Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey

May 2013/Iyar 5773

ANNUAL REPORTIncluding a financial summary for academic year ending June 2012

Dear RYNJ Fam

Rabbi Daniel Price Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein

Head of School Director of Religious and Academic Studies

rdprice@rynj.org rsgoldstein@rynj.org

Azi Mandel Rabbi Yehuda Rosenbaum Allen Pfeiffer

President Chairman of the Board Executive Vice President

amandel@rynj.org ryrosenbaum@rynj.org allen.pfeiffer@rynj.org

Dear RYNJ Family,

We are pleased to present you with the 2nd Annual Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Annual Report for

the academic year ending June 2013. The report reflects the many milestones achieved in our Yeshiva this

year. We invite you to read it and experience the abundance of nachas that we are fortunate to share

at RYNJ.

The report represents a continued effort on the part of our administration and board towards transparency

in our financials. Included is a financial summary reflecting our last audited academic year ending June

2012 as well as key fundraising and budget statistics from our 2012/2013 projections. You will learn how

our finances are allocated and see how we are actively planning today for the continued financial security of

the Yeshiva.

RYNJ is proud to be a leader in the effort to contain the escalating cost of tuition. We are gratified that we

have been able to maintain relatively flat tuition for the past six years. Our goal is to continue to provide

excellence in all aspects of our Yeshiva without increasing tuition obligations for the foreseeable future.

To that end, we are truly grateful for your generous consideration of RYNJ in your tzedakah giving.

We have much to celebrate and our future is bright. As always, if you have any comments, ideas or questions,

please reach out to us. Comments on the annual report may be sent to AnnualReport@rynj.org.

Wishing you a wonderful summer.

Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, 666 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge NJ 07661 • 201-986-1414 • www.rynj.org

1

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

Gra

ph

ic D

esig

n: J

ulie

Far

kas

• Ju

lieFa

rkas

.com

Letter 1

Table of Contents 2

Mission 3

Beliefs 4

Vision 5

Accomplishments 7

Striving Higher 9

Innovations 11

Financial Summary 17

Hakarat HaTov 24

Board Listing 25

Table of Contents

2

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

Our beautiful 7.8 acre campus includes two buildings,

totaling over 130,000 square feet. Our facility includes

a science lab, music room, 2 gyms, a multipurpose room,

2 computer labs, library, 61 classrooms and 11 auxiliary

instruction rooms. This past summer we expanded our

cafeteria to 4100 square feet in order to accommodate our

growing student body. Our outdoor play area was upgraded

with a new astroturf field for football and soccer and 3 new

basketball courts with fiberglass backboards.

THE RYNJ CAMPUS

Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey

is an Orthodox Jewish day school

dedicated to continuing our mesorah by

nurturing the joyful pursuit of a Torah way

of life in an atmosphere that promotes

Torah scholarship and academic excellence.

Our mission is to inspire our children

intellectually, socially and morally to view

themselves as essential and vital assets

of our precious legacy from Sinai.

A Yeshiva with a

3

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

Mission

4

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

• Each child should be imbued with a sense of yirat shamayim and be inspired to make a commitment to careful observance of the Torah.

• Each child should develop a spiritual bond with Eretz Yisrael and a sense of identification with Medinat Yisrael.

• Each student should be inspired to make a commitment to lifelong daily Torah learning and be provided with the Hebrew language and thinking skills required for such endeavors.

• All practices of the school are to be consistent with halacha and when deemed necessary, in consultation with gedolei Torah.

• Judaic Studies are to be taught in the morning by teachers who serve as role models for a Torah way of life.

• Separate classes are to be provided for boys and girls in grades 1-8.

• An appreciation and respect for the Torah leaders of past and present generations should be instilled in each student.

• Each child should value the accomplishments and sacrifices of previous generations.

• Children flourish in a child-centered atmosphere that praises each child’s accomplish-ments and values the talents, uniqueness and varied learning styles of each student.

• All children can learn when they are provided with instructional support to develop their individual talents and address specific needs.

• Educational success involves the integration of cognitive, emotional and social growth and includes the nurturing of creativity.

• Each student should make a commitment to create quality work and strive for excellence. Accordingly, the school should be a model for the students by being committed to continuous self-improvement.

• A healthy professional relationship with open lines of communication between the family and the school plays a central role in the successful education of our children.

• Students should develop their critical thinking skills so that they not only learn to gather and incorporate information, but also to analyze what they learn and apply their knowledge.

• Each child should be inspired to a lifetime love of the pursuit of knowledge.

• The development of fine character and self-esteem is an essential process requiring constant effort and patience, facilitated by the faculty in a caring, safe environment and internalized by the students.

• Students should take responsibility for their actions and develop into good citizens. They should be imbued with an attitude of kavod habriot and strive to perform acts of chesed.

• The school should be deeply committed to focusing its energies (e.g. curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment practices, professional development, leadership) in support of student achievement of essential knowledge, skills for learning and character refinement.

WE BELIEVE:

MissionO

ur B

elie

fs

Primacy of Torah

The Yeshiva continually emphasizes that the highest form of human endeavor is

the study of Torah. The beautiful sounds of Torah learning reverberate through-

out the school’s hallways as enthusiastic teachers help children to cultivate the

required skills for a lifetime of Torah study. The worldview created by the study of

Torah directs the future attitudes and endeavors of the student, who learns to see

the world through the prism of Torah.

Academic Excellence

The Yeshiva’s skills based academic program prepares our students to attend a college-

preparatory high school. Each of our students is encouraged to make a commitment

to create quality work and to strive for excellence. Students develop their critical

thinking skills so they not only learn to gather and incorporate knowledge, but also

to analyze what they learn and apply their knowledge. Many of the Yeshiva’s gradu-

ates have been chosen as the valedictorians and salutatorians of their high school

classes. Today, many of our RYNJ alumni are leaders in their professions.

Love for Israel

Love and support for the State of Israel are basic to the philosophy of the Yeshiva,

which believes that our children must grow up feeling a sense of responsibility

toward our brethren in the Holy Land. We are very proud that a large number of

RYNJ families have made aliyah and are now raising their families in Israel. Yom

Yerushalayim and Yom Ha’atzmaut are exciting days in the Yeshiva with carnivals,

parades, Israeli-themed games and educational programs. Our children enthusias-

tically display their love for Israel each year at the Celebrate Israel Parade and have

received many awards for their presentations.

5

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

Each of our

students is

encouraged to

make a

commitment

to create

quality work

and to strive for

excellence

A Yeshiva with aVision

6

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

Teachers Devoted to Teaching Children

Our teachers, though masters at imparting skills and information, do not enter the

classroom to merely teach a subject. They are trained to recognize the unique

abilities, personalities, and needs of each of their students and devote themselves

to the cognitive, emotional, and social growth of each child. Our staff actively seeks

to develop an atmosphere that praises each child’s accomplishments and values

the talents and special qualities of each student. The development of a positive

self-image within each child is among our primary concerns.

Enrichment and Support

In each class, students are challenged with activities that develop their higher level

thinking skills. Special projects stressing creativity, innovation and research

capture the curiosity of students gifted in science, social studies and literature. Children

gifted in math and Talmud have the opportunity to join enrichment classes and

Middle School students with talents in science and math participate in a hands-on

E2K program created by the Israel Arts and Science Academy. RYNJ maintains

a resource room program for children who benefit from small group instruction

focused on specific skill development, enabling classroom success.

The Yeshiva also provides self-contained classes for students who are not yet ready

for a traditional classroom setting. Specially trained teachers utilize varied techniques for

the individual needs of the students. Many children mainstream in part or fully into

regular classrooms. Through the efforts of this Transitional Program, the children

are provided the opportunity to flourish within a yeshiva setting.

Emphasis on Character Development

The Yeshiva’s children are taught that the human personality is the most sacred

and precious trust we possess. The Yeshiva has been recognized by the Chofetz

Chaim Heritage Foundation for its commitment to raising children who are

devoted to treating parents, teachers and peers with respect and recognizing

the spark of the Divine in every individual. The Yeshiva provides many opportunities for

acts of chesed throughout the year. Our curriculum incorporates numerous formal

and informal programs in middot development. The Counseling and Psychological

Services Department presents a Social Skills Development Program from a Torah

perspective. Issues such as sensitivity to others, self-respect and self-esteem and

prevention of bullying are among topics that are emphasized.

Separate Classes and Role Models

The Yeshiva is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is founded

upon the spirit of millennia of Torah study. In accordance with this time-honored

tradition, the school maintains separate classes for boys and girls for both Judaic

and secular studies. A highly positive Jewish environment is created where our

teachers set the tone as magnificent role models for all of our students.

Our staff actively

seeks to develop

an atmosphere that

praises each child’s

accomplishments

and values

the talents and

special qualities of

each student

A highly positive

Jewish environment

is created where

our teachers set the

tone as magnificent

role models for all of

our students

U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Of Excellence

At an award ceremony in Washington, DC, RYNJ

was recognized as one of a very elite group of

outstanding schools and designated as a

National Blue Ribbon School. From among over

100,000 public and private schools, fewer than

300 are recognized each year. The Council for American Private

Education declared in a letter to RYNJ: “You and your staff,

students, and parents should be proud and pleased that your

efforts to deliver the highest quality education are not only

successful, but are an example to others.”

Torah Umesorah School of the Year

The award recognized that “the Yeshiva provides

an atmosphere where children achieve personal

growth through love and knowledge of their sacred

heritage. RYNJ is truly an inspiring model for

American Torah Education.”

Accredited by the Middle States Association

of Colleges and Schools

Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey is

the only Orthodox regular elementary and

middle school in Northern New Jersey that is

accredited by the prestigious Middle States

Association. Middle States Accreditation is only awarded after

a very comprehensive study of the institution by recognized

educational experts that confirms that the school has met 12

standards in such areas as educational programming, adminis-

tration, instructional pedagogy, teaching staff, organizational

design, technology, student life and activities, facilities, health

and safety, and strategic planning. Most importantly, a Middle

States Accredited School has specific plans that include

strategies for anticipated events and goals towards even

higher levels of quality.

7

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

AccomplishmentsA Yeshiva with GREAT

8

Torah Bowl Team 22-2 After Last Year’s 24-0 Regular Season

The RYNJ Girls and Boys Torah Bowl Teams have a remarkable record of success,

including several Metropolitan Area Championships. This year, the teams have won

22 of 24 regular season games, as they show their mastery of Sefer Devarim.

Math and Science Competition Success

During the last several years, RYNJ E2K teams have finished in 1st, 2nd and 3rd

place in international competitions in math and science.

Outstanding Achievement On Standardized Testing

Throughout the years, RYNJ students have performed strikingly well on standard-

ized tests. Their average test scores are solidly above national percentiles on the

Stanford Achievement tests in both verbal and math sections. More significantly,

our 8th graders have had outstanding success on the Board of Jewish Education

High School Entrance Examination.

Boys And Girls Basketball Teams Reach Playoffs

The school’s varsity basketball teams are enjoying very successful seasons with the

boys going 8-2, and reaching the semi-finals and the girls going 7-3 and playing in

the finals. While having a winning season makes us very proud, we are prouder yet

of the winning middot our teams display both on and off the court.

Average test scores

are solidly above

national percentiles

on the Stanford

Achievement tests

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

Accreditation for Growth

RYNJ is currently completing its Middle States reaccredi-

tation process. Our application requires approximately 12

months of self reflection and reevaluation in all areas,

including academics, philosophy and mission, vision, pedagogy,

discipline, communication, religious values and student life.

Our faculty, administration, lay leaders and members of the

parent body are key, as this self-evaluation is dependent on

their involvement and commitment.

The reaccreditation process leads to school improvement

and student growth. In fact, the protocol that RYNJ is employing

during the 2013 school year is entitled Accreditation for

Growth. This protocol seeks to focus on desired outputs in

student performance. Through a comprehensive self-study, this

rigorous and thorough process analyzes how our students

presently perform and creates a meaningful improvement

plan for the future. Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey is

committed to a future-oriented and visionary process.

We are an educational institution focused on reflection,

analysis, and strategic planning.

A vital part of this process involves including and incor-

porating parent feedback. During the summer of 2011, the

parent body of RYNJ took part in a comprehensive survey

to measure their appraisal of their children’s RYNJ educa-

tion. Almost all survey answers indicated high satisfaction

with academic, Judaic and spiritual education. The responses

served as a basis for the implementation of further educa-

tional initiatives. Most markedly, 94% of the respondents

indicated that they were very satisfied or satisfied with their

decision to enroll their children at RYNJ.

An additional parent survey was sent out in the fall of 2012.

The survey reconfirmed a very high level of pride in the accom-

plishments of the school and the students.

9

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

Striving HigherA Yeshiva always

10

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

Our Parent Body Identified the Following School Strengths

in the May 2012 Survey:

• Religious identity is reflected clearly in the school’s mission, belief

and publications.

• The school’s governance and leadership are good models of religious

belief and values of the school.

• The schools leaders ensure there is an atmosphere of mutual respect

and purposeful effort of behalf of the students and their learning.

• The school’s leadership assures that all school programs and activities

are well planned, supervised, staffed with qualified personnel, and

given appropriate resources.

• The school’s facilities are healthy, safe and well maintained.

• Staff members demonstrate they are committed to the school and

committed to their work.

• The school’s education program reflects an integrated approach

to the children’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language

development.

Looking Ahead:

Our self-study has facilitated the identification of the following areas

which we will focus on strengthening.

• Students will demonstrate improvement in the critical thinking,

reasoning and problem solving skills needed to become independent

proactive lifelong learners.

• Students will demonstrate an increased ability to take responsibility

for their role as a member of the RYNJ community as demonstrated by

their personal actions and adherence to moral, ethical and Torah values.

• Students will demonstrate improvement in their technological skills.

The survey

reconfirmed a

very high level

of pride in the

accomplishments

of the school and

the students

Striving Higher

M.O.M. (Middah of the Month)

The Department of Psychological and Counseling Services created and implemented

a school-wide program for focusing on middot and character development. Each

month, a new middah is chosen for the entire student body to focus on developing.

Educational material about the middot are disseminated through weekly “Counseling

Corner” articles, fliers throughout the building as well as classroom presentations.

Parents are encouraged to “catch” their children exhibiting the middot. For example,

after the students were taught the three steps to exercising empathy, parents were

asked to e-mail momprogram@rynj.org, to share when their children demonstrated

empathy for others.

Thirty Nine Avot Melacha Come Alive

Eighth graders are experiencing the forms of work prohibited on Shabbat. Many of

these activities are outside the realm of twenty-first century suburbanites. Through

the presentation of Rabbi Josh Rossman of the Torat Chaim Institute, our students

have had the opportunity to thresh, winnow, make cheese, stomp grapes, spin

thread, and more, thus strengthening their understanding of the Melachot.

Positive Social Interactions and Classroom Readiness

RYNJ has initiated the Second Step Social-Emotional Skills for Early Learning in the

kindergarten and first grades.This program teaches skills to build self-regulation and

social-emotional competence. Children learn and practice vital skills for listening

and paying attention, empathizing, managing emotions, building friendships and

problem solving with others. The enjoyable and effective classroom activities, which

include the fun and engaging use of puppets as well as eye-catching photographs

depicting social skills stories, are described in letters to parents, who are encouraged

to reinforce the social skills at home.

11

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

Children learn

and practice vital

skills for

listening and

paying attention,

empathizing,

managing

emotions, building

friendships and

problem solving

with others

InnovationsA Yeshiva with

12

A World of First Class Middot

In partnership with the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation, RYNJ

has initiated several exciting middot tovot programs for various grade

levels. Our third and fourth grades participate in the Konei Olam Program,

where they experience the sights and sounds of eight fascinating

countries through stories filled with adventure and important lessons.

In each country, they explore valuable middot and learn how to bring the

middot into their lives in a meaningful way. Each child receives his or her

own passport which is stamped at the end of each visit to reflect the middah

learned and the location visited.

Inculcating the Aleph Bet, Exciting Letter by Exciting Letter

The Pre-K children are engaged in a new hands-on interactive approach

to learning the Hebrew alphabet. Puppets, tangible objects and pictures,

colorful letters, and student-created projects assembled in a photo album

all facilitate the young students’ mastery of the first building blocks of the

language of the Jewish people.

Mitzvah Clowns and Mitzvah Magician Programs

In a unique combination of chesed and fun for the Bar and Bat Mitzvah

age students, the “Mitzvah Clown” Program for the 7th grade girls and the

“Mitzvah Magician” program for the 7th grade boys continues to be a big

hit with the students, staff and the recipients of RYNJ chesed. The Department

of Psychological and Counseling Services has coordinated clowning and

magician training sessions for the 7th graders, and then organized field

trips for the students to implement their newfound skills to provide cheer

for groups of elderly individuals. The bonding between our young people

and the residents was real, deeply appreciated and heart-warming to

watch. The experiences are a win-win for all.

Puppets,

tangible objects

and pictures,

colorful letters, and

student-created

projects assembled

in a photo album

all facilitate the

young students’

mastery of the first

building blocks of

the language of the

Jewish people

Innovations

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

Bnei Akiva Creates Bridge Between RYNJ and Eretz Yisrael

Bnei Akiva is presenting captivating programs this year in the RYNJ Beit

Medrash. At a recent program, our middle school students were greeted by

Bnei Akiva representatives at stations representing different time periods in

the history of Yerushalayim: Avraham and Akaidat Yitzchak, the Periods of the

Beit Hamikdash, the Churban, the War of Independence, the Six Day War and

contemporary Yerushalayim.

Prominent Educational Consultants Guide Teachers in

the Implementation of Balanced Literacy Program

Our exciting new reading curriculum, Balanced Literacy, integrates the reading

and writing skills of our students within a very effective structure. The program

emphasizes formative assessment and differential instruction. This year, our

second and third grade students are developing decoding, reading compre-

hension and effective writing skills through a highly impressive methodology.

Two specialized consultants, Elliot Koreman and Barbara Boriotti, are guiding

and mentoring the RYNJ staff on the curricular methodology of this exciting

new program. Mr. Koreman has supervised eight districts in New York City,

served as a school principal in New York City and Westchester County and is

an instructor of Teaching Literacy Methodologies at Stern College. Ms. Boriotti is

a prominent Educational Consultant. Preschool teachers and assistant teachers

have also benefited from the professional development series in Balanced

Literacy. The program is incorporated within and enhancing the Yeshiva’s

Early Childhood Treasures reading series.

13

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

Students are

developing

decoding, reading

comprehension and

effective writing

skills through a

highly impressive

methodology

Ilana Schwartz a”h Memorial Shiur by

Mrs. Chani Juravel Inspires Eighth Graders

The eighth grade banot, classmates of Ilana Schwartz a”h, joined their

mothers for a fascinating lecture by famed educator and speaker, Chani

Juravel. Mrs. Juravel presented tefillah as a means of initiating self

growth during times of happiness, challenges and sadness. Connecting

the students’ knowledge of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov to the emo-

tions and experiences of their lives, she demonstrated the great value of

sincere prayer. The topic selection was motivated by Ilana a”h’s inspiring

devotion to tefillah that characterized her life. This shiur, along with other

illuminating parenting workshops from speakers including Rabbi Yaakov

Horowitz and Dr. David Pelcovitz, is available for viewing on our website.

Destination Estimation

The intuitive understanding of numbers by our preschoolers is being

enhanced by the Estimation Station that greets everyone at the entrance

to the preschool. Since all RYNJ students, teachers, and parents pass the

display, we have all joined in on the estimating fun! This year’s collections

of crayons, fall leaves, flags, dreidels, styrofoam snowballs, Purim masks,

and other seasonal items have been prominently and colorfully displayed

in a plastic case. Preschool students have been challenged to guess the

correct number of each new item.

Middle School Judaic Studies Assessment Initiative

Working with our faculty, the administration created a series of formal

assessment measures in Chumash, Mishna and Gemara. This initiative

will enhance our assessment abilities and allow us to continually create

a more effective curriculum and lessons focused on skill development.

These assessment tools are unique in their scope and sequence and serve

as a model for other schools.

14

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

This initiative

will enhance

our assessment

abilities and

allow us to

continually

create a more

effective

curriculum and

lessons focused

on skill

development

L’havin U’lehaskil Expands to Fourth Grade: RYNJ Serves as National Model

Our new Chumash Curriculum that is revolutionizing the development of

Chumash skills, now extends to fourth grade. The comprehensive, research-

based program developed by educational pioneer, Mrs. Tamar Nussbaum,

incorporates colorful and extensive workbooks for students and intensive

teacher guides. Creative lessons and worksheets are ideal for differential

instruction as they target different modalities and stress varied skills. The

program comes complete with Smartboard ready lessons for each unit,

interactive songs, beautiful charts, posters and flash cards for each student.

Mrs. Nussbaum meets regularly with the RYNJ faculty and incorporates input

from Rabbi Horn and our faculty into new material that is now being used

nationwide in select schools.

Early Childhood Assistant Director

RYNJ is proud to welcome Morah Aviva Vogel as our new Early Childhood

Assistant Director. Morah Aviva has been an educator for the past 11 years

working both as a teacher and curriculum coordinator. Morah Aviva is well-

versed in many preschool and grade school educational programs including:

Writers’ Workshop, Foss Science Module, Everyday Mathematics, DRA (Direc-

tive Reading Assessment), Guided Reading, PAF/Orton Gillingham and Hand-

writing Without Tears and has trained teachers in many of these programs.

As Assistant Preschool Director, Morah Aviva works with preschool teachers

on curriculum development and classroom management. She observes and

mentors teachers as well as monitors student progress and development in

the classroom.

Middle School Ruach

The Middle School Talmidim began the year on a positive note with class

barbeques and then a lively Simchat Bait Hashoeva, setting the tone for

positive spirit throughout the school year. On many Fridays, the rebbeim

and students welcome the coming Shabbat through enjoyable moments of

spontaneous ruach. They are joined by our three YU Kollel members who have

created a special connection with the boys. The ruach was also palpable at the

eighth grade boys Shabbaton and during the wonderful father-son kumsitz

that followed on Motza’ei Shabbat.

The Eighth Grade Girls Shabbaton was a total experience in camaraderie

and singing. The ruach hardly stopped from the moment Shabbat arrived

until Havdalah. The eighth graders’ great enthusiasm was particularly

prominent during Color War as the sixth and seventh grades joined them

in filling their activities with spirited (and sometimes spiritual) singing. This

year, our 6th grade boys and 6th grade girls planned our middle school

orientation for 5th grade boys and 5th grade girls, respectively, showing

leadership and creativity.

15

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

Creative lessons

and worksheets

are ideal for

differential

instruction as

they target

different

modalities

and stress

varied skills

16

I Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

Developing Sensitivity To Those With Special Needs

The RYNJ Middle School Girls participated in North American Inclusion

Month through a wonderful program conducted by YACHAD, the OU’s

National Council for Disabilities. The program enables the students to

develop a new understanding, greater sensitivity, and increased patience

with those who are challenged by disabilities. The banot were truly inspired as

they listened to Ilana Bravman who spoke through her communication device

and helped everyone understand how we all share the same hopes, dreams

and challenges. Our differences are really minimal from the perspective of a

shared humanity.

The banot participated in fascinating workshops that encouraged them to

perform hands-on activities demonstrating a specific learning challenge.

For example, they experienced fine motor challenges by wearing gloves and

attempting to manipulate items, they took a spelling test presented in “Deaf

Speech,” and they looked through various materials to see how vision can be

restricted. The challenges were fascinating and enlightening.

Tefillah Power; Praying with Fire

RYNJ middle school students receive copies of a wonderful publication,

“Tefillah Power,” a weekly colorful newsletter based on the work of Rabbi

Heshie Kleinman, author of Praying with Fire. Stories and activities bring the

prayers to life. Rabbi Kleinman, an inspirational speaker, recently met with

our Middle School students. Rabbi Kleinman spoke of the precious power of

prayer that we all possess; but all too often fail to tap into. He illustrated his

concepts through stories that related to the lives of the students. The news-

letter and shiur are helping students learn to make a personal connection to

various tefillot as they gain an understanding of the themes, concepts, and

key words of central prayers.

The program

enables the

students to

develop a new

understanding,

greater sensitivity

and increased

patience with those

who are challenged

by disabilities

16

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

Financial SummaryThis report outlines the key financial and operating data for the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of

North Jersey. A summary of the financial results for the 2011/2012 academic year appears

at the end of this report. Our Yeshiva’s financial statements are audited every year by an

independent auditor. The 2011/2012 figures discussed in this section summarize some of

the important metrics contained in those audited financial statements.

Enrollment and Class Sizes

Enrollment for the 2012/2013 academic year stands at 1,049 students in Nursery through

8th grade, an over 3% increase from a total enrollment of 1,015 students in 2011/2012,

representing the highest enrollment in the history of the Yeshiva. We continue to experience

growth in our early childhood program and have enrolled new students into our elementary

school, helping to fill classes without incurring significant additional expenses. We had six

full Kindergarten classes in each of the last seven years leading each year to increased enrollment

in the elementary school. Our classes entering kindergarten and first grade have been larger

than our graduating eighth grade. Our Kindergarten through sixth grades average approximately

110 students.

We remain focused on recruiting and currently project increased enrollment to approximately

1,070 students, a 2% increase for 2013/2014. For the 2013/2014 school year, we will have

11 Preschool classes, 31 Lower School (grades 1 -5) classes, 16 Middle School (grades 6-8)

classes, and 5 classes for our Transitional Program.

Our class size is an average of 18.5 students (less if our Transitional Program is factored into

the average). Our overall ratio of students to professionals (classroom teachers, assistants,

specialty professionals and administrators) is approximately 5:1, allowing us to provide large

school resources in a small school environment. This ratio compares favorably to those

reported by other yeshiva day schools in the area.

We are confident that we can provide the same quality education should enrollment increase

moderately. With the completion of our new building in 2010, we have the capacity to educate a

growing number of students in state-of-the-art facilities in addition to the four Sinai classes

housed at RYNJ. This allows us to spread our fixed costs over a larger tuition base without diminishing

the individual attention provided to students.

Student enrollment at RYNJ

1049 students

492 families

(2012/2013)

430 students

224 families

(1989/1990)

families

students17

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

18

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

Tuition and Scholarships

Our primary source of income is tuition. Our “net” tuition (tuition income net of financial aid

scholarship awards) was approximately $11.7 million for the 2011/2012 academic year and is

projected to be approximately $12.5 million for the 2012/2013

academic year. Gross tuition revenue was approximately

$13.1 million for the 2010/2011 academic year and is projected to

be approximately $13.7 million for the 2012/2013 academic year.

Tuition has remained flat, at rougly $13,000 on average per student

for the past 6 years, and will not be increased for the 2013/2014

academic year. Accordingly, the increase in gross revenue on a year

over year basis is attributable to increased enrollment. With inflation

fluctuating around 2% for the past few years, our efforts to keep

tuition flat has the impact of effectively lowering tuition costs for

our families each year. Additionally, 2012/2013 tuition included all

trip and incidental fees that had previously been charged to parents separately. This effectively

lowers the cost per student even more.

Need-based financial aid scholarship grants total approximately $1.4 million. That amount

has been relatively consistent in each of the last few years, accounting for approximately 10% of

gross tuition revenue. Approximately 24% of children of RYNJ families received financial aid of

some amount with a financial aid median grant of approximately $4,900 per child. As shown

above, financial aid of $1.4 million was granted through our financial aid scholarship program

and the Yeshiva raised approximately $1.2 million in voluntary contributions. The remaining

$200,000 provided in financial aid had a net impact on total parent tuition-related obliga-

tions of approximately $200 per child.

We remain committed to providing tuition assistance to all families in need. We are confident that

our scholarship process is discreet, compassionate and fair. We are working actively with JEFG and

the other local schools to streamline the process and ensure consistency.

Other Sources of Revenue (not including Building Fund and Building Contributions)

11.5%

88.5%

UJA

General Contributions

NNJ

Scholarship

Journal

Dinner

Scrip

Scholarship Reception ($655K)

Dinner Journal ($217K)

NNJKIDS ($109K)

General Contributions ($181K)

UJA ($31K)

Parent Dinner Obligations ($323K)

Scrip ($192K)

Scholarship ($1.4 million)

Net Tuition ($11.7 million)

Net Tu

ition

Scho

lars

hip

10.4%

89.6%

87%38%

11%

19%

6%

11%

2%

13%

13%

$1.7 million

Other Sources of Revenue ($1.7 million)

Net Tuition ($11.7 million)

19

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

2011

2012

2013

287

Fundraising and Contributions

We rely on donations and fundraisers for a significant portion of our revenue. Over the past

few years, we have increasingly benefitted from the success of our Annual Dinner, our Scholarship

Reception and NNJKIDS. Charitable contributions received in the 2011/2012 academic year

included the scholarship reception which raised a record of $655,000 (and even greater

$710,000 in academic year 2012/2013), the dinner which grossed $540,000 ($323,000

dinner parent obligation and $217,000 in additional dinner journal ad revenue), and other

contributions (such as Parnas Hayom) of $181,000. In addition, we received $109,000 from

NNJKIDS, $31,000 from the UJA Federation and net revenue from our scrip program was

$192,000. In total, our non-tuition based income for the 2011/2012 academic year was over

$1.7 million, $1.2 million of which was voluntary contributions to our annual operating budget.

Total Number of Scholarship Campaign Donors

$499 and below $500-$999 $1,000 and above

Over 1000

Over 500

up to 500

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Over 1000

Over 500

up to 500

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010 21288

21373

22365

21377

18163

18869

19071

14450

14342

Total Scholarship Reception Pledges2012

201220122012201220122012201220122012201220122012

$92,000

(2002)

$710,000

(2013)

108

120

Over 1000

Over 500

up to 500

Over 1000

Over 500

up to 500

279136

286

The contribution amounts referenced do not include parent building fund obligations or amounts

donated to offset the building of our facility and capital commitments. In the academic

year 2011/2012, we collected $343,000 from parent building fund obligations and an additional

$220,000 from pledges. In addition, we had interest income and other income related to the building

of $126,000.

While the overall level of contributions is comparable to that of many of our peer schools, we

believe there is still a significant opportunity for us to grow our revenue in this area. We have

begun to expand fundraising efforts beyond our parent body, focusing on cultivating

relationships with alumni, alumni parents, grandparents and community leaders. We are underway

with a strategic effort to build a sustainable “development” program with the goal of raising

fundraising levels for years to come and paying down our debt.

Professional Compensation

Our teachers and professionals are the heart and soul of RYNJ. It is their dedication to academic

excellence and their devotion to our children that make RYNJ one of the leading day schools

in the country. We devote significant resources to attract, retain and properly compensate our

quality faculty and administration. As with most other schools, approximately 88.5% of

the budget, or $11 million, accounts for salaries and all related benefits.

Our total professional compensation has risen slightly as we add new classes to accommodate

higher enrollment, but at a relatively modest increase given the growth in enrollment (an

approximate 2% net increase in payroll with an over 3% growth in enrollment). We continue

to seek ways to reduce our annual budget, but not at the expense of a quality educational

experience for our RYNJ children. We plan to continue to increase the use of technology to

improve educational efficiencies as much as possible where appropriate.

In our recently approved budget for 2013/2014, we continue to include an increased allocation for

teacher training, professional development and continuing education programs. We have also

maintained our pension contribution at 6%, a level comparable to other schools in our area,

while providing for a modest salary increase for our valuable and dedicated staff. We employ

221 total employees (many of whom are part-time employees).

Over the years, as new programs have been introduced and/or additional administrative needs

have arisen, we have asked existing teaching faculty to take on additional responsibilities.

This allows us to keep costs low and provides a growth opportunity for teaching staff who would

like to expand their skills. We have continually benchmarked our staffing and administrative costs

to ensure consistency with other schools of our size and have found our cost structure to be

quite efficient.

20

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

21

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

Operating and Other Expenses

Our total expenses for textbooks, educational materials, and supplies were approximately

$525,000. Our facilities expenses, which include the expense of our maintenance staff, repair

and cleaning costs and security, were approximately $443,000. Our utilities expenses were

approximately $268,000. Insurance costs were approximately $128,000 and our special event

programming costs were approximately $40,000. In addition, we have allocated $30,000 to

cover potential bad debt. Adding all these categories, our total additional operating expenses

were approximately $1.4 million, a decline of approximately $200,000 over the

prior year.

Balance Sheet and Mortgage Amortization

The Yeshiva aims to maintain a healthy balance sheet and is well-positioned to meet all of its

financial obligations. Over the past decade, we have maintained a responsible debt level while

dramatically increasing the size and quality of our facilities.

We have received new building commitments in the last few years totaling approximately

$2.1 million. As of the end of June 2012, we had approximately $527,000 of outstanding building

and other pledges.

Delayed Tuition

Dinner and Special Event

Educational Materials/Supplies

Building Maintenance/Security

Insurance

Utilities

Salaries and Bene�ts

Salaries and Benefits (88.5%)

Utilities (2.2%)

Insurance (1.0%)

Building Maintenance and Security (3.5%)

Educational Materials, Supplies and other (4.2%)

Dinner and Special Events (0.3%)

Bad Debts (0.2%)

Operating Expenses

Our net debt balance (bank debt net of unrestricted cash held in bank accounts) at the end of

June 2012 was brought down to approximately $7.1 million. Our goal is to bring our net debt

balance below $6 million before the end of June 2014 through normal mortgage amortization

and additional allocations to pay down principal.

Beyond the mortgage, the Yeshiva maintains a line of credit to cover cash requirements over the

summer or other periods when expenses exceed cash on hand. We have managed our finances

very successfully in recent years and have not found it necessary to use the line of credit.

It currently has a zero balance.

Building/Financing: 2010-11 2011-12

Net Debt, Beginning of Fiscal year $9,099,325 $8,185,037

Fiscal Year Debt Paydown

Interest Income and Building Income 123,973 126,217

Mortgage Principal Payments 397,763 378,343

Building Fund Parent Obligation 347,299 342,539

Additional Building Donations Collected 363,365 219,796

Net Debt Reduction 1,232,400 1,066,895

Net Debt, End of Fiscal Year 7,866,925 7,118,142

Adjustment for interest rate contingent liability and prepaid tuition 318,112 0

Adjusted Net Debt, End of Fiscal Year $8,185,037 $7,118,142

Summary and Outlook

Overall, as a result of increased enrollment, the success of our fundraising programs and other

non-tuition income, we have been able to balance our budget and maintain relatively flat

tuition for the last six years with some tuition decreases in select programs, despite increases

in our operating expenses. Our goal is to continue to ensure we provide excellence in all aspects

of our Yeshiva without increasing tuition obligations for the foreseeable future. To meet this

goal, we will need to continue to look for ways to control our expenses, bring our fundraising to

a higher level and attract students consistent with our enrollment targets.

22

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

PLEASE HELP US ACHIEVE OUR GOALS by considering RYNJ in

your tzedakah giving. Contributions of any amount are welcomed

and encouraged.

FOR INFORMATION ON AVAILABLE BUILDING DEDICATIONS,

please contact Laizer Kornwasser at laizerk@yahoo.com

23

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort

12 Month Operating Income and Expenses for the School Year Ending June 30, 2012

Operating Revenue: 2010-11 2011-12

Tuition Obligations $12,934,535 $13,067,082

Less Financial Aid Scholarships - 1,339,941 -1,359,329

Net Tuition Income 11,594,594 11,707,753

Parent Tuition Obligations

Parent Dinner Obligations 319,675 323,400

Scrip Sales 194,861 191,708

Total Parent Tuition Obligations 12,109,130 12,222,861

Annual Fundraising

Scholarship Fundraising 513,877 655,472

Additional Dinner Journal and Chinese Auction 226,746 216,519

General Contributions 103,853 180,537

NNJKids 129,253 108,821

UJA Federation 28,980 31,150

Total Annual Fundraising 1,002,709 1,192,499

Total Annual Operating Revenues $13,111,839 $13,415,360

Operating Expenses:

Salaries and Benefits $10,780,534 $11,043,521

Other Expenses

Educational Materials, Supplies and Other 445,451 525,078

Building Maintenance and Security 424,218 442,775

Utilities 299,348 268,469

Insurance 131,029 127,943

Dinner and Special Event Expenses 45,496 40,473

Provisions for bad debt* 300,000 30,062

Total Other Expenses 1,645,542 1,434,800

Subtotal/Pre Mortgage Expense Obligations 12,426,076 12,478,321

Mortgage Interest 288,000 468,663

Required Mortgage Principal 236,000 321,335

Total Annual Operating Expenses 12,950,076 13,268,319

Additional Mortgage Principal 161,763 57,008

Capital Expenditures N/A 90,033

Total Uses of Revenue $13,111,839 $13,415,360

* Provision for bad debts was a significantly higher expense during the 2010-2011 period (on a non-recurring basis) due to the adoption of

accrual based accounting.

Thank You!

Thank you to our generous 2011/12 donors.

Listed are the categories of those who have

voluntarily contributed to RYNJ in academic

year 2011/12, including the Annual Dinner,

Scholarship Reception, program sponsorships,

general donations and building commitments.

Thank you for including RYNJ

in your charitable giving this year.

Greater than $50,000

3 families

$25,000 to $50,000

8 families

$10,000 to $25,000

22 families

$5,000 to $10,000

32 families

$1,000 to $5,000

117 families

$500 to $1,000

82 families

$100 to $500

272 families

24

I Ro

sen

ba

um

Ye

shiv

a o

f No

rth Je

rsey

Hakarat HaTovA Yeshiva expressing

Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, 666 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge NJ 07661

201-986-1414 • www.rynj.org

President

Azi Mandel

Chairman of the Board

Rabbi Yehuda Rosenbaum*

Executive Vice President

Allen Pfeiffer*

Vice President, Finance

Jonathan Silver

Vice President, Administrative

Rachelle Mandelbaum

Vice President, Development

Mordy Rothberg

Laizer Kornwasser

Vice President, Communications

Dr. Michael Wiederkehr

Treasurer

Jonathan Neiss

Secretary

Adina Wiener

*Past President

Board of Governors

David Carmel

Jack Eizikovitz

Jackie Feigenbaum*

Phil Heimowitz*

Dr. Arthur Kook

Jeffrey Mayer*

Henry Orlinsky

Elliot Small

Yitz Stern

Dr. Stanley Waintraub

Eli Weber*

Hillel Weinberger

Harvey Wrubel

Trustees

Dr. Saul Lejtman

Adeena Mayerfeld

Glenn Pfeiffer

Nomi Rotblat

Yossie Rubin

Menachem Schechter

Barry Sklar

Honorary Trustees

Rabbi Abe Kramer

Hy Nutkis

Milton Polevoy

Dr. Belle Rosenbaum

Anne Senter

Bernard Struhl A”H

Board of Directors

Bryan Alter

Jonathan Baron

Judah Eizikovitz

Carl Guzman

Shira Isenberg

Uri Jacobs

Dr. Shimmy Kanarek

Dr. Philip Kazlow

Rabbi Howard Komendant

Yoni Lieber

Donny Rosenberg

Naomi Schiff

Moshe Skoczylas

Rachel Wertentheil

PTA Presidium

Miriam Warburg

Becky Neugroschl

Head of School

Rabbi Daniel Price

Director of Religious

and Academic Studies

Rabbi Shmuel Goldstein

Principal, Judaic Studies

Rabbi Dr. Harvey Horn

Principal, General Studies

Arlene Libman

Associate Principal

Rabbi David Kaminetsky

Associate Principal,

General Studies

Ann Robbins

Early Childhood Director

Fran Mermelstein

Early Childhood Assistant Director

Aviva Vogel

Director of Special Services

Helen Adler

Director of Transitional Program

Barbara Goldstein

Mashgicha Ruchanit

Cindy Zucker

Business Director, Controller

Sandra Steinberg

25

I An

nu

al R

ep

ort