Education
Last week, Ohr Chana High School proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 in a beautiful and uplifting ceremony held at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center in Queens. The June 14th afternoon event brought together Rabbis, parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, friends, teachers, and community members to celebrate this significant milestone in the lives of our 29 graduates.
As guests arrived, they were warmly greeted by the graduating seniors, whose excitement and joy were evident throughout the room. The atmosphere was filled with pride, gratitude, and anticipation as families gathered to honor the accomplishments of these remarkable young women.
The ceremony began with each graduate being called by name and entering the hall one by one, creating a moving and memorable opening. The graduates then welcomed the distinguished guests, rabbis, teachers, staff members, and family members who had come to share in their special day.
The girls opened the program with a chapter of Tehillim for the safety and protection of our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael. This heartfelt moment reminded everyone of the strength of the Jewish people and the importance of unity, faith, and prayer.
The graduates then expressed their sincere appreciation to Mr. Lev Leviev, founder and president of the Bukharian Jewish community worldwide. They thanked him for his unwavering dedication to Jewish education and for providing generations of young women with the opportunity to receive a strong Torah-based and academic education. Their words reflected the gratitude felt by students and families alike for the vision that made Ohr Chana possible.
The audience was privileged to hear inspiring remarks from Mrs. Chagit Leviev Sofiev, daughter of Mr. Lev Leviev. Speaking with warmth and encouragement, she reflected on the unique mission of Ohr Chana and the tremendous potential of the graduating class. She encouraged the girls to move forward with confidence, remain proud of their values, and continue to make a positive impact wherever life takes them.
Rabbi Vaknin, Rabbi of the Youth Minyan and a teacher of the senior class throughout the year, shared meaningful words of Torah and inspiration. He spoke about the importance of carrying the lessons learned at Ohr Chana into adulthood and offered heartfelt blessings for continued growth, happiness, and hatzlacha in all of the graduates’ future endeavors.
Members of the administration also addressed the graduates, sharing personal reflections, words of encouragement, and heartfelt messages for the future. Awards were presented to recognize the students’ dedication, perseverance, leadership, academic achievement, and commitment throughout their years at Ohr Chana. Each award celebrated the unique strengths and accomplishments of the graduates and highlighted the positive impact they have made on our school community.
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony came when the graduates expressed their appreciation to the teachers, staff, and administration who had guided them throughout their high school journey. The girls thanked those who invested countless hours in helping them grow academically, spiritually, and personally, ensuring that they were prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas. As each graduate proudly walked across the stage to receive her diploma, the room filled with applause and excitement. It was a powerful moment that represented years of hard work, determination, growth, and achievement.
Following the ceremony, families and guests gathered downstairs for a beautiful reception. Each graduate was presented with a personalized cake bearing her name, adding a special and meaningful touch to the celebration. Families enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate together, take photographs, share memories, and reflect on the incredible accomplishments of their daughters.
The graduation ceremony was filled with pride, inspiration, gratitude, and joy. As the Class of 2026 leaves Ohr Chana and begins the next chapter of their lives, we are confident that they will continue to shine brightly, bringing their talents, values, and dedication to their families, communities, and the Jewish people.
We wish our graduates much hatzlacha, happiness, and continued success in all their future endeavors. — Ohr Chana Administration
The Graduating Class of 2026
Abigail Abramov
Isabelle Aminova
Elizabeth Aminzade
Roza Badalov
Natalie Bangiev
Esther Binyaminov
Rachel Borukhov
Eliana Davidov-Kaykov
Avital Davydova
Avital Ilyabayev
Leah Ilyayeva
Yael Isacov
Eliana Kalantarov
Elizabeth Kandzhanova
Eliana Katanova
Milana Katanova
Rebecca Khaimova
Sophia Khaimova
Frida Lakhchakova
Rachel Levy
Shoshana Mallayeva
Shira Manzorolhagh
Sophia Niyazov
Liora Pinkhas
Michelle Pinkhasov
Sarah Pinkhasov
Tehilla Pourattarian
Shoshana Sachakov
Emily Tolmasov