Avi (Evan) Azoulay and Yitzchak Gross
Young Israel of Pelham Parkway, NY
Herbert S. Schweitzer Memorial Youth Services Award
Herbert S. Schweitzer, A"H was an individual whose life exemplified the mission objectives of the Young Israel movement. Throughout his life he worked tirelessly in many capacities for K’lal Yisrael and Jewish youth. The Herbert S. Schweitzer Memorial Youth Services Award is presented to those young people whose achievements are true reflections of Mr. Schweitzer’s goals and values. National Council of Young Israel is proud to recognize two deserving young men from the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway have demonstrated selfless dedication to their synagogue, community, and K’lal Yisrael with this prestigious award.
Avi (Evan) Azoulay
Avi (Evan) Azoulay is 16 years old and in his Junior year at Westchester Hebrew High School after graduating from Westchester Day School for elementary school. Avi’s commitment and responsibility are displayed at school daily, where he is always available to daven and to help his fellow classmates. Avi is especially proud of his recent achievement of scoring in the 99th percentile on his PSAT exam, as well as, coordinating the school paintball team.
Growing up in the tight-knit community of Pelham Parkway, Bronx, N.Y., has influenced Avi's personality and character tremendously. At the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway, he has been surrounded by many caring and dedicated friends. Avi is eager to volunteer at the synagogue where he is Head of the Kiddush Committee, Gabbai Shaini, a Shaliach Tzibbur (Prayer Leader) and a member of the Bikur Cholim group.
Avi and his sister, Gabrielle, who is a Junior at Queens College and a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, are following the model of their loving mother, Sherry, who is the first female board member of the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway and who has been part of Young Israel since her youth at the Young Israel of Astor Gardens.
Yitzchak Gross
Yitzchak Gross is 17 years old and in his Junior year of studies at Ramaz Upper School, New York City, NY. He is a good student who has enjoyed playing on the baseball team. Yitzchak's great love for Limudei Kodesh and Judaic causes is clearly reflected in his participation in the Ramaz Israel Club and his attendance at the optional Mishmar, and after-school shiur. Yitzchak's preschool education began at Beth Jacob-Beth Miriam School, and he graduated from elementary school at SAR (Salanter Akiba
Riverdale) Academy in Riverdale, NY.
Yitzchak is a young pillar of the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway, where he responds in actions to the needs of the synagogue. Yitzchak is a frequent Shaliach Tzibur on Shabbat and Yom Tov, as well as occasionally serving as a Baal Korei (Torah Reader). Yitzchak also helps prepare the Shabbos Kiddish. He is also a Dispatcher for Chaverim, an organization that assists automobile drivers in distress. Yitzchak's conscientiousness and desire to assist his community and K'lal Yisrael set a wonderful example for other young people.
Yitzchak and his sister, Devora, a 7th grader at SAR, have learned well from the examples set by their devoted parents, Judy and Alan, who have been active and dedicated members of the Young Israel of Pelham Parkway for over 30 years. (Judy grew up in the Young Israel movement, attending the Young Israel of Mosholu Parkway as a child).