It is the last day of 2020!!!

We are sure you are heard by now from many organizations looking for your support. In this issue, we speak to a few alumni about why Flatbush is their philanthropic priority. Get inspired with their words and make sure your last gift for 2020 goes to Flatbush.

Ira H. Gewolb M.D. (HS ’68) is a man of great talent. He is an accomplished doctor, professor and scientific researcher. Dr. Gewolb believes his YOF education set him up for success in college and beyond. In 2019, he retired from teaching and medicine, most recently serving as the Chief of Neonatology and Associate Chair for Research in Pediatrics at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. 

“Flatbush is the idea that you could have your cake and eat it too. The teachers inspired me to think critically, giving rise to an intellectual curiosity and wide-ranging discussions in matters of religion and life.”

Lillie (Tawil) Sasson (HS ’04) is a shining example of our incredibly strong alumni and parent culture at YOF. She is not only a graduate, but also a parent of four YOF students. This year, Lillie took on a major volunteer commitment, and is serving as the Co-President of the YOF Naomi Houllou A”H Ladies Auxiliary. “By the time I graduated high school I knew every member of my class and we were a close knit class.  As someone who did not attend YOF elementary school the school community was so welcoming. The faculty pushed us and we engaged with new ideas and different types of people. The school spirit also had a great effect on me. As a parent, the child-centered educational philosophy really speaks to me, the Flatbush Five campaign building character and the commitment to high educational standards.

Jeanne (Rahmey) Zirdok (ES '95, HS '99) and Walter Rahmey (ES '99, HS '03) come from a family of Flatbush philanthropists. Their father, Jack A. Rahmey (ES '69, HS '73) is a past President of YOF and a past chair of the Board of Education. His children are now following that path. Jeanne is the Chair of the Board of Education and Walter is our new Alumni Committee Chair. Jeanne is the parent of five current YOF students spanning from Nursery to the High School. Walter’s (and his wife, Robin, also an alumnus) first daughter started school last year in YOF’s youngest class of two-year-olds. Their children are now the third generation of Rahmeys to attend YOF. “YOF pushed me to be more than I thought I could be. This is something I want for my daughter and my nieces and nephews, and that is why I volunteer and give back” Walter said. 

“Growing up, our parents inspired us by giving their time and making a philanthropic commitment to the Yeshivah” Jeanne said. Walter continued saying, “part of the reason our father is so passionate is because as a student, our grandfather would go to the school annually to apply for tuition assistance. Dad always felt the community supported him when he was growing up and invested in his education.” 

“We as a family feel a deep sense of Hakarat Hatov. We are, thankfully in a position to invest in the next generation and give others that opportunity” Jeanne said. 

Being a third generation YOF family, the alumni culture of YOF also plays into their love for the school. “The people at Flatbush become part of your family, they are there when you need a hand, they are there in sadness and simcha” Jeanne said. When Walter started at Columbia and was feeling overwhelmed it was a fellow Flatbush alum, a few years his senior, who calmed his nerves. He said “Walter, if you can get through Flatbush, this will be a breeze.”

Tzedakah is more than just a word at YOF. It is one of our intrinsic values, from our youngest students through our high school, we teach the meaning of Tzedakah. Our students turn words into action, through the Tzedakah Commission which raises funds from their fellow YOF students to help the most vulnerable. Their latest effort is their $5 campaign, which asks each student to give $5 on every 5th of the month in support of a different organization each month. We are proud of our students who care about Walking the Walk of Chesed and Tikun Olam!