From exciting adventures and meaningful Torah learning to new extracurricular opportunities and a growing basketball program, JIQ Boys continues to build a school year filled with achievement, connection, and growth.
The school year is well underway at the Jewish Institute of Queens Boys’ Middle and High School, and the halls of JIQ are filled with renewed energy and enthusiasm. With a memorable schoolwide trip, meaningful Torah learning opportunities, expanding extracurricular programs, and a basketball team hard at work, students are embracing the many opportunities that lie ahead. Each new initiative reflects JIQ’s commitment to providing an environment where academic achievement, Torah values, personal development, and lasting friendships go hand in hand.
AN ADVENTURE TO REMEMBER
On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, students from every grade traded their usual classroom routines for a day of excitement at Adventure Park Long Island. The Welcome Back Trip offered the boys an opportunity to enjoy time together outside the classroom while strengthening friendships and building connections across the middle and high schools.
Known for its outdoor ropes courses, climbing challenges, and ziplining experiences, Adventure Park provided a refreshing change of scenery. The activities offered opportunities for students to challenge themselves, practice teamwork, and enjoy an adventurous day alongside their classmates.
Beyond the excitement of the attractions, the trip served an important purpose: bringing the JIQ student body together as the new school year gains momentum. Experiences like these help create the sense of friendship and belonging that makes the JIQ community special.
TORAH BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
While the school year brings plenty of excitement, Torah learning remains at the heart of the JIQ experience. One of the school’s continuing highlights is its weekly Thursday Mishmar program, led by Mr. Ailyarov.
Each week, students gather after school to explore different sugyot in the Gemara, developing their analytical thinking and strengthening their understanding of Torah. The changing topics provide opportunities to encounter new questions, examine different perspectives, and engage with the reasoning that makes Gemara learning so rewarding.
Of course, Mishmar offers more than just learning. Hot food and a weekly $20 Amazon raffle add an extra element of excitement to the program, while upcoming trips, with details soon to be announced, promise even more opportunities for students to participate.
The program continues to reinforce an important message: Torah learning does not end when the regular school day concludes. It is something students can pursue with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine desire to grow.
FATHER-SON LEARNING
This past Sunday, JIQ continued another meaningful tradition with its monthly Father-Son Learning program.
Led by Rabbi Niazoff, the gathering focused on the 613 mitzvot, offering fathers and sons an opportunity to explore the foundations of Jewish life and the responsibilities that shape our relationship with Hashem.
The morning also included breakfast, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families to spend quality time together.
The significance of Father-Son Learning extends beyond the material being studied. By bringing generations together around Torah, JIQ reinforces the partnership between home and school in cultivating a lifelong appreciation for Jewish learning and values. These gatherings remind students that Torah is not merely a classroom subject, but a central part of family life and Jewish identity.
STRENGTHENING THE HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
JIQ also recently hosted its Meet the Teacher Night, bringing together parents and faculty from all grades through a virtual Zoom gathering.
Throughout the evening, teachers introduced themselves, outlined their classroom policies, and shared their expectations for the school year. Parents were given an opportunity to become familiar with the educators guiding their sons and the structure of their respective classrooms.
The evening centered on a shared goal: ensuring a productive and successful academic year for every student.
Open communication between parents and teachers is essential to student success, and events like Meet the Teacher Night help establish the understanding and cooperation necessary to support each boy’s academic and personal development.
STUDENTS TAKING THE LEAD IN TORAH
Another meaningful part of the weekly school routine has been the student-delivered Divrei Torah following Friday morning Shacharit.
Each Friday, different boys have the opportunity to stand before their peers and share words of Torah, bringing student voices into the school’s religious programming.
These presentations serve a dual purpose. Alongside encouraging Torah study, they help students develop confidence, public-speaking abilities, and the skills needed to communicate meaningful ideas to an audience.
By giving students the opportunity to teach and inspire one another, JIQ continues to encourage leadership and personal responsibility within its student body.
NEW CLUBS AND A GROWING BASKETBALL PROGRAM
Outside the classroom and Beit Midrash, extracurricular opportunities are continuing to expand. Students are currently signing up for the school’s Woodworking and Chess clubs, with additional club offerings expected to be announced.
These programs will provide students with opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills, and discover talents beyond their regular academic studies. Whether working with their hands or sharpening their strategic thinking, students will have new avenues to pursue their interests and challenge themselves.
Meanwhile, the JIQ basketball team is already putting in the work. With a nine-player roster, the team has begun practicing twice weekly, on Mondays and Wednesdays, under the leadership of Coach Chris and team manager Mr. Ailyarov.
Regular practices provide the players with opportunities to improve their basketball fundamentals, develop teamwork, and build the discipline necessary for competitive athletics.
As the team prepares for the season ahead, JIQ is also inviting local businesses to become part of the excitement through team jersey sponsorship opportunities. Businesses interested in sponsoring the team’s jerseys can help support the basketball program while having their businesses represented alongside the JIQ team.
As the program continues to develop, the team represents another exciting avenue for students to demonstrate commitment, sportsmanship, and school pride.
A MEANINGFUL YEAR AHEAD
From the treetops of Adventure Park to the discussions of the Beit Midrash, JIQ Boys is demonstrating that a well-rounded education reaches far beyond textbooks and examinations.
Whether students are exploring a challenging sugya, learning alongside their fathers, delivering a Dvar Torah, joining a new club, or practicing on the basketball court, each experience contributes to their development as students, leaders, and young Bnei Torah.
With new opportunities on the horizon and a strong foundation already established, the JIQ Boys community looks forward to a year of continued learning, achievement, friendship, and growth.
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