The Jewish Educational Center’s Alumni Network will be hosting its annual memorial event dedicated to Mrs. Chaya Newman, the late principal of Bruriah High School for Girls. The Saturday, February 13, gala melava malka in Elizabeth will mark the fourth such tribute since her passing in September 2012.

The event’s keynote speaker will be renowned international lecturer, Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, who is known for his entertaining and compelling guidance on inner growth, love and happiness, and who will speak on, “The Greatness of Being Tested: Infusing An Extra Dose of Emunah During Challenging Times.”

Mrs. Newman was a trailblazer in women’s Jewish education, having inspired and guided thousands of students and educators with the curriculum she painstakingly created and the motherly example she set. She successfully shaped Bruriah into a prestigious school with an excellent academic reputation where Torah and secular studies harmoniously complemented one another.

Following a successful teaching stint in Brooklyn, Mrs. Newman began her 37-year career at JEC’s Bruriah High School division in 1971. Her appointment as principal marked the first time the division had its own administration.

“Mrs. Newman was the preeminent educator for Jewish girls and is responsible for growing the Jewish Educational Center’s well-known Bruriah High School from a small basement classroom of several students into North America’s most prestigious Orthodox institution for girls,” Rav Elazar Mayer Teitz, JEC’s dean, said at a previous tribute. “Her educational system and methods have been copied the world over.”

A 2010 grad, Mrs. Hannah Dreyfus had this to share about her mentor: “She ran the school by the mantra, ‘They do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.’ This conviction formed my high school experience and altered the course of my life as a confident, motivated, dedicated young woman, committed to Judaism. I am inspired to continue inspiring the Jewish future because of Mrs. Newman’s vision and example.”

Doors open at 8:15 p.m. with the program slated to begin at 8:30 sharp. It is open to both men and women and will be followed by a gala melava malka reception. Couvert is $10. There will be an exclusive “meet & greet” reception with Rabbi Rietti (for 2015-16 JEC donors of $365 or more) beginning at 7:45 p.m.

For information please contact Mr. Andrew Schultz: (908)355-4850 ext. 6206 [email protected].