A new Chabad girls high school for English speakers will open in Jerusalem this coming year.
Machon Menucha, a unique new high school, will be opening in September, and will welcome girls from USA, UK, Canada and other English-speaking countries.
Founded to accommodate new immigrants who find total Hebrew immersion in a new school difficult, the school will be geared to English speakers.
The school will be led by Principal Mrs. Yehudis Wisnefsky, who founded Ascent in Tzfat along with her husband. A renowned public speaker and teacher at Ohr Chaya, she is well known as a dynamic educator. Wisnefsky has a BA in Environmental Studies from UCLA and a Master’s in Education from Touro College.
Mrs. Hinda Schryber, Director of Orlanefesh, the largest mental health service agency in Jerusalem and a licensed social worker, will serve as advisor. She is an expert in addressing the needs of young people who experience challenges in their lives.
The General Studies department will be led by Mrs. Hindy Lewis, an award-winning teacher who qualified as a teacher at the education arm of Manchester University, and taught high school English in Bais Rivkah in NY for a number of years. She was Principal of a similar school for boys in Manchester, UK.
Machon Menucha is a school where quiet girls are acknowledged, rewarded and appreciated as much as the “ra-ra” G.O. types, says Mrs. Hindy Lewis. Their goal is to bring out the best in each girl, to help her reach her potential, and to give her a pride in Yiddishkeit, Chassidishkeit and menshlechkeit.
“How many parents struggle to find the ‘right’ school for their daughters?” she explains. “One that takes into account every girl’s unique strengths as well as acknowledging their challenges, be they academic, spiritual, or social? A school that does not force a girl into a box, but rather, builds the box around the girls?
“By accepting each girl’s unique personality we intend to create an atmosphere of warmth, harmony, and positivity,” she says.
The students are not girls with severe psychological issues – as they are not equipped to deal with such concerns, they note. They are mainstream, typical teenagers.
“We don’t judge – we respect. We understand that being a frum teenager is not always an easy path and while we have created very general policies, there are always circumstances that necessitate adaptations,” says Lewis. “Each student is an individual who deserves a school that treats her as such and takes into account the whole picture when helping her grow. To that end, every student will be interviewed carefully – someone who has had difficulties in elementary school is just as likely to be accepted as one who never was disciplined. We are looking for students who want to succeed, and learning difficulties also will not preclude us from accepting an applicant. We look at the whole picture.”
Machon Menucha will follow Chabad hashkafas while simultaneously giving students a quality education, both in Limudei Kodesh and Limudei Chol.
Only Chabad teachers will teach Limudei Kodesh, and all staff will be carefully selected for both their qualifications and experience as well as for their nurturing and compassionate personalities.
Prominent Rabbonim and educators have already given their haskama to this new venture, including Rabbi Bloi shlita, Dean of Bet Chana High School in Jerusalem, who said, “there should be more schools like this.”
The school plans to open a dorm if enough students from overseas are committed to coming – as they have already received inquiries from the US and UK.
In addition to a regular curriculum, students will be able to attend an after-school Enrichment Program, where they can join in such activities as art, music, drama, first aid, computers, creative writing, sewing, gym/sports, cooking and more.
The girls will also have the opportunity to go on trips, hear from dynamic speakers, and have evening activities including farbrengens for Chassidishe Yomim Tovim. This program will also be open to Chabad girls who attend other high schools. They will arrange GED/SATS classes for those who want these credentials.
Additional services include gradual immersion into Hebrew; mentoring program; and a homework help program.
Girls of 9th and 10th grades are invited to apply; an information package will be emailed on request. Additionally, they welcome applications from qualified, experienced staff. Please submit your resumes, including professional and personal references to [email protected].
Please contact [email protected] for further information.
is it also for american israelis? and is there any hebrew studies?
Is it for americans who just moved to israel and dont understand hebrew or is it for anyone who doesnt fit into the regular chabad school system?
It will be in Jerusalem. Although the derech & hashkafa is Chabad, if a girl who is not Chabad wants to join, she is welcome. For more info, email [email protected] & we will be happy to get back to you.
Where will it be based? and do you have to be Chabad to go there?
if Hinda Schryber is involved we know it is a good thing
that woman has boundless energy and unusual clarity
we wish her all the best in ALL her wonderful endeavors
,we cam to Israel in 1987 from California; my daughter went to the only available Chabad High School in Jerusalem at that time -it was NOT appropriate for her, she being the artist, with a unique and individual flare and also had to deal with a total Hebrew speaking environment and culture. How we both wish this school was around then. I am happy that it finally is happening for those girls who don’t fit into the box but create their own unique “box” to be respected and encouraged. much hatzlacha
what is the cost?
Much Success!!
If there are enough students for 11th & 12th grades, we will open those classes too! Feel free to contact us for more information.
Yes, Hinda Schryber (nee Dubov) is originally from Manchester.
Is there a program for 12 grade
Is there a program for 11th and 12th grade?
Is Hinda schryber originally from Manchester England?