Who am I?
Q. The Year is 1961. Who am I?
A. Let us know who you think
Interns Wanted
The Solomon Schechter School of Queens is seeking qualified alumni for internship positions. The interns will work with the Alumni Relations Coordinator to increase the alumni database and connect to alumni. Below is a description of the job:
Interns must have the following:
- good organization skills
- strong web research skills
- experience with social networking sites (Facebook and Linked-In)
- Commitment of 20 hours
- Days and times will be determined
- Position is unpaid, you will receive a letter from the school to verify your time
If you are interested, please contact
Spotlight on Alumni
Naomi Danis ('64) has been writing and submitting her stories for kids for about 35 years. She is the managing editor of Lilith magazine where she began working in 1988. Her two most recent picture books for young kids are, While Grandpa Naps and I Hate Everyone. Click here to read Naomi's interview and for more information, visit her website at:
Leslie Lobel (’70) z'l, emigrated from New York to Israel in 2002 with an MD degree and doctorate in virology from Columbia University. Dr. Lobel was a Professor at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and a world-recognized virologist who researched a cure for hemorrhagic fever viruses, including Ebola.
Dr. Lobel z’l expressed his sentiment about our school ... "Solomon Schechter was a very special part of my life and I hope it continues to foster inspiration and wonder in its students".
View a video about Dr. Lobel’s work with Ebola by clicking the link: http://youtu.be/TKQEz3XCvpE
Ivan Menchell ('74) writer/producer whose Broadway credits include Bonnie & Clyde (book), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (additional material), and The Cemetery Club. Click here to read more about him.
Daniel Levy (’80) curator and founder of The Museum of Interesting Things a traveling interactive demonstration/exhibition of antiques and inventions that goes to schools and events and inspires kids and adults to be curious and to tinker by clicking here.
Amy Blumenfeld ('88) a graduate of Barnard College and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism received the James A. Wechsler Award for National Reporting. In 2018, Amy published her first novel, The Cast. Click here to read more about Amy and visit her website at:
Tevi Troy (’92) President of the American Health Policy Institute and former Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services and contributor to Commentary shares his thoughts on Tu B’Shvat. Please click here to read his article.
Eric Benaim (’93) who switched careers from an event production and marketing company to Real Estate and has been recognized by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg as one of 40 under 40 Queens Rising Stars and later, recognized by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz as one of 40 under 40 Brooklyn Rising Stars. Eric was the first person to be awarded the honor in both boroughs. Click here to read more about him.
Nily Rozic ('00) New York's 25th District Assemblywoman representing neighborhoods in northeast Queens, including Flushing, Queensboro Hill, Hillcrest, Fresh Meadows, Oakland Gardens, Bayside and Douglaston. Click here to read more about her.
Rebecca Seidel ('07) since graduating from Schechter Queens, Rebecca continued her studies at Wesleyan University, where she helped run their local radio station WESU Middletown and hosted her own on-air show. She worked as a podcast producer at SiriusXM and currently is a podcast producer at Marvel. Click here to read Rebecca's interview and for more information, visit her website: http://rebecca-hope-seidel.com/
Hannah Kober ('07) Wexner Fellow/Davidson Scholar. Hannah is going to be attending Stanford University for a Ph.D in Educational Linguistics with a concentration in Jewish Studies, a four year program organized by the Wexner Foundation.
David Glickman ('15) is a freshman at Cornell University and was interviewed by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. David was very active in the Jewish Community as a high school student and he plans to join the Jewish community at Cornell. Click here to read David's interview and learn what impact Schechter Queens had on shaping his Jewish identity.
Our Annual Campaign
Every Jewish child deserves a Jewish education. The Annual Campaign is part of our largest, most important fundraising effort to provide current and future students with the very best secular and Jewish education.
The unrestricted funds raised through this campaign help us balance the budget, deliver new, cutting-edge technology to the classroom, engage our faculty in professional development activities, and provide enrichment opportunities for our students.
The Annual Campaign reaches out to all Board Members, current and past parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to help us achieve our goal: Jewish Life for Jewish Children.
The unrestricted funds raised through this campaign help us balance the budget, deliver new, cutting-edge technology to the classroom, engage our faculty in professional development activities, and provide enrichment opportunities for our students.
The Annual Campaign reaches out to all Board Members, current and past parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to help us achieve our goal: Jewish Life for Jewish Children.