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SALUTE TO OUR GRADUATES
Congratulations & Thanks!
June 6, 2008
Welcome to The Jewish State's Salute To Our Graduates! section.
Weeks ago we announced the section and two weeks ago we ran a form in the newspaper. We did everything we could to get as many graduates -- from Hebrew school and middle school to college and graduate school -- with a tie to Central N.J. in the newspaper.
Here's the result.
The size of the biographies of the students varies. Some graduates provided only their name, their school and the names of their parents. Others provided lists of activities.
Most of the information submitted was handwritten. So we did our best to be accurate. But because of the size of the project, we could not call each student to confirm all the information. If there are errors, we apologize.
To all the graduates and their parents who participated and the school officials who helped gather materials, thank you. This section wouldn't exist without you.
If you are a graduate and you are not included in this section, fill out the form on page 13 and send it to us. We'll publish the information and a photo in The Jewish State as space is available.
A big thank you to all the advertisers whose financial support allowed the newspaper to publish this special section.
With any luck, maybe next year we'll have even more graduates to salute. Congratulations to all!
Berman. Jakey Berman of Edison graduated from Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy of the JEC on June 4, 2008. Jakey is a member of the National Honor Society and the Segulah Honor Society. At JEC, he was on the Student Government, co-captain of the Division Championship Basketball team, softball team and soccer team. He is the bass guitarist in the band Hello Sid. Jakey plans to continue his studies in Israel at Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim. He is the son of Dr. Larry and E.J. Solomon Berman and the grandson of Beatrice and the late Charles B. Solomon of Bayonne and Sylvia and William Berman of Brooklyn and Sunny Isles, Fla.
Berman. Rebecca Berman of Edison graduated from Touro College for Women, Manhattan with a degree in education. She is currently employed at Park Avenue Synagogue as a second grade teacher. Rebecca will continue her studies in the dual master's degree program for early childhood and special education at the Touro Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She is the daughter of Dr. Larry and E.J. Solomon Berman and the granddaughter of Beatrice and the late Charles B. Solomon of Bayonne and Sylvia and William Berman of Brooklyn and Sunny Isles Beach, Fla.
Brenman. Zachary Brenman of East Windsor will graduate from Hightstown High School on June 19, 2008. He achieved his third year Honors award, was involved in the National Honors Society, and was captain of the varsity soccer team. He plans to attend Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Parents are Murray and Beth Brenman of East Windsor and grandparents are Herman and Mina Brenman of Aberdeen and the late Fred and Rachel Ando.
Butt. Rachel Butt of Ewing graduated from New York University with a master's in social work on May 14, 2008. She is currently seeking a position in that field in the New York City area. Parents are Jeffrey and Lois Butt of Ewing and grandparents are Ethel and David Weiner of Maple shade and Estelle Brink of Del Ray Beach, Fla.
Chalfin. Benjamin Chalfin of Metuchen graduated from, Wardlaw Hartridge School in Edison on June 6, 2008. He will be attending Quinnipiac university in the fall of 2008. Parents are Robert and Deborah Chalfin of Metuchen. Grandparents are Shirley and Joseph Chalfin of Monroe and the late Inge and Kurt Adler of Monroe.
Chalfin. Risa Chalfin of Metuchen graduated from the University of Pennsylvania on May 19, 2008 with a B.A. in economics and Sociology. She was president of Hillel and a member of the Friars Honors society. She will be attending Brooklyn law school in the fall of 2008. Parents are Robert and Deborah Chalfin of Metuchen. Grandparents are Shirley and Joseph Chalfin of Monroe and the late Inge and Kurt Adler of Monroe.
Cohen. Andrew M. Cohen will be graduating from Highland Park High School in June 2008. He plans to attend The Roy H. Park School of Communica-tions at Ithaca College (Ithaca, N.Y.). He was involved with the National Honor Society Editor-In Chief – Highland Park High School Yearbook Honor Roll Senior Class Activities Chair Past Communications Vice President Hagalil USY Past President Highland Park USY. Parents are Cathy and Ira Cohen. Grandparents are Bess Levine of Metuchen and Ruth Cohen of Monroe. Brother of Ben Cohen.
Cohen. Matthew I. Cohen, from Hillsborough, graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree from Hofstra University School of Law. Matthew graduated cum laude from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice in May 2005. While at Rutgers, he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, was on the Dean's List and was an on-air sports broadcaster for the athletic teams on WRSU-FM. Matthew is a 2001 graduate of Hillsborough High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the golf team and participated in Model Congress. In August Matthew will begin a judicial clerkship for the Honorable Stephen Rubin in Hunterdon County. Matthew is the son of Mindy Cohen of Hillsborough, and Richard and Dorothy Cohen of Hillsborough. He is the grandson of Miriam Cohen and the late Robert Cohen of East Brunswick, and Joseph and Myrna Zabarsky of Toms River.
Deitz. Jacqueline H. Deitz is graduating Magna Cum Laude from Rutgers University, Cook College with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and a minor in Biochemistry. During her time at Rutgers, Jackie served as the Cook Campus Orientation Coordinator for New Student Orientation. She also completed and defended a George H. Cook honors research thesis. Jacqueline plans to work in industry before going back to school to pursue a PhD. She has also been accepted into Masters in Biotechnology programs at the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and The Ohio State University. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Dara.
Deitz. Roni Deitz is graduating from East Brunswick High School. During her high school career, Roni was a three-season varsity athlete, a flautist in the Wind Ensemble, and an editor of the school paper. Some of her accomplishments include being on the JETS (Junior Engineering Technical Society) team which placed 3rd in the nation at the TEAMS competition, the recipient of the Principal's Leadership Award, a Bloustein Scholar, and Student of the Month. Roni plans to attend Rice University in Houston, Texas this fall to study engineering. She is the daughter of Dara and Kenneth.
Ehrlich. Hannah Ehrlich, of Congregation B'nai Diva, graduated from Tufts University on May 18, 2008, with a BA in English. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Hannah will attend a publishing program at the Columbia University School of Journalism, and plans on working in children's book publishing. Her parents are Toby and Gary Ehrlich of Dayton, and her grandparents are Anne and David Brown of Monroe and Ruth Ehrlich of Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Fineberg. Alex Fineberg of Highland Park graduated from Brandeis University on May 18, 2008 Cum Laude with honors and a B.A. in English and American literature and history and a minor in politics. He plans to go to Rutgers Newark law school. Parents are Lawrence and Ruth Fineberg of Highland Park and grandparents are Eugenia Rothstein of Highland Park and Edna Medoff of Voorhees.
Glazer. Rafi Glazer of North Brunswick graduated from Rochester University on May 18, 2008 with a B.A. in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies. He has a fellowship with PANIM: The Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values in Washington D.C. He is the son of Donna Glazer of North Brunswick and grandson of Roz Cilman of Rochester, N.Y.
Glickstein. David Glickstein of Marlboro graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Stern School of Business of New York University on May 14, 2008. He earned a Bachelor of Science with Double Majors of Finance and CPA Accounting. He is a recipient of the New York University Stern School of Business Honor Key, a Stern Scholar and a Racoosin Scholar. David is a recipient of the New York University Founder's Day Award and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business honor society. David is also a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi. David will be starting his career as an investment banker in June. David is the son of Linda and Marvin Glickstein. Grandparents are Esther and Lewis Glickstein of West Windsor and Helen and Howard May of Brooklyn.
Goldberg. Ariella Goldberg of Aberdeen will graduate with honors from Shalom Torah Academy in Morganville in Western Monmouth County on June 16, 2008. Parents are Lynn and Marc Goldberg of Aberdeen and Susan Hershkovits of Brooklyn.
Greenberg. Harry Greenberg will graduate with the class of 2008 from Moshe Aaron Yeshiva High School in South River. A recipient of Excellence in History, and the distinctive award "Diligence in the Pursuit of Academic Achievement. He is a graduate of the Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva, member of congregation Etz Ahaim. He has the distinction of attending Family Martial arts and earning his Black Belt under the tutelage of Shihan Joel Levy. He is an avid soccer player and reader /writer who has published poems and is researching his first short story. He is going on to further his education, in creative writing, history and science. Harry the son of Judy and Bradley brother of Henry and Jeremy and grandson of Lita and Jeffrey Greenberg, and Mrs. Naomi Beim.
Harrison. Karen Harrison of Edison will graduate from Yeshiva Shaarei Tzion on June 17, 2008. Parents are Betty and Michael Harrison of Edison and grandparents are Ruth Hamburger of Washington Heights, N.Y.
Klempner. Jeremy Klempner will graduate from Edison High School on June 18, 2008. Jeremy will be presented with an award at senior award night on June 15, 2008. He received the marine award for distinguished athlete in football and sportsmanship award for wrestling. He plans to teach special education. He is employed by BJ's in Edison as a cashier. Parents are Irene and Larry Klempner of Edison and great grandmother Marion Sachs of Scotch Plains.
Langer. David M. Langer of Scotch Plains will graduate from The Union County Academy for Information Technology in Scotch Plains on June 17, 2008. David is an accomplished math, physics and information technology student who was recently honored as a Young Entrepreneur Scholar from the McKelvey Foundation. David also received a Young Entrepreneur scholarship from the National Federation of Independent Business association. David has earned 21 college credits while in high school, is an Advanced Placement Scholar, Yearbook Editor, Treasurer of Student Government, member of Future Business Leaders of America, a 2nd place winner in "Cyber Security" at the FBLA regional conference, Captain of the Central New Jersey Math League team that recently competed at the American Regions Math League National competition at Penn State University, and owner of two small businesses, KingPin Hosting, and KingPin Web Design. David is a member of the USY at Temple Beth O'r/Beth Torah in Clark and has worked as a counselor for several summers at Camp Yachad in Scotch Plains. David's future plans include attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York where he will major in Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Cyber Security. Parents are Dr. and Mrs. Ian Langer of Scotch Plains. Grandparents are Mrs. Diana Flaster of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Mrs. Beatrice Langer of Scotch Plains. David has a younger brother, Steven.
Langer. Steven H. Langer of Scotch Plains will graduate from the fifth grade of Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union. Cranford campus. Steven is a kind young man and a true mensch to all. He is interested in history, science, karate and video games, and will attend middle school next year. Steven is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Ian Langer of Scotch Plains. Grandparents are Mrs. Diana Flaster of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Mrs. Beatrice Langer of Scotch Plains. Steven has an older brother, David.
Levinson. Aviyam Levinson of Highland Park graduated from Torah Academy of Bergen County on June 5, 2008. He was a Member of the Torah Bowl, College Bowl and Chess Teams, executive editor of Kol Torah, and valedictorian of his class. His Future plans are next year Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh, Israel and then Yeshiva University Schottenstein Honors Program. Parents are Barry and Marcia Levinson of Highland Park. Grandparents are Roselin and David Wagner of Great Neck, N.Y. and Pauline and Morris Levinson of Mt. Laurel.
Lopatin. Ari Lopatin of East Brunswick will graduate from Solomon Schechter Day School of Raritan Valley on June 19, 2008. He plans to attend Moshe Aaron Yeshiva High School. Parents are Roxanne and Jay Lopatin of East Brunswick and grandparents are Esther and Cy Rubin of Highland Park and Irving Lopatin and the late Vivian Lopatin of Monroe.
Mann. Ariela Mann of Edison will graduate from Bruriah High School in Elizabeth in June 2008. She participated in the Friendship Circle and plans to study in B'not Torah Institute (Sharfman's) in Jerusalem and will continue on to Touro Manhattan College in the fall of 2009. Parents are Melissa and Jeff Mann of Edison. Grandparents are Arlene and Maruin Flohr of Bradley Beach and Sue and Aaron Mann of Roselle.
Noah. Jason Brett Noah of East Brunswick graduated cum laude from Tulane University in New Orleans on May 17, 2008. Jason's graduating class was the first to conduct its commencement exercises at the Louisiana Superdome since before Hurricane Katrina. A Political Science major with a concentration in International Relations, Jason studied at Hebrew University in Jerusalem during the first semester of his sophomore year, when Tulane was closed as a result of the hurricane, and took the opportunity to explore many aspects of the political situation in the Middle East. In the fall semester of his junior year, Jason studied at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. During his college career, Jason was active in numerous extracurricular activities, including participating in Habitat for Humanity's efforts to build houses in areas particularly hard-struck by Hurricane Katrina. In addition, Jason served as Musical Director of Green Envy, Tulane's oldest a capella singing group, and community service coordinator for the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, and taught English as a Second Language as part of a Service Learning initiative. He was also active in the school's musical theater program, appearing in prominent roles in numerous stage productions, and participated in Tulane's club baseball and fraternity softball and soccer teams. Jason was actively involved in Tulane's Chabad chapter's "Shabbat 1000" events, working to encourage University students to attend Shabbat services and dinners and serving as a table host. To pursue his ongoing interest in learning about cultures other than his own, Jason has, in addition to having studied abroad, taken the opportunity whenever possible to travel internationally, and has visited numerous countries in Europe, Asia and South America during his college years. In July, Jason will begin working for the investment firm Morgan Stanley in New York City. Jason is the son of Lori and Scott Noah, and brother of Stacey, a Rider University graduate and teacher of students with special needs in North Brunswick, and Jonathan, who just completed his freshman year at the University of Arizona. His grandparents are Gertrude Noah and the late Philip Noah of Riverdale, N.Y., and the late Esther and Jacob Weinberg of Rego Park, N.Y.
Paretzky. Mordechai Paretzky, is graduating from Lander College for Men, a division of Touro College, in Queens, New York. Mordechai majored in Jewish Studies with a minor in business. He tutored students from DRS High School and wrote an article for the Lander College annual publication, Yam HaTalmud. He is a volunteer EMT on Hatzalah of Queens and the Highland Park Ambulance Squad. A graduate of Moshe Aaron Yeshiva High School in South River, Mordechai also attended Yeshiva Kerem B'Yavneh in Israel for two years prior to college. Mordechai plans to continue studying at Lander College for Semicha. The son of Leah and Harvey Paretzky of Edison and grandson of Cicely Paretzky of Kew Gardens Hills, N.Y. and the late Rabbi Mordechai Paretzky, and of the late Bernice and Stanley Gibbs, of Union. He is the brother of Adina and Shoshana.
Phillips. Jesse Samuel Phillips, of Edison, graduated cum laude from American University in Washington, D.C. with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was in the Kogod School of Business and was awarded the Charles C. Glover Leadership Award. Jesse was President of the Finance Club at Kogod his senior year. Jesse will begin work this summer at FBR (Freeman, Billings, and Ramsey), an investment bank in Arlington, Va. He will have an analyst position in real estate investment banking. He is the son of Steve and Shelley Phillips.
Ravitz. Avrumi Ravitz of Edison will graduate from Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy in Elizabeth on June 4, 2008. He will spend one year learning in Israel and then will attend Yeshiva University. Parents are Danny and Miriam Ravitz of Edison.
Rogol. Lysa Rogol of East Brunswick graduated from Westchester University of Pennsylvania on May 10, 2008, with a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. She Lysa graduated Magna Cum Laude. Parents are Heidi and Chuck Rogol, East Brunswick. Granddaughter of the late Morton and Florence Schitman of Hamden, Connecticut and Ted and Alice Rogol of Seymour, Conn.
Rosen. Kayla Rosen of East Brunswick will graduate from the Solomon Schechter Day School of Raritan Valley on, June 19. During the 10 years she attended SSDS she was involved in many activities including the Israeli Dance Troupe, the Schechter Shooters basketball team and the student government. She is excited to attend Moshe Aaron Yeshiva High School this fall. Kayla is the daughter of Melissa and John Rosen. Grandparents are Judy and Ron Kohn of Hightstown and Richard Rosane of Middlebury, Vt.
Rotblum. Amir Rotblum of Middlesex County graduated from Middlesex County College on May 22, 2008 with a degree in English. He is going to Rutgers for his bachelor's in English and possibly returning for a business degree after. The graduate is a sales associate at Lakeshore Learning Store in East Brunswick. Parents are Ora Rotblum of East Brunswick, and Yehuda Rotblum of Israel.
Rubinstein. Daniel Ethan Rubinstein of Edison graduated from Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union on June 1, 2008. Daniel was co-captain of Schechter's Varsity Baseball Team, Treasurer of the National Honor Society, and a participant in SDSS's Nashama Program, where he just completed his last semester of high school in Eastern Europe and Israel. He is a volunteer at the Clara Barton First Aid Squad in Edison. Daniel conducted research last summer at NYU Medical School and will be returning to continue his research this June. Daniel is a recipient of the President's Scholarship at The College of New Jersey, an accepted student in TCNJ's Honors Program and a commended scholar in the National Merit Scholarship Program. He will be an attending the 7 year BS/MD Program at The College of New Jersey/The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey beginning September 2008. Daniel is a member of Temple Beth O'r/Beth Torah in Clark. His proud family includes parents, Dorothy and Marvin Rubinstein; sister, Rachel of Edison; and grandmothers, Rose Sokolik of Edison, and Gail Rubinstein of Forest Hills, N.Y.
Shapiro. Sara Shapiro of Highland Park will graduate from Bruriah High School on June 15, 2008. She will attend MMY in Jerusalem next year. She will then attend Stern College for women. Parents are Alan and Bernice Shapiro of Highland Park and grandparents are Jack and Renee Shapiro of Little Neck, N.Y.
Shpigel. Keren Shpigel of Edison will graduate from John P. Stevens High School in Edison on June 18, 2008. She was involved in the National Honor Society, Varsity Lacrosse Captain and USY Chapter President. She will attend United Synagogue's Nativ Program in Israel next year and then Binghamton University. Parents are Jennine and Yehuda Shpigel of Edison. Grandparents are Len Bloom of Wayne and Rosa Shpigel of Rehovot, Israel.
Singer. Yedida Singer of Edison graduated from Stern College for Women Yeshiva University Manhattan with a B.A. in Psychology on May 22, 2008. She graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is a member of the Psi-Chi society and treasurer of the psychology club. She is a coordinator of the Staten Island Division of Junior Yachad (special children). She participated in YU-CJF Torah Tours Program doing Jewish outreach to various Jewish communities and CJF volunteer corps for underprivileged communities and others. She was an advisor on the Taglit Birthright Yachad trip to Israel. She will be attending Ferkauf's Doctoral Program for School-Clinical Child Psychology. Parents are Dr. Alan and Shanie Singer of Edison and grandparents are Yetta Moritz and the late David Moritz of Brooklyn and the late Rita Rose and Joseph singer of Mimi Beach, Fla.
Singer. Zahava Singer of Edison will graduate from Bruriah High School for girls in Elizabeth on June 15, 2008. She is president of the Highland Park/Edison Chapter of senior NCSY and received the leadership award and title of chapter president of the year at the regional conference. She is an honor student and was choir head at the annual mother/daughter program. She was co-chair of the senior luncheon. She is on the Bruriah basketball and softball teams. Last summer she participated in the leadership Jolt/OU program doing outreach to unaffiliated Jewish youth in the Ukraine. This summer she will be a counselor at camp Moshava. She plans to attend Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalyim in Israel, followed by Stern College for Women, NYC. Parents are Dr. Alan and Shanie Singer of Edison and grandparents are Yetta Moritz and the late David Moritz of Brooklyn and the late Rita Rose and Joseph singer of Mimi Beach, Fla.
Tornek. Aviva Tornek of East Brunswick graduated from Stern College for Women on May 22, 2008 with a B.A. in biology. She will attend nursing school in the fall. Parents are Lori and Alvan Small of East Brunswick and grandparents are Shirley and Paul Kasztl of Englewood. She is engaged to Josh Hassan.
Ull. Shayna Ull of Edison will graduate from JP Stevens High School on June 18, 2008. She will attend University of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn. Parents are Scott and Cindy Ull of Edison and grandparents are Sylvia and Mussie Ull of Sunrise, Fla. and the late Jean and Joseph Franzone of Iselin.
Winter. Benjamin Winter of Highland Park graduated from Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union on June 1, 2008. He recently became an eagle scout. He is a cadet member of the Highland Park first aid squad. He is a magician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He received best Sportsman Award from UNICO, an Italian American service organization. He played varsity soccer in high school. He will be in the biomedical engineering program at The College of New Jersey. His parents are Susan and Mark Winter of Highland Park and grandparents are Minna and Charles Winter of Boston and Ethel the late Manuel Schwartz of Louisville, Ky.
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