The Toledano Institute: A New Era of Education and Opportunity for the Queens Community

The Queens community is on the cusp of an exciting new chapter in education with the launch of the Toledano Institute’s inaugural month of classes at its Fresh Meadows location. What’s truly thrilling is that this isn’t just the start of something new—it’s the continuation of a tried-and-true journey of success that has already transformed the lives of thousands of young men and women in other communities. Now, that same life-changing opportunity has arrived right here, offering young men a pathway to earn college credits and, ultimately, degrees in fields ranging from law and accounting to dental and nursing—all within a span of just 11 to 15 months.

For those hearing about this for the first time, it may sound too good to be true. But the reality is that the Toledano Institute is piggybacking on the remarkable success of similar programs that have paved the way for young men to launch successful careers, all while being anchored in a strong Jewish environment. The institute is designed to provide students not only with academic achievement but with a sense of belonging, purpose, and personal growth in a Torah-centered atmosphere.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Toledano Institute is its partnership with the College of Mount Saint Vincent, an accredited college that provides the academic foundation for students to receive legitimate, recognized degrees in their chosen fields. This partnership ensures that students are not only receiving top-quality Torah learning but are also on a solid path toward successful careers in a variety of fields. Whether your goal is to become a lawyer, accountant, dental professional, or nurse, the Toledano Institute and its collaboration with the College of Mount Saint Vincent make those dreams achievable in record time.

The institute welcomes students from all backgrounds, attracting a diverse group of individuals seeking to benefit from its unique blend of Torah and academic excellence. The warm and inclusive environment helps everyone feel a sense of belonging, no matter their personal or educational background.

What makes the Toledano Institute stand out is its unique blend of academic and spiritual support. Under the guidance of its esteemed faculty, including Rabbis Matan Shaltiel and Meir Fink—both known for their compassionate and nurturing approach to Torah Judaism—the institute creates an environment where students thrive. The focus isn’t just on earning credits toward a degree, but on cultivating a meaningful, Torah-driven experience that empowers students to grow spiritually and personally. Rabbi Fink and Rabbi Shaltiel have dedicated their lives to helping young men not only succeed academically but also find deeper purpose in their Jewish identity.

At the helm of this groundbreaking initiative is Rabbi Ari Hertz, LMSW, founder and dean of the Toledano Institute. With his heartfelt passion and dedication, Rabbi Hertz has a bold mission: to make higher education more accessible for young men coming out of high school, while also providing the essential Torah environment that will serve as a foundation for life. "For a few years, I’ve been desperately trying to figure out how to help students achieve their dreams of higher education while avoiding the prohibitive costs and time associated with going to college,” Rabbi Hertz shared. “Being able to provide that through a Torah environment is really a gift from Hashem."

This initiative is about more than just earning a degree—it’s about starting life from a place of strength, rather than the stress and anxiety that so often accompany the pursuit of higher education. The Toledano Institute is designed to equip its students with the tools they need to succeed not only in their chosen careers but in life as well, with the solid foundation of Torah values guiding them every step of the way.

The Toledano Institute isn’t alone in this effort. In fact, TBY, run by Rabbi Greenberg and Mrs. Shaindel Simes, has been helping many girls in the Queens community in a similar fashion, providing them with the support and resources to succeed both academically and spiritually. The success of TBY is a testament to the power of combining education with a nurturing Jewish environment, and the Toledano Institute aims to extend that same opportunity to young men.

As the stresses of modern life and its expectations continue to increase, the Toledano Institute offers a beacon of hope and a supportive community where young men can begin their journey on the right foot. With the winter semester starting in January, this is a golden opportunity for anyone in the Queens community seeking an alternative to traditional college education—one that’s deeply rooted in Torah values and designed for success.

The journey is just beginning. For more information about the Toledano Institute and how to join this exciting new path, contact Rabbi Ari Hertz at (786) 413-4859. Don’t miss out on being a part of something truly transformative!