One of the characteristics of a cutting-edge yeshiva is a strong commitment to support the mental health of its students.

The Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy (JKHA) and Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School (RKYHS) in Livingston already have a guidance counseling program that thoughtfully addresses the needs of students in its N-12 student body of 748 students. But resources can be tight and, with the recent explosion of antisemitism and anti-Israel activism in the U.S., the challenges have grown. Leaders at JKHA/RKYHS knew that expanding mental health support services was a vital imperative.

With the assistance of a generous $153,500 grant from the The Healthcare Foundation of NJ (HFNJ) in early 2024, JKHA/RKYHS was able to significantly expand the reach and scope of its mental health activities. On December 18, Kushner administrators were pleased to welcome three leaders of HFNJ to the yeshiva, to report on the impact of the grant.

Representing the New Jersey Healthcare Foundation were Michael Schmidt, CEO; Marcy Felsenfeld, senior program officer; and Kevin McManemin, grants and community outreach manager. Representing Kushner were Head of School Rabbi Eliezer Rubin; Dean of Faculty and Instruction Debbie Finkelstein; Middle School Principal Ariel Levenson; Middle School Counseling Director Aviva Wasserman; High School Counseling Director Dr. Ben Madsen; Executive Director Daniel Israeli; and Director of Development Grant Silverstein.

Rabbi Rubin shared with the HFNJ leaders that Kushner enjoys an extremely high retention rate among students, as well as a very high retention rate among faculty. The yeshiva is well known for its commitment to creating the highest standards in both Judaic curricula and secular curricula.

Madsen said that one of the happy problems he and his staff are facing now is that lots of students want to meet with the counseling staff. His office offers 20-minute visits and must be creative in scheduling everyone seeking time with a counselor. He added that the counseling office’s standard practice is to meet with each freshman student three times a year, to establish connections and let them know that they are welcome to reach out to counseling staff if any issue arises.

Levenson discussed the JKHA middle school’s policy to ban students’ cell phones for the entire school day, collecting them at the start of the day and returning them before dismissal. This policy has had a very strong effect, promoting more socializing among the students.

Wasserman said that the grant has enabled her to double the counseling staff in her office for the middle school, which has allowed them to address a “multitude of emotions” that can seem overwhelming for some of the students.

Kushner leaders then welcomed four students to talk about the help the enhanced counseling programs have given them.

D.S. stated: “The Kushner guidance program tipped the scales for me” and now, “school can be my happy place,” even if life at home is not. E.B. shared, “Guidance staff has made it easy for me to be ready to learn,” even when life at home can be challenging. E.S. said, “We can talk with them about whatever we’re feeling” and know that they will be supportive. S.M. offered that “guidance is always there for you, and always welcoming,” providing a “safe space” where the student can work things out.

JKHA/RKYHS administrators told The Jewish Link that the HFNJ grant has enabled the school to add three new guidance counselors and to significantly expand their mental health programming. New programs include Communities Confronting Substance Abuse & Addictions (CCSA), for the seventh and eighth grades; the Social Institute, with a social and emotional curriculum for healthy use of technology, including social media, for the fifth through eighth grades; and Healthy Thinking, Healthy Eating, led by registered dietitians, for the ninth through 12th grades.

Debbie Finkelstein, dean of faculty and instruction, told The Jewish Link: “With deep appreciation, we thank the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey for their generous grant of $153,500, which has significantly benefited the students and families of JKHA and RKYHS middle and high school. This funding has enabled us to increase our guidance staff and expand vital mental health initiatives, including advisory sessions, peer mentoring, and impactful programs such as The Social Institute, CCSA and body image workshops. Our guidance departments maintain an open-door policy, providing a safe and supportive space for students to navigate challenges ranging from exams and social dynamics to more serious mental health concerns. Thank you for your partnership in prioritizing the well-being of our school community.”

Rabbi Rubin stated: “We are deeply grateful to the Healthcare Foundation of NJ for their generous support in providing funding to support mental health guidance and impactful programs for our middle and high school students. Their commitment to mental health is making a profound difference in the lives of our students, empowering them with the tools and resources to navigate challenges and thrive both academically and personally. Together, we are fostering a stronger, healthier community.”

Harry Glazer is The Middlesex Community editor of The Jewish Link. He can be reached at [email protected] and he welcomes reader feedback. When he’s really fortunate, he gets to report on some of the really interesting activities taking place at The Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy and Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School in Livingston, New Jersey.