The Great Diamond Heist Sparkles

What are the key components of an awesome event for singles?

Comfortable ways to meet. Interactive and fun.

Good food.

Great people (of course!).

That’s exactly what made “The Great Diamond Heist” such a successful evening on Sunday, June 18.

It also happened to be remarkable with its unique “mystery” program.

Hosted at Young Israel of Woodmere, in collaboration with YUConnects, the night was a “murder mystery” revolving around a museum’s stolen diamond exhibit. Audience members were selected as potential suspects or crime-solving detectives in this entertaining and immersive experience. A professional acting duo from The Murder Mystery Co. facilitated the show and encouraged the participants to interview each other as they uncovered clues and worked in teams to solve the crime.

“I loved that I was able to approach people in the room so easily and have something to discuss,” said one young woman. Another 28-year-old man agreed, “It was a great way to meet without feeling awkward at all.”

Even once the suspect was “apprehended” and dessert was served, the mingling continued. “The custodians of the Young Israel of Woodmere finally shoo-ed everyone out!” laughed one of the organizers. Many participants have already expressed mutual interest in each other, and a group of matchmakers are arranging further introductions this week.

The Young Israel of Woodmere’s popular YIWMeet committee organizes

YCQ Class of 2023 Commencement

several events a year allowing multiple meeting opportunities for daters. “The Great Diamond Heist” was sponsored by the Linda Mitgang a”h family as well as Isser Fruchter of KG&F Diamonds. Most of the Young Israel’s programs in the past few years have resulted in scores of dates and a number of engagements.

YUConnects, open to the Jewish com- munity, offers unique social activities, targeted matchmaking and educational programs to foster healthy relationships toward marriage. Approaching its 600th engagement, YUConnects welcomes further inquiries by visiting www.yuconnects.com or emailing yuconnects@ yu.edu

The Yeshiva of Central Queens hosted its annual commencement for the Class of 2023 on Thursday, June 15 at the state- of-the-art Queensborough Performing Arts Center.

Ninety-seven students dressed in blue and white caps and gowns kicked off the evening with a procession down the aisles as proud family members looked on. Rabbi Moshe Hamel led the packed auditorium in renditions of the American and Israeli national anthems.

Over the course of the evening, Principal Mark Landsman, President of the Board of Trustees Dr. Joel Wein, and Associate Principal of General Studies K-8 Mrs. Melissa Cohen addressed the graduates. They offered words of Torah, encouragement, and praise for the students as they take their next steps.

Student speakers included Valedictorians Esther Inoyatov and Assaf Davidov, Salutatorians Michelle Allayev, Aylea Moussaieff, and Michael Zavulun, and Keter Shem Tov Awardees Avital Levy and Adam Kaykov. The students thanked faculty, family, and friends for helping shape who they are today.

The night continued with respective performances by the boys and girls. Led by Morah Mashie Kapelowitz and Morah Tali Brody, the talmidot wowed the crowd with an impressively choreographed daglanut. The boys performed a series of songs that were arranged and conducted by Rabbi Ophie Nat.

The crowd was then taken for a journey through time with a heartwarming video montage created by Mrs. Jeniffer Jaffe. Fond memories from over the many years in YCQ were compiled and displayed as the students looked on, recalling the shared moments they experienced together.

Diplomas were then awarded by Rabbi Landsman, Rabbi Yaakov Lonner, Rabbi Hamel, Mrs. Esther Lowinger, Rabbi Joshua Rohr, Mrs. Melissa Cohen, Rabbi Avraham Kovitz, Mr. Israel Glaser, Dr. Wein, Mrs. Julie Faska, and Dr. Eliana Langbaum.

A collation back at YCQ concluded the memorable night. Graduation was an ex- clamation point to conclude a wonderful year and to recognize all of the amazing talmidim and talmidot of the Yeshiva of Central Queens. Mazal tov!

On Tuesday, June 13, the PTO hosted their annual Superette at YCQ. After a delicious dinner catered by Claire’s Kosher Kitchen, the main program of the evening began.

Rabbi Landsman welcomed everyone with a d’var Torah and then passed the microphone to Mrs. Jennifer Jaffe who honored Morah Maxine Lipshitz upon her retirement and thanked her for over 30 years of dedication to YCQ. Morah Max first worked in the Early Childhood Program before transitioning to her current role as school Photographer.

Mrs. Esther Lowinger then offered words of appreciation about Mrs. Heather Finkel, our longtime English Language Arts teacher in the Junior High School. In addition to the devotion Mrs. Finkel showed in the classroom, she was also instrumental in leading countless programs, including Names, Not Numbers and for publishing a beautiful yearbook each year.

Mrs. Tamar Turk, one of our dedicated First Grade teachers, was praised by Mrs. Melissa Cohen for all her efforts in helping our students at a crucial juncture in their education.

Mrs. Valerie Olsen then spoke about Mrs. Rachel Stern, a former PTO President and Board Member. She was thanked for her ongoing support of our yeshiva and her major role in helping the PTO become the amazing and supportive organization it is today.

Lastly, Ms. Ashley Landsberg, YCQ graduate, and daughter of Mr. Simon Landsberg, thanked her father for his work as past PTO president and his dedication to the role.

The evening concluded with an entertaining performance by magician David Rosenfeld. Special thank you to Mrs. Penina Nussbaum, the Superette Committee Chair and her committee for organizing such a wonderful evening. Thanks to Mrs. Julie Faska and Dr. Eliana Langbaum, the PTO CO-Presidents, and for all their efforts as well.

Hagaon Rav Hillel David Graces Siyumim of Seventh Grade

Hagaon Rav Hillel David, rav of Beis Medrash Yeshiva Shaarei Torah (Brooklyn), visited Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Middle School in honor

Hello Hamaspik! Carnival This Sunday

Hey Five Towns and Far Rockaway! Join us this Sunday at the JCC on Central Avenue in Lawrence from 12 pm - 5 pm for a day of free fun for the entire family! The Hello Hamaspik! carnival event will feature non-stop action with something exciting for kids of every age and stage: Eli Marcus concert, Uncle Moishy, pizza & french fries, cotton candy, face painting, Dr. Schnitzel Wacky Science Show, balloon sculpting, clowns, fire jugglers, clowns on stilts, inflat- ables, arcades, slush, virtual reality, jewelry making, popcorn…and more.

This event is our way of connecting with and saying hello to the community while spreading awareness about life-altering services available at no cost to those with special needs. Join us for a day of fantastic fun while helping to spread this awareness.

See you Sunday!

Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s fourth graders created original exhibits on Colonial-era American life