The goal of HAFTR Middle School is to guide students in grades six through eight from the fundamental discovery years of the primary grades to the exciting challenges of high school in both limudei kodesh and general studies. HAFTR Middle School celebrates the uniqueness of this age by providing innovative, stimulating, and diverse learning opportunities that address the specific developmental needs of each student in a warm and nurturing atmosphere.
HAFTR is a co-educational Modern Orthodox yeshiva that strives to instill in our students a love of Hashem, lifelong learning, community, and Israel. Our rigorous dual curricular education in Limudei Kodesh and general studies prepares future generations of leaders, bnei /bnot Torah, and critical thinkers. We facilitate our students’ pursuit of academic excellence and development of a personal relationship with Hashem and middot tovot in a caring learning environment.
Engage
We develop responsible and engaged citizens and leaders who are guided by Torah, mitzvot, ahavat Yisrael, Tzionut, chesed, and the values of Modern Orthodoxy. We facilitate students' realizing their maximum potential as future Jewish leaders and representatives of the Jewish people.
Celebrate
We celebrate the uniqueness of each child in our community of learners by providing innovative, stimulating, and varied learning opportunities that address each student’s specific developmental needs. We believe in a strong partnership between home and school in cultivating our students' development.
Love
We imbue students with a love of the Jewish State of Israel and an appreciation for the United States of America. We strive to contribute positively to our society, we value diverse opinions, and appreciate that we are part of a global community.
Inspiring Jewish Leaders
As a Modern Orthodox yeshiva, HAFTR’s religious philosophy is predicated upon creating a caring and vibrant atmosphere conducive to learning and a spirited fulfillment of mitzvot. We strive to integrate Limudei Kodesh and general studies so students can develop authentic relationships with Hashem, Torah, the Jewish people, the Land of Israel, and the world at large.
We seek to instill within our students an appreciation of Hashem’s presence in all aspects of their lives for we believe that the study of the world – be it the arts, the sciences, technology, or history – directly serves to strengthen that appreciation. We affirm that the Torah is a living blueprint for a spiritually meaningful way of life that provides a precious anchor in the midst of a rapidly changing world.
We seek to inspire and challenge our students with an interdisciplinary educational approach that is relevant to our students’ lives in the 21st century. This includes rigorous study and analysis of sacred texts, Jewish history, Jewish ethics, personal prayer and observance, civic responsibility, the importance of community, Hebrew language fluency, and the inseparable bond between the Jewish people and the Jewish State of Israel. HAFTR emphasizes a passionate commitment to the Jewish values of derech eretz (proper way to act), simchat hachaim (joy of life), kavod habriot (human dignity), tzedakah (charity), and gemilut chasadim (acts of kindness). HAFTR seeks to graduate students who are Jewish leaders, knowledgeable and proud of their Judaism, and who are committed members of Klal Yisrael and the global community.
Middle School Family Handbook
Discover HAFTR Middle School
Middle School Administration
Dr. Joshua Gold
Principal K-8
Dr. Yali Werzberger
Associate Principal
Rabbi Asher Klein
Mashgiach Ruchani N-8
From our students to your hearts - wishing you and your loved ones a שנה טובה ומתוקה! Have a blessed, happy, healthy 5786! #haftr #shanatova #5786
A new school year at HAFTR is more than just the start of classes; it’s the beginning of another chapter of belonging, connection, and growth. Together with our parents, faculty, and students, we are building “hamakom shelanu” — our place — a community where every child feels proud, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
This year, we look forward to moments of learning, discovery, and joy that strengthen our students and our entire HAFTR family. Here’s to a year filled with pride, purpose, and inspiration.
#haftr #firstweek
What an incredible past week we’ve had at our HAFTR Professional Development days where faculty from every division came together, including a first-of-its-kind whole school PD Day. We got together to learn, grow, and connect as one school family.
Together, we were inspired by powerful speakers, uplifted through meaningful conversations, and energized by the chance to reconnect with old colleagues while building new friendships.
At the heart of it all was the spirit of “hamakom shelanu” — our place.
HAFTR is where we, as educators, learn, grow, and support one another. And as we find belonging here, we are deeply committed to instilling that same sense of pride, connection, and belonging in our students—helping them see HAFTR as their place too.
Together, we are stronger, more united, and ready to carry our mission forward this year with purpose and heart.
Thank you to everyone who made these days possible. See you soon!
Nothing makes us prouder than seeing our students shine — even in the summer! 🌞 This week, our principals hit the road to visit campers across multiple camps, and the smiles say it all.
From high-fives to hugs, it’s clear: the HAFTR family stays strong all year long. We love our students and loved seeing them thriving, laughing, and making unforgettable summer memories!
#HAFTR #HAFTRFamily #SummerVibes #ProudPrincipals #CampVisits
As we close out an incredible year at HAFTR, our hearts are full of pride and gratitude. From academic achievement to acts of chesed, from joyful Jewish experiences to moments of growth and leadership, our students have truly lived the values that define our school. They’ve embraced challenges, inspired one another, and strengthened their identities as proud members of the Jewish community.
Thank you to our amazing families for your partnership and trust—this year’s success was only possible because of you.
Wishing you a joyful, restful, and adventure-filled summer. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another year of learning, connection, and purpose in 2025–2026!
We asked—and they answered.
From “amazing” to “awesome,” we’ve had a year to remember here at HAFTR.
At HAFTR, we are one family. And today, that family came together in the most beautiful way.
With soft voices and full hearts, our first-graders recited Shema and HaMalach HaGoel for the baby boy of our beloved Morah Adina, who is preparing for his Brit Milah this Sunday, G-d willing. May this beautiful beginning lead to a life filled with blessings.
Yesterday, HAFTR Middle School and Lawrence Middle School came together for a powerful evening of remembrance and reflection at our Names, Not Numbers® event. For months, 8th-grade students from both schools interviewed Holocaust survivors and WWII veterans, preserving their stories through a moving student-produced documentary. The evening honored the strength and resilience of those who lived through history’s darkest chapters—and highlighted our students’ vital role in carrying their legacy forward. This program reflects our deep commitment to Jewish pride, memory, and moral courage. We are proud to stand together in partnership and purpose, ensuring that these stories are never forgotten.
Today, our 8th graders walked the halls of our Early Childhood and Lower School one final time—greeted by cheers, applause, and warm smiles from their former teachers and the students who now look up to them. It was a moment filled with pride, gratitude, and inspiration. You could feel the hakarat hatov in the air as our graduates waved to their biggest fans, and the younger students dreamed of their own futures. This meaningful walk wasn’t just a goodbye—it was a celebration of growth, a tribute to the journey, and a powerful reminder of the community that shapes us at every step. #haftr
Our 3rd-grade students brought history to life during our Lower School’s cherished M’Dor L’Dor evening (Generation to Generation). Families gathered to experience moving presentations of heirlooms, stories, and traditions lovingly passed down through generations. From museum-style exhibits to personal family seals and joyful song, the evening was a powerful celebration of mesorah, identity, and connection. Through months of learning, our students honored their past while embracing their role in shaping the future. Thank you to our dedicated teachers for making this unforgettable event possible. At HAFTR, we don’t just learn about heritage—we live it and carry it forward with pride. #haftr
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Through Our Lens
Dive into HAFTR’s dynamic atmosphere. Browse moments frozen in time from our vibrant, engaging campus life.
