A school on a mission
We are committed to giving your daughter a well-rounded Torah and secular education, placing her in the least restrictive environment, honoring her accommodations, and building her learning skills through her strongest modality.
Ichud in Real Time
1999
Pipe dream or new mega team?
It’s the turn of the century and a turn for the better for struggling students. Parents begin making the connection between children with poor school performance and children spiritually at risk. With their hearts in their mouths, they approach Rabbanim and askanim to plead for a program that would address their children’s learning needs, but would still allow for social inclusion and yeshiva education.
2000
Marshalling the troops
Answering the call of the k’lal, Ichud Mosdos Hachinuch forms. With the legendary Novominsker Rebbe zt”l and Rabbi Aharon Shechter, yb”lct at the helm, principals of mainstream Brooklyn schools commit to hosting parallel classes for students with learning and language disabilities. The first boys’ class opens in Tiferes Yisrael with seven boys, under Rabbi Yehuda Jacobson.
2001
Girls Elementary division opens
After the success of the boys’ division, the community clamors for more. Prospect Park Yeshiva’s Rabbi Kelman, one of Ichud’s most ardent supporters, welcomes eight first graders to his school’s hall and heart.
2002
Ichud H.S. is in the house!
To resounding applause, Machon opens its doors to the first ninth-grade Ichud class.
2002-2014
Educating and accelerating
In the ensuing years, Ichud opens class after class in Bais Yaakov of Boro Park, BYA, Bais Yaakov of 18th Avenue, Lev Bais Yaakov, Masores, and YOB. Hundreds of students graduate or return to mainstream feeling supported and successful.
2013
The non-Regent track
Ichud’s reputation precedes itself and Bais Yaakov D’Gur reaches out to Ichud high school to help service their students. As a result, a new high school branch opens, the non-Regent track.
2017
ABA class opens
The growing awareness of students with ASD propels Ichud girls elementary to open a class geared to students with social skills deficiencies. Under the direction of master BCBAs, this class makes its mark at Bais Yaakov of Boro Park.
2018
Chassidishe elementary girls division opens
In response to the demand, Ichud elementary partners with Bais Sura to service Yiddish-speaking students, reassuring parents that their children with learning disabilities won’t have to compromise on mesorah and havarah.
PRESENT
Ichud Mosdos Hachinuch Girls division now operates 16 self-contained classrooms within mainstream Bais Yaakovs, employing master mechanchos and teachers, 20+ assistants, and 15 therapists. Since its inception, Ichud has educated more than 500 children.
Hear from the host schools
“Ichud never ceases to amaze me with the incredible work they do to empower each student.”
Mrs. Zlata Press, Principal of Bnos Leah of Prospect Park Yeshiva H.S.
“When we have a student struggling in the mainstream class, Ichud is the first one I turn to. They educate brilliantly and efficiently, and the girls thrive there. It’s a win-win situation, and we are very grateful to have Ichud in our school.”
Rabbi Menachem Frank, Dean of Bais Yaakov of Boro Park
“Ichud students who join our classes are BYHS students, learning the same material and graduating with the same diplomas.”
Mrs. Abramowitz, Principal, Bais Yaakov High School
“The students we share are fully integrated in many classes, as well as all our extracurricular activities.”
Mrs. Leah Lederman, Principal, Bais Yaakov D’Gur
“It’s a z’chus for us to be the first chassidishe school to host an Ichud class. Parents don’t have to compromise on hashkafa, havurah, or chassidishe varmkeit. We have three first grades, two are mainstream, and one is Ichud — but for the girls, we have three first grades. Assemblies, performances, trips, and recess are spent together. They share, they mingle, it’s one happy family.”
Mrs. Melber,
Principal, Bais Sura
“I view my service with Ichud as one of the best things I’ve done for Klal Yisroel.”
Rabbi Leib Kelman, Menahel of Bnos Leah Prospect Park Yeshiva
Leadership
Call us fanciful,
but we know our students
are destined for greatness.
Call us whatever you’d like,
but our belief shapes reality.
Her reality.
Rabbi Yaakov
Mandel
Founding Menahel
Director of Development
Rabbi Mandel’s forty years of chinuch-rich experience, deep spiritual fortitude, and devotion to the needs of the k’lal are the cornerstones of Ichud’s existence. Unique for a leader, Rabbi Mandel’s far-reaching vision and efforts on Ichud’s behalf don’t end at the podium. Never shying of the front lines, he continuously devotes his energies to widening Ichud’s reach and securing its financial stability. The people’s liaison, Rabbi Mandel is a master at connecting parents, alumni, and donors to Ichud’s mission, creating waves of impact throughout.
Rabbi Moshe
Twerski
Executive Director
Pioneering a program takes no small amount of greatness, goodness, and guts. An exemplar of integrity and humility, Rabbi Twerski has shepherded the program through many a trial and triumph. A guru of the special education system, he persistently applies his knowledge and know-how to advocate for the students’ needs. His vision, clarity, and generosity of spirit drive some of Ichud’s greatest accomplishments to date, and the program is fortunate to have him at the helm.
Mrs. Libby Krausz, M.Sp.Ed
Principal, Girls Elementary
A master mechaneches and a frontrunner in the field of special education, Mrs. Krausz was elected to build Ichud’s program from the ground up. Her warmth, wisdom, and wealth of experience have inspired hundreds of talmidos to believe in their greatness, connect to Hashem, and aspire for more. Coordinating classrooms and cultivating relationships with Bais Yaakovs across Brooklyn is no mean feat, but Mrs. Krausz’s quiet dignity, calm persistence, and strength of mind command admiration and respect from everyone, everywhere.
Mrs. Malky Bergstein, M.Sp.Ed, SBL, SDL, MPS, Behavior Analyst
Director, Girls High School
They say no one does what Ichud high school does — because no one has a leader like we do. More than an educator, more than a trailblazer, Mrs. Bergstein is the powerhouse of Ichud, infusing the program with tireless energy and innovation. A progressive and professional program thrives under her watch, and her students enjoy support and resources that are the last word in special education. Her ability to recognize potential, envision success, and empower her girls, is arguably the greatest of her strengths.
Mrs. Matti Rubinfeld, M.Sp.Ed
Program Director, Girls Elementary
Crisis-control commander par excellence, Mrs. Rubinfeld provides level-headed leadership at its best. With diplomatic aplomb, she untangles issues skillfully, leaving all parties content and awed by her grace and equanimity. Students, staff, and parents alike appreciate her candid approach and clarity of thought. Her behavior modification techniques, innovative systems, and open communication contribute to Ichud’s seamless day-to-day operation, with outstanding results.
Meet the dream team that doesn’t stop dreaming.
“If you desire to make a difference in the world,
you must be different from the world.”
Ready to do different?
We’re looking for talent to join our team.
And dedication. And passion for teaching.
If any of these are your middle name,
send your resume to
highschool@ichudmosdos.org
or lleser@ichudmosdos.org
At Ichud we applaud differences.
