Home » History » HistoryThe Adolph H. Schreiber Hebrew Academy of Rockland (ASHAR) is proud to look back on 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 Avenue, the school was originally called the Hebrew Institute of Rockland County (HIRC). Although other day schools and yeshivot existed, none acknowledged the newly established State of Israel. It was this need to incorporate Ahavat Yisrael into their children's educations 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 devout 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 and Israeli history. Songs, plays, holiday 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, first a teacher, then principal and then dean, he created an Irvit b'Ivrit environment where Hebrew was spoken throughout the school. In addition, Rabbi Muschel created the Judaic studies curriculum that is still in use today. Rabbi Muschel currently serves as ASHAR's dean emeritus.
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.
Now called ASHAR, the school continues its appeal to young, observant families who sought to move to the northern suburbs. From just a few classrooms to a sprawling six-acre campus with a student body of more than 400, the school has become a focal point of the greater Monsey Modern Orthodox community. |
