(Courtesy of Yavneh Academy) On Saturday evening, Jan. 11, 2025, Yavneh Academy will celebrate its 82nd Annual Dinner at Keter Torah in Teaneck, honoring Keren and Jeremy Nussbaum, Chaikie and Jason Berg, Marsha Motzen and Rabbi Shmuel Burstein. The dinner will honor Yavneh’s rich legacy, its remarkable honorees and serve as a critical fundraiser for Yavneh’s Annual Campaign.
The annual campaign bridges the gap between tuition revenue and the resources needed to provide Yavneh students with the wide array of outstanding education and experiences they enjoy. Proceeds from the dinner support the school’s mission to foster academic excellence, a love for Medinat Yisrael, a passion for Torah, and the development of children with self- confidence and exemplary middot.
This year’s honorees exemplify Yavneh’s values of dedication, leadership and commitment to community. Keren and Jeremy Nussbaum, guests of honor, have been pillars of the Yavneh community since their family joined the school in 2010. Keren, who has served on the board of directors and as YPAA president during the challenges of the COVID pandemic, has also chaired numerous events, including the annual dinner and the raffle and auction fundraiser. Jeremy has been equally active, chairing the annual golf outing and coaching Yavneh’s seventh grade girls’ basketball team.
Beyond Yavneh, the Nussbaums are deeply involved in other community initiatives, including Keter Torah, Tomchei Shabbos and youth sports leagues. The Nussbaums are proud parents of five wonderful children: Daniella (’18), Kayla (’20), Zac (’23), Sami (fifth grade), and Brayden (second grade).
Chaikie and Jason Berg, this year’s service awardees, have been dedicated supporters of Yavneh since 2009. Jason, currently vice president of development on Yavneh’s board, has contributed significantly to the school’s annual golf outing, while Chaikie has been active in the YPAA, leading initiatives like the book fair and apparel sales, and even stepping in as a substitute teacher. Their children—Talia (’18), now a junior at Brandeis University; David (’21), and Layla, currently in eighth grade at Yavneh—have all been shaped by the school’s values and sense of community. The Bergs are also active members of Congregation Bnai Yeshurun and supporters of local nonprofit organizations that reflect their values of kindness and service.
Marsha Motzen, faculty award recipient, has been a cherished member of Yavneh’s staff since 2000. As the driving force behind Yavneh’s music program, Motzen has inspired countless students through unique opportunities such as the “Link Up” program with Carnegie Hall, “Access Opera” and performances at Citi Field and the New Jersey Devils’ Jewish Heritage Night. Her passion for music has left an indelible mark on her students, many of whom credit her with instilling confidence and a lifelong love of music. Motzen and her husband, renowned Chazan Yaakov Motzen, have been married since 2010 and between them have eight loving children, 25 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Rabbi Shmuel Burstein, recognized for his transformative Holocaust curriculum, has been a guiding presence at Yavneh for 24 years. His ability to teach this challenging subject matter with hope and inspiration has deeply impacted generations of students. Through his Holocaust play and other educational initiatives, Rabbi Burstein has helped students connect to their heritage and develop a profound sense of responsibility for the future. He is the author of “The War Against God and His People” as well as other books and articles about the Holocaust period. Rabbi Burstein and his family live in New City, New York where they are very active in growing a new and expanding Orthodox Jewish community.
The 82nd Annual Dinner promises to be an inspiring evening, celebrating the honorees’ contributions and Yavneh’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education. To RSVP or donate to Yavneh’s Annual Campaign, please visit www.yavnehdinner.com, contact Aliza Schulman, director of annual campaign, at [email protected] or call (201) 262-8494, ext. 309. Every contribution helps Yavneh continue its vital mission of nurturing academic, spiritual and emotional growth in every student.
