WELCOME

4 | NOVEMBER 3 • 2024 Yeshiva Beth Yehudah Special Edition J
N

It is with great pride and deep gratitude that I welcome you to this 
special edition of The Detroit Jewish News, thoughtfully curated by 
Executive Director Marni Raitt, Director of Editorial Jackie Headapohl 
and archivist Mike Smith, to commemorate our Yeshiva Beth Yehudah 
Annual Dinner. Tonight, we gather as a community bound by shared 
values — education, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to 
the future of our children. I am truly honored that you 
have joined us on this important night.
For over 80 years, The Detroit Jewish News has 
been the voice of our community, connecting Jewish 
families across Metro Detroit with stories that inspire, 
inform and celebrate our collective heritage. It is truly 
fitting that this special edition is being shared with you 
tonight, as we come together in support of Yeshiva Beth 
Yehudah, an institution that has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in 
our region for more than a century.
At Yeshiva Beth Yehudah, we have the privilege of educating 
nearly 1,400 students, including over 420 through the Grosfeld 
Center for Special Education. Our mission extends beyond academic 
achievement: it is about nurturing each child, allowing them to 
grow, discover their unique strengths, and flourish within a caring 
environment that values their individuality and fosters their role in 
our community. 
The Yeshiva Dinner is a celebration of unity and our shared 
purpose. We may come from many different walks of life, but we are 
united in the belief that education has the power to uplift our children 
and build a stronger, brighter future for us all. In an ever-changing 
world, the timeless values we instill in our students — compassion, 
resilience, and a commitment to Jewish heritage — are more essential 
than ever.
I invite you to explore this special edition of The Detroit Jewish 
News and to reflect on the remarkable stories of transformation and 
growth that have taken place within the hallowed walls of our Yeshiva. 
Your support enables us to provide a world-class education to every 
student and ensures that no child is left behind as we build the next 
generation of leaders for our community.
Thank you for standing with us in this vital mission. Together, we 
are shaping a future filled with promise, hope and boundless potential. 
And thank you to the exceptional team at The Detroit Jewish News for 
your invaluable partnership and passionate commitment to keeping 
our community celebrated, educated and informed. 

With tremendous blessings,

Gary Torgow 
Chairman, The Detroit Jewish News Foundation

Gary Torgow

