On Sunday, hundreds gathered at 1500 Queen Anne Road in Teaneck. They celebrated the opening of Yeshivat He’Atid’s new campus, a 65,000 square foot facility which recently began housing the 5 year old school. Parents, grandparents, town officials, and donors marveled at the new structure. The theme of the day was a dream realized.
“I could never have imagined five years ago, that this is where we’d be today. A beautiful new building, with nearly 300 students, learning and growing each day.” said Yeshivat He’Atid’s Chairman of the Board, Gershon Distenfeld summing up the feeling of the event.
New Head of School, Rav Tomer Ronen, emceed the outdoor ceremony, beginning with words of Torah and Bracha. Speeches, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and affixing of the mezuzah followed. Once inside, the celebration was in full swing. Festivities throughout the building were geared toward children and alternated between fun and meaningful. Many children raced to their classrooms, beaming with pride. Some students demonstrated He’Atid’s innovative rotational model for their families by moving from station to station around the classroom.
To set the proper tone for a newly-built Yeshiva building, children engaged in Beit Midrash learning with parents, writing notes of tefillah for the school, giving tzedaka, and decorating mezuzah covers. Many of the covers were donated to Yeshivat He’Atid for use. The children were eager to complete the mitzvot to earn Chanukat HaBayit Shehecheyanu wristbands to add to their growing collections. The fun included a photo booth, face painting, a DJ, and raffles for unique school-related prizes to raise funds for additional playground equipment.
The sense of excitement that permeated the festivities perfectly complemented the feelings of gratitude, hope, and pride felt by all involved. In the words of School President, Abby Flamholtz, “Yeshivat He’Atid has much to be proud of, but isn’t finished.” The school is in the process of developing its Middle School, as next year will bring a new milestone, its first 6th grade class.
