Generations of Goodness Building for the Future

Growth and building for the future were two prevalent themes expressed by the honorees at Generations of Goodness, Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy’s (LYA) Scholarship Dinner held on June 2, 2015 in Longmeadow, MA.  Close to 200 community members attended the gala event at Bnai Torah during which LYA honored Ron Eckman and Oscar Plotkin for their generosity to the school.

Both honorees expressed a message of the exciting growth and future they see at LYA. Their support for the community comes from a deep rooted connection they both had with Rabbi Dovid Edelman, ZT”L. This connection has continued to develop with LYA, Rabbi Dovid Edelman and Rabbi Noach Kosofsky even after the honorees moved out of the community.

When accepting their awards, each honoree made it clear that it is important to them to continue to invest in a strong Jewish educational presence in Western Massachusetts.  LYA is an institution where students learn “that when faced with a challenge, choose G-d”, remarked Oscar Plotkin.

LYA presented Paul Cohen with a Visionary Award in honor of a significant bequest Paul Cohen made to LYA as he ensures the future of Jewish education in his community. “When I visit LYA I see these children are having a unique experience.” The building will be dedicated as the Paul Cohen Building.

Esther Kosofsky delivered a special tribute in memory of her father, Rabbi Dovid Edelman, a special video of whom was then shown.  Ron Eckman surprised the crowd by unveiling a beautiful original portrait of Rabbi Dovid Edelman to hang in the school, painted by artist John Simpson.

Ron Eckman announced that he is challenging the community to participate in a new initiative to beautify the school as it looks toward the future.  “These students are the timekeepers for us and our future”, explained Eckman.

Ron Eckman then explained that he is donating the portrait of Rabbi Edelman to LYA.  He offered to place the name of anyone who donates $5,000 next to the portrait.  This money will be designated to use to beautify the school.

A promotional video was premiered at the LYA Scholarship Dinner. The video captures students engaged in a variety of activities in a typical school day: science lab, art class, chumash class, and rhythmics. Students and parents share their feelings of why LYA is special for them.  The video was produced by Grey Matter Films, and was sponsored by Florence Bank.

Attending the dinner were many community members, LYA supporters, board members, parents, LYA staff as well as family and friends of the honorees.  It was especially heartwarming to greet the many LYA alumni, who are now working in the community and see them enjoy the growth of their school.

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