An Interview With Rabbi Mordechai Fishman, Principal of Be’er Hagolah

Last month we interviewed Rabbi Mordechai German, Dean of Be’er Hagolah. We were very impressed with his passion for Be’er Hagolah’s mission in providing Jewish education for Jewish children without compromising on secular education. We are hearing a great deal of positive feedback from the community.

In an effort to explore more about the education Be’er Hagolah has to offer, we felt the community would gain hearing from Rabbi Mordechai Fishman, Principal at Be’er Hagolah.

BJL:                How long have you been at Beer Hagolah?

RF:   I joined Be’er Hagolah four and a half years ago.

Rabbi Fishman has a Masters in Educational Leadership with a Graduate Certificate in Rabbinical Counseling. Prior to his current post, Rabbi Fishman has taught and served as a school administrator for 13 years.

 

BJL:                How would you compare the education at Be’er Hagolah to the education one would receive in public school?

RF:   When your goal is to educate the whole child, Be’er Hagolah is far more superior! Particularly when we are referring to a Jewish child.  Many parents, in their quest to give their children the opportunity to succeed in life, tend to focus on academics alone.  What they don’t realize is that although academics is a very strong and important component in a child’s ability to be successful, there is so much more that needs to be developed to ensure success.

Be’er Hagolah provides an excellent secular academic program that enables our students to move on to higher education.  We are a state accredited school; we meet the same New York State Common Core Curriculum that public schools follow. Yet, for a student to really succeed, they need to receive a well-rounded education that includes healthy and moral social interactions, among other things. Furthermore, a Jewish student needs a Jewish education that will instill in them an awareness and sense of Jewish identity.

It is a very big risk for a parent to give up on a Jewish education so that they can provide the extra nuances that one might find in a public school education. With the rate of drug use and intermarriage growing, among other immoral behaviors, it is especially vital that every Jewish child be in a yeshiva.

 

BJL:                What do you look for in a potential student?

RF:   The ideal BHI student is someone who seeks to enrich his Jewish studies and becomes more aware of his identity, while still maintaining the highest standards in his general education. We welcome applications from students in any grade Per-K-12, and are happy to discuss your child’s potential and future here at BHI.

The attitude that is prevalent in public school students are the antitheses of what parents want for their children. Experience has shown that students entering Be’er Hagolah in the younger grades have an easier time gravitating to the value system Be’er Hagolah instills in their students, which incorporates discipline and respect for their parents. However, we are willing to accept any student if we can service them, providing parents and student are prepared to accept the morals and ethics that Be’er Hagolah has to offer.

Be’er Hagolah provides transitional support for students who are entering a Jewish school for the first time, including but not limited to Hebrew reading assistance.

 

BJL:                How have you impacted the education at Be’er Hagolah?

RF:   During my time at Be’er Hagolah, we have put a stronger emphasis on individualizing education for specific tracks, specifically in ELA and math. This allows for stronger students to have access to additional Regents and extra-curricular courses, while still providing weaker students a well-rounded education.

We’ve established curriculums that will fortify basic Jewish knowledge, via programs such as the upper grades Jewish Trivia contest and the lower grade Yediot Klalyot program.

Our students can also fast-track their education with the ability to take up to 30 college credits via our CLEP program.

CLEP exams are offered onsite as BHI is now a certified limited CLEP Exam Center, open to BHI students and alumni.

 

BJL:                What are some extra-curricular activities that happen at BHI?

RF:   At Be’er Hagolah, we like to infuse enthusiasm into education, and do so with a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

• A monthly Rosh Chodesh and Yom Tov program for the lower elementary which showcases the highlights of the upcoming Jewish month or holiday. Best of the Month awards are also presented during the event. This year our overall theme is Kibbud Av V’Em, respecting our parents. Each of the projects that are done during these events connect the Chodesh or Yom Tov to different ways we respect our elders.
• The BHI Junior and Varsity basketball teams are part of a league, having regular games throughout the season.
• The Chess Club is open to all students and concludes with a school-wide tournament.
• Many weekends and trips are provided throughout the year, boosting student morale and adding a sense of unity.

This past year, the BHI boys dept. had a Weekend Retreat in the Catskills where participating students joined sports competitions, connected with Rebbeim and BHI staff, and were infused with Shabbat spirit. It was tagged “Bringing Home the Inspiration” and the students truly received an uplifted sense of unity and connection.

 

BJL:                How do you assist students with transitioning out of high school?

RF:   We meet with every student to discuss their aspirations and goals, and formulate an action plan that will dictate to them the steps required to reach said goals. Students are encouraged to explore all options, including local colleges, Israel options, and other alternatives. We walk them through both the application and the financial aid process. Students are guided so that each step is smooth and seamless.

Following this process and once they are set up in their school/program of choice, BHI staff keeps in touch with alumni to assure that they continue along the decided path.

 

BJL:                What would you consider to be a successful Be’er Hagolah graduate?

RF:   Our biggest pride and joy is when we see students that are going on in life with their career goals intact without feeling that their connection and identity to living like a Jew is contradictory.

 

BJL:                How do you rate the success of your graduates?

RF:     Amazing. I am actually traveling to Israel next week, during BHI’s mid-winter break, to visit those students who chose to spend a year in Israel before pursuing their career choices. The product speaks for itself.  BHI students are known worldwide. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Be’er Hagolah students have gone on to lead successful lives as nurses, pharmacists, doctors, lawyers, accountants, therapists, educators, and more.  I think that alone says it all.