53rd Dinner Honorees and Dinner Sponsors

Manhigei Yisrael Award

Robyn and Ari Raskas

Robyn and Ari joined the YIS community over 17 years ago. Upon arriving, it became immediately clear that they had joined a very special community. Their family has forged lifelong friendships, a strengthening of Ahavat Yisroel and a love of partaking in community wide events led by communal Rabbis and lay leadership that represent the best of Modern Orthodoxy.  

Ari, having learned from the example set by the generations that have preceded him, has been an active board member, Executive Committee member and Past President of YIS. He especially enjoyed his years as President (until COVID started) partnering with Rabbis Morgenstern and Klinger and his fellow co-Presidents, Elisha Blechner and Josh Rosenbaum, helping lay the groundwork for the tremendous growth YIS has experienced in the past 5 years.  Robyn is an active volunteer on past YIS annual dinners, the annual Community Kabbalat Shabbat dinner, and Sisterhood events. She also adds to our shul community by making sure that Sheri has the nicest Shabbat clothes to wear to shul every week. Over the years, their children, Gabriel, Hannah, Ben, and Sheri, have benefitted from the outstanding youth programming and events that YIS leadership pours its heart and energy into. It’s no surprise that Gabriel and Ben have been active members of the Teen Minyan, regularly volunteering to lein and lead davening, following the inspiring example set by our Rabbinic leadership. 

Robyn and Ari are deeply proud to call YIS their home and are honored to receive the Manhigei Yisrael Award, as well as to be part of this vibrant community.

Am Yisrael Chai Award

Rifkie and Alex Goldberger

Rifkie and Alex Goldberger, along with their daughters, Hannah and Noa, became part of the YIS community in 2021. Since then, the community has naturally become an essential part of their lives.

Rifkie, eager to contribute, began volunteering with the new member kiddush luncheons and is now in her third year as co-president of the YIS Sisterhood. Alex, equally committed to YIS, has made the shul a central part of his routine. He's known for always approaching new faces at shul, introducing himself, and making newcomers feel welcome. Alex might be considered the unofficial YIS promoter, often sending out enthusiastic texts about upcoming events. He was recently thrilled to be promoted to third in line for Kiddush Club setup—a proud milestone for him.

The warmth, energy, and strong sense of community fostered by the Rabbis and families at YIS have made the Goldberger family feel truly at home. They are grateful to have found a place where their daughters can grow up with a strong sense of yiddishkeit and Zionism. Shabbat in this community is a highlight for the Goldbergers, and the many child-centered activities make it an exciting place for Hannah and Noa, who never want to miss an opportunity to participate.

Rifkie and Alex feel truly blessed to be part of a community that upholds the values of Torah. They are deeply proud to call YIS their home and are honored to receive the Am Yisrael Chai award, as well as to be part of this vibrant community. The Goldberger family looks forward to continuing to give back and to creating lasting memories and spiritual growth together.

Chazak V'Ematz Award

Dovrat and Adiel Biton

Dovrat and Adiel Biton joined the Young Israel of Scarsdale community in August 2022. Since then, the community has become their second home, and they’ve quickly formed deep connections with those around them. They feel privileged to be an integral part of a community that is dedicated to the values of Torah, the Jewish people, and Israel.

As Youth Directors, Dovrat and Adiel lead the youth activities on Shabbat, at community events throughout the year, and during special Sunday gatherings. Their love for Israel plays a central role in their work, and they strive to incorporate this into every activity—from Shabbat programming to festive events. Nothing makes them happier than seeing the children, from the youngest to the oldest, participating, enjoying, and connecting with the community’s values.

In October 2023, with the birth of their daughter Eden, Dovrat and Adiel found themselves surrounded by overwhelming warmth and support from the community. Following the events of October 7th, Adiel was called to serve in his unit twice during the year, a particularly challenging time for their young family. The community rallied in an extraordinary way—providing meals, offering babysitting, donating to his unit, and giving constant support to their family, which further strengthened their sense of belonging.

Dovrat and Adiel have three children—Beeri, Raz, and Eden—and are deeply grateful to be part of a community that upholds the values of the Jewish people, mutual dedication, and an unbreakable bond with the Land of Israel.