On Wednesday, June 9, MTA celebrated the commencement ceremony of its 103rd graduating class at Congregation Keter Torah. The program opened with inspiring words from Head of School Rabbi Joshua Kahn, who also acknowledged the 27 families who were experiencing their last MTA graduation as their youngest or only son graduated. These families have been part of the MTA community ranging between 4 and 14 years and will be greatly missed. Rabbi Kahn also paid tribute to Dr. Seth Taylor, who is retiring from his position of principal for general studies, after 32 years of service to the yeshiva. Dr. Taylor will remain on staff as a history instructor.
Senior Shimon Wildes of Manhattan’s Upper West Side delivered the Invocation, followed by words of encouragement from Yeshiva University President Dr. Ari Berman (‘87). Salutatorian Shua Feigin of Teanek, spoke about the shared experiences of the entire grade and the dedication and hard work they put in over the past four years with the help of their rebbeim and teachers. “Looking back, MTA has given us so much knowledge and growth, but most importantly, the ability to apply ourselves. It is up to us to use this ability that we have fostered as we move forward into the future and the next stages of our lives,” said Fagin. Valedictorian Binyamin Fox of Teaneck, reflected on the Torah learned, education received, relationships built, memories made and unique opportunities experienced and encouraged his peers to strive to embody all of the lessons they learned at MTA. “In his essay, aptly titled ‘The Community,’ Rav Soloveitchik noted by way of the example of Adam HaRishon and Chava, that a community, a tzibur, is neither more important, nor inferior to the individual. Rather, in an ideal world, the two will coexist and interweave to create a whole far greater than the sum of their parts,” said Fox.
After a video presentation highlighting each senior, Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Michael Taubes (‘76) gave divrei chizuk and introduced senior Shimi Kaufman of Monsey, who made a siyum on Maseches Pesachim on behalf of all of his peers who completed it. General Studies Principal Dr. Seth Taylor closed the ceremony and called each talmid to the stage to receive their diploma. Fathers and grandfathers who are MTA alumni, were also called to the stage, where they had the privilege of presenting their son/grandson with their diplomas, enhancing the 103rd commencement ceremony with the rich history and tradition that is unique to MTA.
