Message From Our Head of School

To our wonderful RPRY parents,

I just completed my first few days here at RPRY, and it is already an honor and a privilege to work with such dedicated staff, faculty, parents, and volunteers. I am thrilled to partner with you to ensure that your children achieve their full potential. I’m so proud to be joining a school with unwavering allegiance to מידות טובות ,יראת שמים ,אהבת תורה, and מדינת ישראל. The dynamic and comprehensive limudei kodesh and general studies curriculum, combined with the belief that every child can shine and achieve greatness, are just a few attributes that make RPRY an exceptional educational institution. As I step into my role, I look forward to continuing to impart these values and, together with our dedicated staff and faculty, foster a warm and nurturing environment for all of our student When Moshe was asked by Hashem in this past week’s parsha to climb Mount Avarim in order to get a glimpse of Eretz Yisrael, Moshe made the following request of Hashem: יִפְקֹ֣ד ה’ אֱלֹקי הָֽרוּחֹ֖ת לְכָל־בָּשָׂ֑ר אִ֖ישׁ עַל־הָֽעֵדָֽה “May Hashem, God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the assembly…”Moshe asked Hashem to appoint a successor for Bnei Yisrael. While making the request, Hashem is described in an unusual way, as the "God of the spirits of all flesh." Rashi comments, “Master of the universe, the character of each person is revealed to You, and no two are alike. Appoint over them a leader who will bear with each person according to their individual character.” This request is a plea for Hashem to choose someone who can emulate an important quality of Hashem – namely, Hashem’s ability to understand the character of each person and work with them individually based on their needs. This idea is similar to a well-known teaching by Shlomo Hamelech in Perek 22 of Mishlei חנך לנער על פי דרכו – “Educate the child according to his or her way.” Moshe understood that in order for a child, an adult or any member of Am Yisrael to feel connected, the leader must take the time to listen and understand each individual and help that person achieve his or her own level of greatness.

We see that this empathetic quality that Moshe highlights is vital for administrators, educators, and parents in this generation. Each child has their own strengths, interests, challenges and unique outlook on life. If we work to improve upon this characteristic, we can inspire the next generation of Am Yisrael to achieve greatness and feel empowered and connected to their Jewish heritage. It is my honor to be a devoted partner with you and your families to help promote an environment that is conducive for your childrens’ development. It is a privilege to work with you throughout these formative years of your childrens’ education, helping them forge a strong connection with our mesorah while also engaging in a dynamic exploration of the world around them.

Please feel free to reach out and contact me with any questions you may have. It would be my pleasure to meet with you over the summer. Please contact cdouglas@rpry.org who will arrange a time that is convenient for you. I am truly honored to join your school community.

Looking forward to a wonderful year,

Rabbi Michael Ribalt
Head of School
mribalt@rpry.org
(732) 572-5052 x206