Community Magazine July 2014

Yeshiva of Flatbush Andrew Hersh Hebrew Valedictorian Andrew Hersh is a passionate student leader who will be attending Princeton University. As yearbook editor- in-chief, Andrew helped coordinate student involvement to create a book containing memories to last a lifetime. As Israel Activism commissioner, Andrew led multiple lobbying missions to Washington, D.C. and increased the students’ political engagement with their Congressional representatives. He is excited for new opportunities that await him. Andrew said, “We can each achieve inner growth and discover greatness within us all through the wisdom and guidance of the Torah. Just as it only takes one candle to light up a dark room, it only takes one person to make a difference. We must become the architects of our future, and continue to persevere even through the toughest challenges.” Rosh HaYeshivah, Head of School, Rabbi Raymond Harari said, “Andrew Hersh is an outstanding student. Accepted to Princeton University, academics are just part of Andrew’s story. He is a true ben Torah , with unassuming modesty and a willingness to help others. He heads the Israel Activism commission and expanded its advocacy programs. Editor-in-chief of the yearbook and participant in many activities, Andrew is a valued student leader.” Raizy Cohen English Valedictorian Raizy Cohen plans to spend the 2014-2015 school year studying in Midreshet Lindenbaum in Jerusalem. When she returns from Israel, Raizy intends onmatriculating in the Polytechnic Institute of New York University where she will pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. Immediately following college, Raizy intends to make aliyah. Raizy said, “It’s my honor to serve as this year’s valedictorian of the Yeshivah of Flatbush. While I’ve benefited academically, what is most important is that I made lifelong friends and got involved with programs such as Yachad and Witness Theater, which I believe have helped me improve on a personal level.” “Raizy Cohen is a brilliant student, intensely interested in learning,” said Rosh HaYeshivah, Head of School, Rabbi Raymond Harari. “She energizes the academic atmosphere in the classroom, yet is always ready to help her peers understand the material being taught. Passionate about her commitments, Raizy is a school leader with significant contributions to activities, from yearbook editor-in-chief to working with Holocaust survivors in Witness Theater to academic teams, hesed programs and Israel Activism. Raizy makes her mark in whatever she does.” Rachel Linfield English Salutatorian Rachel served as secretary of the Student Government and co-captain of Girls’ Varsity basketball. As a result of her experiences working with elderly patients, Rachel hopes to be a practicing geriatrician. After studying next year in Israel, Rachel will be attending Princeton. Rachel said, “Our Flatbush education emphasizes tzelem Elokim : every human is created in the Divine Image and deserves respect. I want to empower older patients to have a driving voice in their care. Medical information on a chart is not enough to enhance independence and quality of life.” Rosh HaYeshivah, Head of School, Rabbi Raymond Harari said, “Rachel came to the Yeshivah as a junior, but it seems as if she has been here since birth. She established herself as a role model for leadership potential, emotional maturity and intellectual capacity. Her many academic strengths, warm and caring personality, impeccable integrity and genuine modesty have endeared her to faculty and students alike.” Isaac Dayan Hebrew Salutatorian Isaac Dayan will be continuing his Jewish education at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel and will then attend the University of Pennsylvania. When not involvedwith academics or activities, Isaac practices martial arts and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Isaac stated, “I have always wanted to be a leader. As a student in Flatbush, my Jewish identity flourished. Celebratory programs for every holiday on the Hebrew calendar and the Heritage trip to Poland, for example, gave me a sense of responsibility as a Jew. I now aspire to use my talents to provide leadership in the Jewish world.” Rosh HaYeshivah, Head of School, Rabbi Raymond Harari said, “Isaac Dayan is intellectually curious, talented and creative. He is an exceptional role model, embodying all the values of the Yeshivah of Flatbush. President of the Senior Council of the graduating class, Isaac is a respected and well liked student leader. He also is a dedicated hospital volunteer and developed an innovative therapy using martial arts.” 46 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE