Beyond The Classroom

While Wikipedia translates the word teacher as "a person who provides education for pupils (children) and students (adults)," at Weinbaum Yeshiva High School, teachers are so much more than this narrow definition.

Our mission of inspire and challenge is accomplished both inside and outside the classroom.  First and foremost, our faculty creates an environment for learning inside the classroom.  Equally important are the interactions between teachers and students outside the classroom.

Throughout the year, our faculty invites students to their homes for Shabbat meals and other programs.  Not only do these interactions allow students the opportunity to enjoy an informal setting with the teachers, but they also connect our students to the joy and beauty of our religion.

During the lengthy Tochachah (rebuke) that we read about in Parshat Ki Tavo, there is a fascinating verse.  In the midst of the detailed description of the terrible fate that will befall the Jewish people if they do not follow the path that G-d has set out for us, the Torah states "Tachat Asher Lo Avadita Et Hashem Elokecha Besimcha Uvituv Levav."  The reason these things will come about is because we did not serve G-d with joy and a full heart.

I have always found this verse very puzzling.  Isn't it enough that we followed the ways of the Torah?  Why does it matter that it was not done so happily?  The answer, I believe, is that just observing Judaism without feeling a deep sense of joy and connection to G-d is incomplete.  Only when we combine the observance with these feelings is our religious experience fully complete.

Our goal for our students is that when they leave the halls of WYHS, they feel the joy and love for Judaism that has been the cornerstone of their experience inside and outside the classroom.

Shabbat Shalom and best wishes to the entire WYHS family for a K'tiva V'chatima Tova, a happy, healthy and sweet new year.

Mr. Shimmie Kaminetsky

Executive Director