JETS Marks Smicha, Graduation

JETS school in Los Angeles celebrated the many accomplishments of its students and graduates, as well as the ordination of ten Smicha students, at their June Banquet and the year end trip to the Grand Canyon.

Now entering its 9th year, JETS is a unique school that caters to the individual needs of each student, enabling him to be in a warm chassidishe environment while pursuing the career of his choice.

The ceremony was emceed by Yoni Amar, a JETS student who is working towards his career in architecture and interior design.

Rabbi Mayer Schmukler, the Founder and Director of JETS, welcomed everybody following the recital of the Rebbe’s letter. Rabbi Schmukler thanked the staff for their hard work and dedication to ensuring the future of our students, exclaiming that miracles are happening every day at JETS. To thank Rabbi Schmukler for his unconditional support of Jets, Yossi Engel, on behalf of the entire staff, presented Rabbi Schmukler with a large canvas picture of himself receiving a dollar from the Rebbe, which elicited strong emotion.

Menachem Partouche, a third year student who received his Smicha this year in JETS and is currently pursuing a degree in business and property development, addressed the crowd with the following message: “At JETS I have learned a lot… a lot of information, a lot of ideas, and a lot of living examples of how to be a good Jew in the real world.”

One of the talented musical students, Shloime Cohen, composed and sang a rap about his wonderful and meaningful experience at JETS.

The overall feeling of gratitude and appreciation for the Rebbe’s moisad in Granada Hills, California was palpable in the room.

Sholom Serraf, the student photographer, presented a video recapping memories of the year.

Rabbi Mendy Seewald, Judaic Principal, presented the teachers with gifts and heartfelt gratitude. Rabbi Naftali Smith, Principal of JETS, awarded each staff member with a token of appreciation. Yossi Engel, Mehanel Gashmi, spoke about how fortunate we are to be a part of such a strong, growing community of individuals committed to the future generation.

Rabbi Perl, the Director of Development, introduced the honorary guests and supporters who addressed the crowd with touching words. One remarked that of all his investments, the one he is most proud of is his support of JETS.

On behalf of Mrs. Schmukler, Mrs. Perl thanked all the wives and their families for supporting their husbands in their efforts at JETS and for hosting the Bochurim for Shabbosim.

Ten students received their Smicha from Rabbi Elchonon Tauber, Dayan and Rabbi of Congregation Bais Yehuda of Los Angeles and Rabbi Kornwasser. As each student approached the podium to receive his certificate, the crowd broke out in cheers. Third year student David Betesh finished off by thanking JETS for his success in receiving Smicha, his high school equivalency, and completing his courses in electrical fundamentals. The evening concluded with the presentation of awards and diplomas to the students. Many boys lingered long after the conclusion of the ceremony to farbreng with staff members and shluchim throughout the night, trying to take advantage of their last moments in the school that has become their second home.

The following morning, the boys left for the year end trip to the Grand Canyon, accompanied by staff Levi Blizinsky, Rabbi Mendy Seewald, and the Shluchim. The boys enjoyed three days of hiking, camping, jet skiing, and farbrenging.

Special thanks to Chabad of Summerlin and Rabbi Schanowitz and family for hosting the JETS boys for Shabbos.

The boys will always remember what they referred to as the best trip of their lives, culminating a successful year of learning, growth, and friendship B’gashmius U’vruchnius.