MISSION STATEMENT
CORE VALUES

The second Mishnah in Perek Aleph of Pirkei Avot teaches that
"The world stands on three things: on the Torah, on the service
(of G-d) and upon acts of loving-kindness."

Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School stands on these same timeless principles.

The source of Jewish life and the cornerstone of Jewish education, Torah is also at the heart of RKYHS. A Modern Orthodox, co-educational Yeshiva, RKYHS seeks to imbue students with an abiding love of Hashem and a lifelong commitment to mitzvot and midot. Equally important, we are uncompromising in our pursuit of academic excellence, because we believe that students thrive when they are challenged to fulfill their highest potential in both Judaic and General Studies.

Our Judaic Studies curriculum is designed to nurture our students' devotion to Torah learning, as well as their spiritual and religious growth. Ivrit is the primary language of instruction, as we believe that knowledge of modern Hebrew is integral to a full understanding of our heritage and history. Limudei Kodesh include Tanach, Mishnah, Talmud, Ivrit and Jewish History; all are taught by experts in their fields who also serve as role models for lifelong learning. Throughout the year, formal learning is complemented by lectures, holiday programs and special events that reflect our commitment to religious Zionism. Students are actively encouraged to live and learn in Israel.

The same intense focus on scholarship, critical thinking and community that Torah study demands are also hallmarks of our General Studies curriculum. Courses in history, literature, mathematics, science, computer science and foreign language comprise the core curriculum; honors, accelerated and advance placement courses are also available, as are a wide array of electives in the sciences, social sciences and fine arts.

Because RKYHS is a student-centered Yeshiva, all students are encouraged to develop their analytical and creative capacities in every course, no matter which individualized program of study they choose to undertake. Our first-rate faculty are distinguished by their concern for every student, as well as their experience as educators and breadth of knowledge. Outstanding classroom, laboratory and library facilities offer students every opportunity to succeed, and our professional Guidance Department is dedicated to helping them acquire the knowledge they need to achieve their most important personal and educational goals.

In addition to pursuing academic excellence, RKYHS students take seriously their obligations to serve Hashem and society. Every student is regarded as a valued member of our community of learners, and each is expected to practice chesed both on campus and in the community. These values are reflected by the broad range of extracurricular activities that enable students to develop their identity as Jews. Students are required to engage in 18 hours of chesed each year. Our program, for example, matches enthusiastic student volunteers with Jewish and communal service agencies throughout New Jersey. A Jewish Civics club, Torah Bowl team, and Mishmar are other popular chugim, all led by dedicated faculty advisors.

RKYHS students are also active participants in a wide range of clubs, teams and activities that offer opportunities to develop new interests and skills. Among the most popular are our Debate, Mock Trial and Model UN teams, as well as our Drama Club, band and Choir. Students interested in writing can report for our student newspaper, contribute poetry or prose to our literary magazine, or edit our yearbook. We are also proud of our three-season-long athletics program, which fields teams for boys and girls in sports including basketball, soccer, softball, hockey, wrestling, tennis, track and volleyball.

Students who attend Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School share our principles. They and their families are dedicated to Torah and scholarship; they feel most fulfilled when practicing mitzvot and midot and seeking to grow as individuals; and they actively embrace their obligations as citizens in a democracy and members of Klal Yisrael.

As you begin to explore the principles you stand for, we hope you will make a visit to Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School a stop on your itinerary. We welcome you to visit our community of learners, and learn more about how Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School can change the way you envision your world and your future.