The first day of school is known to bring a sense of new beginnings as the dawn of a new year promises to be the onset of a special time that will continue molding the future of Klal Yisroel.

For one Cheder in Lakewood, however, last week’s launch of the new school year was far more than that. As students and faculty at Yeshivas Toras Yisroel arrived on Wednesday morning, there was a feeling in the air that a special moment in Lakewood’s glorious history was being witnessed.

Toras Yisroel’s launch was unique in more ways than one. This is an institution whose core founding mission was as pure as it was ambitious. A group of dedicated Baalei Batim had seen the crucial need for a Talmud Torah that would cater to the needs of the area’s growing Chasidish and Heimish communities. The idea was conceived to found a school that would accommodate these parents who wish to raise their kids in the Torah’dig atmosphere of Lakewood while adhering to their Chasidish roots.

To that end, a board was formed and a distinguished Vaad Hachinuch was established so that this vision can be bought to fruition in a successful manner. The Lakewood Gedolim were consulted and their warm support for this mission was a boost to the Askanim involved. The culmination of the many months of arduous work was felt by every attendee as students starting filing in to the accommodating school building and what was once a dream was now a beautiful reality playing out in real life.

What was equally as impressive was the commitment shown by the devoted board members who carried the burden of making this moment a reality. While it is very seldom that a new Talmud Torah should be founded with the announcement of all grades being opened in the first year, Toras Yisroel did not hesitate to start with grades from Kindergarten through 9th grade. Despite the financial and logistical tolls of such a decision, the board would not be denied in its implementation because when it comes to Chinuch Habanim, failure is not an option.

This week Monday, the second day of Slichos, a beautiful Kvuas Mezuzah ceremony took place at the school building where leading Lakewood Rabbanim participated and shared their support for the initiative undertaken by the tireless Askanim. With a L’chaim and a Bracha, they all expressed their warmest wishes that this Talmud Torah should be blessed with Hatzlacha in its lofty endeavor.

As the bell rung and the sweet sounds of Torah and Tefillah started echoing in the hallways, it was clear to all that the Ihr Hatorah of Lakewood is adding an exciting new chapter to its illustrious history as the leading Torah city of our times.

Photos by JDN