Rabbi Yisroel Smith is currently the Assistant Principal for the 5th-12th grade boys at Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh. Originally from Minneapolis, Rabbi Smith went to WITS in Milwaukee for high school, followed by 2 years in Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim in Yerushalayim. He spent the next eight years studying under his Rebbe, Rabbi Shaya Cohen Shlit”a in Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh and Kollel Ner Yehoshua, where he had the privilege of participating in weekly Teacher Training sessions with Rabbi Cohen. While in Yeshiva, he also received his Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Touro College and his Master’s degree in Jewish Education and Administration from the Azrieli Graduate School. Rabbi Smith received his Semicha from Rabbi Moshe Heinemann Shlit”a.
Gems:
- It’s all about our relationship to Hashem.
- Help our students see that the Torah and Mitzvahs maintain our relationship with Hashem.
- Hashem loves us more than we can possibly imagine.
- Bring Hashem from the subconscious to the conscious.
- Bring reinforcement and new ideas together.
- Enough small pieces add up to make those connections.
- We must give our students the skills and love of Torah learning.
- We’re playing the long game.
- Acknowledge the small successes.
- Talk with your students about digital citizenship.
- Encourage students to be sensitive to other people.
- Continue to learn.
- Pray for your students.
- Validate your students throughout the learning process.
- Sit in on classes.
- Recognize that there is a meaning and purpose to life.
- Teach students Emunah and Bitachon: belief in Hashem, but also that Hashem is in control and will help us through the things we go through.
- Show your students that you care.
- Make Judaism enjoyable.
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