(Courtesy of YBH) YBH of Passaic is proud to announce its 79th annual dinner, which will take place on Tuesday, May 20 at The Brightstone. This event will bring together the broader yeshiva family to celebrate kavod haTorah, express heartfelt appreciation, and draw inspiration from individuals who embody the values at the heart of the YBH mission.
Guests of Honor: A Legacy Of Harbatzas Torah
HaRav Mordechai Willig, shlit’a, YBH moreh derech, together with his sons, Rabbi Yehuda Willig and Rabbi Simcha Willig — devoted YBH parents and esteemed mechanchim — will be honored for their outstanding contributions to YBH. Their steadfast commitment to Torah education and leadership both in the classroom and in the community continues to strengthen the yeshiva and inspire the next generation.
Rav Willig has played a pivotal role at the yeshiva offering clarity, consistency and hadracha as one of the yeshiva’s two morei derech alongside HaRav Hershel Schachter, shlit’a. HaRav Willig is also a rosh yeshiva at RIETS, the morah d’atra of the Young Israel of Riverdale, and is recognized throughout the Torah world as a leading posek and guiding force. B’ezrat Hashem, his principled presence should continue to shape the yeshiva’s direction and character for many more years to come.
To many in the YBH parent body, Rav Willig is more than a prominent figure: He is a rebbe, a mentor, and a lifelong source of spiritual guidance. His involvement connects the yeshiva to a rich mesorah of Torah scholarship and avodat Hashem.
Gary Snitow, president of YBH and a talmid of Rav Willig, shared: “Rav Willig’s steady presence and profound wisdom have been a guiding force for both the hanhala and lay leadership of YBH. As a talmid and as a parent, I have seen firsthand how his consistent counsel, rooted in deep Torah knowledge and genuine humility, shapes our decisions and strengthens our mission. It is a true zechus to honor him at this year’s dinner, together with his sons, who so beautifully carry forward his legacy.”
YBH is equally proud to honor the next generation of Torah leadership. Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Simcha Willig, both parents of current YBH talmidim, exemplify the values instilled by their father. Their deep commitment to limud haTorah, avodat Hashem, and mesiras nefesh for klal Yisrael is evident in their daily lives and leadership. Their ongoing involvement in the yeshiva reflects the very ideals YBH strives to instill in each of its students.
Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz, rosh haMossad of YBH shared: “This year’s dinner affords the opportunity for us to express our profound hakarat hatov to two families that eschew the limelight. Rav Willig, shlit’a is a guiding light for YBH’s entire mission and vision, selflessly dedicating countless hours to the yeshiva over the weeks, months and years. He is an exemplar of a moreh derech in the fullest sense of the phrase.
Faculty Recognition Award: Dr. Sharona Benoff
In addition to honoring the Willig family, YBH is proud to present the Faculty Recognition Award to Dr. Sharona Benoff, the yeshiva’s director of counseling and guidance. For over 12 years, Dr. Benoff has been an indispensable part of the YBH family, offering invaluable emotional and academic support to students, parents and educators alike.
Her clinical expertise, compassionate approach and unwavering dedication to each child’s well-being have made her a cornerstone of the yeshiva. Dr. Benoff has been instrumental in shaping YBH’s approach to social-emotional growth, mental health awareness, and student success. Her close collaboration with rebbeim and moros ensures that every child is not only seen and supported, but also empowered to thrive — academically, emotionally and spiritually.
“Dr. Sharona Benoff has indelibly impacted the lives of hundreds of students and staff members alike through her wisdom, care and concern as our director of counseling and guidance. Her dedication par excellence at all hours of the day and night inspires us all, as we strive to inspire and uplift every child in our care,” said Rabbi Schwartz. This year’s recognition is a heartfelt tribute to her lasting and transformative impact.
The 79th annual dinner promises to be an uplifting evening of unity and inspiration, bringing together families, alumni and friends to honor those whose contributions continue to strengthen and elevate the yeshiva.
To make a reservation or place an ad in the commemorative journal, visit www.ybhpassaic.org/dinner.
