February 13, 2025

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Yeshivat Noam Plans Annual Dinner: A Celebration Of Community, Education and Leadership

Tova and Shai Gerson

(Courtesy of Yeshivat Noam) Yeshivat Noam extends a warm invitation to the community to join them at their annual dinner on Wednesday night, March 5, 6 Adar 5785. The evening will be a celebration of the school’s accomplishments, an opportunity to recognize deserving honorees, and a fundraiser for essential donations. The money raised will be used to provide financial assistance and fund educational excellence.

The dinner theme, אני שייך לעם, “I Belong to a Nation,” focuses on Yeshivat Noam’s place within a larger community. The school is grateful to all the parents who have volunteered to ensure the success of the dinner and campaign and thanked dinner co-chairs Sara Ehrenreich, Hannah Feder, Lani Hans and Shlomit Korman. They also expressed appreciation to the annual campaign co-chairs, Dina Gielchinsky, Yale Jasphy and Dovid Katz.

Yeshivat Noam will pay tribute to amazing honorees who give of themselves to ensure the future of Yeshivat Noam and the success of each student, and will express their deepest gratitude to the honorees for their outstanding leadership, talent and dedication: Guests of Honor Tova and Shai Gerson and Yael and Donny Herman, and Faculty Recognition Award winners Danielle Leitman and Jenny Pavel.

Danielle Leitman

 

Leitman will be celebrated for her unwavering dedication, warmth, passion and impact on the school community. For 17 years, Morah Danielle has been a beloved kindergarten teacher, shaping the educational journey of Yeshivat Noam students by ensuring that every lesson is meaningful, every child feels seen, and every day is filled with joy. She meets each child where they are, appreciating their unique strengths and fostering their growth with hands-on, experiential learning that makes every lesson authentic and fun.

Morah Danielle’s ability to connect with her students at their level allows them to develop confidence, curiosity and a deep love for learning. She seamlessly integrates literacy, math, science and Hebrew language with Jewish holidays and themes, creating an engaging and enriching academic foundation while bringing the beauty of Torah and mitzvot into every lesson.

Beyond the classroom, Leitman is a cherished colleague and a unifying force within the kindergarten faculty. Her humor and warmth are truly magnetic, and her team is always happy and united. For Morah Danielle, Yeshivat Noam is not just a workplace, it is a home away from home for her and her family. In fact, Yeshivat Noam has been such a central part of her life that she even got engaged in the building surrounded by her students! Morah Danielle and her husband, Yoni, live in Fair Lawn with their three children, Adir (fifth grade), Rina (third grade), and Nava (Buds), who proudly attend Yeshivat Noam.

Jenny Pavel

 

Pavel, director of student support services,will be recognized in appreciation for her 19 years of dedication to Yeshivat Noam students, families and faculty. She has been a driving force behind ensuring that every child at Yeshivat Noam, regardless of their learning differences, receives the support, encouragement and individualized attention they need to thrive.

Pavel began her career at Yeshivat Noam as the school’s first full-time support teacher, working across the elementary school grades, even before her own children were enrolled. As she transitioned into the role of director of student support services, Pavel embraced an even greater responsibility to ensure that every student receives a meaningful and enriching Jewish and general education.

With Pavel at the helm, the Yeshivat Noam support program has flourished. She has been instrumental in selecting and updating curriculum, mentoring teachers and strengthening intervention strategies. Pavel partners with parents, teachers and outside providers to develop plans to support students’ learning abilities. Thanks to Pavels’s vision, Yeshivat Noam’s support services continue to expand, allowing a diverse range of learners to reach their potential. She has guided and led the Chazak b’Noam program to provide maximum support services to students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.

Pavel and her husband, Jeff, live in Fair Lawn, attend Congregation Shomrei Torah, and are proud parents to three Yeshivat Noam alumni, Elie (’17), Aaron (’19) and Tamar (’22).

Yael and Donny Herman

 

The Gersons are being honored in recognition of their unwavering dedication to the school community. Together, they have been generous donors and tireless ambassadors, and individually they have brought their unique strengths and passions to help foster the growth and success of Yeshivat Noam.

Shai has been deeply involved in the financial oversight and strategic direction of the school, having served on the finance and scholarship committees, as co-president of the board of trustees, and currently as president of the board. Under his leadership, Yeshivat Noam has maintained a balanced budget, provided critical support to families in need, and undertaken the important task of assessing the feasibility of a campus expansion. Tova has devoted countless hours to Yeshivat Noam in a variety of key roles. She has served on the YNPA in multiple capacities, was a member of the board for three years, and co-chaired the annual dinner for many years. Most notably, Tova is well-known for her comedic performances and stellar acting skills in the Yeshivat Noam virtual dinner videos.

Together, Tova and Shai’s dedication, vision and generosity have had an extraordinary impact on the school as well as the Jewish community in general. Shai serves as gabbai of their shul, Ohr HaTorah, as well as past treasurer of the Etzion Foundation for 10 years and treasurer for Congregation Ohr Levana. Tova has been a morah at Lubavitch on the Palisades Preschool in Tenafly for the past 18 years. They are proud parents to Jonah (’17), currently learning in Ner Yisroel; Temmy (’19), who studied at MMY and is now attending Yeshiva University; Noa (’21), who is a senior in Yeshivat Frisch; and Sarena (eighth grade), who is graduating from Yeshivat Noam this year.

The Hermans are pillars of the Yeshivat Noam community, and Yeshivat Noam is proud to honor them at this year’s annual dinner. Since moving to Bergen County in 2014, they have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to the school, making an indelible mark on the community.

Yael’s leadership and commitment have been evident in her roles as Salute to Israel Parade co-chair and as a member of the Annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut Steering Committee. In these roles she infused a deep love for Eretz Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael into the school and students. She also served as a board member, including as executive board secretary and later as co-president, where she was known for her humility, attention to detail, and excellent decision-making, always putting the needs of the school and its students first. Donny’s quiet yet unwavering dedication is just as remarkable. While he may be seen as Rabbi Hagler’s golf caddy or assisting Amy Vogel with photography at the Yeshivat Noam Annual Golf Outing, he is most known for his heartfelt commitment to the school’s mission and the importance of assisting families who need financial support. Together, the Hermans are founding members of the Endowment for Tuition Affordability, and Yael continues to serve as co-chair of this vital initiative. Their generosity goes beyond financial contributions; they are known for their warmth and hospitality. For many years, they have graciously opened their home to host bnot sherut, offering not just a place to stay, but a caring and loving environment far from home.

Yael and Donny live in Teaneck and are active members of Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, where Donny serves on the board. They are the proud parents of Jonah, currently studying at Yeshiva University; Coby, who is learning in Israel; and Abby, an eighth grader who will be graduating from Yeshivat Noam this year.
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, ext. 126. Every dollar makes an impact on the yeshiva’s ability to deliver academic excellence and financial support to those who need assistance.

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