|
HistoryThe Adolph H. Schreiber Hebrew Academy of Rockland (ASHAR) is proud to look back on over 50 years of history and service to the children of the greater Monsey community. From its inception in the autumn of 1954, the school has maintained its place as one of the leading yeshiva day schools in the tri-state area. First housed in Monsey's Community Synagogue on Cloverdale Lane, the school was originally called the Hebrew Institute of Rockland County (HIRC). Although other day schools and yeshivas existed, it was this need to incorporate Ahavat Yisrael into their children's education that inspired a handful of parents to establish a school that provided a religious Zionistic environment mixed with a strong general studies curriculum.
This upstart school filled a unique niche in the devout Monsey community. Beginning with just two classrooms and 26 students, HIRC attracted families who wanted to have their children become as well versed in math and science as in Torah, Hebrew Language and Jewish history. Songs, plays, yom tov celebrations and chesed projects enriched the curriculum, many of which were taught and organized by the parents themselves.
In 1956, Rabbi Irving Levy, the first Chairman of the Board of Education, encouraged Rabbi Nachum Muschel to join the Monsey community and HIRC. Over the course of more than four decades, Rabbi Muschel led the school through tremendous growth and success. During his tenure, first as a teacher, then principal and then dean, he created an Irvit b'Ivrit environment where Hebrew was spoken throughout the school. In addition, Rabbi Muschel created the Jewish studies curriculum that is still in use today and he still serves as ASHAR's dean emeritus.
Over time, HIRC grew both in physical size and enrollment. In 1964, HIRC moved to its current location on Highview Road in Monsey. In 1975, HIRC was renamed the Adolph H. Schreiber Hebrew Academy of Rockland, in memory of one of the school's founders.
Moving forward over 50 years later, ASHAR has undergone a transformation in a most unique way. While many things remain the same as in the past, much has changed. The name ASHAR is still synonymous with superior education, in Limudei Kodesh and secular studies and is identified with a love of Eretz Yisrael. Chesed, refined middot, and accountability are major components of our unique institution. With the new administration at the helm under the guidance of Rabbi Mayer Beller there has been a revitalization and renewed interest in our yeshiva.
As the demographics of the Monsey community have changed, so has ASHAR. Genders in grades 1-8 are separated and a new dress code with a focus on tzniut, comfort, affordability and uniformity has been instituted. ASHAR is emerging as a yeshiva which is shaveh l’chol nefesh- acceptable to all- from the modern orthodox to the heimish. We are bearing the fruits of our labor as our school continues to expand, and we are enrolling more and more students from the broader Monsey community, kein yirbu.
Although our current facility is adequate we are looking to the future as we plan to begin a major building project. Committees have been formed to explore various options including updating our current building to a state-of-the-art facility, or construction of a new site with the proceeds from the sale of the existing building. This information will be available as soon as possible. Whatever the outcome you can be sure that ASHAR will continue to educate children in the finest traditions of Torah, derch eretz, and general studies.
|
