HAFTR High School Brochure 2021

INSPIRING JEWISH LEADERS

BECOMING LIFELONG LEARNERS

High School

Our Mission

HAFTR is a co-educational Modern Orthodox yeshiva that strives to instill in our students a love of Hashem, lifelong learning, community, and Israel. Our rigorous dual curricular education in Limudei Kodesh and general studies prepares future generations of leaders, bnei/bnot Torah, and critical thinkers. We facilitate our students’ pursuit of academic excellence and the development of a personal relationship with Hashem and middot tovot in a caring learning environment.

HAFTR’S CORE VALUES We develop responsible and engaged citizens and leaders who are guided by Torah, mitzvot, ahavat Yisrael, Tzionut, chesed, and the values of Modern Orthodoxy. We facilitate STUDENTS' REALIZING THEIR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL AS FUTURE JEWISH LEADERS and representatives of the Jewish people.

We celebrate the uniqueness of each child in our community of learners by PROVIDING INNOVATIVE, STIMULATING AND VARIED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES that address each student’s specific developmental needs. We believe in a strong partnership between home and school in cultivating our students' development.

We imbue students with a love of the State of Israel and an appreciation for the United States of America. We strive to CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO OUR SOCIETY, we value diverse opinions, and appreciate that we are part of a global community.

RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY As a Modern Orthodox yeshiva, HAFTR's religious philosophy is predicated upon creating a caring and vibrant atmosphere, conducive to learning and a spirited fulfillment of mitzvot. We strive to integrate Limudei Kodesh and general studies so students can DEVELOP AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS with Hashem, Torah, the Jewish people, the Land of Israel, and the world at large.

We seek to instill within our students an appreciation of Hashem's presence in all aspects of their lives, for we believe that the study of the world - be it the arts, the sciences, technology, or history - directly serves to strengthen that appreciation. We affirm that the Torah is a living blueprint for a spiritually meaningful way of life that provides a precious anchor in the midst of a rapidly changing world.

We seek to inspire and challenge our students with an INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATIONAL APPROACH that is relevant to our students' lives in the 21st century. This includes rigorous study and analysis of sacred texts, Jewish history, Jewish ethics, personal prayer and observance, civic responsibility, the importance of community, Hebrew language fluency, and the inseparable bond between the Jewish people and the State of Israel. HAFTR emphasizes a passionate commitment to the Jewish values of derech eretz (proper way to act), simchat hachaim (joy of life), kavod habriot (human dignity), tzedakah (charity), and gemilut chasadim (acts of kindness). HAFTR SEEKS TO GRADUATE STUDENTS WHO ARE JEWISH LEADERS, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PROUD OF THEIR JUDAISM, AND WHO ARE COMMITTED MEMBERS OF KLAL YISRAEL AND THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY.

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Administration Ms. Naomi Lippman Dr. Joshua Wyner Rabbi Yitzchok Riselsheimer Rabbi Ira Wallach Rabbi Yisachar Blinder

Principal Associate Principal Dean, Limudei Kodesh Coordinator, Limudei Kodesh Mashgiach Ruchani

Mrs. Joan Parmet Mr. Steven Harris

Director, College & Academic Guidance Associate Director, College & Academic Guidance

Rabbi Lewis Wienerkur

Director, Israel Guidance

Mrs. Alyssa Schechter Ms. Ilona Diamond

Director, Student Life Coordinator, Student Programs

Mr. Matthew Alt Mr. Jason Gelman Mrs. Rita Sinensky

Chair, Math Chair, Humanities Chair, Science

I love HAFTR because it’s such a warm environment and all the students and faculty feel like family.

- Luca Lemberger, Senior

HAFTR’s warm and positive atmosphere allows us to connect with our students and cultivate an environment of growth and simcha, which in turn enables them to explore their strengths, actualize their potential, and achieve their goals.

- Dr. Joshua Wyner, Associate Principal

The meaning of academic excellence in our yeshiva high school is facilitating the successful achievement and growth of each individual child, stimulating students’ intellectual curiosity and inspiring their lifelong love of learning.

Our graduates are prepared to be engaged, responsible citizens, knowledgeable Jewish leaders and accomplished professionals who are guided by Torah and the values of Modern Orthodoxy.

- Ms. Naomi Lippman, Principal

I get true simcha from seeing the tremendous impact we are making on our students. When I walk through the halls I feel the happiness and excitement of our students. They have a sense of self confidence and self esteem, and we know that will carry them through the rest of their lives.

- Rabbi Yitzchok Riselsheimer, Dean of Limudei Kodesh

I N SP I R I NG I N DI V I D UAL I Z ED L E A R N I NG

COURSE OFFERINGS Limudei Kodesh

GENERAL STUDIES

ELECTIVES

Freshman Year

Talmud* Advanced Talmud Tanach* Yahadut (Tefilah)* Ivrit I*

English* Global Studies I* Biology* Algebra/Geometry Physical Education

Spanish I Art Institute: Ceramics Scientific Technology I Crafts & Fabrication Lab

SOPHOMORE Year

Talmud* Advanced Talmud Tanach* Yahadut (Kashrut)* Ivrit II*

English* Global Studies II* AP European History Chemistry* Geometry/Algebra II Physical Education

Spanish II Studio Art I: Drawing Scientific Technology II* Innovative Design

JUNIOR Year

Talmud* Advanced Talmud Tanach* Yahadut (Shabbat)* Bechina I Jewish History I

English* AP English Language & Composition US History* AP US History Algebra II Pre-Calculus AB Pre-Calculus BC AP Biology/ AP Chemistry/Earth Science/ Forensics/Physics* Physical Education

Spanish III Robotics Digital Design Studio Art II: Painting Business Technology Video Editing

SENIOR Year

Talmud* Advanced Talmud Tanach* Yahadut (Mitzvot Bein Adam L’Chavero)* Bechina Yerushalmi (AP Hebrew) Jewish History II/ Zionism Judaic Studies Seminar

English Literature* AP English Literature US Government & Economics* AP US Government & Politics Financial Algebra Pre-Calculus College Calculus AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC Anatomy* College Physics

AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science Principles AP Drawing AP 2D Art & Design Portfolio Development AP Psychology Entrepreneurship Human Psychology

*These courses are offered at tracked levels.

INSPIRING J EW ISH LEAD ER S

Enhancing our students’ spiritual connection to Hashem, their spirited fulfillment of mitzvot and their simchat hachaim is a paramount goal for our yeshiva.

Rabbi Yisachar Blinder, our esteemed Mashgiach Ruchani, and our dedicated Rebbeim and Morot engage and uplift students through wonderful initiatives beyond our meaningful Limudei Kodesh courses such as our weekly Kumzitz and Kugel program with zemirot, divrei Torah and spiritual inspiration.

The positive spiritual guidance of our Limudei Kodesh leaders assists our students to develop an appreciation of Hashem’s presence in all dimensions of their lives.

There is no greater sense of simcha and satisfaction than to see our talmidim engaged in serious Torah discussions. As a Rebbe, I love watching our students learn Gemara, Tanach and Yahadut in a critical and meaningful way. When students appreciate the relevance of Torah in their lives as they internalize its lessons, they are empowered to blossom into productive and valuable Jewish leaders. These experiences infuse our talmidim with ruach and a love of Yiddishkeit, inspiring their families, community, and Klal Yisrael.

- Rabbi Ira Wallach, Rebbe, Limudei Kodesh Coordinator (HAFTR ‘99) As a HAFTR student, I have always had a strong connection to my Jewish roots. Judaism is more than my religion; it’s a part of my entire being. My Rebbeim and Morot have not only taught me Torah, they have also taught me to love being a frum girl. The lessons I have learned throughout high school have shaped me into the person I am today. This year, I’m taking three AP courses, I am in honors Limudei Kodesh classes, I’m on the basketball team, and I do chesed in my spare time.

I am able to be successful because of the positive relationships I have built with my teachers and my wonderful friendships with classmates. HAFTR has taught me about sportsmanship, kindness, gratitude, respectfulness, and responsibility. I incorporate these attributes in my everyday life. I am grateful to HAFTR for the amazing educational experience I have received.

- Annaruth Boxer, Junior

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Student Life HONOR SOCIETIES

SCHOOL PUBLICATIONS

CHESED OPPORTUNITIES

Principals’ Honor Roll National Honor Society (Deah Chapter) National Foreign Language Honor Society Hebrew Language Honor Society Community Service Honor Society International Thespian Honor Society NASSP Art Honor Society National Speech and Debate Honor Society STEM Honor Society

HAFTORAH, Torah Publication Inklings, Literary Magazine Tattler, Student Newspaper El Periodico Escolar Hispanico, Spanish Newspaper Reflections, Yearbook

Blood Drive Book Drive Candy Drive Canned Food Drive Clothing Drive Community Volunteers I-Shine Mentoring Program Jerusalem Marathon, Team Shalva NCSY Jump Leadership Training Peer Tutoring Sharsheret Pink Day Sock Drive Soup Kitchen Tomchei Shabbos Toy Drive YACHAD

RELIGIOUS PROGRAMMING Annual Yom Iyun Aseret Yimei Teshuva Chizuk Boys’ Shabbaton Chanukah Concert Girls’ Shabbaton Kumzitz and Kugel Mishmar Mission to Poland Purim Yom HaAtzmaut Yom HaShoah Yom HaZikaron Yom Yerushalayim

SCHOOL SPIRIT & ACTIVITIES Big Sibs Program Color War Freshman Lunches Freshman Retreat Grade Trips Halls & Walls Pep Rally Senior Trip Spirit Day Student Government

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING Balancing Technology Use Executive Functioning Skills Health Week Making Positive Choices Mental Health Awareness Senior Seminar Social Skills Groups

Chesed at HAFTR gives us the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities and meet new people.

Students on the Chesed Committee perform impactful acts of kindness on behalf of others. Participating in this committee brings out the positivity and happiness of those around you and in turn leaves you feeling uplifted and fulfilled!

-Michelle Kirschner and Hannah Nierenberg, seniors, Chesed Co-Heads

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BOYS’ ATHLETIC TEAMS

Varsity Hockey JV Hockey Varsity Volleyball Varsity Basketball JV Basketball Varsity Soccer JV Soccer Tennis Varsity Softball JV Softball Baseball Football

GIRLS’ ATHLETIC TEAMS

CLUBS AND TEAMS

NCSY Torah Experience NORPAC Photography Poetry Club Politics & Civic Responsibility Public Speaking Robotics Science & Engineering Institute Shakespeare Competition Spirit Club Sports Management Club Stock Market Torah Bowl

AIPAC, Washington D.C.

AIPAC Art Club Art Institute Baal Koreh Club Basketball Intramurals Book Club Broadcasting Chess Team Chidon HaTanach USA National Bible Contest Crafting Club Creative Writing Club College Bowl, Varsity & JV Culinary Club Dance Team Debate Team Drama Society Entrepreneurship Environmental Action Film Club Game Development Girls’ Entrepreneurship Globalization Club Israel Advocacy Israel Action Senate Laser Engraving Livestream Team Math Team Media Marketing Medicine & Public Health Club Mock Trial Team Model Congress Model UN Music Club

Hockey Varsity Basketball JV Basketball Varsity Volleyball JV Volleyball Soccer Tennis Softball

E D UCATOR S POTL IGHT

INSPI RING ACADE MIC E XCE L L E NCE

Mr. Matthew Alt, Chair

Math

Mr. Matthew Alt, the esteemed chairman of our Math Department, joined HAFTR a decade ago and quickly became a highly respected and popular member of our faculty. Mr. Alt facilitates his students’ mastery of sophisticated mathematical concepts and inspires them to love mathematics and think like mathematicians. As Math Department chair, Mr. Alt advances our students’ growth in mathematics while continuously innovating and infusing his department with his contagious passion and excitement for teaching math.

Mr. Alt’s contributions extend beyond his outstanding classroom; he also serves as faculty advisor for our Math and Math Research Clubs. Last spring, under Mr. Alt’s mentorship, eight HAFTR High School students presented original math research at the Long Island Math Fair and won awards, including two gold, three silver, and three bronze medals for their projects.

Mrs. Lauren Mandel

English

Mrs. Lauren Lillien Mandel is a HAFTR High School graduate who returned 15 years ago to join the faculty of our English Department, where she has been a beloved, gifted teacher who inspires students’ love of literature and writing.

Mrs. Mandel has created a unique learning environment in her classroom: her lessons are student centered and discussion oriented. She also recently developed the curriculum for HAFTR’s unique Film and Literature course for seniors.

Since her appointment to HAFTR’s faculty, Mrs. Mandel has mentored and guided students in significant, meaningful co-curricular teams and projects.

She serves as the faculty advisor for HAFTR’s literary journal, Inklings, and advised HAFTR’s highly competitive Mock Trial Team for many years. This year, in addition to teaching, Mrs. Mandel is serving as Media Coordinator for HAFTR High School, overseeing the publication of articles highlighting student activities, programs and accomplishments throughout the school year.

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STEM@HAFTR HAFTR High School is a leader and innovator in STEM education. Our four-year STEM program is based on rigorous academic standards designed to prepare our students to be the next generation of successful leaders in all industries. The STEM Department consistently introduces new and innovative classes that complement our highly successful Scientific Technology and Computer Science courses, providing all students, from beginner to advanced, with enhanced learning opportunities in a stimulating STEM environment.

HAFTR High School’s Technology and Innovation Center houses a magnificent, state-of-the-art STEM lab, spacious high-tech science classrooms and lab, and a sophisticated audio-visual studio. The center is equipped with advanced hardware, including laptops, 3D printers, a laser cutter/engraver, and robotic elements anything and everything students require to advance their STEM learning.

We have partnered with the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE) to offer a two-year course in Engineering & Technology to freshmen and sophomores, in addition to unique electives in all grades.

Beyond the SciTech course, students can pursue more advanced STEM curricular offerings with both AP Computer Science courses, ideal for students looking to continue their studies in computer science, such as hardware or software engineering. Additionally, students can advance their skills in STEM clubs, including Broadcasting and Robotics.

These courses and clubs provide students with opportunities to experience professional level experimentation integrating advanced math and science with technology. Students are able to work on cutting edge projects, such as biomedical research, combining sophisticated science and technology tools.

Start Up Nation does not only need computer programmers. HAFTR High School’s STEM curriculum facilitates students’ acquisition of critical skills including: marketing, business development, evelopment, finance, engineering, architecture, and more.

OUR STUDENTS ARE CREATING SOLUTIONS TO TODAY’S PROBLEMS USING THE TECHNOLOGY OF TOMORROW, while employing advanced research techniques to create a solid foundation for their future academic and professional success.

ST E M

Offerings

• AP Computer Science Principles • AP Computer Science A • Business Technology • Computer Graphics • Creative Design and Fabrication • Engineering & Technology I: Bio-Medical Engineering and Machine Learning

• Engineering & Technology nology y III: I: C I: Computing ompu om puti pu ting ti ng ffor or E Engineers ngiin ng inee inee eers rs and Applied Scientists ists • Entrepreneurship and Finance • Robotics • Video Editing

Fine Arts Institute

Art is a significant factor in developing the mental, physical, and emotional growth of all children. The art program at HAFTR High School has evolved in response to the needs and interests of today’s students. The educational success of our student body depends on creating a society that is both literate and imaginative, both competent and creative.

We promote visual, artistic, and creative competency by guiding our students to: • • • • •

Understand and apply visual arts media, techniques, and processes.

Use knowledge of visual arts, structures, and functions.

Choose and evaluate a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas.

Understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.

Reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others.

• Make connections between visual arts and other disciplines.

The Studio Art department provides a unique and comprehensive art experience. It consists of unified presentations in a studio setting with a variety of materials, media, and techniques to allow for the expression of the students’ concepts, perceptions, and intuitions. The art curriculum will be designed to meet the needs of the serious art student in preparation for portfolio requirements.

Course Offerings: Ceramics, Studio Art I: Drawing, Studio Art II: Painting, Studio Art III: Portfolio Development, AP Art & Design: Drawing, AP Art & Design: AP 2-D Art

The HAFTR High School Art Institute encourages students to express their creativity and develop and refine their individual artistic abilities throughout their high school career. The atmosphere in the Art Studio is unique. Although there is a warm, relaxing environment, students invest significant time and energy in their projects. When I enter the art room, I feel that I have a strong sense of self and can express my passion and spirit through my artwork.

- Penelope Silber, Senior

Drawing by Penelope Silber, Senior

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IIsrael Guidance

HAFTR’s Israel Guidance department facilitates the process of planning to spend a year of study in Israel. The Israel year has proven to be one of the most significant experiences for our graduates, enhancing the Jewish values essential to HAFTR’s mission which they internalized during their high school tenure. Students and parents meet with Rabbi Wienerkur to review the various programs and identify the best options for each individual student.

Girls’ Seminaries

Amudim Baer Miriam Israel Experience at Bar-Ilan University Machon Maayan Midreshet Amit Midreshet Emunah ve-Omanut (EVO) Midreshet Harova Midreshet Lindenbaum Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim (MMY) Midreshet Moriah Midreshet Torah Va-Avodah (TVA) Midreshet Torat Chesed (MTC) Nishmat Shaalvim for Women Tiferet

Boys’ Yeshivot

Aish HaTorah Gesher program Israel Experience at Bar-Ilan University Derech-Ohr Sameach Torah Tech Yeshivat Birkat Moshe (Maale Adumim) Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi Yeshivat HaKotel Yeshivat Har Etzion (Gush) Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh (KBY) Yeshivat Lev HaTorah Yeshivat Midgal HaTorah Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh Yeshivat Orayta Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim Yeshivat Shaalvim Yeshivat Shaarei Mevaseret Zion Yeshivat Torah Va-Avodah (TVA) Yeshivat Torat Shraga

The Israel Guidance program at HAFTR High School is outstanding.

My knowledge about yeshiva options for my year in Israel was limited, and I was not able to visit yeshivot in person because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thankfully, I received excellent guidance from my Rebbeim, and specifically from Rabbi Wienerkur, head of Israel Guidance. Rabbi Wienerkur provided me with extensive information about the different yeshivot, answered all of my questions, and assisted me in identifying the yeshiva that would be the best fit for me. Now that I’m here in Yeshivat Reishit, I couldn’t be any happier, and I am very grateful to Rabbi Weinerkur and all my Rebbeim at HAFTR for providing me with a strong foundation to grow in my Torah learning.

- Joseph Kaufman, Class of 2021, Yeshivat Reishit

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Hi Rabbi Hirtz!

I hope that the schoo I wanted to reach oult,yeanar is off to a great start! much in my years at HAd say thank you for teaching me so Israel and college. At MFTR, and for preparing me so well for level compared to the girls MY, I felt like I was on another Jewish History. When in my midrasha, in the area of so cool to see what you tawe visited the Rambam’s kever, it was Now, in Stern College, agught us in real life. my Judaic Studies classe ain I feel extremely prepared in the more advanced classe s. I even feel comfortable taking some of learned about various Jes! In my hilchot berachot class, we compiled and authored sinwish seforim which were Gemara, and I was so ex ce the time of the these Rabbanim and sef cited that I remembered Thank you so much agaiorim from your class! n!

- Abby Goldberg, Clas s of 2019 MMY, Stern Honors

I have been at HAFTR High School for over 30 wonderful, proud years. We have phenomenal students who have been accepted to some of the finest universities in the country, and I know that will continue. I am so proud of all of our students and all of their colleges that they’ve been accepted to. It doesn’t necessarily matter which one, as long as they are happy, and they attend the one that’s appropriate for them. We have terrific contacts with all of the colleges, but it’s the students - the students make my day. I love coming to school every single day, and I love all of the students here. It’s so nice for me to see them smiling all the time. HAFTR is my home, HAFTR is my family, and yes, I think I’ve had several hundred children!

- Mrs. Joan Parmet, Director of College Guidance

College & Academic Guidance

HAFTR’s College and Academic Guidance team provides guidance services to every student starting in ninth grade. Each freshman is assigned to one counselor for the duration of their high school tenure, who monitors that individual student’s academic progress, guides the student in course selection, and assists the student on Naviance, a college and career readiness software program to provide students with college planning and career assessment tools. In the junior year, each student’s guidance counselor meets with the student and their parents individually to discuss future options and plan out their college admissions process.

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Nova Southeastern University Pace University Parsons School of Design at The New School Pennsylvania State University Rutgers University St. John’s University Syracuse University The Cooper Union The Ohio State University Touro College Towson University Tulane University University of Arizona University of Central Florida (UCF) University of Colorado at Boulder University of Florida University of Maryland College Park University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Pennsylvania University of Toronto University of Wisconsin-Madison Yeshiva University

CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (CUNY) Baruch College Brooklyn College City College of New York (CCNY) College of Staten Island Guttman Community College Hunter College John Jay College of Criminal Justice Lehman College Macaulay Honors College New York City College of Technology Queensborough Community College Queens College STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (SUNY) University at Albany Binghamton University University at Buffalo Farmingdale State College Stony Brook University

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PERSONAL GROWTH ACHDUT ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE APPLY NOW AT HAFTR.ORG/HSADMISSIONS/

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