BCHSJS holds gala

BCHSJS holds gala

Ruth Cole, Elayne Kalina, and Susan and Dr. Deane Penn (Photos by Joseph Savetsky of Triple S Studios)
Ruth Cole, Elayne Kalina, and Susan and Dr. Deane Penn (Photos by Joseph Savetsky of Triple S Studios)

The Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies recently held its annual gala at Temple Emanu-El in Closter. Fred Nagler, BCHSJS’ principal and director, emceed the evening, Rabbi Nat Benjamin gave the invocation, and the school president, Elayne Kalina, welcomed the attendees.

Rabbi Debra Orenstein and Hanna Wechsler
Rabbi Debra Orenstein and Hanna Wechsler

Dr. Deane and Susan Penn received the inaugural L’Dor V’Dor award, which recognizes community leaders who further Jewish continuity by actively supporting educational and social programs for Jewish teens and serving as role models for active Jewish engagement.

Robin and Michael Baer and Julia and Roman Kosiborod were the parent honorees.

Michael and Robin Baer
Michael and Robin Baer

The Baers are involved in many community activities, including at their synagogue, the Fair Lawn Jewish Center/Congregation B’nai Israel. They have two daughters — Julia, who is a BCHSJS alumnae, and Jessica, who is a student now. The Kosiborods, who come from the former Soviet Union, where they could not get a Jewish education, were determined to provide their four children with one. Two of their children, Benjamin and David, are BCHSJS students.

Julia and Roman Kosiborod
Julia and Roman Kosiborod

Hanna Wechsler was honored as BCHSJS’ Educator of the Year. A Holocaust survivor, she also volunteers at the Rockland County Holocaust Center. She was this year’s featured speaker at BCHSJS’ Yom Hashoah commemoration.

Seniors Ilana Fishman and Rachel Silverman spoke, and a video highlighting the BCHSJS graduating seniors was shown.

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