A Night to Remember: Honoring the Legacy of the Founding Members of the PTA at Oholei Torah’s Mothers Mingle Event
The Oholei Torah Mothers Committee (OTMC) recently hosted a memorable Mothers Mingle event, an evening filled with celebration, inspiration, and connection. This special night provided an opportunity for the mothers of the Cheder and Mechina talmidim to come together, build new connections, and hear about the exciting initiatives the OTMC has planned for the year. The event also provided a meaningful time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future.
The highlight of the evening was the tribute paid to the founding members of the original PTA, whose unwavering dedication and lasting impact on the Oholei Torah community continue to resonate, and their contributions were recognized with heartfelt gratitude.
Rabbi Yehoshua Lustig opened the event with an inspiring D’var Torah, drawing from this week’s Parsha. He spoke about the powerful influence of a mother’s touch in the chinuch of her children, highlighting the example of Rivka Imeinu. Rabbi Lustig thanked the founding members of the PTA for their tireless dedication and expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the hanhola, administration, staff and students.
Rabbi Lustig also thanked the new Oholei Torah Mothers Committee that was formed 18 months ago. Under the leadership of this new committee, initiatives like monthly Teacher Appreciation Luncheons and various class projects are set to continue the impactful work of the original PTA.
Mrs. Subie Rubashkin, a member of the newly formed OTMC, then presented each of the founding members of the PTA with a beautiful gift, thanking them for their countless contributions over the years. The original PTA consisted of the following members: Mrs. Devi Baumgarten, Mrs. Tzippy Dalfin, Mrs. Dina Kops, Mrs. Chanie Garelik, Mrs. Chani Hartman, Mrs. Raizel Heppenheimer, Mrs. Rochel Leah Jaffee, Mrs. Aida Junik, Mrs. Chani Markowitz, Mrs. Tzivia Lehrer, Mrs. Chanie Nuebort, Mrs. Devory Piekarski, Mrs. Aidy Pinson and Mrs. Raizy Rutman.
These pioneering women played a pivotal role in shaping the culture of Oholei Torah, starting beloved programs such as the Achdus Baskets and organizing the highly anticipated Hey Teves Book Fair. They were also instrumental in leading renovations like the bathroom overhauls, adding water fountains around yeshiva, and organizing numerous class projects that brought parents and children together. Their vision and dedication have left an indelible legacy within the school.
Mrs. Tzivia Lehrer, a revered member of the original PTA, addressed the crowd with a beautiful D’var Torah, symbolically passing the torch to the next generation of mothers. With grace and humility, she spoke about the crucial role that mothers play in the growth and success of their children. Her words reminded everyone of the profound impact that dedication and love can have on the next generation.
The evening was further enriched by the keynote speaker, Mrs. Zeldi Richter, who was introduced by emcee Mrs. Shterna Rappaport. Zeldi, a dynamic speaker and mother of talmidim at Oholei Torah, captivated the audience with her insights on love, compassion, and the nurturing role of mothers in shaping the lives of their children. With humor and brilliance, she shared her wisdom in a way that left everyone inspired and motivated.
In addition, the event served as a meaningful opportunity to introduce the new members of the Oholei Torah Mothers Committee. Their enthusiasm and fresh ideas promise to continue the important work of the original PTA. The new committee members are: Mrs. Brochi Friedman, Mrs. Chani Sputz, Mrs. Liba Nejar, Mrs. Manya Sperlin, Mrs. Mushky Karasik, Mrs. Shani Pinson, Mrs. Subie Rubashkin. The new OTMC has been welcoming many new mothers who have eagerly joined in helping with various projects and initiatives, further expanding the reach and impact of the committee’s efforts.
The Mothers Mingle event was not just an enjoyable night out, but also a time for reflection and looking ahead to the future. It was an evening where the mothers of Oholei Torah celebrated the achievements of the past while eagerly anticipating the exciting initiatives that will continue to shape the school and enrich the experience of their children.
