In celebration of its 23rd year, Yeshivat Noam in Paramus is inviting the community to attend the annual dinner on Tuesday evening, April 9. The event is a celebration of the school’s accomplishments, an opportunity to recognize deserving honorees and a fundraiser for essential funds. The money raised will be directed to support scholarship students and fund educational excellence.
The theme of the dinner is Kol Yisrael Arayvim Zeh Bazeh, כל ישראל ערבים זה בזה. The focus of the theme is our responsibility to take care of one another. At the dinner, attendees will pay tribute to alumni and former students serving in the IDF as well as say Tehillim for all of Am Yisrael.
The annual campaign co-chairs are Greg Eliason, Dina Gielchinsky and Dovid Katz. The dinner co-chairs are Shifra Bendheim, Sara Ehrenreich, Lani Hans and Dina Silverberg.
One of the goals of the evening is to pay tribute to amazing honorees who give of themselves to ensure the future of Yeshivat Noam and the success of each student. Yeshivat Noam is thrilled to recognize Iris and Elie Borger and Bena and David Schwartz as the guests of honor; Dr. Miryam Benovitz with the Faculty Recognition Award; and Morah Elana Kessler with the Bonei Noam Award. Yeshivat Noam is truly honored to highlight the many outstanding contributions of these distinguished honorees.
Iris and Elie Borger are being recognized for their dedication and generosity to Yeshivat Noam. Since moving from Edison in 2016, the Borgers have played an active role in the Teaneck community. Elie serves as a financial advisor for Yeshivat Noam and has assisted in developing policies and procedures to help ensure the long-term financial strength of the school while advocating for the needs of member families. In the broader community, Elie serves on the executive board at TABC and lectures regularly at Yeshiva University on the topic of financial literacy for emerging adults. Iris (who does not appreciate being in the spotlight) volunteers behind the scenes for people in need of assistance including errands, meals and companionship. In addition to volunteering for Chai Lifeline and making shidduchim, Iris is a proud altruistic kidney donor.
The Borgers hosted the Rutland Avenue COVID minyan for two years. They are the proud parents of two Yeshivat Noam graduates, Danielle (’16) and Max (’20), as well as an upcoming graduate, Ami (’24). Their oldest daughter, Arielle Rosenberg, is a science teacher in Yeshivat Noam’s middle school. Arielle and Daniel are the parents of Iris and Elie’s grandson Akiva. The Borgers are members of Congregations Rinat Yisrael and Bnai Yeshurun in Teaneck
Bena and David Schwartz are being honored in recognition of their commitment and meaningful contributions to Yeshivat Noam’s students, families and the larger Jewish community. Bena and David, known for their middot tovot, are outstanding leaders, not only dedicated to Yeshivat Noam but to their shul and community. Bena, known for her poise, kindness and organizational skills, has been involved with multiple parent committees at Yeshivat Noam over the years, including co-chairing the Parent Education Committee and the Student Development and Parent School Partnership (PSP). Using her expertise as a child developmental psychologist, Bena has led book talks and parenting workshops. David served as the president of Young Israel of Teaneck for four years, including during the COVID pandemic. David oversaw a major building expansion while serving as the president. For the past 17 years, David has been giving a weekly iyun Gemara shiur at shul. Together, their tireless dedication and generosity to Yeshivat Noam and their community is outstanding. David and Bena are parents to Yaakov (’16), Elie (’21), Mayer (’21), Boaz (seventh grade) and Sheffah (seventh grade).
Benovitz has been an outstanding member of the Yeshivat Noam family since 2005. An elementary school psychologist, Benovitz is an integral member of the administrative leadership team. Her warm and sensitive approach, combined with her vast knowledge and expertise, helps children and parents as they navigate these formidable years. Benovitz works proactively by creating and teaching the social-emotional-learning curriculum to students to help them better identify and manage their feelings, communicate effectively, work through conflicts and make friends. Benovitz also supports and guides teachers by recommending tools and strategies that help foster a supportive and nurturing classroom environment for students. Over the years, Benovitz has mentored and advised the growing number of mental health professionals at Yeshivat Noam. Benovitz is married to Don-E and they are the proud parents of Ariella, Yoni, Mindy, Michal and Akiva.
Elana Kessler, who is affectionately known as Morah Elana, is director of Nitzanei Noam and known for her smile, love, hugs and warmth. Starting as a Buds teacher, Kessler’s love of children was clear in all of her interactions. She was beloved by the students, which made her a natural choice to serve as director of Nitzanei Noam in 2019. To this day, Kessler has enabled Nitzanei Noam to grow into the program it is, known for its warm environment and child- centered approach. Those who walk into Nitzanei Noam will undoubtedly see Kessler on the floor with a child on her lap, doing some fun and silly dance, or leading a creative, hands-on, artistic project. While Yeshivat Noam recognizes Kessler’s contribution to Nitzanei Noam, they also wish her and her family a “tsetchem l’shalom” as they make aliyah. Kessler is married to Bruce Kessler, coach of the Yeshivat Noam boys soccer team, and they are the proud parents of Maytal (’17), Akiva (’19), Amitai (’22) and Shai (seventh grade).
To make a reservation or donation in support of Jewish education and to provide scholarship funds, contact Amy Vogel, director of development and communications, at [email protected] or call (201) 261-1919 x126. Every dollar makes an impact on the yeshiva’s ability to deliver academic excellence and financial support to those who need assistance.
