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HistoryThe Adolph H. Schreiber Hebrew Academy of Rockland (ASHAR) is proud to look back on over 50 years of history and service to the children of the greater Monsey community. From its inception in the autumn of 1954, the school has maintained its place as one of the leading yeshiva day schools in the tri-state area. First housed in Monsey's Community Synagogue on Cloverdale Lane, the school was originally called the Hebrew Institute of Rockland County (HIRC). Although other day schools and yeshivot existed, it was this need to incorporate Ahavat Yisrael into their children's education that inspired a handful of parents to establish a school that provided a religious Zionistic environment mixed with a strong general studies curriculum.
This upstart school filled a unique niche in the Monsey community. Beginning with just two classrooms and 26 students, HIRC attracted families who wanted to have their children become as well versed in math and science as in Torah, Hebrew Language and Jewish history. Songs, plays, yom tov celebrations and chesed projects enriched the curriculum, many of which were taught and organized by the parents themselves.
In 1956, Rabbi Irving Levy, the first Chairman of the Board of Education, encouraged Rabbi Nachum Muschel to join the Monsey community and HIRC. Over the course of more than four decades, Rabbi Muschel led the school through tremendous growth and success. During his tenure as Principal and later Dean, Rabbi Muschel created a groundbreaking Jewish Studies curriculum that continues to anchor our limudei kodesh program and remain a model for numerous other institutions. In his current position of Dean Emeritus, Rabbi Muschel's daily presence and devoted guidance serve as a constant source of inspiration.
Over time, HIRC grew both in physical size and enrollment. In 1964, HIRC moved to its current location on Highview Road in Monsey. In 1975, HIRC was renamed the Adolph H. Schreiber Hebrew Academy of Rockland, in memory of one of the school's founders.
Nearly sixty years later, ASHAR's mission continues. Adjustments to new communal realities are balanced and fused with steadfast devotion to our core goal: producing young men and women prepared not only for higher education, but to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world as true yirei shamayim, lifelong learners, and, above all, mekadshei shem shamayim. Come visit us, and see why the name ASHAR remains synonymous with superior Jewish and general studies, refined middot, love of Israel, and an all-encompassing commitment to chesed.
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