At Jewish Educational Trade School (JETS), Chaim is waking up early. As he learned in his class on “How to Be a Millionaire,” successful people get up early, set goals, and plan out their day accordingly. His schedule will include davening, learning Chassidus, working out in the school’s fitness center, and continuing on to his classes, where he’s studying for smicha as well as taking a course in real estate management.
Afterwards, he’ll head to Touro College, where’s he’s taking a business class that will complement his studies at JETS. In the evening, he’ll review his lessons from his Rabbinical classes with his chavrusa. He’ll fall asleep satisfied that he’s one day closer to a successful and fulfilling future.
Chaim’s yeshiva is unique, but its premise—combining learning with making a living—is as old as time.
One of the Rebbe’s first projects when he assumed leadership in 1951 was the establishment of a vocational youth village in Kfar Chabad, where students learned various trades, such as printing, metalwork, carpentry and agriculture. In a letter to the Hanhala of Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva in Israel dated the 20th of Kislev 5712, the Rebbe wrote:
“If there are young men who cannot learn in a yeshiva the whole day, for whatever reason, but they are willing to learn a few hours of Nigleh and Chassidus per day if they get a few hours of vocational studies, then it is very important to do so… This is possible by creating a dedicated institution for learning Torah, Nigleh and Chassidus, and also a trade. And surely such an institution will bring great benefit to young men.”
And JETS is doing just that.
JETS has designed a program that combines traditional yeshiva learning with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a living. “Our goal is simple: to empower Jewish youth to succeed in accordance with their G-d-given talents, while instilling in them a love for Yiddishkeit and Chassidishkeit that will remain throughout their lives,” says Rabbi Mayer Schmukler, founder and director of JETS. “Through a well-balanced program of Judaic studies, vocational training, and recreational activities, we give our students the tools with which to lead productive and fulfilling lives.”
Instead of trying to mold boys to fit into the system, JETS has created an educational program that is customized for each student. The school helps students find the niche that they excel in, and then gives them the tools to succeed in that area. Says Rabbi Schmukler: “Today’s youth often question the status quo and push back against authority. But at JETS, each student is appreciated for his unique capabilities, talents and interests. Through love and acceptance, JETS meets students where they are at, and then helps them become the best version of themselves.”
To that end, JETS has developed a mentorship program that pairs students with successful mentors in fields such as business, finance, architecture and real estate. These relationships extend beyond the time of graduation, often paving the way to future job opportunities. JETS also invites world-class business people and entrepreneurs to lecture at the school and work with the boys to develop their skill set. To fully customize the program for each student, JETS works in partnership with local schools and organizations to offer additional classes that maximize students’ success. JETS is proud of the fact that many of their students go on to find lucrative positions in their fields, allowing them to support their families with dignity and become the benefactors in their communities.
JETS is more than just a yeshiva. It is the continuation of the Rebbe’s vision in Los Angeles. It is an opportunity for today’s youth to use their G-d-given talents to achieve success and give back to their communities.
For Chaim, this means that as a real estate professional, he’ll work for the betterment of others. He plans on one day returning to JETS as a mentor to guide future students so they too can make a difference in the world.
To learn more about JETS’ educational model of Torah and Avodah, and the unique way this yeshiva is continuing the Rebbe’s vision, visit their website at www.jetsyeshiva.org.
