YESHIVA
The doors of JIQ Boys Middle and High School are open once again, and a new school year is officially underway. After the summer break, the halls have come back to life with the familiar sounds of learning, davening, conversation, and excitement as students and faculty begin another year together.
The start of school always brings a special energy. Returning students are reconnecting with friends and Rebbeim, while new students are becoming part of the JIQ Boys community and settling into their classes. To help everyone begin the year organized and prepared, students received new pens and planners, giving them a useful way to keep track of assignments, responsibilities, and the many events that will fill the months ahead.
The timing of the new school year also brings with it the special atmosphere of Elul and the approaching Yamim Noraim. The boys have begun saying Selichot, adding an important spiritual dimension to the opening weeks of school. Starting the year with tefillah and reflection gives students an opportunity to think not only about what they hope to accomplish academically, but also about how they hope to grow in Torah, middot, and their relationship with Hashem.
That connection to the upcoming holidays was strengthened through a special lesson with Rabbi Nissanian, who taught the boys about the shofar and its significance. Students had the opportunity to learn more about this central mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah and hear the shofar sounded in school. Hearing its powerful blasts brought what the boys were learning to life and served as a meaningful reminder that Rosh Hashanah is quickly approaching.
While the sound of Torah learning has returned to the classrooms, the sound of basketballs has returned to the court as well. Coach Chris held the much-anticipated JIQ Lions basketball tryouts, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, effort, and determination as they compete for a place on this year’s team.
Tryouts challenged the boys through basketball drills and competitive play while giving Coach Chris the opportunity to evaluate each player’s fundamentals, teamwork, hustle, and ability to contribute to the team. For returning players, it was an opportunity to show how much they have developed since last season. For new hopefuls, it was a chance to step onto the court and show that they are ready to put in the work required to represent the JIQ Lions.
The basketball program continues to emphasize something even greater than success on the scoreboard. Players are expected to represent JIQ Boys properly wherever they go, displaying sportsmanship, respect, discipline, and a commitment to making a Kiddush Hashem both on and off the court. With Coach Chris once again guiding the program, there is already plenty of excitement surrounding what the new season may bring.
The opportunities for growth continue after the regular school day as well. Mr. A’s Mishmar program has begun, giving boys an additional opportunity to devote time to Torah learning. Mishmar provides a setting outside the regular classroom schedule where students can strengthen their learning and spend meaningful time together.
The program reflects an important message for the beginning of the year: Torah learning does not have to end when the final bell rings. By choosing to dedicate additional time to learning, the boys have another opportunity to build consistency and make Torah an even greater part of their daily lives.
From Selichot and the sound of the shofar to basketball tryouts and Mishmar, the opening weeks have already set a strong tone for the year ahead. There will undoubtedly be many more trips, programs, competitions, celebrations, accomplishments, and opportunities for growth to come.
As JIQ Boys begins another chapter, we look forward to watching every student make the most of the year ahead. May the new school year bring success in learning, growth in Torah and middot, new friendships, meaningful experiences, and plenty of reasons to celebrate together.
Wishing the entire JIQ family a successful school year and a Ketiva V’Chatima Tova!
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
