Teaching generations at L.A.’s Toras Emes Academy

It says something when generations proudly claim an alma mater and continue sending their children through its doors. For our Los Angeles client Yeshiva Rav Isacsohn Toras Emes Academy, teaching generations goes beyond a bragging right – it’s about making sure history is never forgotten and ethics are as essential as textbook learning.

Started by a group of Holocaust survivors more than 70 years ago, Toras Emes began around a kitchen table with seven students and a teacher who taught both the Torah and standard academic subjects. Today, it’s the largest Orthodox elementary and middle school outside of New York City, with a sprawling campus and more than 1,000 boys and girls who attend through eighth grade.

“Our school is about more than academics, which are of course important,” said Dean of Students Rabbi Yakov Krause, who joined the school faculty in 1977. “Parents seek out our school and have been known to relocate long distances to bring their children here, because we give them the highest caliber of religious education. We teach more than facts – we teach lessons that bind generations together and preserve all that has been passed down.”

With families from all walks of life seeking an education from Toras Emes, they have reached capacity several times over the years, each time choosing to expand their facilities. Currently, the school is planning the construction of a new building to expand the girls’ elementary school division, slated to open in 2026.

Their goal is to give young minds more space and upgraded facilities, with the addition of their own lunchroom, auditorium, and gymnasium or playground.

“Toras Emes has been a client for many years,” said Mark Nugent, Senior Vice President and Commercial Banking Center Manager. “We value the same thing – building strong communities. It’s been wonderful to watch them grow and we look forward to serving them for many years to come.”

While money is essential to said growth, Toras Emes has a long history of ensuring learning and fostering a sense of community are always their top priorities.

“Many of our students receive some type of scholarship,” said Rabbi Berish Goldenberg, the school’s Executive Director, who, along with Krause, joined Tora Emes in 1977. “That’s unusual, but it helps us be more inclusive. We don’t want to turn students away when they and their families want to be part of our community.”