Communicating our ideas with one another, making our voices heard, sharing and learning from one another, making a difference in the world…these are but a few goals educators hold dear in raising our future generations. We benefit from the assistance of many outside organizations. One in particular is The Morris J. and Betty Kaplun Foundation.

As their website reads:

The Morris J. and Betty Kaplun Foundation encourages young people to treasure our Jewish heritage, reflect on our Jewish values, and better understand our contribution to civilization and culture. To this effort, the Foundation sponsors an annual essay contest open to both junior high and high school students. Established in 1955, the Morris J. and Betty Kaplun Foundation, is a non-profit philanthropic organization underscoring the eleemosynary, humanitarian and Jewish concerns of its founders, Morris J. and Betty Kaplun. The Kapluns, who were refugees from Nazi persecution, dedicated their lives to a variety of philanthropic causes. The Foundation endeavors to continue their good work.

This year’s essay topic for students in grades seven through nine was “My Jewish Values: How They Can Help Me Make the World a Better Place.” Yavneh Academy is proud to share that Talya Wimpfheimer and Gittel Levin received honorable mentions; Benny Edelman and Eliana Suldan were two of the six named finalists.

The finalists, their families and Yavneh Academy Associate Principal Mrs. Rubin enjoyed a gala celebration at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Joined by other finalists from Michigan, Toronto, Vancouver and Maryland, the reception featured opening comments from Mrs. Glorie Eisikower, a granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kaplun, from Mr. Aaron Seligson and words of encouragement and praise from the judging committee. The judges were Rabbi Dovid Rhodes, Rabbi Marvin Tokayer and the Honorable Martin Shulman. Each student had a confirmed $750.00 gift prize and was given a beautiful plaque commemorating their win. Yavneh is proud of all of their winners as they announce that Benny Edelman was awarded first place and received a cash gift of $1,800.

Yavneh wishes mazel tov to the Edelman, Levin, Suldan and Wimpfheimer families.

By Mrs. Barbara Rubin, Yavneh Academy