Meet the Ultra-Orthodox High School in the Heart of Tel-Aviv

Noa was sent to Moreshet High School in Tel Aviv by her mother, a secular doctor tired of the improper and disrespectful environment at her daughter's old school. Moreshet High School, an ultra-Orthodox institution that prepares its students for matriculation exams, seemed like the best solution to her dilemma: Noa would earn her diploma and study in a respectful atmosphere.

"Initially, she only adhered to the school regulations while on campus," says Hedva Amrani, the homeroom teacher for ninth grade. "But she was a good child and really wanted to connect more deeply to Judaism. Gradually, she began observing mitzvot outside of school as well. Today, she is a modest and righteous young woman who recently got engaged to a yeshiva student, also from a secular family. Her mother cried with joy at the engagement party."

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Moreshet High School has accumulated many similar touching stories. The school opens its doors to any girl who expresses a desire to grow spiritually, regardless of her background, and boasts a highly diverse student population: from Bnei Brak residents from purely ultra-Orthodox homes to girls from Holon, Bat Yam, and Tel Aviv who come from traditional or even completely secular households. "We have quite a few girls who came to enroll wearing pants, and today they are women who fully observe Torah and mitzvot," says Hedva.

The girls of the ultra-Orthodox high school in Tel Aviv

Moreshet High School was established ten years ago to provide an option for girls from Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, and Holon who were not accepted into the big ultra-Orthodox high schools in Bnei Brak. Six years ago, Rabbi Tzuri Shitrit was appointed as the principal, who also serves as the principal of Imrei David Talmud Torah in Bnei Brak.

"We take advantage of being a relatively small school to provide more personalized attention and assistance to struggling students," says Rabbi Shitrit. "I believe every girl can pass the matriculation exams successfully if she receives the right support. As an educator for many years, I am well aware of the phenomenon where a student does not understand one basic point in the material and then struggles from there on. Private tutors immediately find these gaps, so we provide many additional hours to ensure the material is perfectly understood."

Rabbi Shitrit also mentions that the school's policy is to accept any student who is serious about her commitment to Judaism. "We even have a student who transferred in 12th grade, with significant gaps in religious studies, and we accepted her because of her sincerity and commitment to the path she chose."

What do you hear from secular parents whose daughters choose your school?

"We do not interfere in battles with parents – we are not engaged in proselytizing. But when a girl insists and the parents reluctantly come to meet us, we explain to them that she will receive a good education and a matriculation diploma here, but also good, value-based education. Usually, we manage to reach an understanding and coexistence. After some time, the parents usually come to thank us: they see that the daughter has not gone crazy, studies seriously and respects her parents, and they are happy with the change she has made. They say they see that the learning atmosphere here is much more serious and that the daughter behaves nicely and no longer roams outside at night, and they like it."

Why should ultra-Orthodox or strengthening families send their daughters to your school?

"The ultra-Orthodox high schools in Bnei Brak are mostly huge, with hundreds of girls in each class. Aside from the fact that it's difficult to provide personal attention in such a place, a girl coming from elsewhere and a different background will have to struggle for her place. At this age, it's crucial that students feel they are an integral part of their environment, so I think it's often worthwhile for parents who are becoming closer to Judaism, or even fully ultra-Orthodox, to send their daughter to a school like ours. This, besides the fact that here we offer a full matriculation curriculum that allows girls to continue their studies afterward."

High School Principal, Rabbi Tzuri Shitrit

In the six years he has been managing the seminar, Rabbi Shitrit has had the satisfaction of seeing many graduates thrive. "All those who got married established homes that observe Torah and mitzvot, and they generally continue to study in ultra-Orthodox frameworks as well." Apparently, they are also starting to join the school staff. "Our gym teacher is just going on maternity leave – and her replacement is one of our graduates," he shares.

And what do the students themselves say? Hani, a tenth-grader living in Bnei Brak, says she recommends the high school to any elementary school graduate who asks her advice about continuing studies. "I am very satisfied here. The staff's attention is incredible: I feel like an only child, and so do my classmates. The studies are at a very high level, but they make sure you'll succeed. They don't let you fall – the teachers here help and give private lessons during their free time, without charge! All is done warmly and with fun, just like a family."

Is there an impact from the fact that girls come from such a wide range of homes?

"Our special staff does not let us feel any difference. The teachers are wonderful, righteous, and strengthening, and treat everyone well. The most special thing is how you can talk to them about any issue, and how they devote themselves and make themselves available for any student who needs them."

Lesson at the high school. Studies in action

Sarah, a becoming-stronger student from a secular home, is the student Rabbi Shitrit mentioned as having transferred to the high school in 12th grade. "It's not easy to transition from a secular high school to an ultra-Orthodox one," she says. "I tried many places, and only here they truly welcomed me with open arms. I'm surrounded by support all the time: they help me in all the subjects I need to complete to get a full matriculation. The teachers are very dedicated and really give their all."

Is it difficult to transition from a large secular high school to a small ultra-Orthodox one, with fewer than one hundred students?

"It was hard at first," Sarah admits. "But I soon discovered that it was actually an advantage. In a small place, the students connect more to each other, and indeed the classes are very cohesive. I am very glad I made this step."

One of the activities at the high school - "The world was created for me"