Leo Feigenbaum (left) and Mayor Jackie Levy

Former Clevelander and Hebrew Academy graduate, Leo Feigenbaum & his wife Sylvia have made a leadership donation to establish the Berger Beit Midrash at the Yeshivat Bnei Akiva (YBA) of Beit Shean. Now in its tenth year, this dynamic, growing junior high and high school is the educational pacesetter for the city of Beit Shean. This year the Yeshiva high school moved into a brand new complex that marks the southern entrance to the city of Beit Shean.

The YBA Beit Shean was established in 1993 to provide a religious Zionist yeshiva education for boys in Beit Shean region. The school enjoys full affiliation with the Yeshivot Bnei Akiva network, with more than 50 institutions and approximately 18,000 students throughout Israel.

The Yeshiva High School is the educational pacesetter of the city's schools. More than 70% of the school's students complete their matriculation exams, the highest rate among Beit Shean's educational institutions. In addition, the overwhelming majority of graduates continue on to prestigious Yeshivot Hesder programs, combining military service with advanced-level Torah study.

The "Neshama" of the new building is the Beit Midrash that will allow the entire student body to daven and learn together. Inspired by a generous leadership pledge from Sylvia and Leo Feigenbaum, it will be dedicated in memory of Sylvia's parents, Henry and Hanna Berger, z"l. Survivors of the Holocaust, the Bergers built their home anew in America with a fervent dedication to the Jewish education of their children and grandchildren. The Berger Beit Midrash will provide an awe-inspiring atmosphere for all of the Yeshiva's students to daven and learn together.

On a recent trip to Israel Mr. Feigenbaum met with newly elected mayor, Jackie Levy. The Mayor (whose son studies at the Yeshiva) thanked Leo & his wife Sylvia for their dedication and concern for the children of Beit Shean. The Mayor emphasized his commitment to the Beit Shean-Cleveland Partnership and was delighted that yet another Clevelander has become a spokesperson for the Beit Shean community.

Adar 5764 - March 2004