News From The Hills

Let’s backtrack a little. What did you do on Thanksgiving? We had a leisurely day, which I love to do on legal holidays. I usually go into the office for a while to catch up on things. This time I got up a little later than usual and when Akiva got back from shul, he made us breakfast. It was so nice to be served. Then he went to the office for a while, and I stayed home to cook dinner. We were going to our daughter, and she asked me to make chicken on the bone for Akiva, which he would like better than the schnitzel she was making. She also asked me to make cranberry sauce, which we both like. We were having an informal family meal, not a traditional Thanksgiving menu, just a time to be together. But the cranberry sauce hit the spot.

So, I got to cooking and Akiva said that he wanted to go to Gottlieb’s in Williamsburg to bring back cholent and kugel for everyone. Thursday night has been our Gottlieb’s night out with our grandchildren and sometimes even their parents join us. I said I would go with him as soon as I got the food done.

We got on the road, and the LIE had noticeably light traffic. At night, there is usually a lot of traffic on the road, but being a holiday afternoon, it was smooth sailing. Our plan was that Akiva would double park for a few minutes, run in and get the order and come out and we would be on our way. But we found a parking space right in front of the restaurant, so I went in with him, and we had something to eat. Akiva spotted a tray of roasted turkey drumsticks, which looked really good, so he got one and we shared it. It was a very enjoyable and satisfying snack.

Diagonally across from us were a group of people speaking what sounded like German but with a Scandinavian accent. They did not look Jewish so I wondered why they would choose to eat at Gottlieb’s. There are many other restaurants to choose from, especially on the renovated and gentrified side of Williamsburg. Were they looking for old-fashioned European cooking? I was so curious, but I didn’t ask. I always wonder why some of the Jewish yuppies come to Gottlieb’s. Is it nostalgia for the foods their bubbies cooked?

Once we left Gottlieb’s, Akiva decided to drive through the neighborhood for a while. He grew up in Williamsburg, so we drove around and he showed me where his house used to be. On that spot is a modern, sleek house with huge windows that must let in a lot of sunshine. We kept driving through Greenpoint and then Long Island City, which has also gentrified and appeals to young professionals who want upscale living without the Manhattan prices.

Finally, we got on the LIE back to Queens. No offense to Brooklyn, but I always feel a sense of relief when I get to the more open spaces of Queens. Kew Gardens Hills has more low-density housing with just a few co-ops or condos on the outer streets of the neighborhood and even those are two to three stories in park-like settings. We brought the food to our daughter and went home for a while to relax. I packed up the chicken and cranberry sauce and then we went to enjoy the family time and tasty food. I hope all my readers had an enjoyable day, too!

The Yeshiva of Central Queens proudly announces its honorees for the upcoming Annual Scholarship Dinner, to be held on motzaei Shabbat, December 13 at RAM Caterers in Old Westbury. This year’s distinguished awardees represent the very best of the YCQ community: devotion, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the school.

Dor L’Dor Legacy Award: The Dyckman Family

Dor L’Dor Legacy Award: The Dyckman Family. The Dyckman family is the embodiment of the Dor L’Dor spirit, linking generations through deep commitment to Torah, tzedakah, and communal responsibility. Selma and Jacob Dyckman have spent over 60 years rooted in Kew Gardens Hills, creating a home known for warmth, chesed, and generosity. Their children, Deborah, Ezra, Daniel, Joshua, and Jonathan, have carried on this tradition of giving, inspired by the example of their parents.

The family’s connection to YCQ is strong and multigenerational. Ezra’s sons, Moshe (‘09) and Eli (valedictorian of the Class of 2020), are proud alumni. Ezra himself is serving his third year on the Board of Trustees, working tirelessly behind the scenes, while Jonathan’s family is also deeply involved. His wife, Daniella, is a beloved Kindergarten morah, and their children, Talia (‘24), Moshe (Grade 7), and Hadassah (Grade 7), have called YCQ home.

Selma and Jacob Dyckman have long dedicated themselves to philanthropy, hosting annual fundraisers for the Slonimer Yeshiva in Israel and actively participating in community organizations such as AMIT (Mizrachi Women). Their home has been described as a “Grand Central Station” of generosity, always welcoming guests for Shabbat and yom tov, and instilling a lifelong sense of tzedakah in their children. Through their decades of devotion, the Dyckman family truly exemplifies the Dor L’Dor Legacy Award.

Parents of the Year: Laya and Evan Daniel

Parents of the Year: Laya and Evan Daniel. Laya and Evan Daniel of West Hempstead are being honored as Parents of the Year in recognition of their unwavering dedication to family, community, and the YCQ family. Their commitment spans two decades, during which they have become central figures in the life of the yeshiva.

For Evan, the honor reflects both his role as a father to his four children, Jake (Class of ’23), Allie (Grade 8), Hailey (Grade 5), and Brandon, and his nearly 20 years as a Wildcats basketball coach. In that role, he has mentored hundreds of players, building lasting relationships and celebrating milestones, including the 2011 championship with a dedicated group of athletes he affectionately calls his “kids.”

Laya, a devoted educator for 19 years, has contributed tirelessly to the school community. She has played a key role in the PTO, organized meaningful hakarat hatov collections for teachers and staff, and spoken at countless school events, from Siddur plays to graduations, expressing gratitude and fostering community connection.

Together, Laya and Evan manage a busy household filled with school, sports, dance, and extracurricular activities, demonstrating teamwork and dedication that inspire those around them. Their children motivate them to be better parents each day, and they credit YCQ for providing a community that is much more than a school, it is a true family.

Hakarat Hatov Award: Rachel and Yisroel Orenbuch

Hakarat Hatov Award: Rachel and Yisroel Orenbuch. Rachel and Yisroel (Yissy) Orenbuch personify the definition of active partnership in education. Since joining the YCQ family in 2007, they have operated under a simple yet powerful philosophy: take action rather than complain. For the Orenbuchs, being a parent at YCQ means rolling up one’s sleeves to improve the school not just for their own family, but for the entire community. Even after moving from Kew Gardens Hills to West Hempstead, the Orenbuchs have remained extremely involved in YCQ, doing whatever they can to help in any way they possibly can.

Rachel and Yissy have become fixtures of daily life at the yeshiva, often working behind the scenes on essential but overlooked tasks. Rachel has served as a dedicated member of the PTO and, since 2020, has acted as a parent liaison on the Board of Trustees. They are perhaps best known for their hands-on, tireless efforts, specifically their deep involvement in organizing and managing the school’s Lost & Found, ensuring that misplaced items find their way back to their owners. Their family vehicle, affectionately known as the “OrenBUS,” is a familiar sight, frequently utilized to transport their children’s friends to events, haul equipment and supplies, and assist with logistics whenever the school has a need.

The Orenbuchs’ approach to school challenges has always been one of collaboration, viewing the administration and faculty as true partners. They credit this drive to their own parents, who taught them that while one may not always be able to write the largest check, one can always contribute time, talent, and energy. This legacy is being passed down to their children, all of whom have called YCQ home: Elazar (‘17), Daniella (‘19), Simcha (‘20), Chani (‘22), Levi and Shimmy (‘23), and Benny (Grade 7).

From their older children currently serving in the IDF and Sheirut Leumi, to their youngest currently walking the halls of YCQ, the entire family has learned the value of giving back. Rachel and Yissy Orenbuch are true pillars of the Yeshiva, teaching us all that the most valuable gift one can give to a school is the gift of their time.

Distinguished Service Award: Mr. Gregorio Cruz

Distinguished Service Award: Mr. Gregorio Cruz. For Mr. Gregorio Cruz, the role of security at the Yeshiva of Central Queens extends far beyond the physical safety of the building. With every patrol, he safeguards the very spirit and positive atmosphere of the students and faculty who walk through its doors each day. A true fixture at YCQ since October 2012, Mr. Cruz has dedicated well over a decade to ensuring that every school day begins and ends with positivity. His remarkable consistency and warm presence have made him an indispensable part of the institution.

His personal philosophy is simple and profound: when you look in the mirror in the morning, you choose the attitude you will present to the world. For Mr. Cruz, that choice is always to greet others with an authentic smile and an open heart, believing that a warm and genuine welcome can instantly change the trajectory of a student’s entire day. He understands that for some children, his friendly face may be the first positive interaction they have before classes even begin.

Mr. Cruz begins his day long before sunrise. Arriving by 5:30 a.m., he secures the facility, checks surveillance cameras, and conducts a physical walk-through to ensure the safety of those arriving for Shacharit. Yet the operational aspects quickly give way to what he considers the most meaningful part of his work: human connection. Mr. Cruz views himself not only as a security professional but as an accessible mentor and listener. He takes time to engage with the students, answer their unexpected questions, and offer small pieces of advice, words he hopes will stay with them as they navigate the challenges of growing up.

A devoted father and doting grandfather, Mr. Cruz offers counsel both to his own family and the broader YCQ family, consistently advising everyone to take life “one day at a time.” Drawing inspiration from the quiet wisdom found in classic Disney movies, he often reminds others to “let it go” and not carry unnecessary stress home. He is immensely grateful to the YCQ staff and administration for welcoming him as part of their extended family. Mr. Gregorio Cruz remains a steadfast pillar of the community, protecting the school with unwavering vigilance and always leading with his heart.

Please join us at the dinner at 7:30 p.m. on motzaei Shabbat, December 13, 2025, at RAM Caterers, 21 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY. For reservations and journal ads, visit ycq.org/dinner before Monday, December 8.

(L-R) R’ Mordechai Shimon Siegel and R’ Aaron Cyperstein, co-president of the shul

The shiur was given by R’ Mordechai Shimon Siegel on the topic of “Gambling in Halachah and Hashkofoh” and the hakdomoh was given by R’ Aaron Cyperstein. The shiur was sponsored l’ilui nishmas Bina bas Shlomo Kasirer, a’h. 

Chanita Teitz is a real-estate broker at Astor Brokerage in Kew Gardens Hills, serving the entire Queens vicinity. For all your real-estate needs, call her at 718-263-4500 or e-mail [email protected]. Read more of Chanita Teitz’s articles at 5TJT.com.