With three more schools opening this Fall, and increasing registration in its 13 existing schools, the Netzach Educational Network is expanding year on year. 300 teachers gathered at the Vert Hotel in Jerusalem on August 4, 2024, for a day of inspiration and brainstorming.
The gala event was opened with the recitation of Tehillim for the success of the war and for its victims, led by Rabbi Akiva Homnick, Rosh Yeshiva of the new Chayei Olam Yeshiva High School in Beit Shemesh. Greetings were presented by Prof. Yonatan Halevy, President of Shaarei Tzedek Hospital, who chairs the Netzach Network Board of Directors and has led the development of Netzach’s successful medical training programs. Today, there are 311 women training to be nurses in the Ofek Seminary in Jerusalem, and 10 potential medical students in the Netzach Medical Mechina program.
The next speaker, Shay Calderon, director of the Charedi division of Israel’s Ministry of Education, is a keen supporter of the Netzach Educational Network. He called on the teachers to help spread the word about Netzach’s successful model, because there are not enough educators to meet the increasing demand that the Charedi state education sector is experiencing. Proof of this demand was presented by Eshkolot director Tamar Feingelt, who reported that Netzach’s online learning program currently has over 40,000 Charedi students enrolled in studying STEM subjects (science, technology, English and mathematics).
Guest of honor, Moshe Lion, Mayor of Jerusalem, also recognized the groundbreaking work of the Network. He said “Netzach’s mission extends beyond the boundaries of the classroom. You are training Bnei Torah for whom Torah combined with Derech Eretz (ethical values) is a way of life. You are teaching not only knowledge but virtues and a love of Israel, and fueling beacons of commitment to Torah and kindness. You are creating future leaders who will brilliantly carry the torch of our heritage. Netzach’s cooperation with the Municipality of Jerusalem enables more students to enjoy a quality education. By looking to the future, we are building a better Jewish and Israeli society.”
Netzach CEO Menachem Bombach invited each Netzach School Principal to share inspiring stories of the impact that they are having on individual students in their schools. He reminded every educator to always look beyond the numbers of students enrolled, and to recognize that every individual presents their own unique challenges and requires personal attention.
On a similar theme, two leading Rabbis from the Charedi Litvish and Chassidic communities in Israel answered questions submitted anonymously by Netzach teachers, advising on the challenges that arise where modern trends conflict with ultra-Orthodox rules. They suggested ways to deal with issues like modesty, meaningful prayer, and the use of smartphones, in accordance with Charedi values.
The afternoon was dedicated to break-out sessions for the staff of each school to work together on their goals and priorities for the coming academic year. They will be implementing the Network’s new program of Social Emotional Learning, which they were trained in over the past year, and also using the new Civics curriculum that addresses the most topical issues facing Charedi society in Israel.
Attending the annual teachers’ conference for the first time were the Principals and Roshei Yeshiva of two new high schools in Holon and Bnei Brak, that will open their doors in September 2024. They were palpably excited to be joining such a vibrant and supportive Network of educators who share their values and outlook.
Click here to watch a short video about the event.
The teachers were presented with a new magazine that has been created for distribution to parents of Netzach students, which demonstrates the breadth and success of its activities around Israel. The plan is to publish this Hebrew magazine four times a year. Contact us to request your copy.