JETS Yeshiva, which combines a stellar yeshiva education and Smicha program with real-world skills, was founded in Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago with the mission of changing lives, changing education, and teaching young men to love themselves and their community.
Now in its 18th year, the Yeshiva is seeing tremendous growth in demand for its offerings and is welcoming world-renowned educators to its Judaic Department team.
Rabbi Mendel Zirkind, one of the most exciting and profound voices in the Gemara world, has been appointed the new Head of JETS Smicha Program. This year, Rabbi Zirkind will introduce a post-smicha class for those who have finished Smicha and are looking to advance their knowledge of Torah and halacha.
“We’re training our Smicha students to think in ways they were not used to before, to question and find meaning and answers in everything. Our Smicha students feel like their brains are being re-activated to new levels of learning – and although demanding, the students finish with a feeling of tremendous success.”, says Rabbi Zirkind.
Recent graduates of the JETS Smicha program are praising the program: “Smicha at JETS exceeded my expectations; it’s a full Seder of learning in a great atmosphere. It’s a bit intense, highly-enjoyable, and 100% worth the effort.”, says Shaya Sperlin, JETS Shliach, and recent Smicha program graduate.
Rabbi Mendy Mentz, who has studied and taught young bochurim in various parts of the world, including France, Australia, and Israel, and currently holds a position as shliach to Chabad of West Bel Air, will teach three fascinating classes, including Jewish and Chassidic Philosophy on controversial world matters, Sichos skills, and Advanced Sichos.
Rabbi Mendy Bistritzky, shliach to Saugus and the North S. Clarita Valley, will facilitate a deeper connection between bochurim and the Aibishter through an in-depth study of Chassidus and its day-to-day practical application.
Rabbi Shmuel Schneerson will teach a pre-smicha class, to give the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary in halacha, enabling the student to take their understanding of halacha to the next level. Rabbi Schneerson is a highly accomplished educator and holds an M.A. in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy and a certificate from the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy.
Rabbi Moshe Bitton teaches a highly popular class on how to combine Torah and science, which allows for a deeper exploration of Torah. Rabbi Biton’s ‘Mind and Heart’ approach enables students to connect to their true selves. Additionally, Rabbi Biton is a professional musician and music teacher who coaches students to bring out their hidden musical talents.
Rabbi Mordechai Seewald, a seasoned JETS teacher of over 12 years, has started a beginner’s Gemara class where the students get a feeling for the depth of the Gemara. Rabbi Seewald also teaches an interpersonal connection class where he created a safe environment where students feel secure to open up and discuss sensitive feelings.
“The Zohar teaches that there is depth within depth, there is the revealed and the hidden, and within the hidden is concealed yet deeper purpose. Our purpose is more profound than we think,” says Rabbi Mayer Schmukler, founder and director of JETS. “At JETS, we help young men find their path by balancing nurture and structure and becoming the best version of themselves.”
This past year has seen unprecedented growth at JETS, with the student body size continuing to grow exponentially. Their celebrated business division, JETS Trade School, offers students extensive courses in Coding and Software Development, Accounting, Real Estate and Mortgage Banking, Digital Marketing, and more. In addition to advanced coursework, JETS Trade School offers negotiation training, portfolio-building projects, and personal branding advice from a dedicated outcomes team. Upon graduation, JETS offers access to its workplace opportunities network, connecting graduates with firms to jumpstart their careers.
Rabbi Mendy Seewald, JETS Judaic Principal says: “Our objective first and foremost is the mental and spiritual health of our students. With an enthusiasm for connecting with each student on a personal level, our individualized approach assures for success. Our shluchim are dedicated to creating a home away from home feeling, with encouragement on personal counselor and security”.
“Young men from all over the country and all over the world – Europe, Canada, South America, Australia, Israel, and more – come to our yeshiva to learn how to be a mensch,” says Rabbi Naftali Smith, JETS Principal. “Our graduates emerge as hustlers; they are gritty and not afraid of a hostile world. They strive to improve their life one step at a time and have the skills and the confidence to reach their goals.”
JETS has announced that five partial tuition subsidy scholarships are available to students from financially-strapped families so that all students, regardless of their economic status, have the opportunity to succeed. Learn more about JETS and apply today by visiting their website at: https://www.jetsyeshiva.org
Soo proud of our dear yissachor tzvi of who he became carrying out the rebbes shlichus!