Jewish Foundation School Shares Tefilla, Torah and Basketball at Father and Son Day

Edited by: TJVNews.com

On February 12, 2023, at the Jewish Foundation School (JFS) students, alumni, parents, friends, Rebbeim and teachers gathered for Father and Son Day. The program began with Schachris followed by a Torah Shiur given by Rabbi Yaakov Wasser, Hebrew Principal of JFS and concluded with a great game of basketball lead by JFS legendary Coach John Fuentes.

“As a Rebbe and educator, I thought that it is important for us to gather together as a community and to get to better know each other. To that end, I thank Mrs. Ruth Garber, Principal and Mrs. Iva Reuven, PTA  President for organizing today’s Father and Son Day. Through Davening, learning and playing basketball in our state-of-the-art gym our friends, alumni, parents and students bonded in a positive friendly way. What I appreciate the most was that today’s activities are the building blocks of fond memories. These fond memories are important, they will reinforce the Torah values that JFS has to offer, and as a Rebbe, I believe in using different methods in educating our children. Today not only brought the community together, it brought father and son closer and helped strengthen the family relationship. By doing so, we have a student who is sure of himself and is enthusiastic about their learning and growing in Torah.”

Mendy Mirocznik, President of the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations remarked, “COJO is proud of and supports the great work of JFS in educating the children of our Staten Island Community. However, I cannot begin to express how pleased and delighted I am with the job that Rabbi Wasser, Mrs. Garber and Mrs. Reuven are doing at the school. They have singlehandedly transformed JFS and the school is on a flourishing course with a bright future. Davening, learning and enjoying basketball with Coach John left me feeling balanced and proud. Balanced in I see how the Yeshiva stresses what is important. It is important that our children respect and value Davening and learning Torah. It is also important for our children to learn how to interact with their peers with respect and Derech Eretz. The basketball game gave the children an outlet to have fun and to be respectful and mindful of others at the same time. All I can say, JFS you are doing an amazing job, COJO is proud of your achievements. As a Yeshiva you are a shining example of how to properly educate our children and we at COJO look forward in helping you advance your mission to future great milestones beyond your wildest expectations.”

Coach John stated, “I was happy to go to work on my day from school. It truly is an honor for me to serve as the Coach for these wonderful students who are respectful and appreciate what learning and their heritage is all about. As a Coach what impressed me the most was that the basketball game was beyond orderly. The game felt like friends getting together, respecting each other, and wishing one another success. This is what makes my job inspiring and fun. The students get this lesson from their Rabbis and teachers and I am proud to be part of such an illustrious staff that helps produce such wonderful students. I truly consider myself blessed and fortunate to be part of the JFS teaching staff.”