Honorees
Allison & Tyson Bidner
Allison & Tyson Bidner are the proud father and stepmother of Shoshana (‘21), Talia (’23) and Micah (’26). They also have a daughter Ava (’37) who is in nursery school at Midway Jewish Center and will enter Kindergarten at Schechter in the fall of 2024. Tyson has been a member of the Schechter community since 2008 when Shoshana began Kindergarten. Allison has participated in Schechter community events for the last eight years and looks forward to more opportunities in the future. Ensuring a strong Jewish education for their children has always been the utmost priority, after Tyson received his own Jewish education at Hillel Academy in Ottawa, Canada, where he grew up. Allison grew up here in Roslyn and she and her family were active members of Temple Beth Sholom since the early 1980’s.
Jewish education and support for Israel have always been a priority for the Bidner family, which is evident in their dedication to the Schechter community. Tyson has been a Board member since 2021, serving on various committees and currently as the Executive Vice President. Additionally, Tyson has participated on the Career Fair Committee and coordinates the production of the gala video. Allison and Tyson are members of Midway Jewish Center where they have celebrated many simchas and where Allison serves on the board at the Early Childhood Center. Tyson is a film and television producer, working on both network series, blockbuster movies, and independent films. Allison is a former special education teacher and worked as a consultant in the ASD Special Education office of the NYC Department of Education.
Amy & Peter Tannenbaum
Amy & Peter are the proud parents of SSLI Alumni, Rachel (‘12) and Maxine (‘15), and have been actively involved in varied Schechter activities for 20+ years. Amy served as class parent / grade liaison, PA volunteer, Shabbat Fair Coordinator, and spent countless hours on behalf of our annual Gala. Peter served on the Schechter BOT for 10+ years and has Co-Chaired/Chaired the Development and HOS Search Committees. Amy and Peter’s passion for Jewish causes extends throughout the broader Jewish community. They have been active leaders at Congregation Ohav Sholom in Merrick for ~30 years where Amy & Peter have both held several leadership roles including Peter serving as President.
Professionally, Amy has spent 30 years in the Advertising Industry as a Sr. Media Buyer, and Peter is the Founder and President of Ramax Search, Inc, a boutique Executive Search & Staffing firm. They are thrilled to be welcoming Maxine’s fiancé, Sion Aronoff (GOA ‘15) to their family in September 2023.
They remain eternally grateful for all that Schechter has provided for their family. The outstanding education (Judaic and Secular) coupled with so many tools, values and midot, have continued to guide Rachel & Maxine to becoming successful and caring people. They humbly accept this honor not as a tribute to them, but as a tribute to Schechter!
Mastaneh & Ryan Pedram
Mastaneh & Ryan are the proud parents of Yael (’25), Yoni (’27), Nathan (’31), and Lior (who will enter Gan in September ‘23). Ryan is a Real Estate Developer and Mastaneh is a stay at home mom. They have been huge advocates and supporters of Schechter LI and believe that it provides an incredible foundation for their children. In fact, Mastaneh’s brother is a proud Schechter alum.
Ryan & Mastaneh both feel SSLI is a great atmosphere for children to grow up in. The teachers and staff are all welcoming, and the school feels like a family. Their children are blessed with teachers that are caring, loving and supportive. The strong academics meet the high standards they looked for in an educational environment, combined with the attention, love and support the children receive, which will help them thrive and become successful in all walks of life.
Ryan is active at Ahavat Shalom Synagogue, in Great Neck and at the Chabad of Brookville. Together, they volunteer at the Iranian Jewish Center in Roslyn where Mastaneh’s father is President. Additionally, Mastaneh has been a parent volunteer since Yael, their oldest, started Kindergarten. She is always happy to help and is there to lend a hand when needed.
Leora Rezak, Keter Shem Tov Award
Leora Rezak was born and raised in Forest Hills, NY, and is the daughter of Israeli parents. She graduated from Schechter-Queens, attended YJ camp, USY Pilgrimage & Nativ. Leora grew up in a Zionistic home where Israel and Jewish community were at the core. Sending their children to SSLI was the next step for her and Josh in preserving that love for Israel and Judaism. Her daughters, Maya (‘21) & Arielle (‘23) have carried on the torch by attending SSLI - K to 12th grade.
Leora graduated Columbia Univ - Social Work where she received her MSW. She is an oncology certified licensed clinical social worker with a certificate in palliative care and end of life. Leora has been at Northwell Health for 24 years advocating, supporting, and caring for patients at their most vulnerable time. Helping others has been her life’s passion. When thinking of how to involve herself at SSLI, the Chesed Committee fit best, serving as committee chair for 10 years. Leora’s calm and compassionate demeanor, along with her eternal optimism and professional knowledge has been extraordinary in navigating health and life cycle events. She has always felt a sense of community from the school and a place her daughters could call home. In times of need, Leora has made Chesed a safe and supportive space. It is her hope that Chesed continues to grow and remain the backbone of the school.