(Courtesy of JKHA/RKYHS) The Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy/Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School (JKHA/RKYHS) will host its 77th Annual Dinner on Tuesday, May 20, at 6 p.m. on its campus, bringing together school families, alumni, and supporters to celebrate a milestone year of leadership, education and community impact.

This year marks the introduction of a new tradition: the Distinguished Alumni Award, established to recognize exceptional JKHA/RKYHS graduates who exemplify the school’s mission of leadership, advocacy, and dedication to Jewish values.

The guests of honor at this year’s dinner are Abbi and Jeremy Halpern, esteemed pillars of the JKHA/RKYHS community. The Halperns have long been committed to Jewish education, communal leadership and philanthropy.

Abbi currently serves as chair of the JKHA/RKYHS ATID Society and holds leadership roles at the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, where she is president of Women’s Philanthropy and a member of the board of trustees. Jeremy, who serves as co-president of JKHA/RKYHS, is a vice president at Atlantic Realty Development Corp. and a third generation real estate developer with projects spanning New Jersey, New York and Israel.

Together, the Halperns are involved with organizations including the OR Movement, Israel Bonds, Friendship Circle, and Congregation Etz Chaim in Livingston. They reside in Livingston with their three children, Brianna (JKHA ’17/RKYHS ’21), Jasmine (JKHA ’19/RKYHS ’23) and Ashton (11th grade).

The Educational Excellence Award will be presented to Linda “Morah Sara” Sipzner, a beloved first grade teacher at JKHA who has spent 38 years shaping the hearts and minds of young students. Known for her warmth, energy and devotion to Ivrit and Torah education, Morah Sara has helped generations of children develop a deep and lasting connection to their heritage.

Her impact extends beyond the classroom; she has served as a mentor teacher, coordinated Hebrew curriculum, and pioneered the use of new literacy programs. Currently, she is among the first to implement the Even Kriah Hebrew reading initiative at JKHA. Morah Sara lives in West Orange with her husband, Dr. Robert Sipzner. Together, they are the proud parents of four JKHA alumni and grandparents to 13 grandchildren living across Israel and the U.S.

This year’s inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to four graduates who have made powerful contributions to Jewish life and Israel advocacy on college campuses.

Brianna Halpern (JKHA ’17, RKYHS ’21) is president of Chabad at the University of Miami, where she has helped strengthen Jewish life and the Jewish community on campus. She is also active with the Birthright Israel Foundation, encouraging students to connect with Israel and their Jewish identity.

Maya Homa (JKHA ’15, RKYHS ’19), engagement associate at Baruch College Hillel, has been at the forefront of student safety and Israel advocacy following the events of Oct. 7. She has supported students facing antisemitism and helped lead community programming that builds resilience and Jewish pride.

Nathan Orbach (JKHA ’16, RKYHS ’20), a recent NYU Stern graduate, has distinguished himself through passionate and visible support for Israel. From his leadership with AIPAC at RKYHS to his public advocacy work after Oct. 7, including his active role in promoting the Nova Exhibit in New York City, Orbach has remained a proud and fearless voice for the Jewish people and homeland.

Danielle Shapiro (JKHA ’15, RKYHS ’19), a senior at Princeton University, has spearheaded efforts to elevate Zionist voices on campus. As co-founder of B’Artzeinu Princeton, she has brought intellectual, cultural, and political Israel programming to the forefront, while courageously challenging antisemitism and administrative bias.

Each of these alumni credits JKHA/RKYHS for providing the foundation, values, and education that empowered them to become leaders on their campuses and in the wider Jewish world. “It is such an honor to recognize this esteemed group of JKHA/RKYHS alumni for exemplifying the school’s mission and values,” said Shira Stein, JKHA/RKYHS director of alumni engagement.

“Each of these remarkable honorees has had a unique and meaningful impact at JKHA/RKYHS and their leadership has strengthened so many different aspects of our school,” commented Grant Silverstein, JKHA/RKYHS director of development. “We are excited to have the opportunity to recognize this exceptional group of honorees for all that they do for our school and our community.”

JKHA/RKYHS continues to provide a rigorous dual curriculum grounded in Torah values and academic excellence. The annual dinner not only celebrates the school’s mission but also serves as a vital fundraiser supporting scholarships, innovative programming, and faculty development.

The community’s support helps ensure financial assistance for families in need and strengthens the school’s ability to inspire excellence and expand opportunities for every student.

The community is invited to join the evening of celebration, reflection and inspiration. For more information, to place an ad or to RSVP, visit www.wizevents.com/jkha2025/?id=10049 or contact Aly Greenstein at [email protected].