(Courtesy of RYNJ) Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey celebrated three wonderful honorees at its 86th Annual Dinner this past Monday, January 15, as well as its incredible security team. The parent body and faculty enjoyed a beautiful night out paying tribute to the school and the honorees.

Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey is privileged to recognize Elana and Ami Mandel as Parents of the Year at its 86th Annual Dinner. Elana and Ami are proud parents of two current RYNJ students, Tamar (8G) and Molly (6G), and one RYNJ alum—Yonah (Class of ’21). In addition to raising their wonderful children with mindfulness and grace, and tending to the demands of their own professions, they have dedicated countless hours to enhancing the yeshiva over the course of many years. Elana and Ami have each shared their professional expertise to help the Yeshiva advance. Ami, a real-estate lawyer at Schulte, Roth and Zabel LLP, has volunteered his time and legal expertise to advise the yeshiva regarding many real estate legal situations, including, most recently, the installation of the solar panels on the yeshiva campus. Certain physical areas on the campus have been tremendously upgraded due to Elana’s handiwork, including in the beis medrash, the PTA closet, and the Early Childhood Department kitchen. The couple’s activism and enthusiasm for the yeshiva enriches their children’s experience, and their contagious energy is felt by all students, faculty and parents with whom they interact. RYNJ is honored to recognize their heartfelt involvement and wishes them many more years of productivity.

Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey is privileged to honor Rebecca ’01 and Ari Ashkenas with the Young Leadership Award. Rebecca and Ari serve as incredible examples for their peers, devoting their time and talents not only to raising their family and building successful careers, but to recognizing and improving the needs of their community as well. Since joining the RYNJ family eight years ago, Ari and Rebecca have maintained a consistent level of devotion to the yeshiva. They have been greatly involved in the growth of the Fair Lawn parent body, educating prospective local families about the warm, loving and Torah-filled atmosphere of RYNJ. They have been involved in many open houses and kesher events, serving as proud ambassadors of the yeshiva and welcoming incoming families. Prior to serving on the board, Ari partnered with leaders and parents within RYNJ to collaborate on projects such as the new family admission experience. Ari is now serving in his third year on the Board of Directors at the yeshiva, and has participated in key board committees associated with driving the vision and growth of RYNJ. Ari’s work on the board has and will continue to have a meaningful impact on the yeshiva for many years to come. RYNJ is extremely appreciative of all the time and dedication Rebecca and Ari provide, and looks forward to their continued involvement.

Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey is privileged to honor Rabbi Yaakov Russ with the Educator of the Year Award. Rabbi Russ has been an integral part of the yeshiva for the past 24 years, imbuing his students with the sweet taste of Torah through his warmth and positivity. Rabbi Russ serves as a beacon of inspiration for colleagues and administrators alike; throughout his many years in the yeshiva, he has created initiatives, developed curriculums, guided faculty, bolstered parent cooperation, and tended to the varied needs of his many students. Not only has Rabbi Russ guided hundreds of students to success through their academic and spiritual journeys, but he has also mentored and collaborated closely with classroom teachers who integrate his approach. The true hallmark of Rabbi Russ’s success is his ability to integrate a student’s experience at school with their environment at home. Countless parents have gained inspiration and practical tools from his support, insight, and genuine care for their children.The yeshiva is incredibly grateful to Rabbi Russ for all that he does, and wishes him continued koach and hatzlacha rabbah in all of his endeavors, both inside and outside of the yeshiva.