Spotlight on Ezra Genauer (FYHS '92)

Graduating Year: 1992

Current Location: Atlanta (originally from Seattle)

Profession: Manage a portfolio of shopping centers in Washington state

Tell us a little bit about your family: 

Married with 5 kids

What is your favorite memory/(memories) from FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

I always enjoyed the softball league. I always looked forward to it. I also got to be the yearbook editor my senior year. The Purim shpiel and shtick were really fun. We had a small class, and this was before the school got big. We had a great camaraderie. The dorm life was really fun!

Please share a lesson/takeaway from your time at FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

They taught us how to grow up and adapt. Nobody is going to fix all your problems. We learned how to change in a healthy setting. The staff really knew us. Rabbi Isenberg, who was in his first year, pushed me to learn in OJ. It was a life changing experience where I still have relationships to this day. I owe him a lot for recognizing that in me. When I visited 8 years ago, he came to see me.

Advice for current students:

Figure out who you are so you can make the right choices for yourself. Follow the advice of people who know you. Be self aware and self confident.

Anything else to share:

The Yeshiva is very unique, and it would be impossible to even start it today as it balances the Yeshiva and academics. Things are more polarizing now. It's the only yeshiva like it in the world, very impressive. It's a jewel in the country.