2025 Banquet Highlights
The YES 36th Anniversary Banquet was a memorable night of celebration and appreciation. A crowd of nearly 275 people enjoyed a magnificent evening in the ornate and historic Pfister Hotel. The ambiance, food, remarks, and videos all combined for a beautiful tribute to YES and to the Visionary Founders, Rabbi Michel and Rebbetzin Feige Twerski, and our Founders.
The evening opened with the YES Guitar Ensemble, under the leadership of Mr. Josh Richman of RUACH, performing two songs, including one composed by Rabbi Twerski.
Rabbi Baumann spoke about the collective pride and joy watching YES's growth over 36 years, highlighting many accomplishment including a 5-star State Report Card.
Miryam Rosenzweig, President and CEO of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, spoke about the unique role that YES plays in the Federation's mission of building a vibrant Jewish community in Milwaukee, in Israel, and around the world.
Founders Awards
Following a beautiful meal, the crowd enjoyed a video tribute to the Founders. The video blended old video clips with recent interviews and told the story of the founding of YES. It captured the vision for YES, the dedication of these founding volunteers, and the work they invested before the first day of YES to bring the vision to fruition.
Mr. Alan Borsuk, inaugural President of YES, spoke on behalf of the Founder Awardees. He shared that in his perspective, all great schools have "muscle" and "music." Muscle is a commitment and a determination to succeed. Music is a happy tone that makes up the 'rhythm' of the school. At several points before YES opened and in the early years, YES faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, and withstood those with determination and faith. And, YES has always been a place of great joy and 'music,' with much happiness and energy.
Rabbi Michel Twerski said that the founding of YES was a testament to the capacity for greatness that each and every person has. Hashem put us each on this world to grow and become great. We each need to go beyond what feels possible to reach our potential. The Founders of YES dreamed big, they stretched for a vision that felt impossible, and our community is here today due to their accomplishments.
The evening ended with a stunning, poignant musical tribute to the impact YES has on our community - watch and enjoy!
At the reception, posters were displayed showcasing YES throughout the years. To view more of the posters, click here.
We thank the following businesses for their professional services provided:
The Pfister Hotel for their exceptional hospitality and catering
Avi Berkman from Farwell Films for the superb video presentations featured at the banquet
Mrs. Ruchie Torgow for the song lyrics
SYR Studios and Mrs. Hillary Guttman for song production
AY Karsh and Benzion Fox for singing
BLM Creative - Mrs. Blimie Twerski for her graphics and designs
Shorewood Press for their printing services
Chana Eisenbach Design Studio LLC for graphics and designs
Encore Global
Kosherwine.com
Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle
Banquet Leadership Committee:
Mrs. Leah Aviva Broch
Mrs. Chaya Censor
Mrs. Linda Chernin
Mrs. Rochel Robbins
Banquet Volunteers:
Mr. Alan Borsuk
Mrs. Robi Borsuk
Mrs. Numi Gewirtz
Mrs. Bracha Kramer
Mrs. Dena Krinsky
Mrs. Beth Meister
Mrs. Elisheva Milder
Mrs. Gilah Saltzman
Mrs. Miriam Yarmush
And our dedicated office team:
Rabbi Aryeh Borsuk
Rabbi Yossi Wise
Rabbi Eitan Herskovitz
Mrs. Rochel Horowitz
Mrs. Deeni Gelberman
Mrs. Brooke Gelfand
Mrs. Leah Degani
Mrs. Leah Shousterman
Rabbi Hersh Hiller
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event such a success!
We are looking forward to seeing you at next year's YES Event!
