Zvi Dov Roth Academy

Zvi Dov Roth Academy of Yeshiva Rambam (ZDR) was founded in 1997 with a class of 19 students and has grown into an outstanding spiritual and academic modern orthodox high school for students both Ashkenazi and Sephardic.

Alex Rovt, PhD who serves as President of ZDR had been supporting the Yeshiva Rambam Elementary School for 19 years and felt that the community needed a modern yeshiva high school. He, together with the Board of Governors, worked to open an affordable high school.  The school was named after Zvi Dov Roth A”H, grandfather of Alex Rovt. Even today, ZDR charges the lowest tuition of any high school yeshivot around, making it possible for students who seek a Jewish education to get one.
 
In May of 2007, after 30 years of being a successful businessman, Michael Spiegel was asked by the Board of Governors to assume the position of Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of ZDR.  Spiegel, whose two daughters graduated from Yeshiva Rambam, accepted the task. His devotion and tireless effort helped the yeshiva to overcome the financial and academic situation it was facing.

“It is my firm belief that all students can succeed in an educational environment, such as Zvi Dov Roth Academy, given the proper direction and an earnest belief in one’s own worth. This can only be accomplished with a dedicated, entrusted staff, charged with the enormous task of guiding young people through some of the most difficult years of their lives.”
~Mr. Leonard Monchick

At the close of the 2009-10 academic year, the yeshiva proudly announced its promotion of Rabbi Michael Albala to principal of hebrew studies; Dennis Hodne to principal of general studies; and Leonard Monchick to dean of discipline. Rabbi Albala, a former member of the New York NCSY Administration and an active member of Hatzalah was a rabbi in the yeshiva for three years. Hodne, a banking executive for 30 years, returned to the field of education in 2001 and joined the ZDR family in 2004. Monchick served the New York City public school system for 35 years, retiring as a school administrator and assistant principal. Collectively these three men  work together to oversee all aspects of the yeshiva under the leadership of Executive Director Michael Spiegel.

Zvi Dov Roth Academy offers an outstanding multi-level limudei kodesh and general studies curriculum designed to enhance the students’ interests and talents. ZDR is accredited by the State of New York and all of its students graduate with a regents diploma. In addition, the majority of the graduating class each year moves on to college.

“ZDR is not just a school, we are a family. The students are all siblings and the faculty members are the parents, aunts and uncles. It is through this warm, caring environment that, we have been able to help so many students achieve their goals throughout the years.”
~Rabbi Michael Albala

Working closely with a small staff of experienced and dedicated educators, ZDR maintains a sincere commitment to Torah values as well as a dedication to secular studies.  A love of Israel is embedded in each student and, in June, the yeshiva proudly marched in the Israel Day parade.

In addition to its strong academic program, ZDR boasts an exciting extra-curricular program. Once a month, the boys and girls are given their own separate mishmar in the evening. During these programs they are fed a special dinner and partake in group learning or are addressed by a guest speaker. And the school takes students on trips to bowling, ice skating, sports games, Shabbatonim and other activities.

“In order for true learning to actually take place, the student must first want to be in school. At ZDR this is our top
priority. If the student is content and happy, they will learn.”    ~Mr. Dennis Hodne

One never has to worry about a child going hungry at ZDR. Each week, the students are given a delicious menu of nutritious meals to choose from. These meals are held to the highest standard of kashrut and are served piping hot to the students during their respective lunch periods.

ZDR is currently in the process of adding two additional floors to its Kings Highway location. For this reason, the school has temporarily relocated to 49 Avenue T (the Gesher Yehuda building) until 2012 when the school will return to the newly renovated facilities.  For additional information about ZDR or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 677-5100.