EDUCATION
Hollis Hills, NY — Yeshiva Primary was honored to welcome Rabbi David Lau, former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, for a memorable visit last week that inspired students, faculty, and families with a powerful message of Torah, Jewish identity, and pride in our heritage. A special thank you to Rabbi Yaniv Meirov who was instrumental in making this special meeting happen.
Rabbi Lau arrived at the school on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 accompanied by members of Queens Shmira Public Safety and was warmly greeted by Rabbi Avner Yusupov, Associate Dean of Yeshiva Primary, together with members of the school’s leadership. He was then escorted into the building, where students eagerly awaited his arrival.
As Rabbi Lau entered the assembly hall, the students rose to their feet and enthusiastically sang «Baruch Haba B’Shem Hashem,» while one of the teachers played the tune on the piano, filling the room with excitement and kavod haTorah. The warm welcome reflected the special significance of the occasion and the respect the students felt for their distinguished guest.
The program opened with remarks from Rabbi Zalman Deutscher, founder and dean of Yeshiva Primary, who reflected on another historic visit to the school more than four decades ago. Rabbi Deutscher recalled how Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt»l visited Yeshiva Primary at a time when many people questioned why one of the greatest Torah leaders of the generation would spend his valuable time visiting what some viewed as a small school in Queens when he could have been addressing much larger institutions.
Rabbi Deutscher explained that Rabbi Ovadia understood something profound about the mission of Yeshiva Primary. He recognized that the school was doing the sacred work of reconnecting Jewish children with their heritage, their Torah, and their people. Rabbi Ovadia spent nearly two hours with the students during that visit, demonstrating how important he believed that mission to be.
Today, more than forty years later, that mission remains unchanged.
Yeshiva Primary was founded with a clear purpose: to reach Jewish children who are growing up outside of traditional Torah education and provide them with a strong understanding of who they are, where they come from, and the rich heritage that belongs to them. Through Torah learning, Jewish values, Hebrew language, holiday observance, and meaningful relationships with dedicated educators, the school helps students develop pride in their Jewish identity and a lifelong appreciation for Torah and mitzvos. At the same time, Yeshiva Primary is committed to providing students with a strong general education, giving them the academic foundation and confidence to pursue their goals and become whatever they aspire to be.
Rabbi Lau’s visit represented a continuation of that vision.
Addressing the students, Rabbi Lau shared a profound lesson from the story of Megillat Esther. He revealed what he described as a «secret» hidden message within the Purim story. Mordechai’s strength, he explained, came from gathering Jewish children and teaching them Torah during one of the most difficult periods in Jewish history. Rabbi Lau connected this idea to Matan Torah, teaching that just as the Jewish people declared «Naaseh V’Nishma» when they received the Torah at Har Sinai, it is the commitment of Jewish children to Torah that gives strength and continuity to the Jewish people throughout every generation.
Rabbi Lau concluded his remarks with a heartfelt blessing for the students.
«Remember all your life to say Naaseh V’Nishma,» he told them. «All your life to love Torah, all your life to show a lot of Jewish nachat to your parents, to your teachers, and to your rabbis for the rest of your lives.»
Throughout the program, the students listened attentively and participated enthusiastically. Many eagerly raised their hands to ask questions and engage directly with Rabbi Lau, creating an atmosphere that was both inspiring and personal.
BLESSINGS, ONE BY ONE
Following the address, Rabbi Yusupov asked Rabbi Lau if he would give a personal bracha to every student in attendance. Rabbi Lau readily agreed. One by one, each child approached him to receive a blessing. As every student came forward, Rabbi Lau warmly greeted them and blessed them with a simple but powerful message: «B’hatzlacha» — wishing each child success in Torah and in life.
The personal interaction was one of the highlights of the day for many students.
«It was really nice,» said Yakov Mounessa, a third-grade student. «I liked when he gave me a blessing and I liked that we sang when he came in.»
Another student, Joseph Kandjanov, a second grader, shared his excitement. «I was happy when the Rabbi came to visit us,» he said.
For older students as well, the experience was deeply meaningful.
«It was a special moment, very holy,» said Shoshana Alvarez, a sixth-grade student.
As the visit came to a close, Rabbi Lau rose to leave, and the entire school joined together in singing «Havenu Shalom Aleichem.» Students, teachers, and guests accompanied Rabbi Lau with song as he departed, bringing the uplifting event to a memorable conclusion.
Reflecting on the visit, Rabbi Yusupov emphasized the lasting impact such experiences have on young people.
«It is important for children to see a gadol b’Yisrael,» Rabbi Yusupov said. «They will remember this moment forever. We want them to emulate their ways.»
Rabbi Yusupov added that visits from distinguished Torah leaders provide encouragement not only for the students, but also for the faculty and administration.
«When we have these special visits, it gives us the strength to carry on the work that we do here,» Rabbi Yusupov said. «When great rabbanim take the time to come and see our students, it reminds us how important this mission is. Their support strengthens our resolve to continue helping children discover their Jewish identity, connect to Torah, and build a lifelong commitment to Judaism.»
Rabbi Lau’s visit provided the students of Yeshiva Primary with a unique opportunity to connect personally with one of the most respected Torah leaders of our generation. More importantly, it reinforced the school’s enduring mission of helping Jewish children discover who they are, understand where they come from, and take pride in the Torah heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Through his message of Naaseh V’Nishma, his encouragement to love Torah, and his personal blessing for every child, Rabbi Lau left an impression that will continue to inspire the students of Yeshiva Primary for many years to come.
Rabbi Yusupov is the Executive Director of Yeshiva Primary (210-10 Union Tpke, Hollis Hills, NY).
By Rabbi Avner Yusupov
