d i n n e r a n d S i y u m H a g a d o l
ALUMNI OF THE YEAR Rabbi and Mrs . Yitzy and Peri Parnes
Fusing Torah , avodah and gemilas chesed , Rabbi Yitzy Parnes is an outstanding example of a Yeshiva Darchei Torah talmid who truly internalizes the lessons of his rebbeim and roshei yeshivah , as well as the outstanding examples set by his parents and in-laws . He is a ben Torah for whom limud Torah and tefillah are paramount and who displays a deep-rooted love for other Yidden and a desire to help those in need .
Yitzy was raised in a home in which these values were clearly modeled . His parents , Mr . and Mrs . Shalom and Esther Parnes , established and supported their shul , Agudah of the Five Towns , for many years , part of their commitment to serving their community . At the same time , they cared for so many individuals in need who gravitated toward the warmth of their home and their open-door policy . Above all , they emphasized and were machshiv limud Torah , going the extra mile to ensure that limud Torah in their home and sidrei hayeshivah would proceed undisturbed .
It is not surprising that Yitzy married into a family with similar ideals . His wife , Peri , is the daughter of Mr . and Mrs . Meir and Toby Greisman of Flatbush , ba ’ alei chesed who are also singularly dedicated to ensuring that Mr . Greisman can learn undisturbed for many hours of the day , regardless of his numerous other responsibilities .
Yitzy and Peri are following in their parents ’ footsteps . Their strong sense of responsibility to the klal and for the importance of a makom Torah u ’ tefillah led
to their steady involvement in their shul , Khal Tiferes Yisroel / Kehillas Red Rock , as well as participation in other community initiatives in the Monsey suburb of New City . And like their parents , Yitzy and Peri graciously open their door to those in need , often hosting those who have nowhere else to go . At the same time , they are devoted parents to their three beautiful children , showering them with attention and inculcating them with a love and excitement for Yiddishkeit . They are also happy to offer their time and talents for the benefit of their children ’ s schools .
Indeed , this is a reflection of what Yitzy saw during his years in Darchei , where he spent most of his elementary-school years and then high school , bais medrash and beyond . Through the years he established a lasting relationship with Rabbi Yaakov Bender , as well as a close kesher with Rabbi Shmuel Feldman and Rabbi Dovid Bender , both of whom remain his rebbeim to this day . As a bachur in Eretz Yisrael , Yitzy learned under Rav Meir Soloveitchik and gained immeasurably from that relationship as well .
Today , Yitzy is a true ben Torah who cherishes his Darchei roots . “ Darchei gave me a derech in how to learn , how to think – in all areas of my life . I am a product of the yeshivah and its Roshei Yeshiva . Darchei is responsible for who I am today .”
Now in the field of real-estate , Yitzy learned in kollel for close to ten years , first in Darchei , then in Kollel Bnei Torah in Flatbush , led by Rav Shmuel Smith , and upon his move to Monsey , under Rav Don Krancer . Today , with the enthusiastic support of his wife , Yitzy continues to prioritize his learning . He is marbitz Torah through a variety of shiurim and maintains daily , intensive sedarim .
Yitzy ’ s ayin tovah and desire for continuous growth , coupled with his love for learning and concern for those around him , truly reflect the paradigm of a Yeshiva Darchei Torah talmid . It is most fitting for us to honor Rabbi and Mrs . Yitzy and Peri Parnes with an Alumnus of the Year award .
12 BEDARCHEI HATORAH WINTER 5784 / 2024