Community Magazine July 2019

SIVAN - AV 5779 JULY 2019 41 Irving Bijou Limude Kodesh Salutatorian Over the past four years, Irving Bijou has distinguished himself as a refined talmid hacham with sterling middot . He is beloved by both the students and faculty at Shaare Torah. His hatmadah has lifted him to great heights of Torah knowledge. Irving has a deep love of learning, which was imbued in him by the revered Rosh Yeshiva , Rabbi Hillel Haber, shlita . Irving has been a mainstay of our evening learning programs and has completed Masechet Succah , Masechet Megillah , and Masechet Taanit . Irving is a ba’al koreh and has frequently led the prayers over his high school years. Irving plans to continue his learning at Yeshivat Mikdash Melech in Israel next year. Irving reflected, “I am grateful for the skills I acquired that have enabled me to open a gemara and learn independently. I will forever cherish the love and commitment of the Shaare staff.” Menahel, Rabbi Yosef Abboud, said, “Irving is on a path to become a great Jewish educator in the future.” Chayim Janani Judaic & General Studies Valedictorian Chayim has distinguished himself as a role model for all through his outstanding academic achievements and fine character. He has been an exceptional student in both Judaic and secular studies. Chayim made many siyumim in both the early learning and night programs that the Yeshiva offers. Throughout his high school years Chayim was focused on his future, accumulating college credits by taking AP Biology, AP Physics, and AP European History. Additionally, he attended the Harvard University Pre-College program as well as the Baruch Leadership Academy. His impressive SAT score and GPA earned him acceptances to Brooklyn College Scholars, Baruch Honors, Hunter College, Lehman College, and John Jay College. Chayim hopes to study in Israel next year and then attend Brooklyn College Scholars, where he received a generous scholarship. He plans to study medicine and become a physician. Chayim will remember how Rabbi Hillel Haber and all of the rabbis of Shaare Torah sacrificed themselves to help him and every student reach their full potential. They served as the ultimate Torah role models and their greatness influenced all. They provided a foundation of Torah and mitzvot and taught how to use those values in daily life. Menahel, Rabbi Yosef Abboud said, “Chayim has the tenacity and determination to succeed in any field he chooses as a real ben Torah.” Isaac Nahmoud General Studies Salutatorian Isaac Nahmoud has always performed near the top of the class in all subjects, in both Judaic and general studies. Particularly in secular studies, he challenged himself in all areas, taking advanced placement courses in Chemistry, European History, Biology, and Physics, as well as English honors this past year. Isaac’s diligence made him a model student, with consistently high grades. His manners and respect both inside and outside the classroom endeared him to all. Isaac plans to learn in Israel this coming fall and then to return to attend college. He received a scholarship for academic excellence from the University of the State of New York. His goal is to become a pharmacist in the future. Isaac remarked, “My experience at Yeshivat Shaare Torah was terrific. The education at Shaare was superb, with great rabbis and great teachers. Not only did we learn a lot, but we had amazing Shabbatons and trips. Thank you, Rabbi Hillel Haber, the Rosh Yeshiva , for being a tremendous role model and pushing me to adapt to the environment of Torah and gemara. To all my rabbis, your dedication and encouragement is unparalleled.” Principal Rabbi Rafael Malavsky said, “Isaac’s outstanding work ethic and sterling middot have earned him the respect and affection of all, and will B’ezrat Hashem lead him to success in all of his endeavors.” Salute To the High School Graduates of 2019 Yeshivat Shaare Torah