Yavneh Academy celebrated the start of its 75th anniversary year on September 17. Parents, students, grandparents, alumni and friends of the school were treated to carnival games and rides, a delicious brunch and tours of newly renovated spaces at Yavneh. Yavneh middle school students ran the carnival games for their younger peers and served as expert tour guides for parents and alumni. Thank you to the kickoff chairs Chaikie Berg, Naomi Berkowitz and Keren Nussbaum for all of their efforts planning the wonderful morning.

The event began with a performance by the Yavneh chorus, followed by words of welcome from Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, head of school, Rachel Jacobs, Yavneh alumna, parent and president of the YPAA and Pamela Scheininger, president of the board. The crowd was especially moved when Saragail Chessin Carpe, Judy Blake and Ruth Brooks, children of the founding members of Yavneh, shared their memories of Yavneh’s earliest years, beginning with five kindergarten students in 1942. Their awe was palpable and emotional, as they took in their parents’ legacy, now 850 students strong.

The family, along with Trudy and George Stiefel, and their son Marvin, presented the school with a check for $150,000, the balance of funds remaining from Congregation B’nai Israel-Ahavath Joseph in Paterson, which has closed. The shul felt a special connection to Yavneh, given the school’s original roots in Paterson, and contributed the funds so that Yavneh can continue its long-standing tradition of academic excellence coupled with a foundation in Torah and midot in a warm and supportive environment.

Yavneh is looking forward to connecting with alumni and celebrating this milestone year with the many families who have been a part of the Yavneh community throughout its history.

Please contact us through https://tinyurl.com/YavnehAcademyAlumni.