the 2010 Virtual Journal - Westchester Day School

RABBI JOSHUA EINZIG
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Welcome to Westchester Day School’s Sixty-Second
Anniversary Dinner.
This past Shabbat, we read in Parshat Terumah about the
mitzvah of building the Mishkan. B’nei Yisrael were
required to contribute their time and resources to the
construction of the Mishkan and its holy vessels. The Torah goes into much detail
describing the specific requirements of the overall structure of the Mishkan, as well as the
Menorah, Shulchan, and the Aron. Chazal question as to why Hashem did not create the
completed Mishkan by himself. Why were B’nei Yisrael required to work so tediously to
build the Mishkan? The Talmud answers that there was tremendous zechut and value in
the construction of the Mishkan. Through the Jewish people’s hard work and effort, they
attained a deeper connection and stronger relationship with Hashem. Only after they had
toiled and labored did Hashem place his Shechinah in the Mishkan.
Tonight we are privileged to honor three WDS families who have put their hard
work and resources into the building of our Mikdash Me’at, Westchester Day School. These
parents are no less important than Betzalel and the generation who built the Mishkan. Amy
& Paul Heller, Susie & Jeff Meyers and Tina & Joseph Orlian have dedicated themselves
through countless hours of hard work so that our children can experience the beauty of
learning Torah in a school where Hashem’s presence resides. They are devoted to “raising
our children and grandchildren, with wisdom and understanding, who love Hashem and
fear Him, who are people of truth, holy offspring attached to Hashem, who illuminate the
world with Torah and good deeds”. The Hellers, the Meyers and the Orlians all have a true
understanding of the importance of a Torah education and strive to make WDS a place in
which Hashem’s Shechinah can reside.
Tonight we also honor our superb Kindergarten teachers, Miriam Dollman and Jane
Grauer. They enlighten our children’s lives with a love of learning through the warm and
nurturing atmospheres they create in their classrooms. Morah Miriam and Morah Jane
form a unique bond with each and every one of their students and understand how to reach
every child. Westchester Day School is truly blessed to have such caring and devoted
teachers.
My sincere thanks go to the Dinner Chairs, Dana Bonime, Alisa David and Jackie
Lebovic for their tireless work in coordinating this beautiful evening. A special note of
gratitude to Russell Mannis, Chairman of the Board, Alisa Mannis, Vice Chairman, and Amy
Eagle, President, for their continuous dedication, guidance and support.
I am proud to serve as the Head of School where academic excellence, a love of
Torah, Eretz Yisrael and Am Yisrael are all integral parts of the WDS experience.