Released Time Program Reaches New Heights

The NCFJE Released Time program is off to a most remarkable start, welcoming 150 new students—a surge that speaks to the passion and dedication of its staff and instructors.

Every Wednesday, more than two hundred 770 yeshiva students pause their own learning and close their Gemarahs. Why? To travel to over 80 public schools across New York and provide Yiddishkeit to Jewish public-school students. The children learn to recite Shema Yisrael, make brachos, say the 12 pesukim, and engage with Torah lessons in an enjoyable and impactful way. As a result of these classes, children and their families deepen their connection to Judaisim in remarkable ways.

The most notable accomplishment came over the summer months, when more than 60 children transferred from public schools to yeshivas, inspired by the program’s investment and support for families. Rabbi Sadya Engel, director of yeshivah transfers, remarked, “It is heartwarming to see so many families making the choice to invest in their children’s Jewish education. Released Time creates the inspiration, but ultimately it’s up to the parents.”

Rabbi Shimon Hecht, representing the NCFJE Executive Committee, praised the strong start, saying, “The start to this year’s Released Time program has been nothing short of extraordinary. We are thrilled to see the hard work of the dedicated staff and instructors are accomplishing such amazing results.”

During the month of Tishrei, when Yom Tov fell on multiple Wednesdays, Released Time heeded the extraordinary call by assembling a group of 140 instructors who walked on foot—covering more than five miles each way, to reach each of the public schools, personally escorting children on foot to the Jewish Hour programs.

Children were totally surprised to see their rabbis walk on foot and share with them the joy and meaning of the Yom Tov. This monumental achievement was spearheaded by Rabbi Yehoshua Shneur, assistant director of Released Time, whose leadership ensured a seamless and impactful outreach effort.

In a significant development, Released Time has also revived a collaboration dating back to the early 1940s by expanding its instructor team to now include women educators. In partnership with the Beis Rivkah Seminary in Crown Heights, Rabbi Yanky Hecht coordinates this new division of the program, establishing a system in which seminary students teach Bat Mitzvah–age girls across three public schools. The partnership has already been met with enthusiasm and early success, further strengthening the program’s reach and impact.

Enrollment continues to grow at a remarkable pace, with over ten new students joining each week. With such momentum and the continued dedication, Released Time is on track to achieve its most successful year in recent memory. As Rabbi Shimon Hecht noted, “With the help of Hashem and the Rebbe’s Brachos, this year promises to be a milestone in the history of Released Time.”

Currently, over 700 students are enrolled weekly, with programs operating in more than 80 public schools. The program is the crown jewel of the NCFJE, whose mission is to advance and spread Jewish education.

The efforts and accomplishments of Released Time stands as a zechus for its programs chairman, Harav Sholem Dovber ben Chava, who continues to recover from illness.