JIQ BOYS’ JOURNAL #29
The past several weeks at JIQ Boys’ Middle and High School have been filled with exciting opportunities for learning, creativity, competition, and spiritual growth. Whether through hands-on Torah education, scientific discovery, strategic competition, or a memorable Shabbaton, our students continue to demonstrate curiosity, character, and enthusiasm in all that they do.
BRINGING KASHRUT TO LIFE
Learning Torah is at its best when students can experience it firsthand, and that is exactly what happened when Rabbi Leibowitz brought a special interactive kashrut lesson to the 11th grade.
The lesson focused on one of the most practical and fascinating areas of halacha: checking produce for insects and bugs. Rather than simply reading about the process, students had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on workshop where they examined produce and learned the halachic requirements involved in ensuring food is kosher.
The class was both educational and engaging. Students asked thoughtful questions, observed the process up close, and gained a deeper appreciation for the care and attention required in fulfilling the mitzvah of kashrut. The practical nature of the lesson made a lasting impression, and the boys walked away with valuable knowledge that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
A special thank you goes to Rabbi Leibowitz for bringing this important area of Torah learning to life in such an interactive and memorable way.
DISCOVERY AND CREATIVITY AT 8TH GRADE SCIENCE FAIR
The spirit of hands-on learning was also on full display during the 8th Grade Science Fair, organized by Mr. Ustayev. Students were tasked with developing a scientific hypothesis, conducting experiments, collecting data, and presenting their findings based on real-world observations. The projects demonstrated both creativity and scientific thinking.
Yehuda Abramov and Emanuel Davidov explored the effects of smoking on lungs. Joseph Rabiyev and Aharon Shamalov investigated how different environments contribute to mold growth on bread. Nataniel Niktalov and Eliyahu Ilyabayev tested the effectiveness of various materials in a water filtration system.
Aharon Domatov and Ilan Domatov examined the effects of salt on ice, while Daniel Aronov, Eden Badalov, and Jacob Khaimov compared the soaking capabilities of different paper towel brands.
Eliyahu Mashkabov and David Nisimov researched the effects of different liquids on metal screws, observing corrosion and deterioration over time. David Munarov, Yosef Abayev, and Baruch Abayev created a battery-powered propeller, demonstrating principles of electricity and motion. Finally, Timur Mashkabov and Lior Yakubov designed and tested a paper ball launcher.
AFTER CAREFUL JUDGING, THE AWARDS WERE ANNOUNCED:
• 1ST PLACE: ELIYAHU MASHKABOV AND DAVID NISIMOV – EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LIQUIDS ON METAL SCREWS
• 2ND PLACE: DAVID MUNAROV, YOSEF ABAYEV, AND BARUCH ABAYEV – BATTERY-POWERED PROPELLER
• 3RD PLACE: DANIEL ARONOV, EDEN BADALOV, AND JACOB KHAIMOV – PAPER TOWEL ABSORBENCY EXPERIMENT
The Science Fair was a tremendous success and allowed students to experience firsthand the process of scientific inquiry, experimentation, and discovery. The projects impressed both students and faculty and demonstrated the hard work and creativity of the 8th grade class.
JIQ CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The school’s annual Chess Championships once again showcased the intelligence, patience, and strategic thinking of our students.
In the Middle School Championship, four talented competitors battled through a pool-play format: Benyamin Khaimov (7th Grade), Yosef Aminov (7th Grade), Aharon Domatov (8th Grade), and Aharon Shamalov (8th Grade).
After several competitive rounds, Benyamin Khaimov and Yosef Aminov emerged as the top two players and advanced to a best-of-three championship match. Both students demonstrated exceptional focus and skill, but after an exciting series of games, Benyamin Khaimov captured the Middle School Championship, with Yosef Aminov earning an impressive second-place finish.
The High School Championship featured another outstanding group of players: Adam Nektalov (11th Grade), Yonatan Aronbayev (10th Grade), Jacob Kolondarov (10th Grade), and Maor Bensimon (10th Grade).
Following pool play, Yonatan Aronbayev and Jacob Kholandarov advanced to the championship match. In a highly competitive final, both players demonstrated tremendous skill and composure, but ultimately Jacob Kolondarov claimed the High School Championship, while Yonatan Aronbayev secured second place.
What stood out most throughout the tournament was the excellent sportsmanship, respect, and middot displayed by every participant. Win or lose, each player represented himself and the school with class and integrity. The boys are already looking forward to next year’s championship and the opportunity to compete once again.
A SHABBATON FILLED WITH RUACH AND ACHDUT
One of the highlights of the month was the school’s Shabbaton, which brought students together across the communities of Kew Gardens and Kew Gardens Hills for a truly uplifting and memorable Shabbat experience.
The 9th and 10th graders, joined by several seniors, spent Shabbat in Kew Gardens Hills. The boys began Friday night by davening at TOV, setting the stage for a meaningful Shabbat. Following davening, they enjoyed a beautiful seudah hosted by Rabbi Nissanian, where the atmosphere was filled with inspiring divrei Torah, spirited singing, meaningful conversation, and tremendous ruach.
The following morning, the boys davened at their respective shuls throughout the community before reuniting at TOV for a special kiddush generously sponsored by Rabbi Nissanian. The boys then made their way to the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Sassoon, where they were warmly welcomed for the Shabbat day meal and a lively oneg. The hospitality and warmth shown by the Sassoon family helped create memories that the students will cherish for years to come.
As the day continued, the boys spent time with their hosts and friends before gathering once again, this time at Keter Torah, the shul of Rabbi Leibowitz, for Mincha and a beautiful Seudah Shelishit graciously sponsored by Rabbi Leibowitz. The uplifting atmosphere of singing, Torah, and friendship carried the boys through the final moments of Shabbat.
Following Havdalah, the students gathered one final time at Top Notch Sushi on Main Street for a Melave Malka. There, they enjoyed good food, reflected on the incredible Shabbaton, and said their farewells before heading home.
Meanwhile, the 11th grade enjoyed their own unique Shabbaton experience in Kew Gardens. The boys davened at Rabbi Aminov’s shul and were warmly hosted for meals by Rabbi Aminov and Mr. Inoyatov. The weekend provided a wonderful opportunity for the students to strengthen their relationships with their Rebbeim and classmates while experiencing the beauty of Shabbat in a close-knit community setting.
The success of the Shabbaton was made possible through the generosity and hospitality of so many members of the community. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Rabbi Nissanian, Rabbi and Mrs. Sassoon, Rabbi Leibowitz, Rabbi Aminov, Mr. Inoyatov, the various host families, and the many shuls that welcomed our students with open arms. Their kindness allowed the boys to experience a Shabbat filled with Torah, friendship, and inspiration.
As the school year continues, experiences like these remind us that some of the most meaningful lessons take place not only inside the classroom, but also around the Shabbat table, in the Beit Midrash, and within the broader Jewish community.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, and Maaser money can be used.
Please call 718-480-0900 or email office@jiqboys.org for more information.
By Moshe Tuvia Ailyarov
