The Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies (BCHSJS) recently held its annual graduation at the JCC of Paramus/Congregation Beth Tikvah. This year’s 22 graduates are Elisabeth Bloom, Eila Brown, Itai Epstein, Matthew Fishman, Sabrina Fried, Miri Goodman, Dasi Grimaldi, Julia Holzsager, Eden Kaufman, Abraham Koretski, David Kosiborod, Jenny Kuriloff, Brianna Leopold, William Milun, Aliza Novogroder, Michael Orman, Abigail Pomeranz, Andrew Shamis, Annabelle Simhon, Zachary Sobelman, Leo Strizhevsky and Joshua Unger.

Senior Miri Goodman led the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Hatikvah.” Fred Nagler, principal, welcomed everyone and introduced board members, rabbis and congregational principals. He then highlighted the many programs run by the school this year. Wayne Zeiler, the JCCP president, extended greetings and talked about how important BCHSJS was to the synagogue.

Rabbi Arthur Weiner gave the dvar Torah. Sy Blechman, president of the board of BCHSJS, then addressed the seniors.

Five of the graduates spoke, reflecting on their years at BCHSJS. Barnett Goldman, teacher of the Senior Seminar, then addressed the students.

The Senior Academic Award for five years of excellence in studies was given to Sabrina Fried, Miri Goodman and Julia Holzsager.

Service to BCHSJS Award went to Julia Holzsager and Brianna Leopold for all they have done for the school for the last five years.

In closing remarks, Nagler extolled the faculty and administrative staff. He quoted several of the seniors from their senior surveys, “He’s so inspirational;” “He’s a great teacher;” “Amazing teacher;” “She’s expanded my view;” “He is my spiritual guide;” and “I always learned something in his class.”

Nagler then addressed the graduates and exhorted them to become part of the Jewish community on college campuses, as well as remain part of the BCHSJS community.