January 16, 2025

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SAR Holds Anniversary Dinner: A Night of Strength, Impact and Unity

(l-r) Rabbi Tully Harcsztark, founding principal, SAR High School, and dean, Machon Siach; Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, Principal, SAR Academy; and Rabbi Jonathan Kroll, principal, SAR High School. (Credit: SAR Academy & High School)

 

(Courtesy of SAR Academy and High School News) Chazak V’Ematz! What an unforgettable evening of strength, impact and unity!

Last Motzei Shabbat, the SAR community came together to celebrate the school’s 56th anniversary, a milestone that highlighted the incredible strength and impact of our vibrant community. The evening was a testament to the enduring values that define SAR and the individuals who bring them to life.

SAR Academy Choir performs during the SAR 56th Anniversary Dinner Program.
(Credit: SAR Academy & High School)

The program featured inspiring stories from alumni, parents, community members and faculty—each illustrating how SAR has shaped their lives, instilling in them the values they have carried into their futures. From teachers who have dedicated their careers to building students’ intellectual and spiritual foundations, to alumni who exemplify Jewish resilience and leadership in their everyday lives, the narrative of SAR is one of enduring strength and dedication.

Through videos and personal reflections, guests heard from alumni whose journeys from SAR to their incredible accomplishments of today showcase how its students carry the values of Torah, chesed and advocacy into the broader world. Most of the stories centered around Israel, with a focus on the ongoing pain and sacrifice, as well as the remarkable people who have stepped up to serve on the front lines, in the media and on campus, and through herculean acts of chesed and support.

Beloved SAR science teachers and 56th Anniversary honorees, Tobie Brandriss and Bob Goodman, share remarks during the program.
(Credit: SAR Academy & High School)

A special highlight of the evening was the celebration of two beloved educators, Tobie Brandriss and Bob Goodman, whose decades of devotion have profoundly impacted generations of students. Their tireless commitment to nurturing young minds reflects the very essence of SAR’s mission. We also honored the achievements of alumni who carry SAR’s values into their endeavors around the globe, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of our community.

Thank you to everyone who made this night so meaningful. From heartfelt tributes to shared moments of connection, the 56th Anniversary celebration showcased our collective strength and unity. Relive the magic at bit.ly/SARChazakVEmatz.

Dinner Co-Chairs (l-r) Daniel Friedman, Lisa Friedman, Sarah Roer Bendheim and Etan (AC ’98) Bendheim. (Credit: SAR Academy & High School)

We are grateful to the over 800 parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff and community members who joined us, as well as to Congressman Ritchie Torres, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Bronx DA Darcel D. Clark, Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, Council Member Corazon Pineda-Isaac, Senator Jamaal Bailey, and City Council Member Eric Dinowitz for their presence and support.

A special thank you to all who contributed to the SAR Dinner campaign, to strengthen our tuition assistance program and ensure every child can access an SAR education. Your generosity makes a profound difference. It’s not too late to contribute at sardinner.org!

SAR 56th Anniversary Dinner Reception at SAR High School. (Credit: SAR Academy & High School)

Together, we stand tall and move forward. Chazak V’Ematz!

Congressman Ritchie Torres recites prayer for the safe return of the hostages. (Credit: SAR Academy & High School)
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