PRIORITY-1: TEACHING AND REACHING OUR NEXT GENERATION

FOUNDED IN 1987, Priority-l has been at the forefront of innovative programs in Jewish education. Its mission has always been to facilitate Torah education in areas and populations where it was lacking.

The First Decade
During our first decade our organization was instrumental in the establishment of outreach centers in many communities throughout the United States, as well as pioneering a Kiruv seminar movement that has changed the lives of thousands of Jewish men and women. In addition, Priority-l developed intensive Kiruv and teacher training programs to aid in our pursuit of spreading Yiddishkeit.

At the same time, Kollel Ner Yehoshua was founded in memory of Harav Yehoshua Silbermintz, zt"l, for just this purpose: to train energetic young men in the sensitive art of teaching and Kiruv, while completely immersed in an intensive learning environment.

Later, Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh was established as a rigorous post high school Yeshiva program preparing and inspiring Torah educational leadership for the next generation.

Training Communities
Most recently, Priority-1 has embarked on an ambitious initiative to train teachers and parents across the country to effectively prevent at-risk behavior before it even starts.

These training programs have been presented in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey, Miami, Toronto and Jerusalem, Israel. To date, over 300 teachers have be trained in our program and have taken the valuable lessons to their classrooms.

The results have been remarkable! Teachers and parents report a major improvement in their techniques and communication with their students and children.

Focus on our Children
One of the most significant and innovative accomplishments of Priority-l is the Torah Academy of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, a unique alternative to the traditional Yeshiva high school. Small group instruction with emphasis on building self esteem, maturity and responsibility has yielded, in our experience, a young adult better equipped personally and socially to deal with life's challenges.

Students get an individualized academic and skills development program, supplemented by outstanding counseling, educational support and rehabilitative services for students with substance abuse or emotional issues. Through the warm and dedicated attention of hard working teachers and guidance personnel, the students are encouraged in a positive and constructive manner, forming a classroom atmosphere teeming with the singular satisfaction that comes from true accomplishment.

Priority-l's focus lies in the belief that every child deserves the chance to cultivate the potential inside him. No matter what the obstacle, our goal is to offer individual attention and love in a supportive environment, coupled with appropriate levels of education and counseling. These youngsters need a compass, a light in the darkness to aid them in maneuvering a safe course towards Yiddishkeit. Our graduates who have successfully moved on to healthier, richer lives are a true testament to this greatness, and serve as a reminder that our efforts do not go unrewarded.