Alumni Newsletter 2013
Greetings SSSQ Alumni
Welcome to our Alumni Newsletter
This year, I had the pleasure and privilege of working on Schechter’s Legacy, a very special video featuring interviews with alumni parents from as far back as the early 1960s. At the outset — and on behalf of our school, I want to express deepest gratitude to the PTA for sponsoring this meaningful project. It is most fitting that the PTA assumed a leadership role in facilitating the film, since many of those featured were the school’s earliest PTA members. In essence, they were the matriarchs and patriarchs who had the vision to send their children to a Conservative Jewish day school – the only one in Queens and the first Schechter in the country.
In so many ways, they left their positive imprint on the school in the years that followed. While some were PTA presidents, all were active, visible volunteers, who lent a helpful hand to make school performances, school trips and holiday celebrations both seamless and joyous.
Today’s PTA continues to uphold the legacy of caring, commitment and involvement that our founding parents established more than a half-century ago. Thanks to the dedication of our PTA presidents, Taline Kozuch and Janice Bigler-Lisch and the generosity of our PTA, eight interviews have been taped, including the reflections of Rabbi Alex Kaplan, the first principal of Schechter Queens. Significantly, too, Rachel Trager Sales, class of 2000 and the daughter of a past PTA president, had the honor of interviewing Rabbi Kaplan in Israel.
The legacy video has not only been a delightful journey for me but for all those who participated in it. Again and again, participants expressed their happiness in reconnecting to Schechter and in recalling the life-enriching memories it has given them.
And now, it is my pleasure to invite all participants, their families, alumni and active past and current PTA parents to relive Schechter’s extraordinary history. Please join us at the film’s premiere, which takes place at Schechter on Sunday, October 6, 2013, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Refreshments will follow the film.
It’s a can’t-miss event for meeting, mingling and remembering.
Wishing a beautiful summer filled with joy, light and wonderful memories to all and Shana Tova!
All my best,
Naomi
MAKING A DIFFERENCE 2013
- Schechter’s Hebrew Language Enhancement Program enters its fourth year, thanks to the generosity of Norton Spiel, alumni parent and grandparent. In addition to curriculum enhancement, teacher training and equipment purchases, his support has provided for the first of a series of printed Hebrew stories, written and illustrated by our students and available in our library and classrooms. Mr. Spiel’s gift has also included Hebrew language assessment tools.
- Our first Hebrew language modern play was written, directed and produced through funds made available by the Spiel Hebrew Language Enhancement Program and was performed by our fifth graders (above).
- Schechter Queens was one of 20 schools throughout the country to receive a grant from Avi Chai to participate in the “Social Media Bootcamp” which provided us with the fundamentals to use social media to promote the school and engage the community.
- SSSQ was successful in obtaining a maximum matching grant of $10,000 from Avi Chai as part of the Social Media Bootcamp.
Like us on Facebook and see how SSSQ has grown.
Please support your cherished alma mater to secure a bright Jewish future for our students. You can make a pivotal difference and leave your positive signature on so many lives.
For more information about ways to give, please contact Naomi R. Horowitz, alumni coordinator at: [email protected] or (718) 591-9800 x323.
Thank you and please stay in touch!
GRADUATION 2013
On June 13th, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic ('00), (D, WF-Fresh Meadows) awarded Solomon Schechter School of Queens eighth grade graduate, Jacob Bass, the Dugma Lemofet Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements. Nily, a proud alumna of Schechter Queens, urged graduates to continue the school's legacy by becoming leaders for their community.
Ofier Sigal, Middle School Coordinator, added "if you look up the word mensch in the dictionary you will see Jacob’s picture. Not only is he a caring, helpful and a good friend, Jacob strived to always keep his head on academics. Always respectful to adults and peers, he acted the role model to his classmates .”
We are grateful to Nily for staying connected to Schechter and wish a warm Mazal Tov to Jacob Bass and his family.
CONNECTING BACK TO SCHECHTER
Gary Rozman ('89)
“I was thrilled to take part in a recent Schechter field trip...several fifth grade classes visited the Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows, where I work, and I had the privilege of showcasing some of the park's hidden gems, like Yitzhak Rabin Walk, World's Fair-era sculpture, and the flora and fauna that make their home here. I fondly recall my field trips as a student, and it was a great feeling to give back and help a new generation forge their own memories.”
- Gary Rozman
“On Monday, April 22, 2013, the fifth grade went to the Hall of Science in Queens. When we got there we went to Life on Earth where we saw a real Mars Rock! Later, we went to Lab Two with Antonio, where we looked at organisms in water under a microscope. Later on, we went on a walk with Gary Rozman, an SSSQ graduate. We learned about how the park is kept clean, and the history of Flushing Meadows Park. We took pictures with the Metal Earth on Yitzhak Rabin Street. After the walk we stopped by the gift shop to buy some souvenirs. We all had a great time.”
Shelly S. (5A)
“On our trip to the Hall of Science I learned a lot and discovered what I didn’t expect to. When we got to the Hall of Science, we were eager to begin, but we had to wait a few minutes for the teachers to check in. We looked at some little cool things from Mars. Then, after we checked in we started our tour. We went to a lab and did several activities. Next, we switched with the other class and went on the nature tour. The tour guide, Gary Rozman, attended our school, when he was young. He explained a lot about Earth Day and the importance of plants and the earth. I loved my learning experience at the Hall of Science and can’t wait to go on the next trip.”
Ronni D. (5A)
Rebecca Foerster ('75)
Rebecca Foerster ('75), US Vice President/Manager for Rio Tinto Diamonds spoke to a group of alumni on May 7th, from her conference room, giving advice on how to:
• market yourself for the business world
• implement social media and techniques for better networking
• adjust yourself to changes and new experiences in the workplace
• create helpful strategies for business success
• implement social media and techniques for better networking
• adjust yourself to changes and new experiences in the workplace
• create helpful strategies for business success
A group of alumni from various classes, Trustees and alumni parents attended and had the opportunity to share ideas and ask questions. Rebecca generously provided a sushi dinner for the group.
This is a great beginning to what can evolve into many more informative programs with the help of our esteemed alumni. If you are interested in more of these programs or would like to participate on a panel as a speaker, please contact Naomi at [email protected].
“It was a very rewarding experience to have a casual evening with some of the Schechter Alumni and Board members talking about careers, succeeding in all aspects of one’s life and hearing about their positive experience and memories from their years at Solomon Schechter. It is clear that everyone is looking to belong to a group that has relevance and the attendees indicated that they would be open to more of these types of evenings and events where they can connect with peers and share their experiences.”
-Rebecca Foerster
A warm thank you to Rebecca for facilitating this first-time event for Schechter Queens alumni. I look forward to working together in the future.
Gil Troy ('74)
Gil Troy ('74) is an American presidential historian and a Zionist activist. He has written two books on related subjects: Moynihan's Moment: America's Fight Against Zionism as Racism and Why I am a Zionist: Israel, Jewish Identity and the Challenges of Today. At a recent book signing, he met with Naomi R. Horowitz, our Alumni Coordinator, and reflected on how his SSSQ experience helped prepare him for life.Read more about Gil by clicking here
SCHECHTER CELEBRATES
(The Kogan Family - above)
SSSQ Gala Dinner - March 11, 2012
The Solomon Schecter School of Queens Gala
Honoring
Rabbi Manes and Silvia Kogan
Community Leaders and Active Parents
Rise Steinberg Fogel
Devoted Faculty Member
Special Award Presentation to
Norton Spiel
Debra and Gary Weil
(Rise and Mordecai Fogel - above)
(The Weil Family - above)
(The Spiel Family - above)
(Rabbi Wise and Judy Krinitz pictured with Ed and Gila Ward)
SSSQ Brunch - December 2, 2012
Honoring
Rabbi David Wise and Judith Krinitz
Community Leaders and Active Parents
Steffany Perlman
Teacher of the Year
Michael Abrams and Lisa Lazerson
Amir and Denise Ben-Haim
Edward and Mayet Brandwein
Kehillah Award Recipients
(Steffany Perlman and Mr. Naparstek - above)
(The Abrams Family - above)
(Denise and Amir Ben-Haim pictured with Rabbi Manes and
Silvia Kogan- above)
(Mayet and Ed Brandwein pictured with Ellen and
Alan Wasserman- above)
CONGRATULATIONS
Mazal Tov to SSSQ alumni on their elections to the H2I USY Chapter Board:
Ilan Kogan ('13) - Religion/Education Vice President
Jordana Wise ('12) - Israel Affairs Vice President
Jordana Wise ('12) - Israel Affairs Vice President
(Jacob Wasserman and Tomer Langer - above)
(Joseph Glickman - above)
Mazal Tov to SSSQ alumni on their elections to the USY Kiryah Divisional Board 2013-2014:
Jacob Wasserman ('10) - METNY USY Regional President 2013-2014
Tomer Langer ('10) - President
Jordan Brandwein ('10) - Israel Affairs VP
Joseph Glickman ('12) - Social Actions/Tikun Olam VP
Guy Langer ('10) - Religious Education VP
Joseph Glickman ('12) - Social Actions/Tikun Olam VP
Guy Langer ('10) - Religious Education VP
Jennifer Reich Modlinger ('89) - Joseph Reich ('91)
Congratulations to Jennifer Modlinger Reich (‘89) and Joseph Reich (‘91) for being chosen by the Hollis Hills Jewish Center to be the recipients of the Frank Strassfeld Heritage Award at the March 2013 Gala.
Frank Strassfeld served as the Shammesfor the synagogue for 48 years preparing hundreds of Bnai Mitzvot, running daily minyan, reading Torah and showering the members of the community with love.
This award is given to children of Hollis Hills Jewish Center members who grew up in the community and who embody Frank’s commitment to serving Jewish ritual and communal life – in other words, his 'Bubalahs’
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Nily Rozic ('00)
Nily graduated from Townsend Harris High School and New York University. This past November, Nily was elected to the 25th Assembly District, representing neighborhoods in northeast Queens including Flushing, Queensboro Hill, Hillcrest, Fresh Meadows, Oakland Gardens, Bayside and Douglaston.
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Nily served as Chief of Staff to Assembly member Brian Kavanagh. She is also active in her community, serving on Community Board 8 as a member of the Transportation, Land Use and Education Committees, and a board member of the Townsend Harris HS Alumni Association.
Hillel Skolnik ('97)
After graduating Schechter Queens and then SSHSLI (as it was known back then), Hillel went to Israel for a year on the Nativ Leadership program through United Synagogue Youth. After a great year in Israel he started school at Brandeis University where he met his wife Sharon (they were married in June 2006). After finishing Brandeis in 2006, Hillel started Rabbinical studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary in Manhattan. Their daughter Dafna was born in 2009 and Hillel was ordained in May, 2011. The three of them moved to Orlando, FL where Hillel is the rabbi of the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation and where their son, Liav, was born in September 2011.
Gary Rozman ('89)
Gary attended SSSQ until the fourth grade. He went to Russell Sage Junior High School, and then The Bronx High School of Science. Gary attended the College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY and earned his B.A. from City College. He taught junior high school science for several years before joining the City of New Department of Parks and Recreation as an Urban Park Ranger in 2000. He has worked for Parks ever since, in a variety of capacities and currently teaches full time at their in-house professional development division, the Parks Academy in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. In May he married Dr. Terry Luma and they live with their Basset hound Rufus in Rego Park, Queens.
David Amram ('86)
David attended The Bronx High School of Science after graduating from Schechter Queens. He then graduated from SUNY Binghamton in 1994 and Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1998. He attended Montefiore Medical Center for Orthodontic Training in 2001. David is currently an orthodontist with two practices, one in Medford, NY and the other in Port Jefferson, LI. He and his wife have three daughters who are students at Schechter Long Island.
Alex Twersky ('85)
Alex attended Ramaz High School ’89 after Schechter and continued his education at New York University’s Stern School of Business 1993. He considers himself a “student of life” learning something every day. Alex works as an independent film producer and will be shooting his third feature film early next year. He also works as a marketing and branding consultant for a wide range of businesses, specializing in social media strategy, product launch and new market development. Alex keeps in touch with some of his classmates and resides in downtown Brooklyn.
Shoshanna Malett ('77)
Shoshanna attended Hillcrest High School and then Queens
College where she received a B.A. in psychology. She later continued at CUNY Law School and received her J.D. Shoshanna attended Washington College of Law at the American University, receiving her L.L.M. in international human rights and environmental law in 1994. She worked as a Dean's Fellow at the International Human Rights Law Clinic and was Co-Founder and editor of the Center for International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law's journal "In Brief".
College where she received a B.A. in psychology. She later continued at CUNY Law School and received her J.D. Shoshanna attended Washington College of Law at the American University, receiving her L.L.M. in international human rights and environmental law in 1994. She worked as a Dean's Fellow at the International Human Rights Law Clinic and was Co-Founder and editor of the Center for International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law's journal "In Brief".
Shoshanna has more than 20 years of experience practicing immigration
law and is a published author of legal immigration works. She has
traveled to Africa and South America to work on issues involving international human rights and the environment and served as a Federal Asylum Officer for nine years (1997-2006). She has been cited as an expert on asylum issues and has published many articles, given lectures, trainings and performed community outreach. She has practiced immigration law privately from 2006 to present and is currently working part time, flexible hours while raising her two children.
law and is a published author of legal immigration works. She has
traveled to Africa and South America to work on issues involving international human rights and the environment and served as a Federal Asylum Officer for nine years (1997-2006). She has been cited as an expert on asylum issues and has published many articles, given lectures, trainings and performed community outreach. She has practiced immigration law privately from 2006 to present and is currently working part time, flexible hours while raising her two children.
Shoshanna has been married to Peter Cleary for 15 years and they have two wonderful children. Sophie Estefany is nine and in the fourth grade and Noah Morris who celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in January 2012. Robin Gossett was one of Noah's Hebrew school teachers (and Robin's mother was Shoshanna's sixth grade teacher at Schechter).
Dancing with Shoshanna at Noah's Bar Mitzvah were her Solomon Schechter friends, Jill Weinstock-Ames and Suzanne Ajzenberg-Spizz as well as parents of many other of her Solomon Schechter school friends. "We really were one happy family. Last July, I spent time with Liz
Soloway-Snider in Amsterdam. We went to the Anne Frank house and spoke a lot about learning of it in Solomon Schechter together."
Jonathan Turetsky D.V.M. ('70)
Jonathan graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. He received his B.S. in agriculture and life sciences from Cornell University. He is a veterinarian and works at The Veterinary Clinic of East Hampton. Jonathan and his wife Wendy live in Westhampton Beach. Their daughter Laura and son Zev both live in Queens. Jonathan was named Veterinarian of the Year by the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitators Council.
Leslie Dach ('67)
“I still think fondly of my time at Solomon Schechter even though more than 40 years have passed. After attending my local public high school, I went to Yale and studied neurobiology and five years later got an M.P.A. from Harvard. My career has had three main components – environmental advocacy, democratic politics, and communications consulting. I’ve worked at the Environmental Defense Fund and the Audubon Society, and have served on the board of different national environmental organizations for the last twenty years. I’ve worked in a senior capacity in seven democratic presidential campaigns and spent a chunk of time in the Clinton White House. For the last six years, I’ve been on the management committee of Walmart, responsible for designing and managing initiatives such as a 2 billion dollar commitment to fight hunger in the US; partnering with First Lady Michelle Obama to take sugar, salt and transfat out of food; overseeing a foundation that donated $953 million in cash and in kind contributions last year; and turning Walmart into the largest commercial generator of renewable energy in America.
"I’ve been happily married to Mary Dickie for 29 years and have two children. Eliza is 17 and graduating from high school this year. Jonny is 26 and in his third year at Yale Law School. He graduated from Yale College in 2008, and has done advance for candidate and President Obama over the last four years as well. I’ve lived in Washington, DC for the last 36 years. My mom still lives in the house in Queens I lived in while attending Schechter”.
- Leslie Dach
Moshe Ruza ('64)
Moshe went to CW Post for one year where he studied manufacturing. He also attended the New York Military Academy. He owned a resort in the Caribbean for 14 years – Bonaire, Aruba. Moshe traveled the world selling environmental products. He has two daughters Sara and Naomi and seven grandchildren. Moshe is the owner of The Chosen Bean[email protected] and currently lives in Florida.
CLASS NOTES
Reuben Weisfeld ('03) is a second year law student at the Benjamin N. Cardozo Law School at Yeshiva University. While attending Syracuse University Reuben co-founded two start-up companies, Check It! a mobile coat check and VenueSpy an advertising agency giving live streaming views into local nightlife in the Syracuse area.
Adam Fusfeld ('02), since graduating Northwestern University in 2010 has covered sports and technology for Business Insider and real estate for The Real Deal, a New York City real estate trade publication. In October 2012, he joined the staff of Newsday.com as an Internet news manager.
Larissa Marco ('00) studied Economics at Washington University in St. Louis and then worked at Deloitte Consulting in the Strategy and Operations group. After leaving Deloitte, she spent a year in Israel on a Masaprogram called Career Israel and worked at MATIMOP – The Israeli Industry Center for R&D. She is now in her first year at Harvard Business School and enjoying the experience very much.
Monica Herman (née Goldenberg) ('99) (above) graduated from the Solomon Schechter High School of Long Island and is an alumna of Ithaca College. Monica is currently the Digital Media Manager for Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, working at Hillel International's headquarters in Washington, DC. Previously, she worked for the international communications firm Fleishman-Hillard in their NY and DC offices. Monica married Scott Herman in October 2011. They reside in Rockville, Maryland, where they are new homeowners.
Congratulations to Jamie Sackett ('99) and Ashley Marks on their engagement. An August wedding is planned.
Lyvia Larish ('98) (above) attended The Bronx High School of Science after graduating from Schechter Queens. She later received her B.S. in psychobiology from Binghamton University and went on to study at Albert Einstein College of Medicine (M.D.). Lyvia is currently a senior pediatric resident at New York Presbyterian – Weill Cornell. She and her husband Yaniv live in New York and have a beautiful little girl Yael who is one. Lyvia’s class was very close and hopes to have a reunion one day – maybe a 15th year!
Daniel Schidlowsky ('98)attended Francis Lewis High School and graduated in 2002. He received a degree in philosophy from Queens College in 2008. Daniel has worked with severely and persistently mentally ill older adults as a case manager through August 2011. He is currently in his second year of a Masters of Social Work program at Hunter College.
Mark Weiss ('97) graduated from Queens College with a B.A. in English/secondary education and then continued at Queens College receiving his M.S. in education (grades 7-12). He is currently attending Touro College Extension in Special Education.
Eric Schwartz ('96) and Kaitlin Schwartz got engaged this past October and were married in June. Eric is working as a project manager, he is continuing tradition as the 3rd generation in the family metal door manufacturing business. Kaitlin a graduate of Schechter Long Island High School is working as a paraprofessional.
Chanan Golub ('95)attended George Washington University in Washington, DC class of 2003. He is currently a senior accountant with Citigroup. Chanan and his wife Sivia welcomed their first child Zev Aviv who was born January 2012.
Joey Regen ('94) and his wife Amy had a baby boy born May 22. His name is Daniel (above). Brother Ben is thrilled to be a big brother.
Sophie Oberfield ('93) graduated from Hunter College High School in 1997, and Yale University in 2001 with a degree in literature. She volunteered with the SCA AmeriCorps program in Massachusetts, and then started teaching. She taught Rabbinics at the Solomon Schechter Middle School in Glen Cove, and then moved to the NYC public system. She taught English at the High School for Environmental Studies for four years, and since 2008 has been teaching English at Stuyvesant High School. Sophie completed an M.A. in theatre at Hunter College in 2011.
Orly Sonnenklar ('93) after her graduation from Solomon Schechter, and Forest Hills High School, Orly earned her A.A.S. degree and her degree in paralegal studies from Nassau Community College. Over the years she has worked in law firms on Long Island and for the past six years she has been working at a firm on Fifth Avenue in Midtown. Orly has a friend, who is a lawyer that does a lot of pro-bono work for immigrants. She has done some work with her and also volunteered for organizations like Dorot.
Marissa Malett Rodriguez ('91)(above) attended Mamaroneck High School after graduating from Schechter Queens. She received her B.A. and M.A. in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Marissa lives in Westchester with her husband Ray and WONDERFUL son Ethan Lewis. She works as Director of Criminal Justice at Family Services in Westchester.
Jessica Sorensen ('91) currently lives in North Bellmore, Long Island, and teaches first grade in South Ozone Park, Queens. She attended Townsend Harris High School, St. John’s University and Queens College. Jessica has two children 7 and 5 and is still in contact with many of her Schechter Queens friends.
Daniel Reinkopf ('90) is currently living in Miami, FL. After 10 years with Marriott International, he decided to join the team at ConferenceDirect in 2011. When not spending his days helping clients plan and execute a conference or convention, he is either working on the build-out of his apartment, spending time with friends and family, or just enjoying the South Florida weather.
Amy Somlo Oldis ('89) received her B.F.A. from Hartford Art School and is currently living in Port Washington, NY.
Victor Orly ('86) (sbove) attended Schechter Queens through sixth grade, when he moved to Rockland County. He graduated from Tappan Zee High School in Orangeburg, NY in 1990 and then pursued his degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in 1994. Victor runs a full-service IT consulting business and has lived in Los Angeles since 1990.
Ori Peled ('86) attended the Kew-Forest School in Forest Hills. He graduated from SUNY Albany with an undergraduate degree in business. Ori received his M.B.A. from New York University and currently works for Mastercard Advisors. He is married with three boys ages 8, 6 and 3. Ori and his wife Erica currently reside in Livingston, New Jersey.
Felix Reznick ('86) attended Stuyvesant High School and graduated in 1990. He continued his education at New York University's Stern School of Business 1994 and later received his law degree from Boston College in 1998. Felix runs a corporate/real estate/international boutique law firm in New York.
Bobby Partial ('84) attended Forest Hills High School. He received a degree in business from Temple University. Bobby designs, manufactures and sells hand made carpets at Marc Phillips Decorative Rugs.
Andy Colman ('82) attended Jamaica High School then went to Israel from 1986-1987. He graduated SUNY Albany in 1991. Andy and his wife Ariella live in New Rochelle and have two children Zoe 12 and Elias 10.
Mark Intrator ('80) attended Yeshiva High School of Queens, continued his education at Queens College then SUNY Stony Brook University, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. He attended New York University’s Stern Business School part time and got his M.B.A. in finance. Marc recently went out on his own and started Evergreen Education Partners a consulting firm to advise K-12 private schools on technology solutions for education, back office (academic and administrative) and in the classroom. Marc and his wife Deena live in Woodmere, New York.
Beverly Greenfield ('81) attended Hunter College High School and graduated from Wesleyan University majoring in American Studies. She is currently PR Director at the 92nd Street Y in New York City.
Billy Zeidel ('80) lives in Weston, Florida in the Ft. Lauderdale area. He attended SUNY Oneonta. Billy is vice president of sales and partner of Vision Street Publishing - a children’s book publishing company. He has two amazing daughters Brittany and Alex.
Diane Grosz Gelman, ('77) attended The Bronx High School of Science ('81), The Wharton School, Univ. of PA ('85) and Columbia Business School ('92). She has two children, lives in Montclair, NJ and recently got married to Michael Lichtenstein of Montville, New Jersey.
Mitch Askenas ('75) is living in Southern California, traveling the world for business, enjoying the sun and surf!
Vicki Goldsmith ('76) moved from New York to New Mexico in 2010. She has been doing medical billing since 2004 and was lucky to be able to keep her job even after moving to the Southwest.
Shana Kaplan ('76) after leaving Schechter when her family moved, Shana enrolled in day school and Yeshiva, and went to SUNY and Parsons for college and graduate school. She has had careers in the fine arts and pharmaceuticals, and is now married with one child.
Rebecca Foerster('75) attended The Bronx High School of Science upon graduation from Schechter. She later graduated from Pace University where she received her undergraduate degree and M.B.A. After many years in various positions in the luxury goods industry, she now is US Vice President for Rio Tinto Diamonds. Rebecca has a 25 year old daughter Rachel.
Steve Goldstein ('70) (above) attended Cardozo for High School, Brandeis University and then New York University for law school. Steve works at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. He is married to Marlene Noveck, and they have three kids -- Eliana, Yoni and Matthew.
Yvonne Bokour ('69) attended The Highland School for high school and Connecticut College. Her studies continued at the Sarah Lawrence Health Advocacy Program for graduate school. She is the founder of Sweet Water Health Advocates, LLC whose mission is to help patients face health challenges and professionals promote health causes.
Click here for the website. Yvonne lives in Westport, Connecticut.
Gila Schafler Brand ('67) made aliyah at 18, studied literature and translation at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She married an Israeli engineer and has four children (three boys and a girl). Gila shared this sentiment … “I never thought I would say this (not being a great fan of school in my younger days) but everything I learned at Solomon Schechter has helped me be what I am today. In my work as a Hebrew-English translator for close to four decades, all that seemingly useless stuff, stored away in the recesses of my brain, has been dredged up daily and proven its worth, over and over”.
Mona Kremin ('67) attended Queens College and New York University for graduate school. She is the director of sales for Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate in the Great Neck office. She is married to Daniel and they live in East Meadow. Mona’s daughter Robyn and son Adam are both engaged
PTA SPRING DINNER
The SSSQ family joined in celebration at the Hillcrest Jewish Center on Tuesday, June 4th for the PTA Spring Dinner honoring the outgoing PTA Presidents, Galit Kofman and Veronica Lurvey, Outgoing PTA past Presidents, Janice Bigler, Karen Chazan, Robert Lisch and active outgoing eighth grade parents, Steven Pezenik ('ZL), Lisa Mattaway and Deborah Ball-Witlin. It was a wonderful evening spent with good food and good friends!
ALUMNI PHOTOS
Alumni Council – Update:
Thank you to the members of the Alumni Council for their input and support during this year. Alumni and alumni parent contributions to the annual campaign reached $10,250. You can still contribute to the campaign by clicking here.
Save the Date - premiere of the Schechter Legacy Video will take place at Schechter on Sunday, October 6, 2013 - 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please mark your calendars!
Interested in Joining the Alumni Council …
- Interested in leadership roles?
- Want to get involved with reaching out to old friends?
- Interested in helping the Schechter Queens family grow
- Want to boost your resume?
Apply to join the SSSQ Alumni Council!
(You don't even have to live locally!)
SSSQ Alumni Council's Purpose:
- To support and advance SSSQ’s alumni efforts and keep alumni connected and engaged.
- To offer its support in an effort to preserve and promote a lasting relationship between current SSSQ students, staff, families, alumni, alumni families, and the community at large.
- The Alumni Council will be responsible for facilitating social programs, networking opportunities, and any other occasions that relate to connecting alumni and Schechter.
For more information:
Contact: Naomi R. Horowitz
Alumni Coordinator
Alumni Coordinator
(718) 591-9800 x 323
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH SCHECHTER QUEENS
As a Schechter Queens alum, your input is invaluable, and we want to keep in touch with you! If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to provide us with your updated contact information.
Want to be featured in an upcoming Alumni Newsletter, on our website/portal, or in other SSSQ marketing materials? Share an essay or blog, submit photos, or simply tell us what you've been doing since your graduation.
All submissions should be sent to [email protected] and should be accompanied by:
- Your name (please also include your maiden name, if applicable)
- Email address and phone number
- Address
- Year you graduated
Tell us your News
Are you :
- Getting married?
- New Parents?
- Have a baby?
- Getting promoted?
- Relocating?
email us at [email protected].
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