Ahavat Yisrael in Ramat Beit Shemesh refers to a network of educational institutions and community organizations that combine traditional Torah values with a deep love for Israel. The system includes National Haredi (Hardal) schools for both boys and girls as well as a community (and synagogue) bearing the same name. Below you’ll find comprehensive information about the schools, synagogues, community initiatives, notable leaders, and contact details.
1. Ahavat Yisrael Schools (National Haredi – Chardal)
The Ahavat Yisrael schools are part of a Charedi Leumi (Hardal) educational system founded by Rabbanit Rivka Rappaport (see OFF THE DERECH DOLOROSA | theaterandtheology). They are known for blending high academic standards in both religious and secular studies with a commitment to Religious Zionist ideals.
A. Ahavat Yisrael Girls’ School (Elementary) – Ramat Beit Shemesh
Overview:
This Beit Yaakov-type elementary school instills deep religious values, modesty, and a love for Israel. Its curriculum integrates limudei kodesh (religious studies) alongside secular subjects (e.g., math and science) and celebrates national events like Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut.Student Body & Ethos:
The school welcomes a diverse student body—including many children of olim (immigrants)—and is described as “in-between” Haredi and Modern Orthodox. Its culturally “American” atmosphere complements its strong traditional observance.Community Involvement:
Guided by the motto “Bayit Chinuch K’Mishpacha” (school as a family), the institution actively involves parents and students in community service and chesed (acts of kindness).Location & Contact:
Address: Nachal Sorek 15, Ramat Beit Shemesh Aleph
Phone: (02) 995-1447
Principal: Ms. Pazi Rashi
(Updates and further details are available on the school’s Hebrew website via the Tik‑Tak platform.)
B. Ahavat Yisrael Boys’ School (Elementary) – Ramat Beit Shemesh
Overview:
Often called “Rappoport” after its founder, this boys’ elementary school features a traditional Talmud Torah setting combined with a full general studies curriculum. Students adhere to a dignified dress code (including kippot and tzitzit) that reflects its religious values.Curriculum and Values:
Mornings are dedicated to intensive limudei kodesh, while the afternoons focus on secular subjects to meet national standards. The school nurtures strong character and offers an “open Haredi” environment—preparing students for various future paths within a Religious Zionist framework.Community & Integration:
The school fosters a warm, family-like atmosphere where children from diverse backgrounds (Israeli and Anglo) learn together, with a special emphasis on welcoming new olim.Location & Contact:
Address: Nachal Sorek 14, Ramat Beit Shemesh Aleph
Phone: (02) 999-7465
Principal: Dasi Nachmani
(The boys’ school is located adjacent to the girls’ school and its campus is often used for community events.)
C. Yeshivat Ahavat Yisrael (Boys’ High School – Yeshiva Tichonit)
Description:
Established in 2007, this Torani high school for boys (grades 7–12) offers a yeshiva ketana‑style education that combines in‑depth Torah study with a rigorous secular academic program for bagrut (matriculation). More details can be found in the school profile).Curriculum & Ethos:
- Mornings: Focus on serious Torah learning (including Gemara, Halacha, Jewish philosophy, mussar, and inspirational Hasidic gatherings).
- Afternoons: Intensive secular studies prepare students for high‑level bagrut certification.
- The educational philosophy holds that excellence in Torah and secular knowledge go hand in hand. For further context, visit OFF THE DERECH DOLOROSA | theaterandtheology.
Community Involvement:
Students are encouraged to participate in community service projects—for example, organizing a student‑led Purim charity fair.Leadership:
Rosh Yeshiva: Rabbi Mordechai Feig
Menahel (Principal): Rabbi Amir Ben‑Gal
(The junior high division is led by Rabbi Erez Ba’al‑Tzadok. More information is available on the Yeshiva’s profile).Location & Contact:
Address: Nachal Dolev 16, Ramat Beit Shemesh Aleph (known as “Beit HaYeshiva Ahavat Yisrael”)
Phone: (02) 992-5187
(See the school profile for additional details.)
D. Ulpanat Ahavat Yisrael (Girls’ High School – Ulpana)
Description:
This Torani ulpana for grades 7–12 provides a mamlachti-dati (state religious) education within a Haredi-Leumi framework. Its vision emphasizes Torah learning, spiritual growth, and a deep connection to the people and the State of Israel. More information is available in the school profile.Educational Approach:
The ulpana offers a warm, family‑like atmosphere while demanding academic excellence. Students engage in a full range of Bagrut subjects and are encouraged to develop independent thinking and pursue their talents in both Judaic and general studies.Community & Extracurricular:
The school fosters social responsibility and leadership among young women through community volunteering programs and local chesed initiatives.Notable Leadership:
Principal: Mrs. Verdit Kahana
Rabbanit Rivka Rappaport, the network’s founder, continues to serve as the Dean and mentor. Learn more about her vision at OFF THE DERECH DOLOROSA | theaterandtheology.Location & Contact:
Address: 14 Nachal Dolev, Ramat Beit Shemesh Aleph (adjacent to the yeshiva campus)
Phone: (02) 992-4170
Email: [email protected]
(Additional details can be viewed on the Madlan page.
2. Synagogues: Kehillat “Ahavat Yisrael” in Ramat Beit Shemesh
In addition to the school network, “Ahavat Yisrael” is associated with a synagogue and community center—especially within the Hasidic Vizhnitz movement.
Kehillat Ahavat Yisrael (Vizhnitz – Ramat Beit Shemesh)
Overview:
Founded in 2019 in Ramat Beit Shemesh’s Neighborhood D (RBS D), this community was established by the Dzikov-Vizhnitz branch of Vizhnitz Hasidism. Its name honors the legacy of the movement; for background information, see חסידות ויז’ניץ – ויקיפדיה).Synagogue and Facilities:
The community’s hub is the Ahavat Yisrael Synagogue (Beit Midrash), which includes separate sections for men and women, study areas, a mikveh, and facilities for a Talmud Torah (boys’ elementary school) and a girls’ school. Daily services follow Nusach Vizhnitz with traditional niggunim (melodies).Community Programs:
The registered non‑profit, Kahal Ahavat Yisrael, runs charitable initiatives such as a gemach fund (interest‑free loan service) and organizes holiday drives like Kimcha D’Pischa before Passover. For more details, visit קהלאהבת ישראלרמת בית שמש (ע~ר).Leadership:
Rabbi Israel Eliezer Adler serves as the Admor of Dzikov‑Vizhnitz in Beit Shemesh and is the spiritual leader of this community. (Another Vizhnitz‑affiliated group—Vizhnitz-Monsey—also has a presence; see their details via the IsraelGives.org link.)Services & Atmosphere:
The synagogue offers daily minyanim for Shacharit, Mincha, and Ma’ariv, and on Shabbat and holidays, multiple prayer groups and study sessions create a vibrant, family‑oriented atmosphere.Location & Contact:
Address: Rehov Rabbi Yehoshua 18, Kiryat Ahavat Yisrael, Ramat Beit Shemesh (RBS‑D)
Phone: 052‑768‑0744
(For further details, please refer to קהל אהבת ישראל וויזניץ מאנסי בית שמש – IsraelGives.org.)
Note: This synagogue/community is distinct from the school network in RBS Aleph—the shared name “Ahavat Yisrael” reflects a broader ideal of loving one’s fellow Jew.
3. Community Organizations and Initiatives
The spirit of ahavat Yisrael—love for fellow Jews—is evident in several community programs and initiatives:
School Community Involvement:
In RBS Aleph, the Ahavat Yisrael parent community organizes volunteer committees, charity drives, and chesed projects. For example, students have organized Purim carnivals to raise funds for tzedakah, while parent groups assist new olim with integration and community resources.“Kahal Ahavat Yisrael” Charity Network:
Operated by the Vizhnitz community, this network features a Gemach fund (interest‑free loan service), food and financial aid distributions (such as Kimcha D’Pischa before Passover), and scholarship programs for youth and scholars.Local Events and Unity Initiatives:
Both the Hardal school community and the Hasidic community participate in city‑wide events such as municipal ceremonies for Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut, promoting unity and mutual respect. Additionally, Shabbat hospitality initiatives see families opening their homes to newcomers.Bridging Communities:
The name “Ahavat Yisrael” has also been used by local rabbinic leaders to encourage unity across diverse groups, with organizations like Lema’an Achai collaborating with Ahavat Yisrael initiatives. For example, local events have highlighted the importance of reaching out to all segments of the community.
4. Notable Figures and Leaders
Several individuals play key roles in shaping the Ahavat Yisrael community:
Rabbanit Rivka Rappaport:
Founder and Dean of the Ahavat Yisrael school network. Her pioneering vision established the Hardal framework that emphasizes both Torah study and engagement with the broader community. Learn more at OFF THE DERECH DOLOROSA | theaterandtheology.Rabbi Mordechai Feig:
Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Ahavat Yisrael. Known for his charismatic leadership, he blends a deep yeshiva atmosphere with rigorous secular studies. More details are available on his Yeshiva profile.Vered (Verdit) Kahana:
Principal of Ulpanat Ahavat Yisrael, she is noted for her innovative approach and personal connection with her students. Further information is available in the school profile.Dasi Nachmani & Pazi Rashi:
The principals of the boys’ and girls’ elementary schools, respectively, who work closely with the community to foster character development and educational excellence.Rabbi Israel Eliezer Adler:
Admor of Dzikov-Vizhnitz in Beit Shemesh and the founder of Kiryat Ahavat Yisrael, he is a central figure in the Vizhnitz Hasidic movement. More on his leadership can be found at חסידות ויז’ניץ – ויקיפדיה.Additional Community Leaders:
Other rabbis and activists in Ramat Beit Shemesh contribute to fostering unity and supporting various initiatives within the broader community.
5. Locations & Contact Information Summary
Ahavat Yisrael Girls’ Elementary School (RBS Aleph):
Address: Nachal Sorek 15, Ramat Beit Shemesh
Phone: 02‑995‑1447
Principal: Pazi RashiAhavat Yisrael Boys’ Elementary School (RBS Aleph):
Address: Nachal Sorek 14, Ramat Beit Shemesh
Phone: 02‑999‑7465
Principal: Dasi NachmaniYeshivat Ahavat Yisrael (Boys’ Jr/Sr High):
Address: Nachal Dolev, Ramat Beit Shemesh Aleph (near #14–16)
Phone: 02‑992‑5187
Rosh Yeshiva: Rabbi Mordechai Feig
(See the school profile for more details.)Ulpana Ahavat Yisrael (Girls’ Jr/Sr High):
Address: 14 Nachal Dolev, Ramat Beit Shemesh Aleph
Phone: 02‑992‑4170
Email: [email protected]
Principal: Vered Kahana
(Additional details are available on the school profile.)Kehillat Ahavat Yisrael Synagogue (Vizhnitz – RBS D):
Address: Rehov Rabbi Yehoshua 18, Kiryat Ahavat Yisrael, Ramat Beit Shemesh
Phone: 052‑768‑0744
Rebbe: Rabbi Israel Eliezer Adler
(Further details can be found at IsraelGives.org.)
For general inquiries about the Ahavat Yisrael network, please contact the respective school offices. Additional information is available through the Beit Shemesh Municipality school profiles.
All information is current as of early 2025. The Ahavat Yisrael institutions continue to serve and enrich the Ramat Beit Shemesh community by embodying a spirit of Torah learning, religious dedication, and love for fellow Jews.
