Evening of Celebration
MOTZAEI SHABBOS PARASHAS BO / JANUARY 8 , 2022 • PARTNERS . DARCHEI . ORG
MR . AND MRS . MOTTI AND YAEL GUTTMAN
KESSER SHEM TOV AWARD
Motti and Yael Guttmann personify dedication to both their family and their community , an extension of what they absorbed from their childhood homes .
Motti ’ s parents , Mr . and Mrs . Ervin and Miriam Guttmann , instilled in their children a strong sense of family and the importance of passing on the precious mesorah their own parents preserved both during and after the war years in Europe . They especially emphasized to their children the importance of combining dikduk b ’ mitzvos with the highest standards of yashrus , as well as performing chessed without fanfare or public recognition . They derive tremendous nachas from their grandchildren ’ s growth in Torah — at mosdos both here and in Eretz Yisrael .
With his parents ’ encouragement , Motti learned at Yeshiva Mercaz HaTorah in Eretz Yisrael and was later zocheh to be meshamesh Rav Chaim Kreiswirth zt ” l during his visits to the U . S . Today he is a dedicated mispallel at Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi in Cedarhurst and cherishes his and his family ’ s relationship with its rav , Rav Yaakov Feitman He also values his kesher with Rav Berish Friedman and Rav Moshe Plutchok and counts himself as a talmid of noted mashpia Rav Yochanan Cohen .
Motti is an accomplished attorney specializing in both restructuring and healthcare law . He uses his expertise in these areas to offer legal assistance and advice to those in need , and does his best to guide and assist young professionals beginning their careers .
Yael credits her parents , Dr . and Mrs . Charles and Dvorah Knoll , with inculcating a lifelong sense of responsibility and hakaras hatov toward their children ’ s schools and yeshivos . The Knolls were active in the establishment of several of the now-thriving mosdos in Passaic , N . J . and served on the board of Manhattan High School . A doctor and musmach of Rav Gedaliah Schorr , zt ” l , Dr . Knoll also imparted to his children the message of using one ’ s abilities to benefit the Klal . Following this lead , Yael dedicates her time and talents to her children ’ s schools in many capacities ; she also helps organize various programs at local shuls and at chessed organizations .
Motti and Yael are devoted parents to their five children and are reaping much nachas as they watch their son Avi thrive as an eleventh grader at Mesivta Chaim Shlomo . From the day Avi joined the Yeshiva , when he was given a warm , personal reception by the Rosh HaYeshiva , Rav Yaakov Bender , the Guttmanns have felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for what is truly a special and unique experience . Their son is cherished as a valued member of the Yeshiva and is gaining in so many ways . They are amazed at the talmidim ’ s drive to grow in learning and their level of respect and derech eretz during every part of the day .
With their generations-deep commitment to investing in mosdos haTorah , the Guttmanns share their perspective : “ With his leadership of Darchei Torah , Rabbi Bender , shlita transformed our community into a true makom Torah . Like the yeshivos of old , it adds a beautiful dimension and sets the tone for the entire neighborhood .”
With their beautiful hashkafos and sterling example , the Guttmanns are most fitting recipients of this year ’ s Kesser Shem Tov Award .
BEDARCHEI HATORAH WINTER 5782 / 2022 7