In the past we featured interviews with the principals of the elementary and middle School of Be’er Hagolah. We gained insight to the broad spectrum of what goes into the excellent education that Be’er Hagolah has to offer. From the level of the academics to the need to educate the whole child. From the extra-curricular activities and courses to the outstanding amenities.
Be’Hashem we will feature interviews with the High School division of Be’er Hagolah as well. However we wanted to hear from Rabbi Nisan Gavrielov, a household name in the community, who is involved with the Bukharian community in many parts of Queens and Brooklyn. He is the beloved 4th grade Rebbi in Be’er Hagolah and we thought that his perspective as a Bukharian leader would give us a deeper and more intimate insight.
Q: In what areas are you involved with the Bukharian community?
A: I direct the Ohr Natan Sunday Hebrew School, where to many of the children who attend, it is their only connection to learn anything Jewish. In the evenings I also teach gemarah at the Kollel of Milchamta Shel Torah in Queens.
Additionally, I am very active with helping many of my brothers and sisters regarding their personal and spiritual matters. In general my goal is to help them acquire a wholesome happy Jewish life.
Q: How long are you teaching at Be’er Hagolah and how have you made a difference?
A: I started teaching in Be’er Hagolah in September 2013. Because of my similar background, parents and children feel more comfortable with me. There is a deeper trust which enables us to relate to each other and ultimately allows me to help the students and connect to them.
Q: As someone who is involved with the Bukharian community how has Be’er Hagolah made a difference for the Bukharian community?
A: Let me first say that although we have many Bukharian students we also have many students from other communities as well. We cater to any family that is interested in giving their children a Jewish education that will instill in them an awareness and sense of Jewish identity without compromising on secular academics. Be’er Hagolah is situated between Queens and Brooklyn so we are available to all families from all the surrounding areas.
Having said that, I would say that Be’er Hagolah is an irreplaceable school for the community at large including the Bukharian community. There are many reasons but let me start with Be’er Hagolah’s mission to help parents give that all-inclusive excellent education and at the same time keeping the tuition costs low. Because of Be’er Hagolah, there is no excuse to send our children to Public School.
Q: Is Be’er Hagolah a community School as opposed to a private school?
A: That is exactly the point I am trying to bring out. Be’er Hagolah is unique that it has the benefits that come along with being a private school and the benefits that usually come along with other community schools.
Many parents are coming to appreciate and realize that the low tuition fee does not reflect the value of the excellent education. Be’er Hagolah is a private school and it pursues the level of education of a private school including the drive to evolve and change with time. Yet it has the benefit of a community school in the sense that it caters to the parents in keeping tuition costs low and is open and capable of absorbing all Jewish children it can service, no matter what their religious background may be. The warmth Be’er Hagolah displays to the parents and students is a manifestation of both components.
Q.: Many community schools are compelled to accept all students. Is that part of Be’er Hagolah mission?
A: I am glad that you are asking that question. There is a selection process and there are many students that are turned away if our school cannot service them. We have a standard that we maintain.
Q: So what type of parents send their children to Be’er Hagolah?
A: There are many prominent families that are comfortable with Be’er Hagolah and have seen success. If you are looking to educate a wholesome child with an education that will develop successful students in a safe and warm setting, then Be’er Hagolah is here to help you.
I am impressed by the level of the parent’s involvement and their expectations. There is no reason to send your children to Public School when you can succeed in giving your children the tools to go on to higher education at Be’er Hagolah.
In fact Rabbi Mordechai German, Dean of Be’er Hagolah has dedicated himself to meet the parent’s expectations by changing his schedule. He will now be available in school from 7am to 4pm.
Q: What message would you like to give over to the community?
A: Due to my involvement with so many people in the community and actually witnessing many situations, I have come to the realization that unfortunately many proud traditional Bukharian parents have failed in passing down their tradition and family values.
We come from a culture that was tight knit and we were able to run our families as a tight ship. Here in America as time goes by we are exposed more and more to the vast opportunities that American culture has to offer. Our grasp on our family weakens with time. The only way to pass down our family values and Jewish tradition is through Jewish education. No matter how traditional a family is, they will not succeed without Jewish education.
I would like to convey to my dear brothers and sisters that the main antidote to what is plaguing our community, is to send our children to Jewish schools and to give them a Jewish education.
When we lose our ability to influence our children the outcome is that our children will not necessarily choose our path. The percentage of kids that are alienated from their homes are increasing from year to year. The percentage of intermarriage, drugs and violence are increasing from year to year. In general the negative culture has an effect on our children regardless of what parents think they can control. It has become increasingly clear, and I see that more and more parents are realizing Public School is not an option for a Jewish child.
Parents have to internalize this point. Once parents will accept that Public School is not an option they can go on to tackle their next decision of where to send their children.
As far as where to send our children, I am sure there are many good Jewish schools out there that offer many opportunities. Being that I am familiar with Be’er Hagolah, If one were to ask me if Be’er Hagolah is a viable option, I can say with full confidence that Be’er Hagolah is not only an option, it is not only a choice, it is an excellent choice.
An Interview With Rabbi Nisan Gavrielov - 4th Grade Rebbi at Be’er Hagolah
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