The Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies (BCHSJS) recently held its annual graduation at Temple Emanuel of North Jersey in Franklin Lakes. This year’s 12 graduates are Jessica Baer, Camryn Bolkin, Steven Grossman, Eden Hirsch, Melissa Knopf, Benjamin Kosiborod, Benjamin London, Bennett Rosner, Daniel Siefken, David Stack, Walter Stack and Benjamin Unger.
Jessica Baer and Benjamin Kosiborod led “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Hatikvah.” Fred Nagler, principal, welcomed everyone and introduced board members, rabbis and congregational principals. He then highlighted the many programs run by the school this year. Alvin Reisbaum, Temple Emanuel’s president, extended greetings and talked about the synagogue’s early years in Paterson and its transition to Franklin Lakes.
Rabbi Dr. David Fine of Temple Israel in Ridgewood and a BCHSJS board member gave the Dvar Torah. Sy Blechman, president of the board of BCHSJS, then addressed the seniors.
Six of the graduates spoke, reflecting on their years at BCHSJS. Barnett Goldman, teacher of the senior seminar, then addressed the students.
The Senior Academic Award for five years of excellence in studies was given to Camryn Bolkin, Bennett Rosner, David Stack and Walter Stack.
A special recognition gift was given to two parents of the graduates—Eve Bolkin and Michel Knopf for their volunteer work for the school.
In closing remarks, Fred Nagler extolled the faculty and administrative staff. He quoted several of the seniors comments from their senior surveys, “He’s so inspirational;” “He’s a great teacher;” “Amazing teacher;” “She’s expanded my view;” “He is my spiritual guide” and “I always learned something in his class.”
Nagler then addressed the graduates and exhorted them to become part of the Jewish community on the college campus, as well as remain part of the BCHSJS community.