Community Magazine June 2003

of the classroom and expand upon the cur- riculum. She is very involved with the progress of each student, assessing their abilities, and adjusting as necessary, throughout the year. Rather than conduct the class at a singular “average” pace, lessons are designed to challenge the more advanced students, while helping bring those who are behind up to par. The students aren’t trained to merely read and repeat what they remember, they are taught to think and analyze. The children are directed positively and consistently—but never with a raised voice. The success of the innovative secular program has even led other schools to inquire about adopting the curriculum. As the population of young Sephardic families in Lakewood increased, Rabbi Dabbah sensed the community’s need for a quality Sephardic yeshiva. Four years ago, he founded Yeshivat Keter Torah, “Our goal is to provide a genuine high-quality Torah education for children, while not compro- mising their unique Sephardic heritage, cul- ture, and minhagim (customs). It is a basic educational prerequisite that children must feel that they are part of the mainstream stu- dent body in order to succeed, both aca- demically and socially. We strive for a deli- cate balance of broad knowledge (bekiut), while not foregoing depth of understanding (havanah)... Secondly, the traditional Sephardic concepts of middot tovot (good character traits), derech eretz, and proper kavod for parents and teachers are integral components of the Keter Torah philoso- phy.” The name of the Yeshiva embraces its philosophy. In Pirke Avot (4:13), Rabbi Shimon said: “There are three crowns. The crown of Torah (representing knowledge), the crown of priesthood (representing fear of Heaven), and the crown of kingship (rep- resenting good character traits). But the crown of a good name excels them all.” Each of these aspects is being addressed as each student receives extra help in the area most challenging to him. Keter Torah employs effective programs to motivate the young boys in each of these areas. Each week, three students from each grade, each exemplifying one of the “crowns” are chosen as students of the week. One wall in the school is plastered with pictures of the boys, adorned with wide grins, proud of the honor they’ve been awarded. Emphasis on all three crowns gives each boy the opportunity to strive for something within his reach. As part of the award, “Ketarim cards” acknowledging the acheivement are given out, and coveted by students more than baseball cards ever could have been. The boys are also encouraged to review what they’ve learned on Shabbat, holidays, and summer break. These extra efforts lead to retention—and another grin- ning boy with his name on the bulletin board. There are many memorable scenes and sounds in the halls of Keter Torah. In the mornings, a chorus of sweet tefilah, with taamim of Tehillim, spills out of each of the classrooms. A few moments later it’s silent; peak through the windows and you’ll see the boys concentrating intently on their Amidah. The Torah learning then com- mences, under the guidance of a stellar fac- ulty of Sephardic Rabbis, Rabbi Meyer Safdieh, Rabbi Sion Ozeri, Rabbi Yechezkel Menache, and Rabbi David Dabbah. During recess, while the class is at play, the Rabbis sit at their desks, patiently reviewing the lesson with the children who have questions or want extra help. “Our goal is to create a generation of proud Sephardic Jews who will create Kiddush Hashem,” continues Rabbi Dabbah. Yeshivat Keter Torah is evidently destined for unprecedented success in the education world. The proof is in the results, which are already discernible in each of the children. The small school will soon out- grow its current facility and has purchased four acres of property which will Bezrat Hashem eventually accommodate the new campus of Yeshivat Keter Torah. For next year, a kindergarten and 4th grade are to be part of the scene. As the boys grow, we hope to continue through highschool. Join in the excitement and become part of the school with vision. For more infor- mation about the school, registration, to visit or to make a contribution, or dedica- tion to our building campaign, call Rabbi Mordechai Dabbah at (732) 961-9731 Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual spon- sorship of the children’s learning is also available. IYAR 5763 MAY 2003 59 s ” xc