Words of Honor
Words from Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman, Executive Director
How do you encapsulate 40 years of devotion and commitment to one institution? Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari has meant so much to every student, teacher and parent who has walked through the halls of the Joel Braverman High School. What makes him so unique is that he means something magnificent yet different to each person. To some he is a Head of School, to most he is a teacher, to many he is a mentor, but to all, he is a friend.
Aside from being a master teacher and a true scholar, Rabbi Harari can always speak the language of the person with whom he is interacting. I do not mean the beautiful Hebrew that he speaks in the classroom or at special programs, but, rather, the way he reads an individual and knows how to connect with him or her at their level. He always has a good word to share about each person and has a way to see the positive and the best in everyone. Above all else, Rabbi Harari is a teacher; a Rebbe. Although he is stepping down from his role as Head of School, nothing will keep Rabbi Harari out of the classroom and developing the minds of his students.
When I joined the Yeshivah a little over four years ago, Rabbi Harari was quick to embrace me, constantly offering words of insight, encouragement, and partnership. Personally, I will miss our weekly and sometimes daily conversations about how best to move our Yeshivah forward. That has been his passion and he has always been ready to do anything to improve his beloved Yeshivah. I look forward to seeing him inspire the minds and hearts of our YOF students and I will enjoy the moment when our conversations shift to his thoughts on the week’s parasha or the Talmud that he recently taught his students.
Rabbi Harari has impacted the lives of thousands of people and it is time for him to look back and enjoy the fruits of his work. I wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life, as he enjoys it all in good health with his wife Vicky and his children and grandchildren.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman
Executive Director
Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Rothman
Executive Director
Words from Abie J. Hidary, President, Yeshivah of Flatbush
Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari has been serving our Yeshivah with distinction for 40 years, first as a respected teacher and later as a revered Head of School. His student-centered approach, emphasis on the in-depth study of Torah, the importance of chesed, commitment to excellence, electives and co-curricular programs, have reinforced Flatbush’s position as a leader in Jewish education worldwide. Under Rabbi Harari’s tenure, our high school enrollment and student satisfaction have grown tremendously.
As a role model of Torah U’madah, well-versed in both Torah and secular matters, Rabbi Harari has been an engaging and passionate teacher who empowers our students. I know I speak for all trustees, current and past, when I say how grateful we have been for Rabbi Harari’s leadership, friendship, and dedication over all these years. His devotion to the Yeshivah’s principles, drive to continue the work of those who have come before him, and wise and judicious stewardship of our school community and its resources have been deeply appreciated.
As a role model of Torah U’madah, well-versed in both Torah and secular matters, Rabbi Harari has been an engaging and passionate teacher who empowers our students. I know I speak for all trustees, current and past, when I say how grateful we have been for Rabbi Harari’s leadership, friendship, and dedication over all these years. His devotion to the Yeshivah’s principles, drive to continue the work of those who have come before him, and wise and judicious stewardship of our school community and its resources have been deeply appreciated.
We are forever indebted to Rabbi Harari for his diligence working with board members, donors, parents, faculty and staff as he helped to gather support for the construction and installation of our incredible high school building. Moreover, Rabbi Harari developed an outstanding professional leadership team that will continue to lead our school with a strong sense of purpose and commitment to the Yeshivah’s mission.
The Rabbi and his wife Vicky have also embraced the Yeshivah as a home for the education of their own children and grandchildren, which only adds to the family’s intense loyalty and dedication to Flatbush. A graduate from the Class of 1972, Rabbi Harari has continued his allegiance to this day.
Rabbi Harari is an invaluable resource and role model for our teachers and students, and I wish him the best of luck in his retirement. He will always be an integral part of the Flatbush Family.
Abie J. Hidary (ES '91, HS '95)
President, Yeshivah of Flatbush
Words from Nicole Malliotakis, Member of Congress
I join you in our bittersweet send off of Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari and Mrs. Shifra Hanon, true rocks of
our Yeshivah community. Rabbi Harari and Mrs. Hanon have contributed a combined seven decades to educating JBHS students in both Torah and secular studies, through which they have left an indelible impact on not only our own community, but K'lal Yisrael as a whole.
our Yeshivah community. Rabbi Harari and Mrs. Hanon have contributed a combined seven decades to educating JBHS students in both Torah and secular studies, through which they have left an indelible impact on not only our own community, but K'lal Yisrael as a whole.
In their years of service, Rabbi Harari and Mrs. Hanon truly led by example, showing generations of stud. the impo1iance of education, civic engagement, and strong Jewish identity. I had the unique privilege of meeting with the community they helped to create during my visit to Yeshivah of Flatbush just a few weeks ago.
I wish Rabbi Harari and Mrs. Hanon many years of health and happiness in their retirement, and thank them, along with the rest of the Yeshivah community, for the lovingkindness they have shown to so many through their years of teaching.
Warmly,
Nicole Malliotakis
Member of Congress