Ohr Yisroel Acquires New Home at FDU
September 9, 2024 — Fairleigh Dickinson University has announced a new partnership with Ohr Yisroel, a fast-growing, accredited Jewish high school that will soon have a permanent home in Hackensack on the edge of the campus.
The school has acquired FDU’s Edward Williams Hall and FDU will be the higher-education partner for Ohr Yisroel’s students to engage in pre-college learning and degree completion upon their return from study in Israel.
“This is an exciting new partnership that provides important benefits for both parties,” said FDU President Michael Avaltroni. “Ohr Yisroel will gain a new facility that provides important opportunities for education and growth. FDU will gain access to a new group of bright and committed students. While a growing number of students have already been taking college courses at FDU, we believe this new relationship and close proximity to campus will help connect more students to FDU.”
For Ohr Yisroel, the new building marks a significant milestone in the yeshiva’s journey since its founding in 2020. After two years in Tenafly and another two years in a rented space in Ridgewood, the leadership is excited to transition to the 40,000-square-foot, three-story building. The yeshiva is embarking on a two-phase renovation project that will feature custom-made spaces, including classrooms, a student lounge, a modern exercise facility, and an expanded athletic center. Work has already begun and the school plans to move into the first floor of the building in the next few months.
Ohr Yisroel Principal Rabbi Asher Yablok said, “The new space will immediately and dramatically benefit the students’ experience. It’s a fully-functioning college facility even before any of the construction begins. There are significant indoor and outdoor spaces and a large parking lot for convenience.” Head of School Rabbi Scott Friedman said the yeshiva is committed to providing students a home away from home. “The new space is going to be modern, warm and welcoming. The boys will have full access to the building 24/7 cementing the idea that this is their second home.”
In collaboration with FDU, Ohr Yisroel has created a unique program where students can take classes for up to 18 college credits at FDU, while also taking courses at Ohr Yisroel’s new building. After graduating and spending two years in yeshiva, students can continue their college education, needing only 30 credits to complete their degree. This unique arrangement allows students to maintain their yeshiva learning while pursuing their academic goals.
Ohr Yisroel is known for its distinctive approach to Judaic studies, with an emphasis on relationship-based education. Religious-based instruction is provided without grades or homework, “so the pressure is removed and the focus is on connecting to God and Torah,” explained Rabbi Friedman. The low student-to-teacher ratio enables maximum attention, fostering an enjoyable and enriching learning experience. In addition, the school has a distinct residency policy in which attendance is not mandatory in the morning when Judaic studies are offered.
The school also boasts a robust general studies program during the afternoons in which grades are given and attendance is mandatory. The partnership with FDU offers expanded educational opportunities for students, including a STEM program and Advanced Placement courses.
Avaltroni said the money from the sale will be reinvested in the FDU community and earmarked for academic programs and student services. FDU community members will continue to have access to the parking lot adjacent to the building. “As part of our strategic planning efforts, we have looked closely at how best to utilize our facilities and resources for the benefit of our current students and increase enrollment. We’re excited that this partnership will also benefit the student population of Ohr Yisroel.”
The building was named after a key contributor to the founding and history of the University, Edward T.T. Williams, who was one of the five men who incorporated the University and who served as the founding chair of the Board of Trustees. In addition, he was honored and recognized with the naming of Williams Hall on the Teaneck side of campus, which today is the base for the School of Psychology and Counseling. The University will continue to pay tribute to Edward T.T. Williams and will preserve his name and legacy.