Photos: Eliau Piha
The Lamplighters Yeshivah school community of parents, educators, supporters and lay-leaders came together on Sunday, February 25th, to celebrate their 6th annual fundraiser dinner, Pinteleh. The beautiful event, with over 200 participants, was held at the newly renovated Williamsburg Hotel located in Brooklyn. After a pre-gala reception for select guests featuring a curated whiskey bar, and live music, guests were welcomed into the main ballroom, designed by creative party planners Mimulo, with a lavish buffet dinner and signature drinks.
Pinteleh, represented by its name, expressed the power of giving voice – and the stage – to the soulful songs and stories of the unique Lamplighters’ community. The Gala presentation highlighted the stories of various individuals in the Lamplighters community including a father, mother, student, supporter and founder. Each story expressing the resilience, unique spark, depth of impact that Lamplighters has provided for so many children and families.
In celebration of Pinteleh, Lamplighters students and staff were asked to look into a mirror and paint a self-portrait canvas based off of what they saw. What Pinteleh do you see? These canvases were beautifully displayed throughout the room, for parents and guests to purchase.
The reception began with a stirring niggun of the Rebbe, sung by the one and only Yoni Z. This then led into to the evening introduction and MC by award-winning journalist Rosh Lowe, who praised Lamplighters saying, “Lamplighters will go down as a trailblazer in education. They care about their students teachers and their community. This night shows how they are ahead of the game, giving voice to the soul is priceless.”
Renowned speaker and co-founder of Ice Jewelry, Pinny Gniwisch spoke about his personal story and journey, commending Lamplighters for their methodology and successful approach. “No child should ever feel broken and lamplighters is built on those principles.”
After each presenter shared their moving stories, Mrs. Yocheved Sidof, Lamplighters Yeshivah Founding Executive Director, took the podium.
“This is not a typical Yocheved speech at our annual gala. I will not be reviewing our founders story, the current state of the art Jewish education or what makes our model unique. No, tonight is different. For the first time, with you tonight, I want to share a part of my story I haven’t shared before.” And with that Yocheved set the tone for what Lamplighters truly is– “it’s not about the externalities of an educational framework that make a learning environment successful. It is the soul that lies at the center of our educational model. And that is what permeates our movement. It’s that spark which fuels our commitment to reveal, and listen to, the stories of our students’ souls- to discover their destinies.”
Mrs. Sidof later presented the Lamplighters Annual Hidden Spark Award to long time parents Shaya and Chanie Gordon, in honor of their strong commitment and support of the growing school.
Lamplighters’ Head of School Morah Rivkah Schack shared words, discussing the importance of Pinteleh within the educational framework. “Often times we look at children as if they are a mirror in front of us, and we desire to make children into a reflection of what we want them to be. But this is not the goal of Jewish Education. That mirror is really made of glass. When we remove the backing, we unlock the raw ingredients that can become what that child is meant to be, devoid of a parent or teacher’s ulterior motives or personal dreams.” And this is Pinteleh. When we are able to see the child for who they are, and for who they truly want to be.
The inspiring evening concluded with a beautiful rendition of “Shine on Little Candles,” sung by parent Shmuly Lieberman, while audience members participated in a candle lighting ceremony.
To learn more about Lamplighters Yeshivah, its educational philosophy and community, and to donate to their cause, visit them online at www.LamplightersYeshivah.org.
what an inspiring and incredible evening. so proud of my daughter’s school.
That’s actually Lipa. He was there.
The Yeshiva system failed my boys bh parents are doing something about it now
It’s time!!
Eli Nash, putting his money where his mouth is!! We need more of you!
Wow, sounds like an amazing school!
LOVE YOUR JACKET.
Is it some memorial or tribute to some who has passed