Community Magazine June 2016

co mm unity HIGHL IGHTS Abig congratulations to Esther Harary, a Yeshivahof FlatbushHigh School student who was one of twenty-three runner-ups in a Congressional Art Competition. Her artwork will hang on the wall in Congressman Don Donovan’s office. The submissions were judged at a college in Staten Island and evaluated for visual impact, creativity, design and craftsmanship. Judges noted the passion that went into each painting, collage, and photograph and how difficult decisions were to reach. Esther, who took a selfie with Congressman Dan Donovan after receiving her award, should be very proud of her accomplishment! Beginning this summer, the F express train will be returning to Brooklyn! When the program is fully implemented in Fall 2017, F express service will run during every weekday rush hour from Jay Street-MetroTech to Church Avenue in both directions. This will save riders in our neighborhoods as much as 15 minutes on their daily commutes. The F is the longest local line in the entire city, with a commute time of well over an hour just to get to Manhattan for many people. Restoring this F express service is a first step toward addressing that problem and restoring transit equity to southern Brooklyn. Readers can thank Councilman David Greenfield for this new development! Those who have questions about the F express, can call his office at (718) 853-2704. Every morning, observant Jews all over the world begin their prayers by thanking Gd for their ability to see. Because Richard Bernstein has been blind from birth, he cannot include this part of the liturgy in his morning recitations. Richard, can, however, express his gratitude for having been able to build a vibrant and productive life. During his 41 years, he has filled his resume with jaw-dropping accomplishments: Richard is a triathlete, a lawyer, and a Michigan State Supreme Court Justice! Because of his astounding story, The SAFE Foundation’s Project SAFE School Program brought Richard Bernstein to address close to 200 high school students at Hillel Yeshiva. Richard spoke of the way society has changed in its treatment of those with disabilities. Fifty years ago, he said, those with disabilities were isolated, but now their strengths are integrated and valued in the workforce. He stated, “Last November, unequivocally, and with great enthusiasm, the state of Michigan showed that they want a severely disabled person not just towork amongst them, but to be their Supreme Court Justice and make decisions that are going to ultimately effect the rights they have and how they live.” Richard believes his nomination shows that the people trust in someone who can understand struggle. While he is a seasoned athlete, one of Richard’s main messages is that our physical bodies are delicate and are subject to breaking down, but our spirits can overcome those limitations and soar. If you or someone you know needs help, please call our confidential, toll-free hotline, 24/7 at 1-866-569-SAFE (1-866-569-7233). For generations, Ahi Ezer Yeshiva has epitomized educational excellence in our community as it tirelessly works to transmit our Sephardic heritage. This year, the building is undergoing exciting renovations. Cheerful colors, a clean atmosphere, an elegant lunchroom, a brand new library and a modernized science lab are just some of the changes that students are enjoying. The yeshivah extends a special thank you to school administrator Jesse Mizrachi and board members, Bunny Escava, Aslan Bawabeh, Albert Ayal, and Eli Levy for their support of this project. As children enter the Ahi Ezer Early Childhood Center, they embark on a journey of discovery through the world of Torah and General Studies. The Early Childhood program prides itself on its commitment to student achievement. Highly skilled teachers provide anatmosphere that is conducive todeveloping astrongsenseof self andthatencourageseach child to attain academic and social success. A multi-sensory approach to education spans all content areas: Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Life Skills. Each child is empowered and challenged to meet his or her individual potential and develop a solid foundation for learning. In warm and nurturing classrooms, Ahi Ezer Yeshivah children are immersed in an integrated program of both Limudei Hol and Limudei Kodesh . The love of Torah is highly valued, as is tefillah, misvot, middot, haggim , and Sephardic customs. During free time, preschool children enjoy socializing and playing in the outdoor state-of-the-art playground as well as the indoor gym. Recently, the yeshivah hosted a spectacular Yom Haatzmaut celebration. Delicious barbecue was enjoyed on the front patio amidst proudly flown Israeli banners andflags. The children danced and rejoiced with their teachers and their smiles said it all. The school looks forward to its next special occasion! Yeshivah of Flatbush High School Student Esther Harary Recognized in Congressional Art Competition Good News for Commuters! Chief Justice Richard Bernstein Astounds Students at Hillel Yeshiva Ahi Ezer Yeshivah Rejoices Over New Renovations, Active Student Learning, and its Yom Ha’Azmaut Celebration Michigan State Chief Court Justice Richard Bernstein speaking to the high school students of Hillel Yeshiva. 84 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE