Yeshivah of Flatbush collection. Oral history interview with Joel Wolowelsky on January 11, 2022, 2022. Joel Wolowelski, 76, was a student at YOF before he becomes a teacher and a dean
Summary(00:52) Dr Joel Wolowelski entered the Yeshivah as a student in September 1959. Originally the Hebrew Institute of Flatbush welcoming people affiliated to the East Midwood Community and later on Young Israel --(02:17) At first, only kids of Ashkenazy origin (two Nobel prices are part of the school). Joel Braverman, director of the school was interested in excellency. When Joel went to school, only three Sephardi kids in his grade --(04:40) College preparatory school, coed and orthodox orientation. New building for high school opened in 1964 with a new extension in the last few years (06:50) Today, local kids from the neighborhood attend the school which reflects its demographic evolution which is now primarily Sephardi from Syria, (00:52) Dr. Joel Wolowelski entered the Yeshivah of Flatbush (YOF) as a student in September 1959 --(02:17) The school began with students of Ashkenazy origin, when Joel went to school, there were only three Sephardi kids in his grade, There are Nobel prize winners among the students. Joel Braverman, director of the school, strove for excellence -- (04:40) Coed college preparatory school with orthodox orientation. New high school building opened in 1964 with a new extension in the last few years (06:50) Today, local kids from the neighborhood attend a school which reflects its demographic evolution: primarily Sephardi from Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and 10% Ashkenazy -- (16:35) Changes in the Jewish World after 1967. Many students want to move to Israel. Joel feels “We are still a society of immigrants here” -- (12:08) Unlike other yeshivas, YOF empowers girls to be anything they want to be. The school reflects the change in professions in the Sephardi community: students now to work in law, medicine, and finance.
NoteTitle supplied by cataloger. Audio interview conducted January 11, 2022 by Ariane Loeb at Yeshivah of Flatbush. Collected through the Brooklyn family Jewish History Project of Brooklyn Public Library. This project is funded by the David Berg Foundation.
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TitleYeshivah of Flatbush collection. Oral history interview with Joel Wolowelsky on January 11, 2022, 2022. Joel Wolowelski, 76, was a student at YOF before he becomes a teacher and a dean
Biographical NoteJoel Wolowelski, 76, was a student at Yeshivah of Flatbush (YOF) before he became a teacher and dean of the school. The Yeshivah of Flatbush (YOF) was founded in 1927 by Dr. Joel Braveman. The first middle school class graduated in 1934 and the first high school class in 1954. The original mission of the Yeshivah was an equal emphasis on Secular and Jewish studies and coeducation. The school was committed from its inception to build a strong bond with Medinat Israel (State of Israel), Zionism, Modern Orthodox Judaism, and to promote Jewish communal responsability.