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Monday, 24 Iyyar, 5786
  |  May 11, 2026

Oholei Torah Hires Interim Dean

Longtime dean of Oholei Torah Rabbi Hershel Lustig is retiring; South African educator Rabbi Michoel Druin will be Interim Dean. Full Story

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glad I'm outta there
May 12, 2015 6:50 am

Wow. Glad I’m outta crown heights before these winds started blowing…. then We wonder why our kids are confused. ..:/Rabbi Lustig you were a true role model to your thousands of Talmidim of the brand name “oholei torahniks”….

its a private school!!!
May 11, 2015 11:03 am

which means parents CHOOSE to put their child in!

if you dont like whats going on there then put your child somewhere else!!

why are people placing their children there then crying that this is not what they want??

after looking into several schools, i placed my children in OT and am very happy BH -they are incredible!

we will miss R Lustig and we hope the chadishkeit will not be compromised…

My opinion
May 10, 2015 9:31 pm

Who I am to have any opinion: I spent nine years in that building (Pre1-A through 8th grade). I was actually in Rabbi R’s class in the sixth grade during his last year, 95/96. OT was a terrible disaster (I can’t begin to go through all the details). Rabbi Lustig did everything humanly possible to keep the ship moving. In the 90s there was 1000 students….and that was 20 years ago….you could imagine the size of the school at it grew. Rabbi Lustig always dealt with an overflowing plate. You have no idea how bad a school OT is and… Read more »

Thank you!
May 10, 2015 6:46 pm

Rabbi Lustig was a wonderful leader, principal and role model for our sons. There are many types of children and parent’s needs and I suppose some things work for some and not for others. For us he was wonderful and we are grateful for the wonderful years our children had under his leadership. Ty

student
May 10, 2015 5:05 pm

As Student I must say im sort of happy I feel like rabbi lustig is never there when you need him and he lost interest in tube kids i always felt like he treated me coldly and im not the only one my friends feel the same way maybe the parentswho say rabbi lustig cares should look at it from the view of a 15 year old student who deals with him and rabbi goldstein he never ever deserved his title im so happy they finaly woke up!!!!!

WILL BE MISSED A LOT !!!
May 10, 2015 4:09 pm

R.Lustig will be missed a lot, not only by the Talmidim themselves but by the parents too.

Your devotion to the Talmidim, each and everyone, over the last 40 years is an accomplishment not easily duplicated, if ever.

Every conversation I ever had with you, R.Lustig was always with a smile ‘b’sever ponim’.

You are so much more than a Dean, you’re a true MENTSCH.

Eli Felb…….

isreal clapman
May 10, 2015 9:39 am

They should put you on the board!! I bet you your rolodex has more hedge fund managers (from your friday mivzoyim days) then the entire board at OT. I remember you getting calls while learning in yeshiva from guys worth 2Billion. It’s no wonder you put together the Besht with ease.

to #128
May 10, 2015 7:54 am

Shtusim. There’s about 4,000 Shluchim worldwide. Even if a staggering 50% came from OT it would only be a fraction of their alumni. Shluchim is the Rebbe’s doing, OT still needs to offer their students a decent chasidisher education with secular studies or their doomed in the long run. Parents are smarter and are demanding it.

Oholei Torah's best kept secret
May 10, 2015 6:49 am

Unbeknownst to the new Vaad, OT’s elementary is the crown Jewel of chinuch al taharas hakoidesh. All mesivtas and Zals have no limudei chol; that’s no chidush… Lots of preschools don’t have any secular studies either. But Oholei Torah Elementary school is a place where “nimna hanimno’ois” happens daily for the past 60 years. I is dangerous when: 1) you are getting rid of the one who stood at the helm for the past 40 years. 2) You a bringing in a yovon arein in sukkah. Rabbi D is clearly a very talented, educated and accomplished man, but the wrong… Read more »

nnnnnooooooo
May 8, 2015 6:15 pm

as a student i will miss rabbi lustig .he was the best

Meir
May 8, 2015 6:04 pm

BS”D
how can you say that Rabbi L overlooked abuse when years ago 2 abusers were fired from OT

To 120
May 8, 2015 5:18 pm

Where is this “directive” documented. The Rebbe advised not to start secular studies before the age of 10, and I don’t think that was exclusive to OT.

And please, let’s not saddle the Rebbe with our own bubbeh maisses. Why are there so many nebech OTD OT alumni. Is this C”V the Rebbe’s doing?!

To number 126
May 8, 2015 5:14 pm

The article touts his secular credentials. This shows that they consider them important. This is new for oholeitorah. Scary actually.

Rabbi Lustig
May 8, 2015 4:59 pm

What is the future went Yeshivas Erev, Shone Halochos, Halichos Olam and all the children rabbi Lustig sends to camp each year with his camp fund?

To 120
May 8, 2015 4:55 pm

good point! The proof is in the pudding… Thousand if OT alumni leading communities throughout the world as Shluchim. Maybe the secret to their success is their lack of secular education and not knowing that what the have accomplished just “couldn’t be done”, mathematically speaking… Don’t know HOW it works, just have seen many times that it does.

a big change
May 8, 2015 4:26 pm

The change here is that we have a newly relevant organization in lubavitch called MEF. They’ve taken an area that has had a deep void and leadership vacuum for the past many years and are slowly building up a solid change with real meaningful impact. Our educational system is better off for it.

Question
May 8, 2015 4:25 pm

Did Rabbi Druin, say anywhere he is bringing secular studies to OT? ( I understand the article says he has degrees and all that,) but where are all the comments about secular studies coming from?

P.s. I don’t agree with rabbi lustig being told to leave. I just don’t get why everyone is saying the chassidishe chinuch of OT is gone.

Some pls explain.

bocher
May 8, 2015 4:11 pm

Thank you Rabbi Lustig for all the effort and patients that you gave me and my chinuch. A real example of a Yid a chossid and a mentch!

Fan of Rabbi Lustig
May 8, 2015 3:21 pm

Rabbi Lustig always took the time to listen to us about our concerns with our sons’ chinuch. We are not a “big name” family, nor do we have money or influence to throw around. Yet he was always there and always made our kids feel that he knew where they were holding. That is a mechanech! May he be blessed with good health, nachas from his children and students, and success in all his future endeavors.

Luckiest man !!
May 8, 2015 3:02 pm

As a teacher that is teaching for over 30 years I am shocked at the behavior of some of these parent commentators. Rabbi Lustig, how did you last all these years with the children of these parents who see no problem smearing someone in public on Lag Baomer no less!!! The apple doesn’t fall far the tree, you must be some saint to be able to handle these children!! As a fellow mechanech ,consider yourself lucky and get out ASAP!

Really? #114!!!
May 8, 2015 2:10 pm

Unfortunately you are part of the problem with your comment.

who?
May 8, 2015 1:48 pm

Retired or fired?
was it he who stepped down or the board that decided to remove him?

To #103
May 8, 2015 12:51 pm

The reason Oholei Torah does not include secular studies of any kind is because this was a directive from the Rebbe.

Trust me, I am just as puzzled as anyone else, and I always ask myself how this can possibly make any sense. Nevertheless, I trust the Rebbe. Who knows? Perhaps there is a special Bracha for talmidim of Oholei Torah to succeed without these studies?

is he the king of OT?
May 8, 2015 12:10 pm

seems like everyone is dumping on him issues with lousy teachers, indifferent staff etc.
did he have the power to remove people, or he had to navigate wih admin, powerbrokers, connected families etc.
he did a great job considering the amount of political garbage he put up with every day.
and all those celebrating his leaving, dream on.
the same puppetmasters are there whispering in the principals ear, protecting teachers who should be mopping floors for a living, and won’t do a damn thing for you unle$$ you’ve got $$$

Go Rabbi Druin
May 8, 2015 12:08 pm

Best mechanich in ch

Larry
May 8, 2015 11:39 am

Rabbi lustig Is a nice guy I made my son feel comfortable in the school Long story short when ever I had to speak to him about anything I felt like I was talking to someone who was programmed it didn’t feel like he had the ability or the authority to make any serious and real change in the place I hope the new guy will be aggressive enough when he sees that change is needed he will actually fight to really make that change even if it means going against the current. In any case DEAR Rabbi Lustig good… Read more »

To #54
May 8, 2015 10:38 am

No, you missed the point. BH my parents pulled me out of OT early on to become a Tomim. OT at its core went of the reservation when they did not include basic reading, writing and math skills. I personally witnessed an OT join me in an out of town mesivta. His fall from Yiddiskeit after leaving OT was swift. Within a few months he Michael shabbos, became a druggie and has lived a broken life since. He readily says the cause was his realization that he was a complete illiterate and it showed the minute he left CH. Rabbi… Read more »

To big to handle
May 8, 2015 10:13 am

This will not change much. CH need more schools and OT needs to reduce the amount of kids because we are not capable academically and financially to run such big institutions. You can’t run a yeshiva with university skills and mentality not students nor parents are sued for it.

Rabbi Lustig To 93
May 8, 2015 10:11 am

Rabbi Lustig was and is a great caring and able Menahel.
If you got beaten is it possible you deserved it, just asking?

how about
May 8, 2015 10:07 am

how about the kids who reported abuse to him, and he responded by squeezing his finger and asking them if that is what it looked like? and then it was all hush hush after that? he may be a talmid chochom, a basically good man, with many nice qualities, but this is unacceptable. lo taamod al dam re’echa is a mitzvah in the torah. it’s not about shaming him, it is about sending a strong message to the community that this is not OK, and we have responsibilities, especially if we are in a leadership position. unfortunately the only way… Read more »

Sylte of educating interactive
May 8, 2015 10:06 am

The level of the learning in yeshiva is high – I wonder if all yeshivas do that. The style that Rabbi Lustig installed is the style of having class/grade tests and a few times a year the menahel would come and test and connect and see what’s happening with each of the students and test them and be involved with all the kids – from youngest to oldest. This has been the educational method that has enabled solid teaching (true, In this way the menahel is on top of the melamed’s teaching ability. ( it maybe hasn’t worked for every… Read more »

interim
May 8, 2015 9:56 am

in·ter·im
ˈin(t)ərəm/
noun
1.
the intervening time.
“in the interim I’ll just keep my fingers crossed”
synonyms: meantime, meanwhile, intervening time; More
adjective
adjective: interim
1.
in or for the intervening period; provisional or temporary.
“an interim arrangement”
synonyms: provisional, temporary, pro tem, stopgap, short-term, fill-in, caretaker, acting, transitional, makeshift, improvised, impromptu
“an interim advisory body”
antonyms: permanent
BRITISH
relating to less than a full year’s business activity.
“an interim dividend”
adverbarchaic
adverb: interim
1.
meanwhile.

Why are we celebrating Rabbi Druin's degrees
May 8, 2015 9:24 am

This goes against the grain of the principal teaching of Oholie Torah, ~ that you don’t need a degree to succeed in life. And yet, we are sure to include Rabbi Druin’s Bio. The Vaad should have just hired a simple kill younger man who is a complete product of Oholie Torah.

start from the bottom up
May 8, 2015 9:14 am

OT preschool is in shambles with only a few very good teachers. You are ruining the kids before they even get to elementary school.

@93
May 8, 2015 9:11 am

you’ll be answering to someone for that great loashan hora and curse. on the note of hitting kids the gemarah in gittin 36a

” …that of the teacher of children whom R. Aha bound by a vow on the authority of a company [to give up teaching], because he maltreated the children, but Rabina reinstated him because no other teacher could be found as thorough as he was.”

ich hob a stirah?
May 8, 2015 8:46 am

Are there any lamdonim that can help me out?the (very)1st paragraph says he’s retiring,& the next 1 says a decision made by the (clueless) board???

dear oholei Torah
May 8, 2015 8:07 am

Dear oholei Torah

Please be more trasparent. What idealogical direction is the yeshiva going in? I don’t know if unzere michanchim should or should not have degrees. Personally, i think not. But to brag that your new hiree has this or that degree? Es shmekt. Goodbye to the chasidisheh chinuch of my beloved oholei torah:-(

A question to ask ourselves
May 8, 2015 7:52 am

This is a question we ought to ask ourselves.
We want and need professionalism in our schools.
Our Yeshiva is “Al Taharas Hakodesh”.
What message are we giving our children, when we tout the secular education of the new interim dean?

Family positions
May 8, 2015 7:14 am

All Lustig’s/godlsteins should be removed, it is not a family job it should be a position of well traind and experienced mechanchim who care and know how do deal with kids.

thank you rabbi lustig
May 8, 2015 6:34 am

I am a shliachs son who left home at a young age, was extremely home sick… Rabbi lustig would take me to his office and talk to me, he was very caring and understanding. He was a true mechanech, with empathy and beautiful midos. To #89 20 years ago it was the norm to hit a child as a way of punishment. Actually it was the norm in Jewish circles for thousands of years. The fact that it hurt doesn’t make him a bad mechanech. It means you see yourself as someone who is untouchable. It’s the new age, you… Read more »

To 52
May 8, 2015 6:32 am

Regarding you 2nd point.
Um.. Isn’t that directly against why Oholei Torah was founded???
You might think it a good thing but that is not what the Rebbe wanted and that is why R’ Michoel founded OT.
If you want your kids to learn secular studies, than i suggest you find another school for them. Just don’t take a school which is following the Rebbe’s directive of being Kuloi Kodesh and kill it, now that is wrong!

One second! Abuse or "petch"?
May 8, 2015 6:28 am

I for one salute Rabbi Lustig for all he has done for Oholei Torah, its students and by extension, ALL of Lubavitch (and I DON’T work in yeshiva’s PR dept – that’s the reality). I see that people here are discussing “hitting” and “abuse” in the comments. I was hoping someone would weigh in to set the record straight. Since I haven’t seen that anyone else did, I will try: The world has changed a lot in the 40 years since Rabbi Lustig began and weather we like it or not, OUR world has also changed… Years ago it wasn’t… Read more »

Out of towner
May 8, 2015 6:02 am

I grew up on shlichus and as such did not attend OT for elementary school. I DID attend as a guest several times when I came to NY and have fond impressions of Rabbi Lustig. I WAS in OT for mesivta and zal and I became close with many of my classmates who were born and bred OTniks (after passing the smell test of course -;)). To me there was never a question that you are talking here about a TRUE mechanech with emeseh chasidisheh values but at the very same time was years ahead of the curve. Ask anyone… Read more »

Nonsensical
May 8, 2015 5:55 am

I agree with #54. I don’t get it. I guess I should teach my kids that in order to get a position in a Lubavitch educational system they should go to college. Although I do see the positive potential of MEF, holding those with higher educational degrees in such esteem seems to be missing the point.
Signed,
Confused

what????
May 8, 2015 4:43 am

I never met a principal found such a good job as Rabbi Lustig! I don’t know the ins and outs, but such a decision needs to come from real real veteran mechanchim. Yet who’s applying they’re name/responsibility to this decision? The new vaad. Tell me, were they brought in for they’re known expertise in education? These people never spent a day in the classroom. I they have the Chutzpa to decide on children’s chinuch? Everyone knows they’re a vaad hagashmi, as obviously being businessmen, yet they’re replacing reb Michoel. Its ludicrous. Mine and your personal opinions have no weight in… Read more »

good idea!
May 8, 2015 2:22 am

To #3, I disagree with your premise of chinuch. To #17, I think that is a great insight on your part. To #24, do you even know what ohelei Torah is? To #36, there definitely is room for improvement. To #49, what does college have to do with anything? To #63, how much can we handle? To #75, thank you for your insight.

very nice, very nice
May 8, 2015 2:19 am

Now we wait

my mexican maid knows more math then my son!
May 8, 2015 2:12 am

Limudei kodesh and chassidishkeit is top priority. But our children will need a little more then that. Waiting for the results.

there is a reason why I stopped sending my kids there
May 8, 2015 1:57 am

time for.a.change

Oneli Torah
May 8, 2015 1:22 am

I got beaten by 2 of the rabbeim there while he was there……..
He didnt do anything about it……..he will answer to someone after 120 years……. Live with that.

To 54
May 8, 2015 1:19 am

Why can’t one have both? You must be from the older generation which is having a terrible impression on our children. They are told it’s either or. That either they drop Yiddishkeit and go to college, or the other way around. Why do they have to be connected? I also find it funny that it is a “bad” thing that an educator with degrees to prove it is coming to run the school. Would you rather one without? Rabbi Lustig is a warm and caring person. He will be missed. But, it is time for change. A grateful parent of… Read more »

real chassidishkeit
May 8, 2015 1:00 am

I agree with #47!

Rabbi lustig is an amazing human being!....
May 8, 2015 12:21 am

Rabbi lustig is a tzadik

to comment number 3
May 8, 2015 12:10 am

that is not true!!

rabbi lustig hit me… and it hurts me till today many years later..

Thank you Rabbi Lustig!!
May 8, 2015 12:04 am

I was a student many years ago in Oholei Torah, for many many years. Rabbi Lustig was always there for me. Always there for all my classmates. Always with a caring smile. If not for Rabbi Lustig I would not be Frum today. I can only imagine how many others. He would always take a personal interest in my life and in my studies. When I think back at my years at OT I only have positive memories of Rabbi Lustig. I wish I can say the same about all my teachers. Unfortunately they don’t make them as real as… Read more »

Memories
May 7, 2015 11:58 pm

Not all good. Refusing to admit Talmidim for no good reason; allowing certain practices to go on; Rabbi Lustig was not a great Principal – he may well have been a great teacher, but it takes more than that to be solid Principal. Didn’t he inherit the job from his father??

there is a reason why I stopped sending my kids there
May 7, 2015 11:31 pm

time for.a.change

moshiach's tzeitin
May 7, 2015 11:22 pm

N’arim pnei zkeinim yalbinu. See Sota 49b.

A Mechanech of the highest order not seen in Lubavitch
May 7, 2015 11:17 pm

As a young boy Rabbi Lustig took special care of me being away from home. He invited me to be part of his family and took great care to ensure that I would be able to survive the tough veneer of OT students and teachers. A real dedicated mechanech the likes of which will not be seen in Lubavitch where we may talk about midos and chassidishkeit while he lived it. Will be much missed.

good news
May 7, 2015 11:08 pm

I saw a kid get slapped by a rebbe, I saw a 2 kids get snow smushed in his face by a Pre 1 A rebbe who is still employed as a Present 1 A rebbe.
Some parents are fine with these actions. They are the parents who are upset Rabbi Listing is leaving.
They are the parents who, nebach, will accept any evil against their own children when Rabbi Lustig decides it’s not a big deal.

Thank you , Rabbi Lustig
May 7, 2015 11:02 pm

I know of a young man, who is in his thirties, and has gone his own journey, but every year, without fail, Rabbi Lustig finds him, whichever end of the world he is in, to give him Brochos on his birthday. What a loss. What a special person, what a dedicated principal, we all owe him a tremendous hakaras hatov . for the invaluable role model and good person he, was/is, to our son’s and sons in law and grandchildren. Rabbi Lustig, you will be sorely missed, and I can only hope that our children will still be able to… Read more »

thank g-d
May 7, 2015 10:43 pm

Sorry to see Rabbi Lustig go he has always taken a interest in the kids well being even after they left yeshivah you can tell he really cared.

thank g-d they are getting rid of goldstein extremely immature disrespectful to parents constantly teasing kids extremely mentally abusive and unfit to be around people hopefully his office will be in his house.

Mendy
May 7, 2015 10:11 pm

People: please show a bit of class. Whatever your opinion of what educational methodology is the correct and whether a change in leadership is needed, it is downright ugly and shameful to insult a distinguished educator who dedicated 40 years to educate youth in this community. He may not have been the most effective educational leader for your child but for the vast majority he was. And that includes thousands of children who have studied in the yeshiva since in inception. At the very least, show some basic courtesy and respect in this public forum. Being a public servant leaves… Read more »

איש המעשה
May 7, 2015 10:06 pm

R Lustigs nurtured, mentored and cared. New generations come and the old guard moves on. This is the way of the world. Rabbi Lustigs may be changing employment or retire but the thousands of alumnus are his living testimony. Will R Druid succeed? Time will tell. Give him a chsnce. Hatzlocha

Deep appreciation to an individual devoted to Chinuch
May 7, 2015 10:04 pm

We are sad to hear this news. Rabbi Lustig is an extremely caring and talented Dean. He leads the school with kindness and intelligence. He has a keen understanding of the children s individual strengths and is always available to speak with and offer ideas. It is with deep gratitude that we should acknowledge a leader who devoted 40 tireless years of his life to Chinuch.
Much appreciation!

Regardless
May 7, 2015 9:59 pm

No one should be a teacher or principal “forever”. These things need to be constantly reevaluated, with the children’s best interests in mind.

Wow
May 7, 2015 9:57 pm

Now let’s watch all the damage being done by a vadd who hasn’t and I doubt would earn there stripes.

So far the vadd is making a lot of noise. They did not raise one dollar. Rabbi rosenfeld is still out at night struggling to cover the payroll and cover the deficit.

The vadd has people with personal issue with rabbi L. And they are using their temporary power to wreck havoc.

We have seen these types of vadd before. They come and go, but the damage they cause lingers on.

Thank you
May 7, 2015 9:39 pm

I want to take this opportunity to thank Rabbi Lusting for all he’s done for my boys. He was very devoted and really cared about his talmidim . He ALWAYS expressed an interest in them, and really knew each and every one. It really makes me sad to see him go. I feel like we are losing the true flavor of O.T., the tried and true warmth and chassidishkeit which is the reason o.t. was always first choice. I’m afraid things are going to change now.. Rabbi Lusting, THANK YOU, we will miss you. From a grateful parent who had… Read more »

The spirit of the school
May 7, 2015 9:35 pm

The atmosphere of the school comes from the head. Of course, nothing is perfect until Moshiach comes – but Rabbi Lustig has “been” the institution. The chassidishkeit that Rabbi Lustig engendered will be a hard act to follow, A little nervous on this point that erlichkeit, old fashioned chassidishkeit should continue to be promoted. All of Lubavitch and the world which benefits from the talmidim of O.T,. who came out from under his watch. Yasher koach.

Capitolist
May 7, 2015 9:27 pm

BS”D

Two words you never hear from Oholei Torah:

“YOU’RE FIRED!”

Being ‘insulated’ from the ‘outside,’ breeds contempt.

See Allan Bloom’s telling book and damming indictment of the Educational system in America,”The Closing of the American Mind.”

For the amount of money this institution collects (how much is it anyways per year–oh yeah–that’s TOP SECRET) the systems and output is poor…..maybe I’m just bloviating…

he stood by
May 7, 2015 9:25 pm

when children were abused. Sorry he has to go…

Thank u
May 7, 2015 9:21 pm

Rabbi Lustig was an incredible public servant. Of course it is normal for some parents to have complaints. U can’t please everyone, especially lybavitchers who are such a difficult crowd to please. Rabbi Lustig please know that the overwhelming majority of us have the highest respects for you and feel greatly indebted for all u have done for our boys. Yasher loach may Hashem reward all of your incredible efforts

As a shliach
May 7, 2015 9:21 pm

I have sent my children to many good yeshivos but the only one that invited my son to his home and cared about him was rabbi lustig

Now Harvard is taking over

It's about time
May 7, 2015 9:19 pm

Hopefully kids won’t be mistreated as before

Rabbi Lustig
May 7, 2015 9:16 pm

I had 6 boys bla”h going through the system with you and one is in the system now YOU were always there for us and my children loved you and still though already some married keep on talking about the good days with you. You cared for each and everyone one of them in such a special way and you were always available when an issue would come up I can not thank you enough for making my boys so comfortable and so happy to be in Yeshiva. B”H they all graduated with honor and excellent marks. so much due… Read more »

From reb elyeh chaim to rabbi druin
May 7, 2015 9:13 pm

Mzt finally the real ohelie torah shines

We will miss you Rabbi Druin
May 7, 2015 9:09 pm

As a staff member and parent of five years at the school Rabbi Druin is leaving, I can only say u will be pleased he will be greatly missed.

Other Schools
May 7, 2015 8:52 pm

there are a few schools in the neighborhood that should oust their administration if we are on the subject

CHABAD LITE
May 7, 2015 8:48 pm

yup..! he was our principle. His school and teachers are one of the many reasons why we are around and growing exponentially today.

bottom line
May 7, 2015 8:38 pm

Just because Rabbi lustig accomplished certain things does not change the fact that we need a young innovative principal to deal with todays challanges,and make school exciting for boys.Teach them how to be menchen,not just to pupmp information in their heads. I dont know if Rabbi Druin is the perfect guy,but we have to give it a try. This has nothing to do with liking Rabbi Lustig or not, Its all about the school going forward. There is no need to spill dirt into the open , ut the school needs MAJOR Improvements, It needs to operate in a proffesional… Read more »

We will miss rabbi lustig
May 7, 2015 8:34 pm

Very sad that rabbi lustig is leaving. He is a dedicated and caring mechanech. We will miss him!

We need change,
May 7, 2015 8:34 pm

It’s crazy what they got away with until now

Bravo #42
May 7, 2015 8:31 pm

Unfortunately its all about the “garb”. The abuse that went on in OT for years was disgusting and Rabbi L should’ve done something about it quicker than a finger snap! Its not about being nice or not. We are talking about kids over here!

I can't believe it
May 7, 2015 8:27 pm

Let me start by saying Nooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
R’ Lustig was a very caring dean, who actually cared about us.

Rabbi Lustig
May 7, 2015 8:23 pm

A caring and devoted Menahel.
As a former Talmid i have only good memories of an outstanding person who went out of his way to help and assist each talmid.

They are BOTH great!
May 7, 2015 8:13 pm

I personally know both Rabbi Lustig and Rabbi Druin.
They are both very fine people.
Sometimes you have to move on even if its not a unanimous decision.
I am sure with Rabbi Druins genius in Torah he will continue the good that Rabbi Lustig has set fourth and bring Oholei Torah to the top. I am looking forward to a bright future in our community.
A hopeful parent

Rabbi lustig is an amazing human being!....
May 7, 2015 8:04 pm

As an OT alum I m telling you this from the bottom of my heart, rabbi lustig is an excellent menahel, he cares with his whole heart and soul, what an awesome man, most of what I have today is from him.

To Rabbi lustig,

I’m sad to hear this news, while some people might be happy about this, it’s a truly sad thing to see you go, all I want to say is that I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done, regardless of what people will say, you’re my hero.

Thank you, thank you!
Sincerely
M.Z.

Rabbi Druin !
May 7, 2015 7:57 pm

Rabbi Druin will do an amazing job as his very own son shliach Levi Druin best shliach ever !

Missing the point of Yeshiva
May 7, 2015 7:57 pm

Now every child can have the impression in order to succeed you need to go to college. Only that style princable will suffice.
That is the opposite of why OT was founded! Hartz and emes are needed, not professionallism. We need chassidishkiet, not college.

That is not to say the new princable won’t be good- I never met him. The reasoning behind the move are very anti-yeshiva.

I believe in miracles!!
May 7, 2015 7:55 pm

I wasn’t a big believer of miracles, until now. Whoa am I so happy for the kids of crown heights. They might have a future now!
Moshiach now

Silent No More
May 7, 2015 7:54 pm

The facts remain, Rabbi R. was able to molest G-d knows how many kids over a 30 year period. For Rabbi Lustig not to have known about this ongoing sexual abuse is very hard to believe. Either way, maybe a new menahel will keep a better eye on his teachers. And yea, its about time that ohlei torah students are taught basic math! There is no crime in teaching 1+1. If they can teach basic math in Satmar, they can teach it in Ohlei Torah. Hopefully, Rabbi Druin will insure that Ohlei Torah graduates will not remain ignorant in 3… Read more »

Shmully
May 7, 2015 7:52 pm

I’ve seen Rabbi Lustig ‘ s care, concern, and generosity first hand. I’ve seen him giving out money to boys that davened nice, having true joy when a boy knows an answer on his test, taking personal concern that a boy should have a yeshiva to go to, etc. He was way ahead of his times in so many ways, as it says איזהו חכם הרואה את הנולד. This is Rabbi Lustig. I know I speak for many when I say יישר כח and thank you!

a grand thank you event
May 7, 2015 7:41 pm

We should all get together as parents and previous students and make a grand thank you event to honor rabbi lustig, he should get the true respect he deserves.

Interim dean or replacing rabbi goldstein
May 7, 2015 7:28 pm

I’m confused, will he be replacing rabbi goldstein and rabbi lustig??? can one person do both jobs efficiently.
are they just trying to save money.

Amen
May 7, 2015 7:28 pm

#weloverabbilustig
Great man!

with the old breed
May 7, 2015 7:04 pm

what a mess.

Rabbi lustig
May 7, 2015 7:02 pm

The wholelubavitch owes so much to you! Thank you!

politician
May 7, 2015 6:44 pm

Dear parents, being a principal is like being a politician. You are a public servant! “What have you done for me today” will always be what determines the fate of the public servants of the world. You can’t possibly stay in such a position for 40 yrs and not have had some dissatisfied parents or students. That’s very normal. But laundry should NOT be aired on a public forum. It’s disrespectful to the individual who dedicated his life to the community. This is a time for hakoras hatov. I would expect OT to honor Rabbi Lustig at their next gala.… Read more »

OTU grad.
May 7, 2015 6:44 pm

R. Lustig = nice guy. No denying that.

R. Lustig was also silent on the child abuse in that school that went on for years!!!! stop denying facts. We were all there. We all know what happened. Some witnessed the sexual abuse, but EVERYONE knows what went on with the psychical abuse.

a parent
May 7, 2015 6:41 pm

BS”D
something is rotten in Denmark if they canned Rabbi L but kept Rabbi ____

Rabbi Druin's First Test...
May 7, 2015 6:36 pm

Is whether or not he will take the time to sit with each and every teacher to listen to their needs, frustrations, and interests. This is only way to earn the trust of the Rebbeim. And If he earns their trust, he will succed. It not, he will fail. Period.

Rabbi Druin
May 7, 2015 6:35 pm

Please care for the children at least just as much as the yeshiva image.

great for whom
May 7, 2015 6:31 pm

I’m sure the hundreds of boys who suffered physical and child abuse under his watch are not sad to see him go

Rabbi Lustig
May 7, 2015 6:28 pm

Please acknowledge that Rabbi Lustig took a joke of a school (ask anyone that remembers what it was like before he came), and made it into a real school. Let me see the big talkers here do what he did.

Great principal
May 7, 2015 6:25 pm

Thank you Rabbi Lustig for all that you did for our boys. You really cared. I don’t think anyone is good enough to replace your warmth and caring. You knew every boy personally and always wrote a personal note on every grading sheet. You will be missed!

Rabbi lustig
May 7, 2015 6:24 pm

They are making a BIG mistake

Soo sad!
May 7, 2015 6:14 pm

Rabbi Lustig is amazing!!!

its about time
May 7, 2015 6:12 pm

i am sad that he was fired but if u read the bottom it says he will replace sholom goldstein which in my opinion was a good choice cause rabbi goldstein was not fit for the job

Sruly Clapman
May 7, 2015 6:01 pm

Rabbi Lustig is a amazing, caring, and loving person.

He devoted 24/7 for 40 years and it was 365 days a year (cause the summer is when he works the hardest preparing for the new year ).
Let’s mot make him into some villain. He should be the principal ameritus for life. And someone consulted on all big decisions.
I expect nothing less then him being guest of honor next year.

a parent
May 7, 2015 5:58 pm

BS”D
i thought a Vaad was for money matters NOT for Ruchnius
can someone set me or the record straight
Rabbi L is a caring individual
when one boy in the entire class did not get a schlichis he
raised cane to rectify it-and obviously that is not is grade
of responsibility
etc
wonder if this Vaad would see fit to dump Rabbi S obm

He was not fired
May 7, 2015 5:42 pm

He was replaced

so it seems like people do pay for their mistakes
May 7, 2015 5:36 pm

This is long overdue

Shliach/Out of town father
May 7, 2015 5:31 pm

I have a son that I sent to Oholei Torah in 8th Grade a few years back. Rabbi Lustig was always very nice,accommodating and caring to him. He had a great year in Oholei Torah.
Thank You Rabbi Lustig

There is a boss
May 7, 2015 5:29 pm

Rabbi lustig, the last of the old guard to go, who will make sure oholei Torah doesn’t lose its touch?

Thank you
May 7, 2015 5:11 pm

Rabbi lustig I may have given you a hard time but one thing I can say Oholei Torah is loosing a great man who is always eidel and midus hate to see you go

I say its a shame.
May 7, 2015 5:07 pm

Rabbi Lustig is a great man. i learnt in Ohlei Torah, he was always caring. he’s a sincere person and he stops to speak with all his students. I am 34 years old and every time he sees me, he stops and asks how i am doing. I wish he would stay, if not as principal, the just to be there.

LIFETIME DEAN
May 7, 2015 5:05 pm

Rabbi Lustig is not a “longtime dean”. He was leading Oholei Torah for a lifetime. FOUR DECADES!

Yes
May 7, 2015 5:02 pm

True Rabbi Lustig had some very outstanding qualities. But you can not be silent when children are hit by teachers. My son was hit by M. very often and he recently revealed that K. also hit him. This is very damaging to the child. Who stepped up to help in those situations. It should not have been shoved under the carpet.

:):):)
May 7, 2015 4:54 pm

BEST NEWS!!!!
Rabbi Druin is the best

Great news!
May 7, 2015 4:53 pm

Wow that’s fantastic news! Rabbi Michoel druin is just an amazing educator.

# 2
May 7, 2015 4:48 pm

Here’s the deal. We are all in the same boat. If the Vaad is successful we will benefit. Really their success is REALLY our community success. Did you give the Vaad a chance? Did you offer to help.
More importantly – and I’m asking you to please think for a minute – what to you really prefer, the Vaad to fail or to succeed?

Just Leave these issues alone
May 7, 2015 4:43 pm

Rabbi Lustig Is a true Gem He will be succesfull Wherever he goes;

hatzlacha Raba
May 7, 2015 4:41 pm

Rabbi Durin! Our community is counting on your success.

Rabbi Lustig cares
May 7, 2015 4:33 pm

I Hope rabbi Druin Will make it his own and care for it just as Rabbi Lustig did over the years, Rabbi Lustig was my best memory of oheli torah if not for him and his daily encouragement that even 80% is good i would have flunked the system, THANK YOU Rabbi Lustig for the hard work over the many years!!

Bad decision
May 7, 2015 4:32 pm

Rabbi lustig was the only person who actually give a thing about the yeshiva kicking him out is the stupidest thing they ever did

why get rid of the good guys?
May 7, 2015 4:31 pm

Im sure Rabbi Druin is great but substitute him for someone who needs to step out, not for one of the schools greatest!

Mother
May 7, 2015 4:31 pm

Rabbi Lustig was a wonderful and caring administrator and I am horrified by the way some parents think they can flaunt their name, wealth and whatever other kind of intimidation to elbow their way through school. TO those parents, good luck raising Junior into adulthood because guess what, no one else will cower to your needs in the real world. What a pack of wolves

very nice
May 7, 2015 4:27 pm

Hopefully things will change for the better now.

Amazing news!
May 7, 2015 4:23 pm

Finally Oholei Torah might be a school I will consider sending my children to!
So Happy!

If it ain't broke don't fix it
May 7, 2015 4:22 pm
Hopefully
May 7, 2015 4:20 pm

Hopefully PROPER Action will now be taken against Child abuse….

Wow cant believe it
May 7, 2015 4:15 pm

Rabbi Lustig will definitely be missed
But Goldsteins new position is the biggest mistake yet
He needs to go

resident
May 7, 2015 4:06 pm

This is very sad. He was a real mentch . he wouldnt mind if I ever spoke to him about my son in shul or other non yeshiva related places . he was always eager to help. While jcw dos great things for victims, they are also running the neighberhood down to the ground. it was there letter that forced rabbi lustig to leave.

hatzlacha rabah!
May 7, 2015 3:57 pm
Oh Boy
May 7, 2015 3:41 pm

If you thought Rabbi Lustig was a problem, you ain’t seen nothing yet!!!

Parent of many sons who went to Oholei Torah
May 7, 2015 3:29 pm

Thank you to Rabbi Lustig for his sincere devotion and hard work for our children. We are sure he will be missed.

noooooooo
May 7, 2015 3:25 pm

U can’t replace rabbi lustig he is more than a dean he actually cared about us

The right person for the right job
May 7, 2015 3:15 pm

Oholei Torah is very lucky to have Rabbi Druin!

Unbelievable news
May 7, 2015 3:13 pm

Rabbi Druin will be an asset to your school. You can look forward to an upgrade in standards. Mazel Tov!

we will miss rabbi lustig
May 7, 2015 3:12 pm

Rabbi lustig was one of the best out there, even in the old days when teachers hit he never lifted a finger and was always there for the student putting them first.

this is a loss for all the future kids in the school

Bad decision
May 7, 2015 3:10 pm

This new vaad who think they are running a business are making lots of mistakes.

A big yishar keiach!
May 7, 2015 3:06 pm

Great news

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