Mission

Yeshiva Schools recognizes that all children are entrusted to us by Hashem. Rooted in Chabad philosophy, our mission is for each child to develop a love of Torah, awe of Hashem, refined character traits, and life and academic skills. Our children will actualize their potential, establish and sustain Torah-observant families, and contribute to their community and the world at large.

Yeshiva Schools will accomplish this by cultivating a trusting partnership with parents, delivering an excellent academic experience in every classroom, fostering continuous skill development in both Judaic and general studies, employing positive role models, and creating an environment that nurtures creativity, self-esteem, respect for others, and a sense of mission.

History & Values

Yeshiva Schools began in 1941 under the leadership of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe. The Previous Rebbe personally sent Rabbi Mordechai Dov Altein to begin an after school program in the city, among other initiatives. He was joined by Rabbi Sholom and Rebbetzin Chaya Posner in 1943, who expanded the school to an all day, dual-curriculum program. Yeshiva Schools is the oldest Jewish day school in the city of Pittsburgh and the first Tomchei Tmimim school outside of New York. Much of the school’s educational approach was developed and directed by the Previous Rebbe’s esteemed son-in-law, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.​

When Rabbi Schneerson succeeded his father-in-law as Rebbe in 1950, he continued this effort. Through private communications and public addresses, the Rebbe taught that Jewish education was the right of every child and the responsibility of every community. The Rebbe felt particularly close to the institutions that his father-in-law began. He wanted to know about the schools’ progress in attracting young students, and encouraged the schools to expand their activities and the strength of their educational programs.

In 1978, Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld became the dean of Yeshiva Schools. Under his leadership, Yeshiva expanded to two campuses and a student body of over 400 students. In 1998, Yeshiva Schools was awarded the nationally recognized Blue Ribbon award for academic excellence. It also became recognized as one of the few Chabad schools that excels in both Judaic and general studies.

In 2020, on the heels of Syntagma, a strategic planning effort aimed at transforming Yeshiva Schools into a “school of the future,” Rabbi Rosenfeld handed the reins of Yeshiva Schools over to Rabbi Yossi Rosenblum, a world-renowned educator who had spent his entire career in various roles at Yeshiva Schools. In his new role as CEO and Head of School, Rabbi Rosenblum now partners with an independent Board of distinguished professionals and leaders from the Pittsburgh Jewish community in the spirit of written instructions sent to Rabbi Posner by the Rebbe himself.

Yeshiva Schools proudly exemplifies the tradition established by the Chabad Rebbeim. It is a tradition based upon love of Torah, love of one’s fellow Jew, love of Hashem, and dedication to developing each child’s unique capabilities.

We invite you to visit Yeshiva Schools, meet with our staff and teachers, and see the results of our educational approach for yourself.