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Epstein Hebrew Academy

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Religious affiliation(s)
  
Orthodox Judaism

Principal
  
Rabbi Yakov Green

Area
  
6 acres

Number of students
  
140 (2012)

Faculty
  
35

Established
  
1943 (1943)

Enrollment
  
140 (2012)

Phone
  
+1 314-994-7856

Founded
  
1943

Epstein Hebrew Academy

Campus
  
Israel and Yetra Goldberg Educational Campus

Address
  
1138 N Warson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63132, USA

Accreditation
  
National Association of Independent Schools

Similar
  
Ronald S Beasley, John Burroughs School, Block Yeshiva High Sch, Logos School, Saul Mirowitz Jewish C

Profiles

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H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy is a Jewish day school in Olivette, Missouri. It was established in 1943 and was the first Jewish day school in St. Louis. The school is named for the first chief rabbi of the Orthodox Jewish community of St. Louis, Rabbi Hayim Fischel Epstein (1874–1942). It has been given the nickname EHA, an abbreviation of its full name.

Contents

The school is housed on the six-acre Israel and Yetra Goldberg Educational Campus and includes classrooms, two playgrounds, a gymnasium, cafeteria, library and Beit Midrash. The school building also houses Yeshivat Kadimah High School.

History

The H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy, established in 1943, was the first Jewish day school in St. Louis. The school is named for the first chief rabbi of the Orthodox Jewish community of St. Louis, Rabbi Hayim Fischel Epstein (1874–1942).

Until the establishment of the school, Jewish education in St. Louis had been provided by a system of Talmudei Torah. These schools were administered by the "United Hebrew Schools" organization, later reorganized as the "Associated Hebrew Schools of St. Louis", under the leadership of Harry Yawitz. In 1922, there were four Orthodox Talmudei Torah in St. Louis providing for the Jewish educational needs of the community. By 1939, there were fourteen of these schools, located mostly on the premises of various synagogues. In 1943, Yawitz was one of the founders and supporters of the H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy, which consolidated the Talmudei Torah into the first Orthodox Jewish day school in St. Louis.

At first, the school did not have a dedicated school building. Classes were held in various locations including homes, synagogue classrooms and other school buildings. In 1960, the construction of the building in Olivette was completed and became the permanent location of the EHA.

Curriculum and activities

The school defines itself as a child-centered Orthodox Jewish day school, dedicated to educating Jewish children in Torah and general studies, developing love for Israel and the Jewish people, teaching critical thinking and reasoning, excelling in all the academic disciplines and instilling good character (middot) and values of caring for others (chesed).

The school is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and is associated with the Torah U’Mesorah (National Association of Hebrew Day Schools) network of schools and Yeshiva University’s Institute for University School Partnership.

The school is overseen by an elected Board of Directors. The parent organization, Friends of the Hebrew Academy raises funds and holds educational and other events for the school.

The school follows a dual curriculum of Judaic studies, including Hebrew language, and general studies. The general studies curriculum generally complies with the requirements of the Missouri Department of Education.

After-school activities that are offered include art, sports and drama.

Principals

Rabbi Yakov Green is the current head of the school. He has held this position since August 2014.

Former heads of school include:

  • Rabbi Avi Greene, Ed.D (2010 – 2014)
  • Rabbi Shmuel Kay (2005 – 2010)
  • Rabbi Joshua Einzig (1998 – 2005)
  • Rabbi David Leibtag (1990 – 1998)
  • Rabbi Dr. Joseph Rischall (1978 – 1990)
  • Rabbi Donald Patchen
  • Rabbi Chaim Hollander
  • Rabbi Abraham Kellner
  • References

    Epstein Hebrew Academy Wikipedia