(Courtesy of Mesivta of Naugatuck) An inauguration for a first-of-its-kind community in Naugatuck, Connecticut, will be held on November 18 at 874 May St. in Naugatuck. Developed by Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim, the 55-acre campus will include a mesivta high school and kollel building and 16 apartments for kollel families. Nearly 100 additional homes will be built over the course of the next year.

The inauguration will include a special shiur presented by Harav Doniel Lander, Ohr HaChaim rosh yeshiva. “Our vision is to create a community centered around limud haTorah and Torah values. The mesivta will serve the nearby Waterbury community and we invite yeshiva and professional families who seek affordable housing in a secure environment to join us. Building on the track record of our established network of mesivtas (Yesodei Yeshurun in Queens, Yesodei Yisrael in Philadelphia), summer community and summer learning camp, we look forward to establishing a unique living experience,” said Harav Lander.

Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim comprises a system of Torah institutions that cater to both high school and post-high school students. The affiliated high schools draw students from across the tri-state area. The new mesivta in Naugatuck, Yesodei HaTorah, is led by veteran mechanech Rabbi Aryeh Reiss. Continuing the tradition of Ohr HaChaim and Yesodei, this mesivta will offer excellence in Torah learning as well as a well-rounded and challenging general studies curriculum.

At the time of the inauguaration, construction will be 90 percent completed.

“On behalf of the borough of Naugatuck, I congratulate Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim on its inaugural dedication ceremony. Several years ago, the yeshiva showed great interest and confidence in our community by acquiring a 55-acre farm in Naugatuck in order to develop its vision here,” said Naugutuck Mayor Pete Hess.

“I am excited about the great effect the school and the new residential community will have on our borough. We are fortunate to have you in our community and wish Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim every success as it embarks on this remarkable project to benefit its institution and the community as a whole,” continued the mayor.

The Yesodei mesivtas are dedicated to providing high level learning in both Torah and general studies, instilling yirat shamayim and developing bnai Torah for life. Graduates are prepared for rabbinic and lay leadership roles throughout the U.S and the world.

For further information about Mesivta of Naugatuck and the community, please contact Menahel Rabbi Aryeh Reiss at
203-573-1801.