Rabbi Uri and Mrs. Riki Sklar together cover the spectrum of elementary school education - literally. Rabbi Sklar is a full-time eighth grade rebbe at Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe; Mrs. Riki Sklar (a former BYQ talmidah) is a pre-school Morah at Bais Yaakov of Queens. The Sklars are the "dream team" of chinuch habonim u'banos, from the earliest foundation to its culmination, eminently qualifying them for the Harbotzas HaTorah Award.

Rabbi Sklar grew up in Queens, attended the Dov Revel Academy and then Mesivta Chofetz Chaim. After many years of serious, diligent study on the Bais Medrash level at the yeshiva, Rabbi Sklar received semicha and eventually accepted the prestigious position of eighth grade rebbe at Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe.Rabbi Sklar doesn't just teach eighth graders - he is teaching future bnei Torah and with that understanding, Rabbi Sklar strives to forge a strong kesher with his talmidim so that the rebbe-talmid relationship doesn't end after graduation. His current and former students have his home phone and personal cellphone - and they don't hesitate to use it to ask a question on a difficult passage in gemarah. In the classroom, Rabbi Sklar is a vibrant, caring rebbe with a well-rounded curriculum that sets the groundwork for the higher level learning expected in high school; outside the classroom, Rabbi Sklar draws his talmidim close with memorable barbeques, chagigahs, trips and hikes. While his shiurim and extracurricular activities impact the boys, it's Rabbi Sklar's warm smile and real concern for each individual talmid that remains embedded in the hearts of all his students.

Mrs. (or better known as Morah) Riki Sklar was imbued with a love for chinuch by her distinguished parents, the Deitsches. She worked in the field of special education prior to her marriage and then taught at the Torah Academy of Queens. As a mother of a growing family, she devoted herself to her young children's needs. When the Sklars' youngest daughter, Leah, was enrolled in Bais Yaakov, Riki approached Morah Ora Love, BYQ's amazing preschool director, to inquire about any part-time job possibilities. Morah Ora knew a born teacher when she saw one and hired Riki on the spot; baruch HaShem, no one has ever looked back. Morah Riki's warm, nurturing presence and her deeply felt care and concern for the success of each of her young charges, have made her a valued member of the preschool staff. While Riki may refer to her job as part-time, she is often in school well after hours speaking with parents or professionals on behalf of her students to ensure they receive the assistance they need to thrive.

The Sklars are longtime residents of Kew Gardens and have been BYQ parents for three decades, baruch HaShem, with their youngest daughter, Leah, graduating next year. The Sklars' welcoming home is a hub of constant chesed activity and exudes true simchas hachaim, happily participating in others' simchas, hosting guests and events.The Sklars retain strong connections within their large, extended families, but then again, anyone who enters their loving orbit is treated with the same respect and attention as a long-lost relative.

We are pleased to confer upon Rabbi and Mrs. Sklar the Harbotzas HaTorah Award and wish them continued hatzlocha in their avodas hakodesh and much well-earned nachas from their many talmidim and talmidos, as well as their beautiful family.

With the theme of "bas melech" permeating this year's dinner, crowning Mrs. Frank with the Educator of the Year Award is most appropriate. Mrs. Frank epitomizes an educator whose lessons are not simply the transference of knowledge. Each class relays a message that resonates with each student, given by an instructor who genuinely cares about their success both in the classroom and as person. Mrs. Frank is truly respected by her students as a paragon of refinement, warmth and sensitivity.

Mrs. Frank has been teaching American History at Bais Yaakov for nearly three decades; passionate about her subject, she conveys the parade of facts and dates in a positive, engaging and thought-provoking manner, making the past come alive for her students. She fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity, encouraging her students to think critically and develop strong study skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom. While Mrs. Frank admits she sets the bar high for her mature eighth graders, she ensures that every student can achieve success in her class with individualized support, guidance and encouragement. Mrs. Frank's method of analyzing historic events through the lens of Torah and emunah has significantly impacted the way generations of her students view world events.

Mrs. Frank is originally from Canada, the oldest daughter of Rabbi Yossi and Mrs. Faigy Green. She attended Bais Yaakov of Montreal and then continued her higher education at Bais Yaakov of Yerushalayim and Touro College. Upon her marriage to Yerachmiel, the Franks settled in Queens as members of the Yeshiva Shaar HaTorah community. After completing their kollel years, the Franks moved into their home in Richmond Hill, establishing a mikdash me'at radiating Torah and chesed. Mr. Frank is highly respected for maintaining a consistent presence in the Yeshiva's bais medrash as well as at the local shul, Khal Nachlas Avos, despite his busy work schedule. At the time, Mrs. Frank entered the ranks of the Bais Yaakov staff and the rest is, as they say, history (pun intended). Raised in homes devoted to chinuch and involvement in the Klal, the Franks tirelessly and graciously open their hearts and home for many forms of chesed. Whether hosting guests, accommodating shiurim for the Kew Gardens-Richmond Hill community or providing meals to those in need, the Franks are often the first to be asked for assistance - if they haven't volunteered already. Their daughters, Rivky and Shira, are proud BYQ alumnae and their three sons graduated from Yeshiva Shaar HaTorah.

May HaKadosh Baruch Hu bless Mrs. Frank with continued koach and gezunt to inspire her students and may she and her husband only enjoy much nachas from their wonderful mishpochah.