I write this letter with a deep sense of responsibility concerning the difficult decision which the yeshiva is forced to make. With a heavy heart I must announce that the yeshiva will not be opening its doors this coming school year. This decision was reached after much deliberation, discussion, and advice from experts in the field. We presently find ourselves in a severe economic crisis, and with a small registration, which does not allow us to continue our important work that has been a beacon of light in the field of chinuch habanim for the past twenty-one years.
Hopefully you will understand that the decision not to open the yeshiva is a painful one and was only made after careful consideration of all possible options. The yeshiva held major discussions with both supporters and staff members about reorganization, but unfortunately we were not successful in a reorganization plan. All of our efforts were discussed with gedolei Torah, who advised us that under the circumstances we should not open up this year.
The true meaning and impact of Ner Yaakov's work will continue forever within the hearts and minds of our talmidim and their families, who received the best that the yeshiva had to offer. Ner Yaakov’s accomplishments are everlasting and a true testimony to the wonderful Rabbeim who selflessly dedicated themselves solely for the benefit of our talmidim. All of those who have supported us in our holy work should recognize that this Torah institution has waged a milchama for the sake of heaven, and has been successful in its task. Your support will always be a zechus in the lofty plains of Shamayim for you and your families.
At this difficult time, I implore you to understand the need to continue to support our institution, which has incurred debts primarily to the yeshiva’s Rabbeim and staff, to whom we must all feel a tremendous responsibility. We must now work together to create an economically sound plan over the next few months for meeting this challenge. We will be in contact with you as we formulate this important campaign to give the staff and Rabbeim what they truly deserve. Some of our Rabbeim have been successful in finding jobs for the coming year, but the majority have not. They all need your support at this difficult time.
The Ner Yaakov Kollel will continue to function fully under the leadership of Rabbi Aharon Sklar shlit”a. Be”h I personally will be learning in the Kollel Elul Zman and will be researching the prospects for reopening the doors of the yeshiva in the future.
Please feel free to contact me on this matter and any other that you feel you would like to discuss concerning the yeshiva.
May these days of bein hamezarim turn to joyous ones, and may we merit to see the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash bimheira b'yamienu, Amen.
