Every year, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) acknowledges the special relationship that exists between grandparents and grandchildren and the bonds that connect students to their family history, with its annual Grandparents Day.
This year, Grandparents Day was held on Wednesday, December 25, and offered students (and their families!) a break from mid-term preparations and a rousing start to the holiday weekend. Grandparents Day also welcomed other family members, including parents, aunts, uncles, and other family members.
The morning began with a Shacharis minyan organized by Central’s Mashgiach Ruchani, Rabbi Joshua Goller, before a light breakfast and visits to the photo booth to commemorate the day. Central faculty members then shared Chanukah mini-lessons and a Chanukah trivia game show, giving family members a chance to experience what Central students enjoy every day.
Following the mini-lessons was guest speaker Rabbi Yechezkel Freundlich, the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Sholom of Lawrence, who lectured on “Courageous Questions from the Wives of IDF Soldiers.”
The early dismissal kicked off a long holiday weekend, providing an excellent start to Chanukah festivities. “Grandparents Day is an exciting opportunity to be able to enjoy spending Chanukah with my family at school,” said junior Esther Malka Gordon. “I can’t wait to share the warmth and unity that Chanukah brings.
Grandparents Day is just one event on the vibrant December calendar for Central. On December 20 and 21, Central’s Leadership Track held Shabbos events in West Hempstead that hosted both current students and eighth graders, including a Friday Night Oneg at the Kornblum home, a Shabbos afternoon community shiur at the Edery home, given by Judaic Studies faculty member and Junior Grade Dean, Mrs. Yael Axelrod, and seudah sh’lishis at the home of Judaic Studies faculty member and Freshman Grade Dean, Mrs. Karen Lavner.
On Motza’ei Shabbos, Yeshiva University High Schools held a parent melaveh malkah, open to both current and prospective parents, at the Gross family home in West Hempstead. Guest speaker Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, the Abraham Arbesfeld Dean of RIETS at Yeshiva University, addressed the room. And on Monday, December 30, Central is excited to host performer Eitan Katz at its Chanukah Concert.
The semester will culminate with YUHSG’s annual Dinner of Tribute on January 13, where Central will honor this year’s featured parent-partners: Drs. Leah and Jon Fish, parents of Tani (’24) and Orli (’26), of West Hempstead, Mrs. Ayelet and Mr. Shlomo Katz, parents of Sarit (’22), Ariella (’23), and Michal (’25), of the Five Towns, Mrs. Dahlia (’04) and Dr. Nathaniel Jacob, parents of Ayla (’26), of Great Neck, and Dr. Eve (’94) and Rabbi Todd Sullivan, parents of Leeba Laub (’18), Rivka (’23), and Sara-Leah (’26) of Queens. The dinner will also honor Central Humanities Department Chair and Director of Guidance, Mrs. Rena Boord, who will receive this year’s Ethel Dworetsky Morrel z”l Teacher of the Year award.