We want to thank our honorees for their continued dedication to Ben Porat Yosef.
(click on honoree name below to read bio)
Guest of Honor
Ari, a proud granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, grew up in Roslyn, NY, and attended North Shore Hebrew Academy, Ramaz, and Brandeis University. She has spent over 20 years in wealth management and is currently a Vice President of Client Services at NewEdge Wealth. Ari with her husband Jared, live in Englewood, NJ, with her three children- Morris 8th grade, Rosie 6th grade, and Poppy 3rd grade near the Flat Rock Nature Center. Ari is an active member of the Benaroya Sephardic Center and has been deeply involved in her children’s Jewish education at BPY, where she currently serves on the Board of Trustees.
Ari chose BPY because she wanted her children to experience a school that embraces both Ashkenazi and Sephardic customs and offers an immersive Hebrew program. What she values most about BPY is its small, nurturing environment, where her children feel part of a larger BPY family, and its strong connection to Israel through the Shlichim program. Ari credits BPY with helping her children excel academically, especially in Hebrew, and grow into responsible, inclusive individuals.
One of Ari’s most memorable moments at BPY was the dedication of the Sandy Goldwyn Abilities Ramp, in honor of her mother Sandy, followed by the Avraham Fried concert, which highlighted the school’s commitment to inclusivity. She is also proud of the initiatives she helped launch, including the Glow-in-the-Dark Havdalah Night, Seudat Amenim, the PTO Chat, and the Family Challah Bake, which have become integral parts of the school’s culture.
Ari believes in the power of community involvement and encourages new BPY families to get involved, ask questions, and be proactive. “The more you put in, the more you’ll get out of this community,” she says. Through her leadership and dedication, Ari exemplifies the spirit of partnership and engagement that makes BPY such a special place for both children and families.
Guest of Honor
When Carly first toured BPY in 2016, she was immediately drawn to the warmth of the school. “I was in awe of how engaged the children were,” she recalls, leaving the tour confident that BPY was the right fit for her kids. Since then, Carly has deeply appreciated the personalized attention her children receive, as well as the integration of Israeli culture into the curriculum. She values how BPY fosters both critical thinking and a love for learning, while also embracing both Sephardic and Ashkenazic traditions to help children appreciate diversity within Judaism.
One of the most rewarding experiences for Carly has been watching her daughter’s confidence blossom. After entering first grade, Carly’s daughter received the support she needed to feel capable, which helped her thrive in all areas of development. “Confidence is truly the secret power to life,” Carly says, grateful for the teachers’ encouragement and belief in her child’s potential.
BPY has also helped Carly feel deeply connected to the community. She has served on committees and is currently in her third term on the Board of Trustees. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our collective efforts come to fruition and benefit the entire school,” she shares. Carly believes that involvement in school initiatives enriches the experience for both families and the school itself.
For new BPY parents, Carly emphasizes the importance of getting involved. “Volunteer and attend events—your children love seeing you in the building, and it sets a great example for them,” she says. Carly, who has also served as PTO co-president, encourages families to actively engage in shaping the school’s culture.
Carly and her husband Alex's children, Amanda (class of 2024) and Jacob (6th grade), have thrived at BPY, and the family continues to be an active part of the Teaneck community. For Carly, BPY has been a place where both her children and her family as a whole have grown, learned, and connected with others in meaningful ways.
BPY Community Service Award
Shoshana and her family were immediately drawn to BPY when they first toured the school. “We were blown away by the warmth, creativity, and environment,” Shoshana recalls. “The school doesn’t just talk about values—it embodies them.” For Shoshana, BPY’s emphasis on personalized attention and the Shlichim model, which integrates Israeli culture and Hebrew language, stood out. “My kids really speak Hebrew and love Israel—it’s part of their DNA, even though they’re growing up in America,” she says.
BPY has played a crucial role in her children’s growth, fostering their love for Judaism and Israel, as well as helping them develop high academic skills and creativity. “My kids are content with what they have, and they love their Jewish identity,” Shoshana reflects. The school’s support throughout various challenges has been invaluable to her family.
As the senior Rabbi’s family at Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, Shoshana and her family are already immersed in their local community, but she still values the strong connection BPY provides. “The faculty and curriculum at BPY truly embody the school’s values,” she notes, which aligns closely with her family’s approach to life.
Shoshana encourages new BPY families to get involved. “Don’t be shy—everyone at BPY wants to get to know your child and your family,” she advises. Through her involvement on the Board and in various volunteer roles, Shoshana has found that active participation is key to enriching the school community.
Shoshana and Rabbi Chaim's children, Ayelet (a Maayanot senior), Elana (a sophomore at FRISCH), and Rachel a Kindergarten student have thrived at BPY, and the family continues to be deeply engaged in their community. For Shoshana, BPY has been an integral part of her children’s education, providing a nurturing environment where values, growth, and community come together.
Morah Sharon’s educational journey began with the aspiration to become a specialized teacher for the blind and deaf. However, she soon realized that studying education and psychology would offer a more attainable path to her dream of living in America. She pursued a degree in psychology and education from the Open University in Israel. After moving to the United States and getting married, Morah Sharon sought hands-on experience and started teaching Hebrew to 3rd and 4th graders. Over the next decade, her love for teaching blossomed, and she decided to continue her academic and professional journey at BPY.
Eighteen years ago, Morah Sharon began teaching early childhood at BPY, a role she has cherished ever since. With each child she encounters, Morah Sharon finds new sources of passion and inspiration. For her, early childhood education is a pivotal time in a child’s development, where values, emotional needs, and educational foundations are set. She views young children as sponges, absorbing everything from their surroundings, and believes her role is crucial in guiding their growth and helping meet their needs. As a teacher, Morah Sharon sees herself as a mediator, helping each child gain the confidence and independence to soar.
Beyond the classroom, Morah Sharon’s commitment to teaching about Israel and Judaism is at the heart of everything she does. This passion extends to her own family—three of her four children now live in Israel, a reflection of the deep Jewish values they grew up with in America. Sharon and her husband Gilad's daughter Naomi, is currently a 5th grader at BPY, continuing the family’s legacy at the school. Morah Sharon is also profoundly grateful to her husband, Gilad, whose unwavering support has been a cornerstone of her journey.