Our Students

The Mishnah in Sanhedrin states that , that anyone who preserves one Jewish life, it is as if he preserved the entire world. At the Hebrew Academy of West Queens , we have the privilege, on a daily basis, of preserving and establishing many worlds. Most of our children come from backgrounds that put them at risk to be lost to Yiddishkeit forever. Furthermore, many face challenges and struggles in their home situations that are hard to imagine. Yet in the warm and nurturing environment of HAWQ , we are able to polish these unfinished diamonds and allow them to sparkle and emit their true beauty and splendor. Let us share with you some profiles of the precious Neshamot of HAWQ.

• Helena *- This sweet 6th grader lost her father when she was a toddler. She lives with her mother and older brother (also a HAWQ graduate) in the projects of Astoria, Queens, populated by low income African Americans. Helena is transported to the Yeshiva daily from Astoria by private transportation (she lives beyond the distance the Public School covers for transportation) at the cost of thousands of dollars annually to the Yeshiva. By providing her with an oasis from her difficult home environment, she is blossoming into a true a Bas Yisroel.
  
  
• Moshe and Rivka - Moshe is a young teenager (14 years old), who all his life has faced a most difficult home situation. He and his younger sister Rivka (11 years old) live with their mother, step-father, and two younger siblings from the second marriage. Before remarrying, their mother had a court order of protection against her first husband (their father). The step-father is verbally abusive to them and punishes them inappropriately, and treats them as second-class children in the family. HAWQ has provided a safe-haven for these children with daily counseling and an individualized academic program. At the same time, we are attempting to alleviate their home problems. Moshe is excelling in our Talmud High School Preparatory Program , directed by our esteemed Mashgiach Ruchani, HaRav Mordechai Hecht, Shilta. He will enroll in a high quality dormitory Yeshiva high school next year, where he can continue to flourish as a real Ben Torah.
  
  
• Benji - Benji is young man who came to HAWQ in 6th grade with severe behavioral problems, classified by the CSE (Committee for Special Education) as emotionally disturbed and incapable of functioning in a mainstream classroom. With much patience, individual attention, and self esteem building, Benji has made an 180 degree turnaround. He learned anger control management, and developed socialization skills. The last two summers he successfully attended Camp Dora Golding, an accomplishment his parents never dreamt could be possible three years ago! He was masterful at his Bar Mitzvah in November (davening, laining, speaking). Benjy is also enrolled in the Talmud High School Preparatory Program and is on his way to MTA for High School.

• Reuvain - Reuvain is an engaging 11 year old, who comes from a committed ,frum family. Until last year, he was floundering in Yeshivas Tiferes Moshe, very significantly below grade level in key academic areas, such reading and math. At the beginning of the fifth grade, he felt like a complete failure, without any recourse except for Public School. His parents did not know where to turn. Upon entering HAWQ , Reuvain was enrolled in the Skills Enhancement Learning Center in the Yeshiva. In the Learning Center , a program was designed to meet his academic needs, including many hours of individual tutoring focusing on the basic skills in which he was deficient. He progress was astounding! Last year's achievement tests documented a major improvement in both Reading and Math. His progress continues this year. He is tasting the sweetness of success for the first time in his life.
  
  
• Mazal - The expression "A rose among the thorns" is quite appropriate for this young lady. She has grown-up in a severely dysfunctional family. Very often, one or both of her parents were absent from the home for long periods of times. She lived in conditions we don't often associate with our community (attics, above stores, no phone or electricity). Her three older brothers surely can be classified as at-risk teenagers. Yet, within the secure and caring environment of HAWQ , Mazal has matured into a sweet, refined Bas Yisroel. In our Student Counseling Center she has learned to cope with life's challenges and has progressed. She will continue her Torah education in Shulamit High School next year.

This is but a small sampling of the precious Neshamos of HAWQ . Baruch Hashem we are reaping the fruits of our efforts, as we see daily the tremendous progress of our students. We are appealing to you to become our partner is this holy mission. In the Zechus of participating in this Avodas Hakodesh , may you blessed with much Hatzlachah in all your endeavors and much Yiddishe nachas from your families.

* Please note that all the names of the students have been changed to protect their anonymity.