Yeshivah of Flatbush started as a visionary innovation in Jewish education and grew to be the preeminent role model for modern Orthodox yeshivot across the country.

They celebrated their anniversary with the YOF 2007 Auction. As guests entered Shaare Zion Congregation, they were treated to photos of children, teachers and events that took place at the yeshivah, and collected since 1927. Viewing these memorable photos sparked recognition, recollection and spirited conversation.

With the tireless efforts of auction coordinators Renee Braha, Alan Shamah and Shari Tawil, the auction was orchestrated with style and grace. The evening was generously sponsored by Middlegate Insurance Agency, LLC. Master of Ceremonies, Moses Torgueman welcomed guests for a night of dinner, socializing and the hope of winning one (or more) of the many attractive prizes.

The deep maroon of the Flatbush colors dramatically adorned the walls, and the creative designs of Jamie Bailey and Carla Zeitouny were apparent in every corner. With auction books designed by Melissa Sutton in one hand, and pens and tickets in the other, there was so much to do! Amy Aini coordinated the auction's amazing gift collection effort, with the assistance of Becky Cohen, Michelle Saad and a team of hard-working volunteers. Gifts included fabulous jewelry, cutting-edge electronics, Judaica, furs, toys (for young and old), vacations and much more. The Ladies Auxiliary sponsored a $500 gift certificate towards a spa day at Bliss, and student volunteers enthusiastically sold tickets for a Split the Pot raffle chaired by Melissa Tbeile. The Alumni Association raffle, chaired by Alumni Director Bebe Levitt, and made possible through the generous donations of alumni, offered a selection of vacation packages—to Israel (on the 2008 YOF Chesed Mission), Vermont, St. Lucia, or a prize of $2,600. And in honor of the 80th Anniversary, the Grand Raffle was a whopping $80,000 US Savings Bond (or $36,000). The event’s terrific success was due to the extraordinary efforts of Steve Adelsberg, Allan Levy and David Oved.

Executive Vice President Dennis M. Eisenberg was thrilled to spend the night greeting the many YOF supporters in attendance, stating, “Our auction is a wonderful display of the partnerships we have built between the school and parents and the professional and lay leadership. Everyone works in concert with only one goal in mind, our children's education.”

Rabbi Dan Rosenstein, YOF Director of Development, said, “The key to our success is our extraordinary Flatbush parents, former parents, alumni, grandparents and members of the community who participated in the event. Furthermore, our sponsorship effort led by board members Jack Mann and Nathan Dweck really helped lay the foundation for a successful evening.”

The YOF 80th Anniversary Auction was a huge success! Guests left smiling, having enjoyed a beautiful night of celebration, and the children of the yeshivah will be the beneficiaries. Thank you to everyone whose generosity and recognition of the value of the YOF mission allows YOF to move forward.