The day's program was an opportunity to educate parents and students about the Yeshiva's unique mission, objectives, and resources.
It was an exciting and educational experience that included an elaborate Student Fair, informative panels, video presentations, engaging dialogue, shiurim from Rabbeim, sports challenges, raffles, a catered lunch, prizes, competitions and more.
Upon arrival, attendees were warmly greeted by the MAY Hanhalah, its talented and dedicated faculty and scores of student and parent volunteers. Guests were ushered into the Student Fair, held in the Yeshiva’s expansive gymnasium where a multitude of booths, manned by current Ateres Yaakov talmidim, described the school’s myriad extracurricular programs and activities.
Following the Student Fair, the Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, addressed the enormous crowd in the newly renovated Mesivta Bais Medrash. He explained that “the goal in our Mesivta extends far beyond the high school years” and that “the ultimate purpose is to build better husbands, fathers and ovdei Hashem. Therefore, literally everything that occurs within the yeshiva is aimed at facilitating that goal.” Rabbi Yaffe concluded his remarks by clearly explaining each phrase of the Mesivta’s slogan “Rabbeim for Life. Education for Life. Torah for Life.” Rabbi Yaffe’s address was followed by an emotionally charged, informative video presentation that immersed the guests virtually into the Mesivta experience.
Following the video presentation, the students then enjoyed a science presentation with 9th grade science teacher, Mr. Pinchas Fiber, a stimulating shiur delivered by 12th grade Rebbe, Rabbi Tsvi Greenfield and a Q & A About MAY moderated by the Menahel, Rabbi Yossi Bennett. The afternoon concluded with a delicious Chinese buffet and a grand raffle!
Parents attended panel discussions focusing on Limudei Kodesh, General Studies, and MAY Alumni. Prospective parents asked current parents and panelists a variety of questions and received enthusiastic responses.
Alumni Panel: Three MAY Alumni represented their peers and recounted their personal experiences in the Mesivta with great nostalgia. They spoke about their ongoing relationships with their Rabbeim, memorable Shabbatons, and growth in learning. Their focus was on the incredible foundation they received in MAY – both in ruchiyus and in gashmiyus.
General Studies Panel: Rabbi Sam Rudansky, General Studies Principal, who moderated the General Studies Panel noted that "MAY has adapted its curricula to challenge our students. In ELA, for example, we assign frequent essays and other writing assignments to build advanced writing and communication skills and to provide constructive criticism to facilitate revision.”
Limudei Kodesh Panel: Rabbeim and Hanhala described the unique approach the Mesivta has to engaging its talmidim in Limud HaTorah and preparing them for the next level. They explained that a vital component is building real relationships with their talmidim and thereby bringing them into their own s’vivah of Torah.
“There are many excellent local options,” Rabbi Yaffe explained in his Welcome Address, “Each yeshiva has its own emphasis and areas in which it excels. MAY is uniquely outstanding in that it excels in Limudei Kodesh, Limudei Chol and in extracurricular activities. With our expansive, state-of the-art campus, there is always something exciting going on, but never impeding the personal attention and long-lasting relationships that help students of all capabilities succeed.”
One parent noted that “The warmth in MAY was palpable. It’s clear that the Rabbeim are very sincere and have a very strong emotional connection with their talmidim and truly care about their success."
The MAY talmidim really made the event a success. Visitors challenged Ateres Yaakov talmidim in Ping-Pong, football and basketball while being cheered on by friends. Attendees picked up the Mesivta’s Chesed Directory, listing the ample chesed opportunities available to its talmidim. Athletics and Competitions were represented by various members of the Mesivta’s football, basketball, softball and Torah bowl teams who were happy to display the school’s jerseys and many championship trophies! The ample Torah L’shma opportunities were represented by regulars of the Pre-Shacharis Cocoa Club, Post-Shacharis Mishnayos Shiur, 12th grade Advanced Bikiyus and voluntary Night Sedarim, and Bein Hazmanim Learning Programs. The Mesivta’s Student Government, Arista, Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, Ruach and Recharging booths were represented by the MAY students showcasing the myriad opportunities and activities the Mesivta provides for its talmidim.
Applications for the 2024-2025 z’man are now being accepted. For more information contact the Mesivta at (516) 374-6465 or visit their website at www.ateresyaakov.com.