[COMMUNICATED] “A kehilla like Lakewood, bli ayin hara, with over a hundred thousand frum Yiddin cannot have all its mosdos fit exactly into one tzura. R’ Yaakov Siegel and his wife have opened a High School for girls that were not exceptions, not difficult, who are not problem girls, but who would not fit into the standard model that applies to so many thousands of others. Rov Henoch Shachar took it on, under the hadracha ultimately of the Rosh Yeshiva, Rov Dovid Shustal and they have seen tremendous hatzlacha.” – R’ Aron KotlerEvery Jewish girl should feel that she belongs. But what happens when she doesn’t feel that way?
We’ve built schools for students who feel at home in the standard Bais Yaakov setting. We’ve created rehabilitative programs for girls who struggle with addictions and other behaviors, or who have special educational needs. But what about the girl who is simply working to find her spiritual connection to Yiddishkeit- who isn’t thriving in a mainstream school environment but also doesn’t require intensive intervention?
These girls seek a higher level and meaning and depth in their Yiddishkeit. Their questions are signs of growth and a quest for truth. Their challenges are a knock at the door, a bid for a deeper connection with Torah observance. Our response cannot be to slam that door shut.
These girls are not looking for less Yiddishkeit- they are looking for more Yiddishkeit, a way of life that is meaningful to them. Yotzer Ohr is where they find it.
Who we are:
Yotzer Ohr is a Jewish private high school for girls located in the Lakewood area. Yotzer Ohr provides a nurturing supportive environment where girls can develop a personal connection to HaShem and internalize Torah values.
Yotzer Ohr girls benefit from:
Supportive role models
A holistic approach to learning
An emphasis on emotional and spiritual growth
A sisterhood of peers
Academic opportunities
A range of extracurricular opportunities
Immersed in an environment of acceptance and unconditional love, our girls grow at their own pace. The result is young women who feel confident, content, and connected to her Judaism.
In the words of our former and current students:
“Now I want to be connected to HaShem. I want to learn. We have the most amazing teachers. The teachers don’t force us; they encourage us…”
“Yotzer Ohr was the first place I came to and had the feeling that I belonged….because I was able to see and respect myself, I had the courage to move forward….although every girl is holding in a different place, there is mutual respect and recognition between all the students. We are pushed and motivated by each other to grow and test our limits.”
“Girls are constantly working on themselves, not because of the image but the desire to grow and have a strong authentic relationship with HaShem. Whether they’re working on tznius like wearing a longer skirt or focusing on the positive of a situation, I’ve seen growth in my peers”
“When you walk into the school you instantly feel the good energies”
“I want girls to know the truth about Yiddishkeit and feel it on a high level. I want girls to form a deep connection to HaShem like Yotzer Ohr has helped me.”
Yotzer Ohr Lakewood is in its third successful year and is running a 24-hour campaign on the third day of Chanuka to ensure its sustainability and growth. Through the generous partnership of matching and corporate sponsors, every dollar is donated during this campaign is doubled. Over the coming days, you will see or hear about the Yotzer Ohr campaign. Please partner with us in this work. To learn more please visit yolakewood.org,
https://campaigns.causematch.com/yolakewood or call 732-573-4183