Rabbi Shraga and Shira Gross of Edison may be humble people who prefer that community members not make a fuss about them as they plan their move to Israel in the coming weeks. But their large circle of friends, neighbors and admirers were not going to let them leave without celebrating who they are and all they’ve done.

Rabbi Gross served as principal of the Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva in Edison for 22 years and as a leader and consultant in Torah education activities for the last six years. Under his leadership, RPRY received National Blue Ribbon School status from the U.S. Department of Education in 2013, and student teams earned multiple Torah Bowl League championships. His trademark “Mamish Gevaldik!” passion for Yiddishkeit and sincere love for all fellow Jews shaped a generation of children in the area and still resonates widely. His wife, Shira, was an enthusiastic partner in his work and an active participant in many community activities as well.

Congregation Ohr Torah in Edison held a festive Kiddush in their honor, attracting hundreds of fans from all across the community, on Shabbat day, August 21. The next day, a large group of Rabbi Gross’s former staff—administrators, faculty and assistants—gathered at the home of Honey and Max Wisotsky in Highland Park to demonstrate their continued HaKoras HaTov and affection for their principal.

Honey Wisotsky, Rabbi Gross’ executive secretary at RPRY, stated: “Rabbi Gross is an incredibly warm and sincere person. I saw firsthand how, as principal, he knew every child’s name and cared for them all. The children and teachers loved him! If a child misbehaved and was sent to the office, Rabbi Gross, in his gentle but firm manner, explained to him how the proper behavior was more appropriate. The students always appreciated the wisdom of Rabbi Gross’s advice, and were reminded of how the school cared for them. Rabbi Gross also made sure that when children deserved credit for doing something good, they were recognized for it.

“Rabbi Shraga and Shira Gross made a big impact on our community and they will be greatly missed.”