Middle School
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
Today, our eighth graders began their participation in Names, Not Numbers®. They will soon be preparing to meet Holocaust survivors and to preserve their stories for future generations. Through this project, students will learn how to ask thoughtful questions, listen closely, and honor each survivor’s story.
Together with Lawrence Middle School, our students are taking on a shared responsibility to carry these stories forever.
At HAFTR, memory becomes mission.
Welcome back to our Middle School. This year will bring new ideas to share and new opportunities to grow. Our students are already diving into meaningful learning, asking questions, thinking creatively, and putting their knowledge into action.
Our students joined their Rebbeim for a hands-on Sukkot workshop in the Beth Sholom Sukkah, exploring the meaning of the Arba Minim, discovering the beauty and significance of the sukkah, and putting their holiday knowledge to the test with a fun Sukkot trivia challenge.
From thoughtful learning to plenty of energy and excitement, students had the opportunity to engage with the traditions of Sukkot in a way that was meaningful, interactive, and fun.
Jewish learning at HAFTR is meant to be experienced. @cbs_lawrence
As Yom Kippur approaches, our students are taking time to learn about the meaning behind Tashlich and the role it plays in the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah.
Through their learning, students explore the themes of reflection, teshuvah, and personal growth that make this time of year so meaningful.
By understanding the traditions and ideas behind the Chag, students are better prepared to experience them with intention and appreciation.
What if STEM could make everyday life a little easier?
In Middle School STEM, students are putting their creativity and problem-solving skills to work by designing and building backpack modifiers: hands-on solutions to make carrying and organizing their backpacks more practical.
They’re learning about design and engineering but also identifying a need, thinking through solutions, building, testing, and refining their ideas.
Rosh Hashanah learning is in full swing here! Students are diving into the mitzvot, traditions, and deeper meaning of the Chag through engaging classes and programs. Learning that sparks questions, connections, and a deeper appreciation for the days ahead.
#TBT to our Middle School Bat and Bat Mitzvah Workshops.
Meaningful conversations, thoughtful reflection, and an opportunity to embrace this special milestone together. As our students prepared for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, they deepened their understanding of what it means to grow into proud, confident Jewish young men and women.
Growing into themselves, one step at a time.
#FBF to our MAOR Honor Society Induction.
A proud moment as we celebrated students whose dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence earned them this special recognition. Their achievements reflect not only hard work in the classroom, but a commitment to striving for their very best.
Celebrating excellence, one achievement at a time.
Last night, our 8th grade Hawks took the stage one last time as Middle Schoolers.
Their words, their moment, their whole community watching. And high school right around the corner.
Mazal tov to the Class of 2026! 🎓 Tag a graduate you’re proud of below!
#HAFTR #middleschool #Graduation2026 #ClassOf2026 #ModernOrthodox
8th grade, this one’s for you!
We gathered for an end of year oneg to send off our 8th graders the HAFTR way. With friends and the kind of warmth that only comes from a community that has watched you grow.
You came in as kids. You leave as young men and women ready for whatever comes next. The chevra you built here goes with you.
We will miss you more than you know. Once a Hawk, always a Hawk.
#HAFTR #8thGrade #ClassOf2025 #FiveTowns #JewishDaySchool
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Through Our Lens
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