Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael of Atlanta

Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael is the realization of a dream to provide an Atlanta option for high school boys who want the combination of both a classical yeshiva education and a college-preparatory program. At the time of our founding, families that desired this type of boys-only education were compelled to send their sons to yeshivos in other cities. A group of parents together with Rabbinic and community lay leaders met on a regular basis over a two-year period preceding the founding of the Yeshiva to plan and strategize how to create an institution that would best service the growing Atlanta Orthodox community. Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael began with a Kollel of young men in 2001 who studied with local eighth graders. Nine of those students became the first ninth grade class in the 2002-2003 school year. We subsequently added one grade per year to become a full four year high school, phasing out the Kollel program after three years. After a year as a full high school, we attained accreditation through the Georgia Accrediting Commission. In 2007, after four years of leasing space, we purchased our own facility to accommodate our growth. We presently have an enrollment of more than 40 students. Our students not only come from the Atlanta area, but we are also privileged to provide a warm nurturing style of education that brings in students from around the country and world. You can be a part of continuing our growth, fulfilling our mission, and upholding the vision.

The mission of Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael of Atlanta is to inspire and assist each student in his quest to:

• Nurture a personal relationship with Hashem
• Develop and refine his character
• Immerse himself in serious Torah scholarship
• Attain the knowledge and skills necessary to be an articulate and well-read citizen, prepared for higher education, and the professional careers that follow.

The story is told of Rabbi Yisroel Salanter (19th Century) who while visiting a small town in Europe saw an orphan roaming the streets instead of attending the local cheder (school). The townspeople explained that the town’s charity funds had run out and there was no money available to help the orphan. "You must then sell a Torah scroll in order to pay his tuition!” came the startling reply from Rav Salanter, emphasizing to us the high priority and communal responsibility for educating the future generation.

The importance of educating our children and preparing them to take their place in the future of the Jewish nation is often referred to as chinuch. In the Torah, the word chinuch describes the initial use of a vessel to consecrate it to the Tabernacle. As a borrowed expression, it refers to the initial education, training and consecration of young people for a higher purpose.

Creating a bequest or a planned endowment to Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael is an investment in the future; providing for the initial training, consecration, and education of those who will build and lead future generations. Help us to continue the dream of chinuch, fulfilling the vision that began in 2001. In doing so, we gain blessings for ourselves, our families, and our children. Mishlei (Proverbs) 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but one who keeps Torah is blessed.”

Our tradition teaches us that this world is like an entrance hall and the world to come is the palace. Here and now is where we perform G-d’s commandments and study His Torah and these deeds build our palace. Can we continue to receive merit and reward after we leave this world? There is one way. The Torah that is studied on our behalf by others can give us merit even after we are no longer able. By donating our tzedaka dollars to Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael we enable future generations to continue to study Torah on our behalf.

Your legacy will enrich the Jewish community for many years to come. Our legacy funds will provide a permanent source of income for the future needs of Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael. Students, like the orphan Rav Salanter was concerned for, who could not otherwise afford tuition, will have a source of support in your merit. Endowment funds will contribute to the financial stability that our institution needs. Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael offers the opportunity for a Torah education that will not only prepare each student to take his place in the Jewish community, but also provide the foundation to participate as a well-balanced citizen in greater society. Help us continue the dream.

Create a Jewish Legacy is an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta to build a strong, vibrant community, now and in the future with bequests for permanent endowments. It promotes the message that all of us, regardless of age, wealth, or affiliation, have the ability to make a difference for future Jewish generations. As the central umbrella organization for Jewish Atlanta, it makes sense for Federation to lead this program on behalf of the entire community.
Learn more about Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.