HONOREES
Twenty-three years ago, Ruchi and Tsvi joined the West Hempstead Community. From the very beginning, they’ve understood the importance of being active participants in the community.Their impact began with their shul, Young Israel of West Hempstead, and their school, HANC, both of which are central components of Tsvi and Ruchi's lives.
After moving to West Hempstead in 2001, the Kushners immediately began their journey as HANC parents, enrolling their oldest child, Ezra, in the HANC Early Childhood Center. Ruchi soon joined several PTA committees, and ultimately served as PTA President. Tsvi and Ruchi became members of the HANC Chinese Auction committee, and after serving on various other HANC committees, including the Assistant Principal search committee for the HANC West Hempstead Elementary School, Ruchi was invited to join the Board of Directors in 2006. Ruchi joined the Executive Board in 2010 and would eventually serve as President for 11 years. She presently continues to serve on the Executive Board.
Tsvi was instrumental in bringing Tomchei Shabbos to the community leading to the formation of the Bruce Wenger Food Bank of West Hempstead. He continues to help with the Food Bank, ensuring that many families dealing with food insecurity receive whatever they may need. Tsvi is also a member of the Chevra Kadisha and CSS. He has served on just about every HANC committee that Ruchi has been involved with, as his assistance proved essential with all technical and practical aspects including Excel spreadsheets and “schlepping,” to name a few. As true examples of Baalei Chesed, the entire Kushner family opened their home and hearts to Ohel and became a foster family in 2016.
Ruchi and Tsvi are the proud parents of 5 children who are all part of the HANC Family. Ezra, after graduating HANC, attended Baruch College as a Scholar, graduated from UCLA Law School and is a practicing attorney. Avi and Nili both attended Lander College. Ezra and Avi attended Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh and Nili attended MMY in Israel. As proud HANC alumni, they continue to be in touch with their beloved HANC Rebbeim and Morot. Yosef and Naomi have recently begun their journey in HANC and are thriving in kindergarten.
HANC has been and continues to be an integral part of the Kushner's West Hempstead life. Ruchi and Tsvi are grateful to the entire HANC Family for all that they have done in partnering with them to raise their children, believing that it certainly “takes a village.”
After moving to West Hempstead in 2001, the Kushners immediately began their journey as HANC parents, enrolling their oldest child, Ezra, in the HANC Early Childhood Center. Ruchi soon joined several PTA committees, and ultimately served as PTA President. Tsvi and Ruchi became members of the HANC Chinese Auction committee, and after serving on various other HANC committees, including the Assistant Principal search committee for the HANC West Hempstead Elementary School, Ruchi was invited to join the Board of Directors in 2006. Ruchi joined the Executive Board in 2010 and would eventually serve as President for 11 years. She presently continues to serve on the Executive Board.
Tsvi was instrumental in bringing Tomchei Shabbos to the community leading to the formation of the Bruce Wenger Food Bank of West Hempstead. He continues to help with the Food Bank, ensuring that many families dealing with food insecurity receive whatever they may need. Tsvi is also a member of the Chevra Kadisha and CSS. He has served on just about every HANC committee that Ruchi has been involved with, as his assistance proved essential with all technical and practical aspects including Excel spreadsheets and “schlepping,” to name a few. As true examples of Baalei Chesed, the entire Kushner family opened their home and hearts to Ohel and became a foster family in 2016.
Ruchi and Tsvi are the proud parents of 5 children who are all part of the HANC Family. Ezra, after graduating HANC, attended Baruch College as a Scholar, graduated from UCLA Law School and is a practicing attorney. Avi and Nili both attended Lander College. Ezra and Avi attended Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh and Nili attended MMY in Israel. As proud HANC alumni, they continue to be in touch with their beloved HANC Rebbeim and Morot. Yosef and Naomi have recently begun their journey in HANC and are thriving in kindergarten.
HANC has been and continues to be an integral part of the Kushner's West Hempstead life. Ruchi and Tsvi are grateful to the entire HANC Family for all that they have done in partnering with them to raise their children, believing that it certainly “takes a village.”
Young Leadership Awardees
Lifelong residents of West Hempstead, Yaakov and Gila Miller epitomize commitment to both family and community and are honored to accept the Young Leadership Award from HANC.
As proud parents of Noam, Moriah, and Yali, Yaakov and Gila imbue their household with warmth, humor, and an unwavering commitment to education. Noam, currently in 4th grade, and Moriah, a first grader, thrive under their nurturing guidance, while Yali adds an extra dose of joy to their bustling home. Both Yaakov and Gila grew up in West Hempstead and watched their parents, Reva and Richard Miller and Drs. Rochelle and Avraham Schneider serve in countless leadership roles. Both of Gila’s parents served on the HANC Board. Yaakov’s mother, Reva Miller, was the school nurse at ECC for ten plus years, and Yaakov’s father has led the Chesed Shel Emes (Jewish Burial Society) of West Hempstead for more than two decades.
Professionally, Yaakov's role as Chief of Staff at Independent Home speaks volumes about his leadership acumen and dedication to excellence. His passion extends beyond the professional realm; his commitment to HANC as a first-term board member, active participant of the Assistant Principal search committee, and chair of the HANC Community Advocacy Committee reflect his passion to effect positive change and ensure a strong future for HANC.
Gila, a proud alumnus of HANC (’03), is a Vascular Neurologist at NY Neurologic Associates. She credits her teachers at HANC for providing her with a strong educational foundation. In her professional capacity, Gila is recognized as a caring physician who consistently goes above and beyond for her patients. Her active involvement in the PTA mirrors her deep-rooted desire to enable a rich well-rounded education for all the students at HANC.
Both Gila and Yaakov value HANC’s rigorous academics in Judaic and secular studies, but also the emphasis on educating the entire child – social and emotional development, exposure to the arts, and providing refined role models inside and outside the classroom. Together, Yaakov and Gila epitomize the values of service, leadership, and dedication. Their unwavering commitment to the betterment of the greater West Hempstead community and to HANC make them well deserving of this honor.