The Educational Director's message

As our productive, enjoyable, memorable school year concludes, it is a time to reflect back with pride. As our students in the OJC Religious School explore their personal Jewish journeys with joy, they continue to excel in knowledge, insight and commitment. We are proud that our school truly understands the changing face of Jewish education by implementing creative, enriching strategies based on the most current, research-based, effective educational practices to enhance each student’s learning experiences. 

In 2002, when I became Principal of the OJC Religious School, there were 8 students in the 7th grade. This year our school has 34 graduates! Mazal Tov to Lily Alig, Erica Antebi, Kaylie Blechman, Rebecca Blekht, Jacob Brady, Benjamin Brown, Sam Brozinsky, Louis Castricato, Lauren Clements, Aurora Freedman, Talia Green, Keith Katz, Joshua Kruger, Samantha Latteri, Sabrina Lederer, Jacob Lefcourt, Jarrad Lehrer. Lindsay Matalon, Melissa Matalon Jamie Moallem, Taylor Norris, Giulia Panter, Jessica Powell, Iris Reiner, Jason Sacca, Lily Samett, Jonathan Schatz-Mizrahi, Haley Schaumberger, Jared Schiering, Adam Shulman, Jeremy Simon, Jay Spector, Rachel Weiner, and Emma Weiss. May this be the beginning of their quest for Jewish learning and life. A special congratulations to Giulia Panter for being selected for the Keter Torah Award and to Sam Brozinsky for receiving the Akiva Award given by the New York Metropolitan Region of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Education Department. 

 With reflection and pride comes sincere appreciation to our involved inspiring rabbis, wonderful students, supportive parents, talented teachers and helpful student aides. Our school is truly grateful to our dedicated School Board (special thanks to Sharon Aach and Hara Hartman, our “retiring” co-presidents), our terrific school volunteers, committed Synagogue Board, all branches of our synagogue – Sisterhood - Men’s Club – Hazak - Youth Group, the great office staff and hard working caretakers. I wish I could name each person individually for the full accolades deserved, but the list would fill many pages of this bulletin. Thank you to each and every member of the OJC for placing Jewish education as a priority and for making our synagogue a Jewish home where everyone is welcomed and cherished! Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

Our growth as Jewish people is only as strong as our educational system and family commitment. It is a great pleasure to share the nachas of watching your fantastic children grow Jewishly. The OJC has created a strong foundation of educational excellence on which we will continue to build. Parents are our Partners! Over the summer, please take an active role in your child’s Jewish life by asking your child to read to you in Hebrew, recite brachot (blessings) together, give your family the opportunity to feel the beauty of Shabbat, experience the joy of doing mitzvot and giving tzdekah, talk about Israel and help your children understand why being Jewish is important in your family. Our goal together in school and at home is to share our commitment to Judaism with enthusiasm and love, so we can show our children that being Jewish is the most spectacular gift!

Have a GREAT SUMMER J.
B’ Yedidut,
Sandy Borowsky