School plans crowdfunding campaign May 6-7, Evening of Gratitude and siyum May 11.
(Courtesy of Shalshelet) Mishlei teaches us, “חֲנֹ֣ךְ לַ֭נַּעַר עַל־פִּ֣י דַרְכּ֑וֹ גַּ֥ם כִּי־יַ֝זְקִ֗ין לֹֽא־יָס֥וּר מִמֶּֽנָּה,— Teach a child according to his way; even when he grows old, he will not veer from it.”
This is the heart of Yeshivat Shalshelet, the first yeshiva day school for students with language-based learning differences. This important value will be on proud display at Shalshelet’s upcoming events: Shalshelet’s first-ever crowdfunding campaign, launching May 6-7, and culminating with an Evening of Gratitude on Sunday, May 11.
“We are passionate about giving each child what he or she needs most,” said Shulamit Roth, Shalshelet’s head of school. “School should be engaging, challenging and fun, and also honor each student’s areas of strength and need. At Shalshelet, this means that a child’s learning profile drives how and what they are taught each day.”
This learning profile is not uncommon, and presents unique challenges to those in yeshiva day school classrooms. As Roth explained, “Twenty percent of the population struggles with dyslexia. Davening and learning are central to religious education and continuing our Orthodox tradition, but our text-heavy practices can be challenging for strong readers and writers, let alone those who struggle with language. All children deserve to learn in an environment that utilizes research-based approaches to target their needs, while fostering a deep love for Torah, our religious culture and Eretz Yisrael.”
Rabbi Yaakov Neuburger, rosh yeshiva at Yeshiva University and rabbi of Congregation Beth Abraham, continues to emphasize the important role that Shalshelet serves across our communities and provides invaluable guidance as Shalshelet’s posek. Rabbi Neuburger noted that “We have a communal responsibility to support Shalshelet in providing the specialized education needed by these students in an environment that is guided by Torah and mesorah, so that our children are prepared to continue their yeshiva education into high school and their adult lives.”
Rochella Treitel, proud parent of a fourth grader, understands the need firsthand. “Shalshelet is the first school to teach students with language-based learning disabilities without compromising yeshiva day school learning. It is the responsibility of every individual in the community at large to support Shalshelet so that no family has to make the difficult choice between literacy and a comprehensive, Torah-based curriculum. Children with language-based learning disabilities can succeed and contribute to our society, community and shuls. By ensuring that they receive the necessary skill set, we are not only guaranteeing their ability to flourish but also investing in our community’s future.”
Shalshelet opened its doors in September 2022 with just 18 students. In just three years, the school has seen remarkable growth—now serving 47 students across grades two through seven, with plans to add an eighth grade next year. This year alone, Shalshelet joined the Yeshiva Middle School Sports Association, proudly sent a team to the Bracha Bowl, earned third place in the NJ State Stock Market Game, and is sending a student delegation to Washington, D.C. to advocate for Israel in May.
Shalshelet is fortunate to be housed on the campus of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades. This unique partnership provides access to flexible learning spaces that support both large and small group instruction—an essential element of Shalshelet’s specialized dual curriculum. The collaboration also enriches the student experience with access to the JCC’s gyms, indoor and outdoor courts, playing fields and auditoriums, enhancing the school’s athletics, arts and music programs. In addition, Shalshelet students engage in meaningful chesed opportunities within the JCC community, serving as reading buddies for the early childhood program and participating in special intergenerational programs with senior citizens on campus.
Shalshelet students are thriving, reaching new heights academically and spiritually, with increased self-confidence and social-emotional development. As Treitel noted, “When Uri entered second grade he couldn’t string three letters together to sound out a basic word. He is now fluently reading chapter books without any tears. The self-confidence he has now is not something that can be taught, but rather is gained. It’s the unwavering efforts of the staff who have been awarded this credit.”
Shana Kalman, parent of a fifth grader and co-chair of Shalshelet’s Parents Association, agreed. “During his time at Shalshelet, Jack has shown remarkable growth both academically and personally. Shalshelet has been the transformative piece in shaping him into a confident and well-rounded individual, ready to take on whatever the future holds.”
When students like Uri, Jack and their peers are given the tools to succeed, everyone benefits. “Shalshelet is truly a communal school, serving a communal need,” said Menachem Schechter, vice president of Shalshelet’s board. “Our children come from all over Bergen County, Passaic, Riverdale, Manhattan, Queens, the Five Towns, Monsey and beyond.”
Shalshelet is made possible by the incredible support of community members who appreciate the immense need. “Unfortunately, it is impossible for a yeshiva like Shalshelet to operate from tuition alone,” Schechter explained, “We can only ensure that children with learning differences can get a yeshiva day school education through broad communal support.”
In that spirit, Shalshelet is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever crowdfunding campaign: #MakeAllTheDifference, taking place on May 6–7. This campaign invites the entire community to invest in the future of children who learn differently.
“All children deserve an education that empowers them and provides the tools, resources and nurturing environment to enable them to succeed,” said Roth. “As the first yeshiva for students with language-based learning differences, Yeshivat Shalshelet is breaking barriers and opening doors for students who need a different approach to learning—but we can’t do it alone. We need you—our community—to help us continue this vital mission.”
Supporters will have the opportunity to join a movement that makes all the difference for students who learn differently. To participate, please visit theshalsheletdifference.org during the campaign days. Every gift, large or small, helps ensure these incredible children have the opportunity they deserve.
The campaign will be followed by An Evening of Gratitude in Support of Yeshivat Shalshelet on Sunday, May 11, where guests will enjoy an evening with friends from the NY/NJ area, delicious food, a student siyum and more. It’s also an opportunity to witness firsthand the extraordinary progress Shalshelet students are making—and to celebrate the future we are building together.
As Roth noted, “As a community, we have shuls, schools and tzedakah organizations that give each individual an opportunity to connect and thrive. Why should these students be excluded? While their struggles may be invisible, these incredible kids deserve a chance to flourish in our community. If we expect them to continue our legacy, it is our responsibility to help them to succeed.”
For more information about Shalshelet’s #MakeAllTheDifference campaign, and the May 11 event, please visit
theshalsheletdifference.org.
