(Courtesy of RYNJ) Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey will hold its 80th Annual Dinner on Monday, January 15, at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck. Rabbi Dovid Kaminetsky is our guest of honor and Amira and Yossi Kra will receive the PTA Leadership Award. Over the course of the last 16 years as associate principal, Rabbi Kaminetsky has guided and mentored countless young men, helping them develop exceptional middos, a deep understanding of and appreciation for Torah and a love for Hashem and for His people. Through the hallways each day walks this giant of a man with a smiling and warm countenance as he greets and speaks with everyone he passes. In his calm, warm tone, Rabbi Kaminetsky inquires not only how the students are performing in school, but makes it clear that his greater concern is the general well-being of each boy. Whether a student is struggling academically, spiritually or with a health concern, that student’s struggle weighs heavily on Rabbi Kaminetsky’s heart and remains at the forefront of his mind. The lasting relationships that he has forged with his students have extended through the generations, which continues to be a source of exceptional pride to him. His efforts in attending every single Simcha possible are always appreciated. Should a student return to RYNJ as a parent or a teacher or meet Rabbi Kaminetsky at a Simcha, Rabbi Kaminetsky’s glowing face bespeaks the adage that defines him to the core, “For his students are likened to his sons.”
Beyond the emotional and religious fortitude that Rabbi Kaminetsky has provided the hundreds of students who have passed through the RYNJ Middle School, he has created and strengthened a comprehensive Judaic Studies academic program that has empowered and fueled some of the most outstanding Torah students in the area. Rabbi Kaminetsky directs and supports his staff, develops and implements curriculum, focuses on teacher supervision and evaluations, oversees our successful Mishmar program, works on professional development for staff, monitors rebbe-parent communication and is the chair of the Middle States Accreditation process.
Rabbi Kaminetsky continues to serve as the bedrock of RYNJ. He personifies the vision of RYNJ as he reinforces the fundamental values that we hold so dear. It is not only the honor of our yeshiva to recognize Rabbi Kaminetsky’s innumerable contributions, but also the honor of the endless stream of grateful, proud students on whom he has made an indelible mark over the years.
Rabbi Kaminetsky and his wife, Sury, are the very proud parents to Rabbi Yisroel and Elisheva Kaminetsky, Shimmie and Beth Kaminetsky, Rabbi Yosef and Lisa Zakutinsky and Daniel and Heather Kaminetsky. They Bli Ayin Hara have many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Amira and Yossi Kra joined the RYNJ family eight years ago and immediately got involved as volunteers in the school. Amira became a PTA board member and then PTA vice president before serving as PTA president from 2014 to 2016. She restructured the PTA budget to meet the needs of our school’s growth. She doubled the amount the PTA spent on sponsoring enriching activities for students, ensuring that every student has the ability to participate in at least two special programs per year. She increased the frequency with which teachers are recognized for their hard work and dedication to help the staff feel appreciated throughout the year. Amira also set up the use of online registration and payment for all PTA events though the school’s website. The popular Chanukah concert was also brought back during her tenure as president. Amira is currently an active member of the RYNJ board of directors.
Yossi runs the motzai shabbos learning (MSL) program for children at Congregation Beth Abraham in Bergenfield, and is a former Beth Abraham board member. He regularly gives the pre-maariv Dvar Torah on Friday night at the “WinMin” block minyan. Additionally, Yossi has been a coach in the Teaneck Junior Soccer League for many years.
Prior to their moving to Teaneck, Amira and Yossi were very active at the Young Israel of Riverdale. Amira was sisterhood president from 2004 to 2007 and Yossi organized and spoke at a weekly halacha chabura at the shul.
Yossi is an actuary and healthcare benefits consultant for Mercer. Amira works in the finance area of Centerlight Health System. Amira and Yossi are the proud parents of Akiva (’17), Noam (7th grade), Moshe (4th grade), and Ariella (1st grade).
For more information, to make a reservation or to place an ad please visit RYNJ.org.
