Since 1927, the Yeshivah of Flatbush has stood at the forefront of American Jewish education and has set the standard of excellence emulated by other academic institutions. It has imbued its students with a thirst for knowledge, a commitment to Torah and Zionism, a love of the Hebrew language and the dedication to serve the greater Jewish and secular communities. The school philosophy is a synthesis of Judaic studies, liberal arts and extracurricular activities that places great emphasis on the students' character development. It has evolved into a unique complement of Jewish and American values that focuses on all aspects of education and enables our graduates to meet the challenges of college and life. In the years to come, we look forward to continuing the traditions of excellence, innovation and leadership that have made us a world-renowned institution.
A Yeshivah of Flatbush education is the first essential step in a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, achievement, leadership and success. For 85 years, the Yeshivah has led the way to significant advances in Jewish education. From learning Ivrit b’Ivrit, to integrating Hessed into the curriculum, launching a post-high school year in Israel and introducing interdisciplinary and Advanced Placement courses, we are renowned for excellence and innovation. The school is a vibrant learning lab with a rich program of core curricular and extracurricular classes and activities focused on educating the complete child. Committed to a philosophy of Torah U’Maddah, the school has programs in all fields of study that enable students to build confidence while exploring and developing their interests, talents and passion for learning. Thousands of graduates are leaders in religion, the sciences, humanities, education, business, media, the arts, public service and academia.
Founded in 1927 by the visionary Dr. Joel Braverman, A”H, the Yeshivah was carried into the modern era by Rabbi Dr. David Eliach. We continue to pioneer the principles of modern Jewish education under the strong leadership of Rabbi Joseph Beyda in the Joel Braverman High School and Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi in the Elementary School. With our mandate of excellence in education, we look forward to sustaining an enduring impact on Jewish education for future generations.
1927 - The Yeshivah of Flatbush is born
1928 - YOF welcomes its first 22 students, four teachers, and two classes
1935 - The first Elementary School class graduates
1944 - New building campaign kicks off with hopes of opening a high school
1945 - Nearly 100 alumni fight in WWII
1948 - The State of Israel is created; plans are drawn for a five-story high school building
1950 - The High School welcomes 27 students
1952 - YOF celebrates its 25th anniversary
1953 - Principal Emeritus Rabbi Dr. David Eliach joins the High School staff
1954 - YOF graduates its first High School class
1965 - Enrollment tops 1500 students, and the Joel Braverman High School building opens its doors
1972 - YOF wins the Zalman Shazar Award, the world’s most prestigious Jewish education commendation
1976 - In October President Gerald Ford spoke at Yeshivah of Flatbush
1977 - YOF celebrates its 50th anniversary
1996 - Elementary School Capital Campaign launched
2001 - The Rose and Chaim Fraiman Building Chanukat Habayit
2002 - YOF celebrates its 75th anniversary
2003 - Atideinu 3 program begins
2005 - Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari named Head of Joel Braverman High School; Rabbi Lawrence Schwed named Head of Elementary School
2006 - Atideinu 2 program begins
2010 - High School renovation is kicked off with the dedication of the Stein Family Science Wing
2013 - YOF partners with Witness Theater for the first time, to artistically share Holocaust survivor stories with the community on Yom Hashoah
2013 - Khezrie Auditorium, Ben-Haim Auditorium Lobby and Laboz Lobby are completed
2014 - YOF swimming pool converted to the modern Laniado Auxiliary Gymnasium
2018 - Chanukat Habayit for the North Building