TAG newsletter

1. A Complete Campus
to Serve Our Community
Phase 1 of the historic expansion currently
underway at Torah Academy for Girls (TAG)
is nearing completion, and with it comes
twenty-seven new classrooms to serve the
burgeoning student body whose needs have
necessitated the construction. An attractive
new, spacious, high-ceiling gymnasium is
already being used, and an outdoor swimming
pool and lower play deck are undergoing the
finishing touches to make TAG’s swim area
ready for the upcoming camp season. TAG’s
new look has been developed to create a
complete learning and recreational environ-
ment, to serve its students and their families.
The most startling surprise for visitors
happens upon entering the front hallway,
which is being totally revamped. The cor-
ridor is being widened by fifty percent to
accommodate the greatly expanded school
population. Alumni, especially those
alumni who are now parents in the school,
are commenting that this is not the TAG
they have known throughout the years.
A new lobby, administrative offices, and an
upper play deck are also under construction,
and the current auditorium will be redeco-
rated to create a beautiful simcha room. The
expansion includes as well vastly increased
space for resource room instruction for
selected students. The second floor audito-
rium has been totally redone. The building
designs have been developed so that existing
classroom facilities will merge with the new
wings to look like one large building. Corri-
dors have been painted and tiled so that each
floor has a uniform appearance. The con-
struction comes years after using trailers for
classrooms when necessary, and over utilizing
one multi-purpose room on the first floor.
Phase 2, which will begin next year, will pro-
vide ten additional classrooms.
The original building was built to accom-
modate three classes in every grade; the new,
abundant classrooms have been added to
accommodate six classes per grade level. The
growth of TAG has also prompted new addi-
tions to the staff, which includes increased
guidance staff in both the pre-school and
elementary divisions; support staff for the
principals; and the promotion of Mrs. Barbara
Cinnamon, a long-time teacher in TAG’s
high school division, to Assistant Principal.
The entirety of the project is both exhilarating
and formidable. Rabbi Meyer Weitman,
dean of TAG, explains, “While it’s becoming
more difficult to meet our financial obliga-
tions for construction, as we proceed, we are
extremely confident that our parents, grand-
parents, and friends will recognize the neces-
sity of the project, and will continue to come
forward in support of the building campaign.”
For dedication opportunities
please call Rabbi Baruch Lovett at extension 212.
Elementary School
444 Beach 6th Street
Far Rockaway, NY, 11691
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
High School
636 Lanett Avenue
Far Rockaway, NY, 11691
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
dean
Rabbi Meyer Weitman
executive director
Dr. Shmuel Reisbaum
director of development
Rabbi Baruch Lovett
principal, high school
Mrs. Aleeza Berkowitz,
Limudei Kodesh
Mrs. Miriam Tropper, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Barbara Cinamon, General Studies
principal, elementary school
Mrs. Sara Drillman,
Limudei Kodesh
Mrs. Menucha Levin, Limudei Kodesh
Mrs. Temima Feldman,
General Studies
Mrs. Cecile Wieder,
Junior High
director, early childhood
Mrs. Miriam Tikotzky
newsletter editor
Mrs. Liba Lieberman
layout editor
Mrs. Shaindel Plumer
T A G
newsletter summer 2012

2. 2
A Message
From

Rabbi
Meyer
Weitman
Boruch Hashem, as we conclude another very successful school year, I would like
to reflect upon the accomplishments of our past and our goals for the future.
With regards to the physical aspect, we have, Boruch Hashem , completed 27 new
beautiful classrooms, as well as a magnificent gym, and a new play deck and
outdoor pool. This expansion will allow us to accept six classes per grade level.
We have always prided ourselves on maintaining reasonably small classes with
a higher teacher to student ratio. We are already at the maximum number of
students in our younger grades with the six classes. We have also hired new social
workers, both in pre-school and elementary school, as well as additional support
staff for the principals in the various divisions. Together with our resource room,
headed by Dr. Devorah Zelasko and her team of experts, these new additions
will go a long way in helping TAG make certain that “no child is left behind”.
At this time, on behalf of the 1500
young ladies who are benefitting from
the stellar chinuch of TAG, I would
like to express our deepest apprecia-
tion to all those who have made this
expansion possible. We are certainly
indebted to our building chairmen,
Moshe Feuer, Evan Genack, Ben
Lowinger and Aroni Parnes . Thanks
as well to our Executive Director, Dr.
Shmuel Reisbaum, for all his technical
expertise and our Director of Develop-
ment, Rabbi Baruch Lovett, for his
tireless efforts to ensure the financial
stability of this project. Our deepest
appreciation to the many support-
ers who have stood behind us, as we
somehow managed to work our way
until this point. We look forward to
the future as we prepare to embark on
the next phase of our expansion which
will involve erecting an additional ten
classrooms in order to fully accom-
modate six classes on every grade level.
While the task is indeed daunting, I
am fully confident, that with the help
of Hashem, our friends and our parent
body will realize the absolute necessity
for this project and will continue to
provide support and encouragement.
However, I am well aware that our
beautiful building only portrays the
outer beauty of our school. It’s inner
beauty is reflected by our talmidos
through the efforts of an entire dedi-
cated faculty who provide not only the
educational tools for our students, but
who show care and concern and make
each one of our girls shine. If it takes
an entire village to raise a child, it cer-
tainly takes an entire team of auxiliary
staff, secretaries and administrative
staff, and I am most grateful and aware
of the bracha that TAG enjoys with our
entire outstanding staff. Our exemplary
dedicated Principals, are the true build-
ers of our school.
My deepest gratitude goes to Mrs.
Miriam Tikotzky, Director of the
Ganger Family Early Childhood Cen-
ter, Mrs. Sara Drillman, our Limudei
Kodesh Principal, Mrs. Menucha
Levin, Assistant Principal, Limudei
Kodesh, Mrs. Sarah Goldstein, General
Studies Principal, Mrs. Cecile Wieder ,
General Studies, Principal,Junior High
School division, Mrs. Aleeza Berkow -
itz, Principal, Limudei Kodesh , High
School division, Mrs. Miriam Tropper ,
Assistant Principal, Limudei Kodesh ,
High School division, Rabbi Michoel
Shepard, General Studies Principal,
High School Division, and Mrs.
Barbara Cinamon, Assistant Principal,
General Studies, High School Division.
At this time, I would like to wish Mrs.
Sarah Goldstein mazel and bracha upon
her relocation to California. With her
24 years of outstanding service, she has
indeed left a rich legacy in TAG. By the
same token, we warmly welcome Mrs.
Temima Feldman and wish her much
hatzlacha in her new position at TAG.
While TAG looks proudly at our
many accomplishments, we look
forward to not only expanding our
physical plant, but to expanding
our legacy of properly educating
the future imahos of Klal Yisroel.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy
and restful summer.

3. 3
Enrollment
The overwhelmingly popular choice
of settling in the Far Rockaway and
Five Towns communities among
many young couples is greatly due
to the wonderful opportunities
for chinuch in this community. As
Rabbi Weitman explains, “We are
the victims of our own success!”
Enrollment has swelled, reinforcing
the desperate need for the building
expansion currently underway. TAG
is at capacity in almost all grade levels.
The upper divisions have four classes
currently per grade, and next year’s fifth
and sixth grades will be comprised of
five parallel classes. Almost all of the
lower grade levels will have six parallel
classes next year. The doors of TAG will
open in September of 2012 to a student
body reaching close to 1,530 students;
a total student population increase of
approximately one hundred students
from the current academic year. Calls
are received daily from parents desiring
to transfer their children, but TAG is
very limited with their acceptances, due
to the current severe space constraints.
“The fact that the greatest growth
is in the lower grades division is an
extremely positive development,” Rabbi
Weitman notes. “The numbers reflect a
healthy outlook for the school’s future.”
TAG’s building campaign is the
response to parents’ requests for their
children to be accepted into TAG
when the school building had literally
run out of room. The severity of the
need was the basis for TAG’s initiat-
ing its historic expansion, which is
now completing its first phase.
Originally, TAG planned never to go
beyond four classes per grade level.
Community need, coupled with a
deep sense of responsibility on TAG’s
part to fill that need, coerced TAG’s
administration to proceed. TAG’s
enrollment speaks for itself—the future
of the school is already unfolding,
as new generations of Bnos Yisroel
fill each new classroom to capacity,
eager to receive the kind of Torah
true education on which TAG was
founded almost fifty years ago.
Directory of
administration
Women’s
League
Presidium
Gitty Friedman
Chayala Gorlin
Leah Mond
Naomi Neuman

honorary presidents Louis E. Newman ה”ע
Marvin Eichen ה”ע
Yisroel Bloom ה”ע
honorary chairmen Rabbi Amos Bunim ה”ע
Dov Wolowitz
Yaakov Goldfeder
president Dr. Moshe Katz
chairman, Dr. Boruch Adler
board of trustees
chairman of the board Moishe Mishkowitz
vice-chairman Mark Bodner
of the board
vice presidents Ira Feigenbaum ה”ע
Jacob Salamon
Mordy Sohn
treasurer Martin Klein

4. 4
A Heartzige
Welcome to
Mrs.
Temima
Feldman
TAG welcomes Mrs. Temima Feldman as the new General Studies Principal of the
Elementary Division for the school year beginning September 2012. With over twenty
years of combined teaching and administrative positions, Mrs. Feldman brings enor-
mous skills and expertise to her new position. She holds a Masters Degree in Educa-
tional Leadership, and was previously the Junior High School Principal at Ateres Bais
Yaakov in Monsey and a teacher and curriculum advisor at Yeshiva of Spring Valley.
Mrs. Feldman is excited to bring the fruits
of her rich and varied career to TAG.
“I have worked at Torah Day School of
Atlanta, the Epstein Hebrew Academy in
St. Louis, Evilina de’Rothchild in Yerusha-
layim, and have run adult and family
education programs in Columbus, Ohio,
and Miami, Florida,” she points out with
enthusiasm. “All of these positions have
given me the opportunity to see many dif-
ferent models of education and different
types of children and learning styles.”
Although a Brooklyn native, Mrs. Feld-
man’s exposure to different cities has given
her unique experiences to interact with all
types of schools and communities. Each city
offered something special that she explains
she has “packed” with her. Her strong
background in Differentiated Instruction
and role as a lecturer on differentiation in
the classroom for all students, regardless
of ability or level, has singled her out as a
popular child advocate for all students.
“I strongly believe,” she notes, “that every
child has the potential to learn and grow,
although not all in the same way and at the
same time. Each child has a unique make-
up, and must be viewed as a tzelem Elokim .”
TAG is thrilled to
welcome Mrs. Feld-
man and her family
to the neighborhood,
and is honored to
have such an educa-
tor with heart and
vision join its admin-
istration. We look
forward to a seam-
less transition, to
continue providing
quality education to
TAG’s elementary
school students.
A Fond
Farewell to
Mrs.
Sarah
Goldstein

Gener al
Studies
Principal,
T A G
Elementary
Division
After twenty-four years of devoted
service to TAG as General Studies Prin-
cipal of the Elementary Division, Mrs.
Sarah Goldstein is passing the torch to
Mrs. Temima Feldman. Mrs. Gold-
stein’s service to the school originally
encompassed being General Studies
Principal for the pre-school through
twelfth grade. Since those earlier years,
divisions were established to accom-
modate the growing student body;
Mrs. Goldstein will be leaving as the
principal of grades one through five.
The guardian of so many students
throughout her long and beloved years
at TAG, Mrs. Goldstein has been
known as a deeply compassionate
educator who —plainly and simply—
loves the children. Students turned to
her because they were certain she was
in their corner, rooting for them and
wishing them the best in all areas of
their lives. Her balance of discipline and
love created a singularly warm environ-
ment in which students flourished.
As a frum woman with a Masters’ in
Education, she also stood as a role model
par excellence, showing her charges that
it is possible to be religious, and also
have a significant secular education.
She worked with her teachers as part-
ners, brainstorming with them before
making major curriculum decisions,
and always showing them how much
their opinions and work were valued.
Mrs. Goldstein was given a special fare-
well tribute at this year’s Women’s League
Supperette, aptly entitled “Voyages.” The
entire TAG family wishes her the greatest
happiness and blessings, as she begins this
new chapter in her life. She will be sorely
missed by a grateful community, and
innumerable students whose lives were
transformed by having her in their lives.

5. 5
Voyages

A Memorable Supperette
and Evening of Appreciation
When veteran and beloved General
Studies Principal, Mrs. Sarah Gold -
stein, announced that she was retiring
to move to California to spend time
with her children and grandchildren,
the Women’s League decided to give the
veteran educator a royal send off. With
the appropriate theme of “Voyages”,
parents, faculty, and guests boarded the
USS  TAG, and entered the beautiful,
new athletic center bedecked with lovely
tablecloths, animal luggage TAGs, and
a colorful luggage centerpiece, which a
lucky winner at each table took home.
The School Service Award was pre-
sented to Mrs. (Morah) Leah Mond , a
dedicated morah in TAG’s pre-school,
who works tirelessly to start TAG’s
youngest talmidos on the path of learn-
ing. Morah Leah is also a devoted and
active member of Women’s League.
As Mother of the Year, Mrs. Esther
Eiseberger was noted for her creativ-
ity, which regularly enhances the
pre-school curriculum. Her beauti-
ful mishloach manos for TAG Staff
last Purim were sights to behold.
The highlight of the evening was the
moving tribute to Mrs. Goldstein,
that left many teary-eyed, includ-
ing Mrs. Goldstein herself. Rabbi
Meyer Weitman, TAG’s Dean, made a
surprise presentation of a magnificent
leichter tray with words of appre-
ciation engraved. Parents and faculty
members shared their thoughts and
feelings; Mrs. Shelley Honickman ,
long time secretary, administrative
assistant, and friend presented Mrs.
Goldstein with a lovely memory book.
Mrs. Goldstein, in turn, eloquently
expressed her appreciation. It struck
home to everyone attending just how
much Mrs. Goldstein would now be
missed. A riveting video was followed
by an amazing fourth grade choir
presentation, under the direction of
Morah Chani Lieberman. Their good-
bye song left everyone with a lump in
their throats and pride in their hearts.
Bon voyage, dear Mrs. Goldstein. You
leave a lasting legacy as Principal of
TAG that won’t easily be forgotten.

6. 6
Women’s
League

The Year
in Review
When the kids begin to count down to
the last day of school and the twinkly
song of the ice cream truck drifts in
through the open window, it’s a sure
sign that the school year is drawing to
a close. For the TAG Women’s League,
the past year has been a truly success-
ful one. We have held many events and
run various projects that have enriched
the lives of our students, mothers, and
faculty. We have already enjoyed our
beautiful, newly constructed building,
and have raised additional funds to
help the school in its future growth.
Here is our 2011-2012 Year in Review!
Our Membership Tea
featured Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner ,
and TAG mothers came out en masse
to kick off our new school year.
Our New Mothers Meet
and Greet at Coffee Bar provid -
ed a warm and welcoming setting for
new TAG mothers to get acquainted
with each other, as well as with school
administration (and to be recruited
as Women’s League volunteers!).
A Father-Daughter
Melave Malka, as well as
a Mother-Daughter Brunch and a
Mother-Daughter Evening were held,
featuring magicians, story tellers, and
bird shows. As with any Women’s
League event, the food was abundant
and a fun time was had by all.
Throughout the year
our girls were treated to gifts, snacks,
and prizes, courtesy of our “For the
Girls” Committee. From a keychain
waiting on their desks on the first
day of school, to Chanukah pekalach
to the End of the Year treat, our
talmidos looked forward to these
creative goodies all year long.
Pizza Day! What
more is there to say?
Let’s not forget our
teachers! The Women’s League
presented our teachers with Chanu-
kah gelt, and a beautifully prepared
Mishloach Manos for Purim.
We ended the year with
a splash! Our Voyages Supper -
ette was surely one to remember. The
tremendous crowd in attendance,
representative of our new mothers,
veteran mothers, and TAG faculty,
demonstrated the warm feelings we all
have toward our school. Our Bon Voy-
age program to Mrs. Sarah Goldstein
and our fourth grader’s beautiful song,
was a moving experience. Paying
tribute to dedicated and hardworking
TAG women, supporting TAG for the
experience it provides for our girls, and
enjoying lots of delicious food…that’s
what the Women’s League is all about!
It has been a remarkable year, and we
are already preparing for next year!
The Women’s League encourages all
mothers to get involved and volunteer,
for jobs both big and small. It’s hard
to say who will enjoy the experience
more- you or your daughter. Whether
you have one evening to devote to the
Women’s League, or would like to
help plan an event, your help is always
needed and appreciated. Please contact
any of the Women’s League Presidents.
We would like to welcome our new
Women’s League Presidents for the
upcoming school year: Mrs. Gitty
Friedman and Mrs. Leah Mond ! They
bring with them years of Women’s
League experience and dedication, and
will surely add a lot of fun and creativ-
ity to our school. We bid farewell to
Mrs. Aliza Gold, Mrs. Goldie Sebrow,
and Mrs. Yona Spinner, and we thank
them for their years of devotion.
We wish you all a healthy and fun
summer. See you in September!
Mrs. Gitty Friedman 718-715-0490
Mrs. Chayale Gorlin 516-295-3846
Mrs. Leah Mond 718-471-0844
Mrs. Naomi Newman 516-569-0847

7. 7
building
uPdATE
c’’ga, kukt Summer 2012Over 1500 Talmidos and growing!
School Name Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,000,000
Elementary School South Wing Dedication . . . . . . . . . 1,000,000
Elementary School North Wing Dedication . . . . . . . . . . 1,000,000
Junior High School Name Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TAKEN
Early Childhood Name Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TAKEN
Special Ed Learning Center- Name Dedication . . . . . . .500,000
Elementary School Entry Plaza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360,000
Roof Top Playground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360,000
Dedication Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360,000
Building Cornerstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360,000
First Floor Early Childhood Division Wing Dedication . . .250,000
Second Floor Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250,000
Third Floor Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250,000
Fourth Floor Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TAKEN
The Zichron Moshe Memorial Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250,000
Kitchen (Milchig and Fleishig) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250,000
Elementary Gym . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250,000
Elementary Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250,000
Computer Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150,000
Lobby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TAKEN
Expanded Second Floor Auditorium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150,000
South Wing Plaza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TAKEN
Front Atrium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TAKEN
Learning Center Suite Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100,000
Jarvis Entrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100,000
Meehan Entrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100,000
Classrooms (Multiple) MANY TAKEN . . . . . . . . .50,000
Dean’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TAKEN
Faculty Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50,000
Parnes Hayom Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50,000
Executive Director’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,000
Director of Development’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,000
Principal’s Office 1 TAKEN . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,000
Pre -School Director’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,000
Front Entrance Mezuzah (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,000
Side and Rear Entrance Mezuzah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,000
Junior High School Office Reception Area . . . . . . . . . . . .36,000
Washing Station in Dining Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,000
Nurse’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,000
Administrative Offices (Multiple) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36,000
Art Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TAKEN
Pre-School Vestibule Mezuzah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25,000
Founder’s Plaque- Lobby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18,000
Builder’s Plaque- Lobby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10,000
Learning Center Room Dedication (Multiple) . . . . . . . . . . 10,000
G .O . Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TAKEN
Classroom Mezuzah (Multiple) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,000
Donor’s Plaque- Lobby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,000
Windows (Multiple) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,600 tA%2160.A6<;Av==<?AB;6A62@At
For a complete list of dedication opportunities, contact Rabbi Baruch Lovett at 718-471-8444 x212, or email [email protected]

• 10 New Classrooms
• Renovated
Main Auditorium
Phase 1 Report:
Phase 2

Coming
Soon
• New Rooftop Pool
• 27 New Classrooms
Completed
• Brand New
Full Size Gym
Completed
• Roof top play areas
Completed
• Expanded 2nd Floor
Auditorium
Completed
• Widening Main
Entrance & Lobby
in pRogReSS
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed
Completed

8. 8
49
th
Annual Dinner
On looking back at TAG’s 49th Annual Dinner, the astounding number
of people attending—close to nine hundred packed into the Banquet Hall
at the Sands in Atlantic Beach­—is testimony to the unswerving support
and allegiance TAG families feel for the school. Not only did it represent
the present parent body; a large number of mothers attending were TAG
alumnae themselves. The kind of relationship that TAG’s extended family
of parents and supporters has with the school bespeaks a deeply rooted
history, brimming with Torah true values, and an appreciation for the role
TAG has played in the building of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns.
The Dinner Chairmen—Moshe Feuer, Evan Genack, and
David Greenbaum—rolled out a red carpet to the com-
munity that was impossible to resist, as seen in the record
breaking crowd that came out last January to the Sands. The
Chairmen’s efforts, combined with the hard work of TAG’s
dynamic Executive Director, Dr. Shmuel Reisbaum , and
Director of Development, Rabbi Baruch Lovett , yielded his-
toric results, setting a new standard to which all TAG Din-
ners must now aspire. The funds raised during the dinner
campaign are being directed to the operating expenses of the
school, and TAG’s scholarship fund. The financial success
of the Dinner campaign, and the parent support implicitly
stated in the tremendous amount contributed, reflect just
how fully TAG’s parent body is staunchly behind the school.
“I received such chizuk seeing the spectacular turnout at the
dinner,” observes Rabbi Lovett. “So many of our friends
contributed to the financial success of this dinner. Many
of our nedivim also participated in a very generous way to
our building campaign. I take that as an overwhelming vote
of confidence in the chinuch that our school provides.”
Each honoree was also the parent of a TAG student. The
Guests of Honor, Mr. and Mrs. Tzvi and Shifri Perl , were
lauded for their participation on TAG’s Board of Directors,
and their enthusiastic interest in the school. Of special
note was the presence of Mr. Perl’s grandmother, Mrs. Rita
Kolter, bli ayin hora, and the great, great-­grandchildren who
have come from her life of sacrifice and struggle. Mr. and
Mrs. Michael and Lonnie Schick received the Rabbi Moshe
Weitman, zt”l, Award, citing their long association with TAG
beginning with Lonnie Selig Schick, who graduated TAG
High School in 1987. Both Michael, a successful caterer, and
Lonnie, a dedicated social worker for the Jewish Board of
Family Services, expressed deep admiration for Rav Moshe
Weitman, explaining, “When a leader has a vision, it trickles
down to everyone involved in the school, to this day.”
the Most
Successful Dinner
to Date

9. 9
Mr. and Mrs. Chesky and Naomi
Newman were honored as Parents of
the Year. Their connection to TAG is
deeply rooted in the memory of Tully
Newman, a”h , Chesky’s father, who
was a long time supporter of TAG.
Chesky is now a litigator at Stahl and
Zelmanovitz, a law firm in Manhat-
tan. His wife, Naomi, is a full-time
mother who currently serves as a
Co-President of TAG Women’s League.
The recipient of a Master’s Degree
in School Psychology from Brooklyn
College, Naomi recently trained as
a Magen LI educator to teach local
yeshiva students about personal safety.
A special Community Service Award
was given to Gourmet Glatt for
“Corporate Social Responsibility”;
receiving the award for the emporium
were Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Ratner and
Mr. and Mrs. Yoeli Steinberg. Last
year, the emporium hosted a special
evening dedicated to Renewal, an
organization that helps raise funds
to cover the costs of transplants. It
also outfits the new Bikur Cholim
room in South Nassau Hospital. Yoeli
Steinberg explains, “Gourmet Glatt
is committed to reaching out to the
community and giving back to them.”
Moshe Ratner notes that, “We appreci-
ate our customer’s loyalty and feel it is a
privilege to be involved in the mosdos
and concerns of our community.”
Toward the end of the program, a
touching video was shown in tribute to
the life of Rabbi Amos Bunim , the leg-
endary askan , who also was one of the
founding forces of TAG as well as other
makomos Torah in Far Rockaway, such
as Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv, and Yeshiva
Darchei Torah. A stunning plaque was
presented to the Bunim family as well.
As the program was drawing to a close,
the Ganger Family Early Childhood
Center was established by Mr. and Mrs.
Yitzchak Ganger, in loving memory of
their parents, Mr. Joseph Ganger, and
Rabbi and Mrs. Aryeh Leib Newman,
a”h, both of whom came to the United
States after the churban of Europe.
The destruction they witnessed fueled
a desire to build Jewish life, which
is now being realized fully through
the dedication of TAG’s new pre-
school wing in their loving memory.
A special thank you to the Dinner
Committee for working to make such
a successful Dinner: Dr. Boruch
Adler, Moshe Feuer, Evan Genack,
David Greenbaum, Yaakov Spin-
ner, Jeffrey Weinberg, Menachem
Kagen, Avinoam Rosenfeld, Rabbi
Yaakov Abramowitz, Mrs. Ilana
Abramowitz, Pesach Sod, Yehuda
Biber, Heshy Blachorsky, Akiba
Cohen, Mendy Jaroslawicz, Dr.
Ernie Isaacson, Uri Schlachter ,
Yossie Nussbaum, Mrs. Shari Rum-
stein, and Mrs. Daphna Zwickler.
May this “citadel of chinuch hab -
nos”, as TAG was referred to dur-
ing the dinner, always be zoche to
meet the needs of the community it
has served for almost fifty years.

10. 10
The
Zichron Henya
Ahavas Chesed
Program
One aspect of the remarkable educa-
tion that TAG high school students
receive is their participation in the Zi -
chron Henyah Ahavas Chesed Program.
Under the auspices of Mrs. Breindy
Judowitz, the program utilizes the
strengths of each student through
a multi-faceted, highly creative and
original program that offers as wide a range of opportunities as there are
personalities among the students. From Adopt-a-Bubby—which had life-saving
consequences resulting from an Erev Shabbos weekly phone call—to bringing
entertainment to children’s hospitals, the program spreads out a panorama
of chesed opportunities to each grade. From a list of over thirty chesed project
choices, each student decides which chesed activity best suits her abilities.
The Zichron Henyah Ahavas Chesed Project is named for Helen Meir , a”h, a
well known and admired resident of Far Rockaway who left a profound mark
on the entire neighborhood. Although her life was fraught with physical chal-
lenges, her fierce desire to live and achieve resulted in her being a role model
for everyone who knew her. In fact, her disabilities made her stand out as an
eved Hashem who would let nothing deter her from her dedicated observance
of the Torah and mitzvos . The chesodim that Helen pursued in her lifetime
are now forever imprinted on the hearts and minds of every TAG student,
all of whom participate in the project so lovingly named in her memory.
The project is designed to teach
students how to reach out and give
to the community in which they live
and beyond. It is seen as a stepping
stone to adulthood, a chance to as-
sume responsibility for one’s immedi-
ate environment. For example, twice
a month, selected students visit the
Woodmere Rehabilitation Cen-
ter, where they enthrall the senior
residents with stories, play Bingo,
sing, do arts and crafts, and occasion-
ally present a performance. Other
students are Bnos leaders, giving of
their time on Shabbos afternoons to
create a fun environment for younger
children. The Be’er Miriam Tziporah
Hachnosas Kallah Fund is a tzedakah
fund that helps needy kallah s and
chasanim in the Far Rockaway and
Five Towns. This fund was started
lezecher nishmas Miriam Tziporah Ad -
ams, who passed away while in semi-
nary. Miriam Tziporah was a graduate
of TAG elementary and high school;
it was the wish of Rabbi Moshe
Weitman, zt”l, to establish a memo-
rial in her memory. For the past ten
years, TAG seniors have created an
inventive, annual Chinese Auction
to raise money for this purpose.
Giving is the key ingredient to the
success of TAG’s chesed program.
Students learn to give of themselves,
often to strangers, and learn how to
focus on other people’s needs. “Help
a Mom” brings students into homes
with large families, as mother’s help-
ers, homework aides—anything that
comes up. The girls who become in-
volved with the Jewish Education Pro-
gram of Long Island (JEP) work to ed-
ucate children from irreligious homes
about Judaism. Chaverim brings
together TAG students with children
who have special needs. As they give
of themselves in challenging situa-
tions, they themselves mature as they
lay a foundation for their transition
into a healthy, generous adulthood.
They learn that academic achieve-
ment is only one way of achieving
in the world, and that they can
make such a difference through
their actions. Eleventh and twelfth
graders create exciting Motzei Shab-
bos activities in the Time for Teens
program, designed for junior high
school students. By taking respon-
sibility for others, they grow and
develop as young adults who truly
have ownership of their own actions.
They learn about relationships, and
how relationships grow through
giving, both directly and indirectly.
Whether the activity is tutoring,
participating in the Hands On/
Chai Lifeline Program, livening up
a simcha, or working every Thurs-
day evening after school filling Yad
Yeshaya/Tomchei Shabbos packages,
the message from TAG’s Chesed
program is giving, giving, and giv-
ing again. It’s about diving into
mitzvos, and working on oneself
until the mitzvah can be performed
with a full and eager heart. As Mrs.
Judowitz points out, it’s about the
basis of Yiddishkeit, the fundamen-
tal principle of loving kindness.
“The signature mark of a TAG girl is
the acts of kindness that she does for
others,” she explains. “Doing chesed
is a talent that needs to be nurtured,
and perfected. The students under-
stand that the chesodim they perform
are their way of contributing to
Hashem’s world. We are instilling in
them the priceless lesson of ‘Ve-
holachta Bedrochov’, enriching the high
school years of our precious talmidos ,
and hopefully, leaving an impres-
sion of chesed that will impact their
choices for the rest of their lives.”

11. 11
Camp
Atara
As the summer season is upon us,
Camp
Atara is welcoming two new
co-directors, Mrs. Leah Mond and
Mrs. Schonie Schwartz, to head the
newly renovated and multi-faceted
community camp program. Mrs. Mond
and Mrs. Schwartz will be replacing
Mrs. Rivi Schiffer, who has been the
camp’s director for thirteen years.
“Mrs. Schiffer paved the way for us,”
Mrs. Mond explains. “We are truly
following in her footsteps, using the
skills and professionalism we observed
by being part of the camp and under
her direction for so many years.”
This year’s camp season will be differ-
ent than any other, as a result of the
massive renovations taking place on the
TAG campus. Campers will be in new
bunk rooms, and will be utilizing the
new outdoor, in-ground pool, outdoor
water park, and huge new gymnasium.
The increased gym space and new play
decks will afford multiple sports op-
portunities, such as hockey, volley ball,
baseball, softball, and sports leagues.
Camp
Atara will also be utiliz-
ing the indoor pool in its high
school. All waterfront activities
will be headed by a certified Aquat-
ics Director and life guards.
The excitement will keep on coming
in this new camp season, as Atara
unfolds its well-known program using TAG’s newly built facilities. Its insis-
tence on a high staff to camper ratio is a gold standard that will not be
compromised. Camp staffers have been
working throughout the year planning
and coordinating the many trips and
overnights that highlight the program.
Once part of the team creating a sum-
mer of dynamic fun and opportunity,
co-directors Mrs. Mond and Mrs.
Schwartz are committed to continu-
ing the camp schedule and features
that have given
Atara such a golden
reputation for neighborhood families.
“We both love giving kids a fun
time,” explains Mrs. Schwartz. “We
were passionate as campers, and
are passionate about making camp
an unforgettable experience.”
Professionalism and safety are key
words for both directors as they develop
the camp’s program. In the pre-school,
every classroom continues to be super-
vised by one morah and two counselors,
ensuring both safety for the campers
and fun. The elementary division will
be hosting the camp’s usual array of
specialties and features and an ex-
panded sports program. In addition to
weekly trips, these campers are regularly
engaged in such activities as baking,
arts and crafts, ceramics, drama, dance,
sports, swimming, gymnastics, weekly
Onegs, Shabbos parties, and shiurim .
The upper division participates in
Atara Adventures, a travelling trip
camp that schedules trips four days
a week, and one overnight per ses-
sion. On Fridays, they bake challahs ,
and participate in learning chaburas ,
arts and crafts, swimming and other
exciting on-campus activities.
“We provide them with every-
thing they need, from A-Z,”
Mrs. Schwartz observes.
Meals for Camp
Atara’s new sea-
son will be provided by the famous
Elite Caterers, under the direc-
tion of Mrs. Nechama Katz .
From the happy greetings upon ar-
rival, to the ices distributed every
day to send campers home cool and
contented, Camp Atara is a complete
summer experience not to be missed.
After School
Program
TAG’s After School Program has brought together this year
students in grades three through five, two nights a week,
for lively activities and creative pursuits. Scheduled from
4:00 – 6:00 p.m., the program begins with each student
having a snack and doing homework. From 4:30 until the
program ends at 6:00, there are scheduled activities provid-
ing a wide range of choices for students’ participation.
This year, the after school program included Swim-
ming in the TAG High School, an Arts & Crafts Pro-
gram, a variety of gymnastic activities , and a drama
program culminating in a presentation at the end of
the year. Homework helpers, including teachers from
schools throughout the neighborhood, are available for
those students who sign up for homework assistance.
The program has been supervised by Mrs. Sarah Gold -
stein, Secular Studies Principal, and will continue to
be supervised in the upcoming year by Mrs. Shelley
Honickman. Mrs. Goldstein notes that, “The girls have
loved to be together. A camaraderie develops among the
students when they work together, doing team work.
It’s an outstanding program, and hopefully, more fund-
ing will return to include even more students.”

12. Non-Profit Org
US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 1235
Brooklyn NY
Torah Academy for Girls
444 Beach 6th Street
Far Rockaway, NY 11691