The Dean's Blog: Graduation Honors

On the Goals of Jewish Education

"Our goal should be to make it possible for every Jewish person, child or adult, to be exposed to the mystery and romance of Jewish history, to the enthralling insights and special sensitivities of Jewish thought, to the sanctity and symbolism of Jewish existence, and to the power and profundity of Jewish faith. As a motto and declaration of hope, we might adapt the dictum that says, ‘They searched from Dan to Beer Sheva and did not find an ‘am ha’aretz" ‘Am ha’aretz, usually understood as an ignoramus, an illiterate, may for our purposes be defined as one indifferent to Jewish visions and values, untouched by the drama and majesty of Jewish history, unappreciative of the resourcefulness and resilience of the Jewish community, and unconcerned with Jewish destiny. Education, in its broadest sense, will enable young people to confront the secret of Jewish tenacity and existence, the quality of Torah teaching which fascinates and attracts irresistibly. They will then be able, even eager, to find their place in a creative and constructive community."

From "A Time to Act," by Professor Isadore Twersky, the late Talner Rebbe, Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy at Harvard University, and member of the Commissionon Jewish Education in North America. Presented at a meeting of the Commision on June 12, 1990.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Graduation Honors

It is my pleasure to announce that two most deserving young women from the Goldie Margolin School for Girls have been selected as Valedictorian and Salutatorian of this year's graduating class. Following in the school's tradition, the honors are given to the two students from either of our two high schools with the highest cumulative grade point average. This year those distinctions go to Raquel Kampf, who was named Valedictorian, and Eliana Graber, who was named Salutatorian. Both Raquel and Eliana will spend next year studying in Israel at Sha'alvim for Women, after which Raquel will go on to Stern College for Women and Eliana will attend Barnard College.

Also receiving special recognition at graduation will be Andrew Tavin, who will be presented with his National Merit Scholarship Award. Andrew, who will be attending NYU as a Presidential Honors Scholar, is one of only 8200 students - out of 1.5 million entrants from across the country - to win the prestigious National Merit award.

Congratulations to them all!