“You’re making aliyah with a teenager? It’ll never work,” we were told. It seems that the speaker didn’t know about YTA — Yerushalayim Torah Academy.
In 2007, Rabbi David Samson identified a pressing need within Israel’s English-speaking community: numerous high school students were struggling to integrate into the Israeli education system, leading to increased dropout rates. Determined to address this challenge proactively, Samson established YTA with a clear mission: to provide a supportive environment for young olim to acclimate to Israeli society while preserving their self-esteem and cultural identity.
Transitioning to a new country during adolescence is fraught with challenges. YTA offers a “soft landing” for teenage olim, emphasizing the importance of self-esteem and personal well-being. Rabbi Samson believed that while Hebrew language acquisition is essential, it should not come at the expense of a student’s confidence. At YTA, subjects like Torah and mathematics are taught in English, allowing students to continue their education seamlessly as they gradually build their Hebrew proficiency.
A testament to YTA’s effective approach is that 100% of its graduates progress to Israeli programs conducted in Hebrew, whether in yeshivot, hesder programs or the IDF. The school operates in partnership with Netiv Meir, enabling students to integrate with their Israeli peers at their own pace. As their Hebrew improves, students have the opportunity to “dip their toes in the Hebrew waters” by enrolling in classes at Netiv Meir such as biology, physics and computer science. This gradual integration fosters leadership qualities, with many alumni emerging as leaders within the IDF.
Recognizing that many students arrive having faced challenges in traditional Israeli schools, YTA has developed a robust learning center. Upon entry, students undergo assessments to identify any language learning issues or educational gaps. The learning center’s tutors provide tailored support to address these areas, ensuring that each student can thrive academically. For those seeking advanced studies, the learning center offers resources to further their academic pursuits.
Beyond academics, YTA places a significant emphasis on character development, particularly in fostering positive interpersonal relationships. The school is staffed with social workers dedicated to assisting students with personal, communal and aliyah related challenges. This commitment to kindness and mutual respect creates an atmosphere where students feel comfortable and accepted.
Rabbi Bezalel Borstein, the founding principal who continues to lead the institution, reflected on the school’s inception: “I knew Rabbi Samson from when we were at BMT. Later, I was working elsewhere and whenever he ran into me, he would say that he wants to open a school and wants me to help create this school, and be the principal. I had a job, so I couldn’t, but my wife said go talk to him and see what it is.” Rabbi Borstein continues to lead with the excitement and vigor that he always has possessed.
Parents have also expressed their gratitude for the unique environment YTA provides. Tova and Larry Domnitch, whose son is enrolled at YTA, shared, “It’s a smaller school, and the kids get more personal attention. The education was perpetual, not just in the classroom.” Another parent, Tova Smolarcik, emphasized the school’s impact: “It’s been a lifesaver, and I don’t use that term lightly. YTA has made all the difference to him.”
Students, too, appreciate the nurturing environment. Ami Freid reflected, “What I love about YTA is that they are always pushing me to do better. I grew a lot as a person and I learned a lot!”
For many families, YTA’s existence has been a decisive factor in making aliyah. Knowing there is a supportive educational framework for their teenagers provides parents with the confidence to relocate, assured that their children’s mental health and academic progress will be prioritized.
Building on the success of the boys’ program in Bayit Vegan, YTA has expanded to include a girls’ high school program in Beit Shemesh. Led by Principal Desi Yishay, the girls’ school offers a completely English-speaking track within an Israeli high school, catering to new olot and Israeli English speakers. The curriculum aligns with the Israeli Bagrut requirements, ensuring that students graduate with a full matriculation certificate, ready to integrate into Israeli society through various post-high school programs such as the IDF, national service, seminary or university.
YTA continues to serve as a beacon for English-speaking teenage olim, providing them with the tools and support necessary to thrive in Israeli society. As Rabbi Borstein aptly stated, “YTA provides a ‘safe space’ for our students. Aliyah can be challenging as you don’t always feel part of society. YTA provides an environment where our students feel at home. Slowly, at their own pace, they integrate and feel more at home in Israel.”
For families considering aliyah, YTA offers reassurance that their teenagers will have a nurturing and effective educational environment awaiting them. As Rabbi Samson, the visionary founder, emphasized, “YTA offers an answer to the difficulties teens go through as part of the aliyah process.”
For more information about Yerushalayim Torah Academy and its programs, interested parties can contact Rabbi Borstein at [email protected] or visit the official website at www.yta.org.il.
Arnie Draiman is a philanthropic consultant helping people and foundations give their tzedaka money away wisely, efficiently and effectively for over 25 years. In addition, he consults to hi-tech startups and is an expert in social media marketing and promotion. He can be reached at: [email protected].
