Parsha Corner: YIQV Family
Dear YIQV Family,
With mixed emotions, I’m writing to share that my family and I will be moving to Cleveland, where I’ve accepted a position as Executive Director of the Yeshiva of Cleveland. This is an incredible opportunity for us—a chance to contribute to the growth of a beautiful makom Torah and be part of something truly meaningful. The Yeshiva is doing amazing work, helping build up the next generation of bnei Torah, and I’m excited (and a little nervous!) to be a part of that mission.
At the same time, I feel deeply sad to leave. YIQV has been more than just a job or a shul—it’s been our home. I’ll miss the davening—the energy, the singing, the feeling of being part of something bigger. I’ll miss the learning, from Shavuos night to Motzei Shabbos, and the countless chaburos that filled the building with Torah. I’ll miss the kids—Shabbos groups, Davening & Donuts, the Mishnayos program, Anim Zemiros, lining up to wish the Rav Good Shabbos and kiss the Sefer Torah. I’ll miss the QV Bucks and raffles, the bar mitzvahs, the onegs, the kiddushim, and everything that made Shabbos and Yom Tov come alive. And even though it’s been a while, I still think fondly of the teen minyan—what it was and what it represented. These moments made our community vibrant—and made us feel like family.
What makes YIQV so special is the people. Each person brings something unique—personality, background, life experience—and together, we’ve built something greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the shared desire to grow that connects us. We’re not here just to go through the motions—we’re here because we know that our shul is our connection to Torah, and that’s something we’re passionate about. Every gut Shabbos greeting, every small gesture of kindness, every voice in leining or zemiros adds another thread to the beautiful tapestry we’ve created together. And what makes this community so alive is that we’re not finished—we’re still building, still investing, still excited for what’s next.
Over these past years, I’ve watched our shul grow—not just physically, but spiritually. There’s something very special happening at YIQV, and that’s because of all of you.
I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Rabbi Marcus for leading our kehillah with strength, clarity, and deep devotion. The Rav carries himself with a soft but powerful presence—always calm, thoughtful, and steady, yet unwavering in his convictions. His love for Torah is deep and genuine, and it comes through in everything he does. His mastery of halacha, his passion for truth, and his deep connection to Eretz Yisroel have shaped the spiritual identity of our shul in profound ways. His drashos reflect all of that—they’re clear, compelling, and always grounded in a rich understanding of Torah and life. Just being around the Rav is a reminder of what it means to live with purpose.
I also want to thank Reuben Paris, our current president, for everything he’s done for the shul. He has a calm and thoughtful presence, paired with a quiet determination to get things done. He has a gift for taking ideas—sometimes just a dream—and turning them into something real and lasting. Everything he does is with sincerity and a true desire to give, never for credit or attention. (My personal favorite was the cholent bowl—though I maintain I should’ve won.)
I also owe a heartfelt thank you to Elliot Strauss, who brought me on and believed in me from the start. His warmth, encouragement, and faith in me made all the difference, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to become part of the YIQV family.
I also want to express my deep appreciation to the entire youth department staff—group leaders, teen volunteers, and everyone behind the scenes. Your energy, creativity, and dedication brought our programming to life and gave our children beautiful memories and a strong connection to the shul. It was a privilege to work alongside you.
To everyone else: thank you. Thank you for letting my family be part of yours. Thank you for everything you’ve given to my daughters, my wife, and to me. Thank you for being at my side through simchos, challenges, and everything in between. We built something together that I truly believe is eternal.
I hope to come back and visit as often as I can. We created something real here—something with nitzchiyus. That’s why leaving is so hard. And even from afar, I hope to keep some of the connection alive—maybe even through the Parsha Corner. Stay tuned.
With endless appreciation and love,
Rabbi Anton
786-250-7601