Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School

It is with tremendous sadness and a heavy heart that the Yeshivah of Flatbush shares with you the passing of Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari (HS '72), Former YOFHS Head of School.

Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari, served the Yeshivah community for more than four decades, leaving a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.

Rabbi Harari started at our Yeshivah as a teacher of Judaic Studies, became Chairman of the Halakhah Department, and later was named the first Head of School of our Joel Braverman High School.

During Rabbi Harari’s leadership, YOFHS experienced significant growth in both enrollment and student satisfaction. His student-focused approach, which included a wide range of Torah classes, chesed opportunities, electives, and co-curricular programs, solidified YOF’s reputation as a leader in Jewish education globally. A role model of Torah U’madah, Rabbi Harari was well-versed in both Torah and secular subjects, making him an engaging and passionate teacher who empowered our students.

He is survived by his wife Vicky Harari, his children Michal (Harari ES '94, HS '98) Geffner, Yael Harari (ES '96, HS '00), YOF Rosh Bet Midrash Rabbi Avi Harari (ES '99, HS '03), Dr. David Harari (ES '00, HS '04), Dani Harari (ES '05, HS '09) his grandchildren, his brother David Harari (HS ‘69).

Siblings: Sol Harari a”h, David Harari, Renee Maman

We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire family. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

תהי נשמתו צרורה בצרור החיים

Yeshivah of Flatbush mourns the loss of our alumnus Sergeant Major Sammy (Shmuel) Harari (ES’ 03, HS ‘07) who gave his life defending
Eretz Yisrael and Am Yisrael.

We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire family. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

תהי נשמתו צרורה בצרור החיים

During today’s Tefillah Star Ceremony during lunch, many of our students were recognized and applauded by their friends and teachers as being role models for their Tefillah class.

Our students mobilized all week to raise money to support Israel. Julie Tbeile, Julia Beyda, and June Rahmey (HS ‘25) sold donuts to raise money for Bet Elazraki, a home in Israel for at-risk children. The Tzedakah Committee launched a “Buy An Ice Cream, Give An Ice Cream” initiative, which raised money to send ice cream to children in Israel whose family members are serving in the war. They also sold bracelets, Shabbat-o-grams, and sweatshirts that supported Israel. In addition, our students and parents have been donating to our Essential Supplies for the IDF Drive all week long!

In Dr. Doron Shachar’s Multivariable Calculus elective, our students worked in groups on understanding the equations of planes in three dimensions.

This week, our seniors had the opportunity to participate in College Guidance Workshops. With support from College Guidance counselors, they worked on completing the Common Application, submitting SAT/ACT scores to colleges, conducting a final review of their college essays, and completing the final review of their college supplements.

JBHS College Guidance Department dedicated in memory of Ruth and Ralph Gindi A”H.

We are so proud of Emily Tarrab (HS ‘26) for being accepted into The American Jewish Committee's Leaders for Tomorrow, an education and advocacy program for teens that empowers young Jews to speak up for Israel and the Jewish people, develop a strong Jewish identity and advocate for Israel. Emily will be attending monthly educational seminars in NYC with AJC faculty members and will also fly to Washington, DC to meet with the other cohorts from around the country.

Our YOF community continues to stand in unwavering support of Israel. During lunch today, our students enjoyed freshly made pizzas from on the terrace adorned with Israeli flags. Proceeds will be going to support Israel!

We are so proud of our alumni Hymie Gindi (HS ‘24), Joshua Baum (HS ‘24), Jacob Lazaros (HS ‘13) and Abraham Shaoul (HS ‘24) for volunteering at the Berman Bakery in Jerusalem this week, making meals for soldiers and citizens in Israel!

Our students jumped to action to provide opportunities to support Israel within the school community. Our Students Supporting Israel organized a station equipped with laptops, allowing their peers to email their representatives and encourage them to express support for Israel. Our Tzedakah Committee is collecting donations as well as distributing snacks for students to recite a beracha for the State of Israel - supporting them both financially and with our tefilot. Our students' unwavering unity and commitment to supporting Medinat Yisrael make us incredibly proud.

The Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School stands steadfast with Israel, Israelis, and the Israel Defense Forces.
We are horrified by the recent attack on Israel and its citizens. Our unwavering commitment to Israel is central to our mission, and it is our duty to pray for, celebrate, support, and strengthen its existence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, hostages, soldiers, and the entire Israeli community. Am Yisrael Chai!

Our students’ commitment to chesed has been on display all month! Students participated in Rosh Hashanah packaging, delivered packages, made desserts with , volunteered for holiday prep at local shuls, dipped dishes for those who couldn’t get to the Mikveh, cooked for , delivered challah to seniors, and more!