Sh’or Yoshuv Institute & The Rosenwalds
Sh’or Yoshuv Institute is a Rabbinical College of prominence, a standard bearer in Jewish education for over forty years. The Institute also hosts a congregation, and the premier spiritual and educational community center for the Far Rockaway and Five Towns Jewish communities, which together represent one of the largest Orthodox Jewish communities in the United States. Servicing a community of close to one thousand families, the Institute is also known for its Jewish outreach programs, and its unique sensitivity to the needs of the global Jewish community and of those individuals who walk through its beckoning doorway. Sensitivity is a hallmark of the Sh’or Yoshuv, and the leading characteristic of those who are drawn to support the Institute’s timeless mission to transmit a Jewish education. Such sensitivity, and global interest in charitable causes, are trademarks of Dr. and Mrs. Lindsay Rosenwald, dear friends of our institute and role models for our community. As the leaders of a family committed to charity-- as a couple whose energy to help those in need is matched by their magnanimous heart and soul-- the Rosenwalds are philanthropists of unique discretion and integrity.
One of the many remarkable traits of the Rosenwalds can be found in their parenting. Pursuing charitable causes in not something they do on the phone, something separate from their home life. Their charitable pursuits are their home life; they include the children in many activities supporting charitable causes. Events to create awareness for different children’s causes and fund raisers are held in their home, always, to allow their children to learn by example and one day follow in their parents’ footsteps. The future of humanity is a daily concern for the Rosenwald family. Eagerly, and enthusiastically, they invest in programs for the betterment of society, particularly in the area of education. Rarely does one find such benefactors who, in addition to the donations they give throughout the world, also have a direct relationship with specific individuals requiring financial assistance on a worldwide scale.
Stories abound about Dr. Rosenwald’s generous heart. One of the doctor’s friends is an artist, who became the beneficiary of Dr. Lindsay Rosenwald’s extraordinary generosity. Dr. Rosenwald bought his friend’s paintings, which now adorn the lobby of the Institute’s main building. The paintings were and are beautiful , but they were bought with the sole purpose of financially helping the artist. Yet another story involves the Rosenwald’s being honored at a previous Sh’or Yoshuv Annual Banquet. The doctor agreed to accept the award, but told Sh’or Yoshuv, “I don’t like the limelight, but you know I will do what it takes to help you out.”
Perhaps the most poignant story to share involves the Institute during a critical budget crisis. A meeting was called to resolve major deficits, and took place in Dr. Rosenwald’s home. After remaining silent during the entire meeting, Dr. Rosenwald approached the Rabbi, and privately whispered that he would cover the entire deficit. He had been sensitive to everyone in the room, and needed no accolades for the generous offer he had in mind all along.
The Institute is proud that the magnificent atrium of the campus is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Rosenwald’s father, Mr. David R. Rosenwald,Esq. The Rosenwalds are dear personal friends of Sh’or Yoshuv Institute, and join Sh’or Yoshuv for the High Holy Days, while also participating in many other of the Institute’s religious services. They are deeply committed to their rich heritage, and are an integral part of the very foundation of support that sustains the Institute as a vibrant center of Jewish education. Their continued assistance is a source of inspiration to the entire administration, and a vital link to Sh’or Yoshuv Institute’s future success.