Yeshiva of Central Queens will be celebrating its 75th anniversary with a gala dinner at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck on April 10. In making the announcement, Dr. Joel Cohen, president of the yeshiva, said “This evening is expected to be an extremely memorable event, paying tribute to the rich history of our beloved yeshiva. We anticipate a large attendance of parents, staff, alumni and friends.”
In 1941, Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) opened its doors with six children in the Talmud Torah Mishkan Israel building in Jamaica. In 1948, the yeshiva moved to a new location on 150th Street and Jamaica Avenue with the renowned educator Rabbi Baruch Charny serving as the school’s principal. Rabbi Menachem Rottenberg became the executive director in 1963, establishing a solid foundation for the continued growth and development of the yeshiva. In 1975, YCQ moved to its present home in Kew Gardens Hills. The junior high school moved into its new facility in 2001. A festive Chanukat Habayit was held. The yeshiva takes great pride in having hosted the YESS program on its campus since 2001. According to executive director Rabbi Yaakov Lonner, YCQ, with its close to 1,000 students, is currently exploring strategies to develop more space to accommodate its vast array of programming and services.
According to Rabbi Marc Merrill (’01), director of alumni activities at YCQ, news of the YCQ celebration has been received with much excitement and enthusiasm, as many alumni have shared their personal inspirational experiences about their years at the yeshiva.
Mr. Israel Glaser, chairman of the board of YCQ, announced that the dinner will honor a number of outstanding individuals and families whose accomplishments have brought much honor and dignity to the yeshiva.
Rabbi Mark Landsman, YCQ’s esteemed principal, and his wife, Naomi, have been chosen as this year’s guests of honor. Rabbi Landsman is celebrating 12 years of remarkable achievements at the yeshiva. Under his professional leadership, the quality of instruction and the student population have grown substantially. Thanks to his most creative innovations, and the enthusiasm he has instilled, YCQ continues to thrive as the premier yeshiva elementary school in Queens. Rabbi Landsman has been blessed with the behind-the-scenes support of his wife, Naomi.
Receiving YCQ’s Distinguished Alumnus Award will be Mr. Eric S. Goldstein, member of the Class of 1973. An outstanding leader in the Jewish community for many years, Mr. Goldstein served as a board member of the Ramaz School, chairman of the board of Manhattan Day School, a founding board member of Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education, and president of the Beth Din of America. Recently, Mr. Goldstein was appointed CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York, one of the most prestigious positions in Jewish life.
Selected as Parents of the Year are Ronen and Tanya Nissani. This very special couple has set a beautiful example of educating their children and devoting themselves to the community, utilizing the traits of chesed and generosity. They are among the founding members of Congregation Anshei Shalom of Jamaica Estates and the Likrat Kallah organization.
The YCQ community will pay tribute to three legacy families who represent the mission and the spirit of the yeshiva. They are the Hametz, Holzer and Rothberger families. These multi-generational role model families have been dedicated to YCQ for many years, contributing their wisdom, time and support to enrich the yeshiva.
Mrs. Pearl Cohen and Mrs. Reize Sipzner, dinner co-chairpersons, said they are delighted to be chairing this wonderful milestone event and they look forward to personally greeting each guest at the dinner. They requested that everyone submit reservations and congratulatory ads as soon as possible.
For further information, please contact Rabbi Marc Merrill at the alumni office at (718)793-8500 X304, or email us at [email protected], or visit us at www.ycqdinner.com.
