Rebbe
- More than just a Teacher
A quick walk through WITS reveals a very unusual and special rapport between
students and their Rabbeim. The Rabbeim combine their enthusiasm with their
ability to touch the minds and hearts of teenagers, creating an open environment
for the learning and understanding of Torah and its whole system of Jewish
values.
Chinuch, in its truest sense, should encompass the total development of
the Talmid as a complete human being. A Yeshiva needs then to concern
itself with the physical, psychological and emotional development of a
student,
together with his spiritual and intellectual advancement. Inherent in
the philosophy at WITS is the concept that a young man needs a warm, caring,
honest environment in order to thrive.
The role of the Yeshiva Rebbe is to provide that caring and nurturing relationship,
to provide a partnership of trust between himself and the student.
Were one to choose one outstanding characteristic of WITS, it might well
be this special 
Rebbe-Talmid relationship. The Rebbe is teacher, model,
guide and friend. His relationship with his students transcends subject
matter and goes to the heart of the real goal of the Yeshiva - to mold
young men into B'nai Torah. Because each of the Rabbeim and their families
five
within a short walk of the Yeshiva, students can easily visit on formal
and informal occasions and are encouraged to do so. Not only are they
invited for Shabbos meals and Oneg Shabbos get-togethers, but they are
also made
to feel comfortable in the Rabbis' homes as one would in the home of a
close family friend. The closeness and warmth which exists between students
and
the Rabbeim and their families eases the transition to living away from
home and, at the same time, aids in the critically important character-building
that occurs during the teenage years.
Parents as Partners
A particularly unique aspect of WITS is the relationship between the administration/teaching
staff and the parents. WITS views itself as a partner with the parents
in their son's education and encourages an open, ongoing dialogue between
school and home. The enriched perspective and unified agenda which parents
and teachers develop through this sharing of information and ideas is
invaluable in providing the guidance and direction so vital to the development
of each young man in his teenage years.
Midos
Because WITS regards the foundation of a Ben Torah to be good Midos, students
are surrounded by an intellectual and social climate, which sets as top
priority the achieving of refinement in character. Using the Mussar approach
with emphasis on Bein Adom L'chavero, for which Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim
is noted, the WITS Rabbeim convey awareness of personal development to
their students through a variety of contexts. These include the study
of Mussar texts, Chumash classes, the weekly Mussar Shmuess, learning
groups, and informal, individual sessions.
The priority given to character development sets a social tone within
the Yeshiva and the dormitory. Peer pressure creates an environment
in which students who excel in Midos are emulated by their fellow students.
WITS is proud of its Talmidim and the "Mentschlichkeit" which
they manifest both in and out of the Yeshiva.
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