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YNS Celebrates First Graduation

Yeshivas YNS of NJ celebrated its first ever Mesivta High School graduation. Six bochurim walked into the hall to the tune of Ani Ma’amin, and in front of everyone present they became the first graduating class of the yeshiva.

The program opened with a brocha to the graduates by Hatomim Choni Botnick, and welcoming remarks by Hatomim Mendel Gordon.

Emotions overflowed as the Hebrew valedictorian Hatomim Shneur Aharon touched each heart present, as he explained the best way to stay on a just and right path, and how YNS helped him get there.

English valedictorian Hatomim Dovid Roetter then summed up secular study classes and remarked how this yeshiva doesn’t settle on one specific subject – but concentrates on everything individually. “We never stop learning,” he exclaimed, “we just do it in different techniques.”

Hatomim Kovi Kranz then told how YNS has become a ring that will give him inspiration in times of need, as well as help him keep his head out of the clouds. He explained that we must allow the moments to pass, yet never the lessons we learn.

A young man wanted to return to his Jewish roots and he did so with the help of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and the yeshiva. Hatomim Choni Botnick informed all how he came to understand while here at YNS that yeshiva life is no waste of time, and how he hopes each one understands that as well.

Words of wisdom were then passed on by Hatomim Zalman Levine, who stated that by finding Rabbi ‘O’ and YNS two years ago his whole life had changed, and stressed that the bochurim are fortunate to have many aspects here at the yeshiva that they will not find anywhere else.

The last graduate to speak, Hatomim Dovi Calabro, used an everyday thing, such as riding a bike, to explain his transformation from Hillel to YNS, and that “you have no idea how many people will be holding on with you.”

All the graduates touched on the ‘family atmosphere’ created at the yeshiva, and they all went on to thank the Rebbe for touching and inspiring themselves and their families.

After the graduates, the Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Yaacov Orimland spoke intensely about how if you want to do something all you need is the self-motivation and you can accomplish whatever you put your heart and mind to.

On behalf of the yeshiva board each graduate was then presented with a special gift, after which Rabbi ‘O’ presented his faculty with a copy of The World of Tomorrow – which speaks about the greatness of being a teacher, and expressed his gratitude for all they do.

An enjoyable slideshow of the highlights of the year was presented. Thank you Zalman Levine for creating the memories for the bochurim. A beautiful yearbook was handed out to all those present. Many thanks to Dovid Roetter for his amazing creativity in editing and publishing such a beautiful publication.

Following the presentations of the diplomas by Rabbi Orimland and Mrs. Elaine Geller, the secular principal, the graduating class of 5772-2012 marched out to Napoleons’ March and was escorted out amid much applause for all of their accomplishments.

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9 Comments

  • zev

    Looks like some good PR otherwise im not sure what they are graduating, its like they finished high school or college

    Rabbi O is a great inspiration and he does a great job, if we only had more like him in every mesivta

  • Mendy

    “pictures and video in extendel article”????

    I only see pictures!!!

  • Chana Fish

    THis article and graduation really touched my heart. This was a beautiful event. Saving a life is like saving a whole world. May all of the Rabbis and teachers of this school keep up their good work. The stories of each of these boys and their comments were truly beautiful. each person’s story of tshuva is truly touching.

  • leah

    where is the source of caps and gowns for graduation? i jknow it is an american custom but where is it from?

  • fans from australia

    Rabbi O and Moishie truly amazing – a school built on true Ahavas Yisroel – your fans in Sydney Australia

  • Sarah Laytin

    WOW that video was the best could not have happened without all the special staff Rabbis and boys many many brachas to all

  • batya levitan

    Rabbi Ormland has completely changed my son’s life . I will be forever indebted to him and the entire staff. Batya Levitan