Last Tuesday night, May 12, Yeshiva University High Schools held their annual dinner at Marina del Rey in Bronx, New York. This year’s honorees included Rabbi Steven (YUHSB ‘89) and Rachel Burg, Mr. Avi (YUHSB ’85) and Aleeza Lauer, Mrs. Ruth Fried, and Rabbi Al Cohen. The evening also paid tribute to the MTA and Central classes of 1990 on the 25th anniversary of their graduation.
The dinner was a beautiful affair, with the backdrop of Marina’s floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the northern reaches of the East River. Inside, proud alumni, parents, students, teachers, administrators and supporters of Yeshiva University High Schools milled about, enjoying the sumptuous buffet that included both steak and sushi.
The event began by honoring Rabbi and Mrs. Burg, current MTA parents, whose devotion to MTA is perhaps best manifested by the success of their sons, Aryeh and Elie, as well as the Burgs’ generosity in opening their home for the many local MTA shabbatons and tisches that take place there throughout the year.
Yeshiva University President Richard Joel spoke briefly about his own experiences at MTA, and was followed by a performance by the award-winning MTA chorus—hot off their recent performance at New York City Hall. Central students subsequently presented a powerful poetry slam performance that showcased their school pride.
Mrs. Ruthie Fried, a longtime teacher at YUHSG and chair of their well-regarded science department, was also honored, as was Mr. Avi Lauer, vice president for legal affairs at Yeshiva and proud parent of Central senior Ashley.
Lastly, Rabbi Al Cohen, a longtime YUHSB (both BTA and MTA) maggid shiur and founding editor of the “Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society,” received recognition for his many years of service at the nation’s oldest and most venerated yeshiva high school. The guests were impressed with the dinner and left more informed about the school’s storied past and energized about its future.
