For the last 14 years, the Ruderman Family Foundation and CJP’s Day School Initiative have awarded seven students at Jewish Orthodox day schools with a $1,000 scholarship for their future education.
The reason: for displaying a commitment to their studies and demonstrating kindness and respect to their families, peers, and community.
On Thursday, May 26, the 2022 award recipients and their teachers and families virtually convened for the Rose Ruderman Scholar Awards, designed to acknowledge the students’ contributions to propagating the spirit of chesed (lovingkindness) and honor the memory of Rose Ruderman (z”l). Although Rose passed away in 1994, the memories of her charity, selflessness, humility, and love continue to inspire her family and those who knew her.
Meet the 2022 Rose Ruderman Award recipients—in their own words—and through the eyes of their educational leaders:
Shaindel Greene (12th grade), Bais Yaakov of Boston
“There are so many people who need help, encouragement, or even just a friendly word. Even a kind act as simple as a smile or greeting can make someone feel noticed and valued, inspiring them to have a great day, and maybe even pass on the kindness to someone else. A single act of kindness can have a huge impact on the world; as it says in Tellihim (Psalms 89:3), the world is built on chesed, acts of lovingkindness.”
Rabbi Tsvi Levin, Head of School:
“Shaindel has a genuine love for chesed and does it quietly, without fanfare. With her warmth and friendship, she impacts so many in our school community, our larger Boston community, and in the global community as well through her volunteer work. Shaindel is a true role model to her peers and would make Rose Ruderman proud.”
Michal Berlove (12th grade), Maimonides School
“Acts of lovingkindness are cyclical in that by acting kindly toward someone else, that person can be inspired to pay it forward, and so on. With each kind action that we do, we are creating a culture of caring and improving our world, one step at a time.”
Rabbi Dov Huff, Middle and Upper School Judaic Studies Principal:
“We at Maimonides are so excited to offer Michal Berlove the Rose Ruderman Award. Michal is a tremendous role model and baalat chesed (charitable person). She dedicates her time to bettering her community through her commitments to a wide range of chesed opportunities, such as Yachad, Bnei Akiva, Teen JUST-US, the Purple Fellowship, and NCSY. At Maimonides, Michal is an advocate for her peers as a grade representative and a role model who devotes time daily to her Daf Yomi learning. We are so proud of who Michal has become and excited to see what she accomplishes next.”
Meir Silberman (12th grade), Mesivta of Boston
“Being kind to others is very important, as it’s a crucial way to ease the suffering of those around us and show that we care. I think even the smallest act of kindness can make all the difference.”
Rabbi Moshe Wilhelm, Head of School:
“We are proud to award Meir with the Rose Ruderman Award. Meir is a fine student who shares his knowledge with older and younger peers. He is the one that people look to for their questions all across the long tractate that we are studying, and even gives a biweekly class to the boys.”
Gavriel Novik (6th Grade), Shaloh House
“I feel it’s important to be kind to others so that they feel respected. I also feel proud to be respectful of others without expecting anything in return.”
Rabbi Dan Rodkin, Head of School:
“Gavriel is quite an impressive student. His family immigrated from Israel five years ago, and he’s a hard worker in school and an entrepreneur—he sells his own line of natural soaps and created his own website. But as impressive as his schoolwork and business achievements are, they are dwarfed by his accomplishments in warmth and kindness. Gavriel is only 11 years old, but he’s one of the most considerate people I’ve ever met. He’s always ready to help his teachers, classmates, and siblings, and he’s earned everyone’s respect because of this.”
Maya Marcus (5th grade), Striar Hebrew Academy of Sharon
“Being kind is so important because other people will see your kindness and then they will want to be kind to others too. Hopefully, that will fill the world with nicer people.”
Rabbi Jordan Soffer, Head of School:
“Maya’s enthusiastic kindness is immediately apparent to anyone who visits her classroom. She is the embodiment of תוכו כברו (Tokho Kvoro/her inside matches her outside). Her bright smile reflects her charismatic and convivial presence. She is the first to volunteer, and the quickest to introduce herself to a new friend. She shows deep love to her friends and family and is a role model for her peers and teachers.”
Chaya Mirel Block (8th grade), Torah Academy
“It is important to be kind to others so that everyone feels comfortable and accepted everywhere they go. The world will be a better place when everyone learns to respect each other.”
Rabbi Shmuel Ochs, Head of School:
“Chaya Mirel is a true scholar and real mensch. She enjoys the learning process and takes her studies seriously. She has a positive outlook on life and treats everyone with respect.”
Moshe Mordechai Weiner (12th grade), Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael
“I believe that in a world so full of strife and hate, it is very important to be kind to others no matter who they are. I learned early on that it can crush people when someone is mean or rude to them, so I took it upon myself to try and be someone who tried to lift people up by being kind to them.”
Rabbi Uri Feldman, Head of School:
“Moshe Mordechai possesses a strong moral compass; he seeks to help those that need assistance. He ran YOY’s Yachad Club; his involvement included planning school sensitivity training and recruiting classmates to participate in events. Additionally, he volunteers in multiple community projects, including the kosher food pantry. He is soft-spoken and extremely respectful of his parents and teachers. In addition to his learning and community involvement, Moshe can connect with students of all ages and backgrounds. His genuine interest in every person makes him a great friend and mentor to younger students.”
“Every year, I learn more about Rose from her family and through the award recipients,” said CJP president and CEO Rabbi Marc Baker. “The way they live their lives and the way they have made their way through school to earn this award really helps bring her values and character traits to life. The stories [of the students] that have been shared with us really give us an opportunity to pause and reflect—not only on who they are and what they’ve accomplished, but really on what’s important.”
“There is so much sorrow in the world these days,” added Rose’s granddaughter and Ruderman Family Foundation trustee and community liaison, Sharon Shapiro. “We can find joy and fulfillment by supporting others, including friends, family, people in our schools, synagogues, and our communities. These seven students have learned this important lesson: A little act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life, and hopefully people on the receiving end can pay it forward to others.”