Spotlight on Tomer Zino (FYHS '13)

Graduating Year: 2013

Current Location: Forrest Hills, Queens

Profession: Rabbi of the vasikin minyan of Beth Gavriel in Forrest Hills

Tell us a little bit about your family:

 Married with 4 kids

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

I had such a nice camaraderie. There was a great dynamic of in towners and out of towners. I met people from all over the country and still have those connections. There was a nice balance between learning and having fun. I also enjoyed the sports. 

I came from Hollywood, FL and it was nice to meet people from outside my community. My rebbeim turned me onto learning, and eventually I became a Rabbi. I went from a lower shiur with Rabbi Polstein to a higher shiur with Rabbi Segal. I then went to learn in a high level yeshiva in Queens after high school. I kept going up to higher-level learning and the seeds for my career were planted at the Yeshiva. I am also still a good ball player because of my time there, which helps me connect with students.

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

The Yeshiva teaches the importance of learning and being an oved Hashem. They also teach to make sure guys are approachable. It made me open up as a person, as I was a shy kid. Being there forced me to open up and make friends that I wouldn't have normally had. 

I see how in NY it's not like that. It's a special feeling in the Yeshiva.

I got so much chizuk from the Yeshiva and the rebbeim.

Advice for current students:

Take advantage of all the opportunities there and build friendships. It's important to have good test scores, but put the effort in the morning with your Rebbe as well. 

You can also go up a level in your learning if you put your mind to it.

Anything else to share:

I also loved my time at Kayitz. It was a similar vibe and such a fun time. I am so grateful for my time there!