Yossi Hershkovitz z״l Beit Sefer LaMusika

As we moved from the reflection and remembrance of Yom HaZikaron to the celebration and joy of Yom Ha’atzmaut, SAR Academy students looked forward to one of their most beloved annual events: the Middle School Beit Sefer LaMusika program, renamed in honor of Yossi Hershkovitz z״l. This meaningful tradition brings the community together each year to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut through Israeli music, and this marks the second year since the program was renamed in Yossi’s memory.

Yossi z”l, who brought his love of music and his warm, inspiring approach to teaching to SAR Academy, played a pivotal role in shaping this program through his joyful violin playing, his kindness, and his leadership. Together with his wife, Hadas, he helped lead and accompany both the Yom HaZikaron tekes and the Beit Sefer LaMusika performances, supporting students as they prepared and guiding them not only as a teacher but as a true musical presence in the SAR community. His death while defending Israel in November 2023 was an immense loss, but his memory continues to live on in every note played by the students.

This year, six groups took the stage and showcased their tremendous talent: Eitan Kadosh-Rogers and Eli Goldstein; Ilay Yagel; Lielle Perl and Temma Mermelstein; Koren Baruch and Max Gribetz; Liliana Greenspun and Maayan Solomon; and Leo Katz, Zohar Katz, and Noah Weinstein. Their songs were beautiful and helped frame the day with meaning, purpose, and celebration. It was especially meaningful to hear reflections from teacher-judges, Ms. Rebecca Ostro Nagata, Rabbi Eli Ollech, Rabbi Zev Hait, and Morah Ali Bloom, on each performance.

A special kol hakavod to MCs, Noam Reich and Manu Perelis, for leading the program so thoughtfully. Thank you to all the students who participated and worked so hard in preparation for their performances. To the SAR 8th graders, after years of contributing to this program, we say goodbye with pride and a touch of sadness.

Congratulations to this year’s Yossi Hershkovitz z״l Beit Sefer LaMusika winners: Koren Baruch and Max Gribetz. 

These performances, culminating each year on Yom Ha’atzmaut, serve as a powerful reflection of Yossi’s enduring impact and the beauty he brought to the school and the lives he touched.