Kushner schools dinner to honor community leaders, alumni
The Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy/Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School will host its 77th annual dinner on Tuesday, May 20, at 6 p.m., on its campus in Livingston.
School families, alumni, and supporters will gather to celebrate a year of leadership, education, and community impact.
The guests of honor are Abbi and Jeremy Halpern, who have long been committed to Jewish education, communal leadership, and philanthropy. Abbi is the chair of the JKHA/RKYHS Atid Society; at the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, she is president of Women’s Philanthropy and a member of the board of trustees. Jeremy, a vice president at Atlantic Realty Development Corp., is co-president of JKHA/RKYHS.
Together, the Halperns are involved with such organizations as the OR Movement, Israel Bonds, Friendship Circle, and Congregation Etz Chaim in Livingston. They live in Livingston with their three children, Brianna (JKHA ’17/RKYHS ’21), Jasmine (JKHA ’19/RKYHS ’23) and Ashton, who is in 11th grade.
The Educational Excellence Award will be presented to Linda “Morah Sara” Sipzner, who has been a beloved JKHA first-grade teacher for 38 years. Known for her warmth, energy, and devotion to Ivrit and Torah education, Ms. Sipzner has helped her students develop a deep and lasting connection to their heritage. She has also been a mentor teacher, coordinated Hebrew curriculum, and pioneered the use of literacy programs; she is among the first to implement the Even Kriah Hebrew reading initiative at JKHA.
Ms. Sipzner lives in West Orange with her husband, Dr. Robert Sipzner; they are the parents of four JKHA alumni and grandparents to 13 grandchildren.
This year, the first Distinguished Alumni Award — recognizing graduates who exemplify the school’s mission — will be presented to four graduates who have shown leadership, Israel advocacy, and dedication to Jewish values and made strong contributions to Jewish life on college campuses.
Brianna Halpern is the president of Chabad at the University of Miami, where she helps strengthen Jewish life and community on campus and is active with the Birthright Israel Foundation.
Maya Homa (JKHA ’15, RKYHS ’19), a Hillel engagement associate at Baruch College, has been at the forefront of Israel advocacy following the October 7 attacks. She has supported students facing antisemitism and helped lead programming to build resilience and Jewish pride.
Nathan Orbach (JKHA ’16, RKYHS ’20), a recent NYU Stern graduate, has shown passionate and visible support for Israel, from his leadership with AIPAC at RKYHS to his public advocacy work after October 7, including promoting the Nova Exhibition in Manhattan.
Danielle Shapiro (JKHA ’15, RKYHS ’19), a senior at Princeton University, has spearheaded efforts to elevate Zionist voices on campus. As cofounder of B’Artzeinu Princeton, she has brought Israel programming to the forefront, while challenging antisemitism and administrative bias.
Each of these alumni credits JKHA/RKYHS for providing the foundation and education that has empowered them. “It is such an honor to recognize this esteemed group of JKHA/RKYHS alumni for exemplifying the school’s mission and values,” said Shira Stein, JKHA/RKYHS director of alumni engagement.
The alumni’s “leadership has strengthened so many different aspects of our school,” said Grant Silverstein, JKHA/RKYHS director of development.
JKHA/RKYHS provides a rigorous dual curriculum grounded in Torah values and academic excellence. The annual dinner not only celebrates the school’s mission but also serves as a fundraiser supporting scholarships, programming, and faculty development.
The community’s support helps ensure financial assistance for families in need and strengthens the school’s ability to inspire excellence and expand opportunities for every student.
To place an ad or to RSVP, go to wizevents.com/jkha2025/?id=10049 or email Aly Greenstein at agreenstein@jkha.org.
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