[By Shoshana Bernstein]

Yeshiva of Spring Valley’s 71st Annual Dinner which took place on Wednesday before shavous, offered a smorgasbord of reasons to be dubbed unique. The continuous procession of cars all headed in the same direction off the Tappan Zee Bridge was a clear indication that a special event was occurring. But what exactly made the YSV Dinner so extraordinary?

Perhaps it was the incredibly vibrant energy of the evening and palpable camaraderie amongst the hundreds of attendees. Or maybe it was the rare occurrence of people coming early and staying late — for a Dinner! Scheduled to begin at seven, by 7:05 the reception was packed as hundreds of parents showed pride in their mosad hachinuch and came out in support of the Yeshiva. In fact, scores of parents, guests and friends remained long after the program ended.

Possibly it was the concise programming which validated the allegiance and dedication of all the participants who attended despite it being a weeknight. Without a doubt it was the well run agenda, elegant décor, rousing videos by Studio Seven productions and delectable cuisine by Glauber’s Catering which helped create an evening of unsurpassed achdus and professionalism.

As guests arrived, they were personally greeted by Rabbi Yehuda Frankel, Dean, and the Principals of both the Boys’ and Girls’ divisions as well as Rabbi Eliezer Stern, YSV’s indefatigable CEO whose commitment to excellence continues to effect stellar results on behalf of the Yeshiva. Beautiful banners displayed appreciation for the faculty, welcomed new parents and announced the formation of the Young Leadership Committee. Truly elegant donor gifts of engraved challah knives and framed, parchment paper birchos habanim were tastefully displayed, giving visible thanks for meaningful support.

The well attended reception provided the opportunity for parents, faculty and guests to exchange warm greetings as they enjoyed the elaborate buffet. Separate girls and boys’ videos played outside the corresponding reception rooms and mothers and fathers alike took great pride in watching their children happily engrossed in work and play at YSV.

The Dinner commenced in a timely fashion, and as the ballroom quickly filled to capacity, Mr. Nachum Rosenberg, MC, welcomed the crowd of over 800 attendees and publicly acknowledged the efforts of everyone involved in the evening’s planning.

In his direct and personable manner, Mr. Surly Orzel, President, took to the podium and extolled the virtues of the Hanhala and staff of Yeshiva of Spring Valley. “The kol torah is resounding in the hallways and we are proud to provide the best in chinuch – be it principals, staff, education, technological advances and outdoor play areas.” Mr. Orzel’s ongoing dedication to the Yeshiva was evident as he declared: “I can promise you that we will continue to do our best to educate your tayarah kinderlach!”

Mr. Danny Gilbert then spoke on behalf of the newly launched YLC. His concise explanation of the purpose behind the Young Leadership Committee provided the perfect exemplar of the focused and energetic actions the members intend to take as they employ their combined talents and perspectives and provide a voice to the new generation of YSV parents. “We look forward to furthering the success and impact of the esteemed Board.”

The Guests of Honor, Mr. and Mrs. Leibi and Sheila Grohman were then introduced. Reb Leibi accepted the Guest of Honor award in memory of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac and Feiga Grohman a’h, who shared a lifetime of commitment to Torah values and a history of mesiras nefesh for Yiddishkeit. He explained the motivation behind his acquiescence in accepting the honor stating simply, “I think the Yeshiva did a great job with my own children and I’m indebted to them.”

Notable personal touches included a resounding and heartwarming round of applause in appreciation of Mrs. Marion Morell as the Yeshiva thanked her for 42 years as a dedicated Teacher in the boys’ school. Another well deserved show of hakoras hatov was given to the extremely hard working office staff, whose ongoing efforts ensure the smooth and efficient daily running of YSV.

The keynote address was delivered by Rabbi Yehuda Frankel, the beloved Dean of Yeshiva Spring Valley. Quoting from parshas Naso, he deftly wove together the concepts of Birchas Kohanim, kavod hatorah and kavod haShechina. “Tonight kavod Hatorah is being displayed and demonstrated. As we strive to be mechanech our children properly in these difficult times, it is the ahava, the varmkeit and understanding that makes all the difference and is the hallmark of the Yeshiva.”

The evening’s success was summed up by a guest who noted “There was a fully energized crowd, many of whom arrived before the official start time…. Unheard of! Be it a new parent, a large donor, or the newly formed Young Leadership Committee, all were greeted and acknowledge accordingly. People had a sense of pride to be a part of the forefront of mosdos hatorah. The Dinner was a huge success; a really well done event all around.”

Rabbi Eliezer Stern shared his thoughts on the impact of the Dinner, noting: “Smiles were everywhere and you could feel the pride and sense of belonging.” It was an extraordinary evening for the Hanhala, staff, parents, guests and friends of Yeshiva of Spring Valley, all who were extremely proud of their ongoing association with the preeminent mosad hachinuch whose positive impact reaches throughout Monsey and beyond.

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)