The Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies (BCHSJS) recently held its annual graduation at The Glen Rock Jewish Center. This year’s 14 graduates are Eitan Ahdoot, Adam Alper, Mikaela Bichler, Rebecca Brandon, Simon Castiel, Jarod Forer, Julia Ganbarg, Madison Gold, Sarah Gordon, Eric Levine, Noah Mandelman, Jonathan Marcus, Kayla Seigel-Laddy and Jessica Stern.

Board member Rabbi Dr. Wallace Green led the Star Spangled Banner and Hatikvah. Fred Nagler, principal, welcomed everyone and introduced rabbis and congregational principals. He then highlighted the many programs run by the school this year. Robert M. Weiss, Glen Rock Jewish Center’s president, extended greetings and talked about how important BCHSJS was to the synagogue.

Rabbi Jennifer Schlossberg gave the Dvar Torah. Sy Blechman president of the board of BCHSJS then addressed the seniors.

Four of the graduates spoke, reflecting on their years at BCHSJS. Barnett Goldman, teacher of the senior seminar, then addressed the students.

The senior academic award for five years of excellence in studies was given to Rebecca Brandon.

In closing remarks, Fred Nagler extolled the faculty and administrative staff. He quoted several of the seniors from their senior surveys, “He’s so inspirational”; “He’s a great teacher”; “Amazing teacher”; “She’s expanded my view”; “He is my spiritual guide” and “I always learned something in his class.”

Nagler then addressed the graduates and exhorted them to become part of the Jewish community on the college campus, as well as remain part of the BCHSJS community. A collation followed.