Rabbi Yair Menchel

My name is Yair Menchel. I’m an educator, school leader, parent coach, husband and father. I care deeply about helping the next generation develop a meaningful connection to Hashem, build strong relationships, and live inspired and meaningful lives.

I currently serve as the Middle School Principal at Yeshiva Har Torah. Previously, I was the Judaic Studies Principal at Westchester Torah Academy and held several roles at the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, including Senior Coordinator, Israel Guidance Counselor, Mashgiach Ruchani, and Rebbe.

A big part of who I am is that I love creating and building things. I’m always coming up with new and original ideas and then figuring out how to actually make them happen. I’m constantly thinking about the next program or idea and asking how we can make it better. I also have a very strong work ethic. When I believe in something, I put everything I have into it. I push myself and the people I work with to keep improving and not just do things because that’s the way they’ve always been done. I’m proud that I’ve been able to make a real difference in the organizations I’ve worked for by bringing new ideas, energy, and a willingness to put in the work to make them successful.

Camp has been a big part of that experience. As Program Director at Camp Lavi, I was responsible for programming for approximately 450 campers and 150 staff members. I created and oversaw the camp wide calendar, came up with original night activities and major camp wide programs, managed the programming budget, and supervised and trained the programming staff. I also worked closely with division heads and other departments to make sure everything came together. One of my favorite parts of the job was coming up with something new and exciting and then figuring out all the details needed to turn that idea into an incredible experience for the campers.

Before Lavi, I served as Program Coordinator at Camp Mesorah, where I helped develop the master camp calendar, night activities, special events, and camp wide programming. My years in camp taught me that having a great idea is only the beginning. You also need to be organized, work hard, pay attention to the details, and have a team that can bring it all together.

I also really enjoy graphics, video, and social media. I have a lot of experience creating graphics and producing and editing videos, and I currently oversee Yeshiva Har Torah’s social media. I create much of the school's content, including graphics, videos, and reels. Since taking over the account, we have nearly doubled our following, and a number of our reels have gone viral. I enjoy keeping up with what is trending and figuring out creative ways to use those trends to show the personality of the school and tell its story.

Previously, I also served as the Director of Community Education for the Orthodox Union’s Department of Community Projects & Partnerships, where much of my work focused on GenAleph, the OU’s parenting initiative. I oversaw the educational content, programming, and website and hosted GenAleph’s podcast, The Jews Next Dor. I also founded and produced JEDucation, a podcast focused on conversations about parenting and Jewish education.

Whether I’m working in a school, camp, youth program, or communal organization, I love creating. I enjoy coming up with original ideas, working with a team, solving problems, and taking something that is already good and finding ways to make it even better.

My educational background has also played an important role in shaping me as a leader and educator. I received semicha from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) at Yeshiva University and a master’s degree from Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. I also completed the Certificate in School Management and Leadership (CSML) through the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Most importantly, family is at the center of my life. My wife and I are blessed with four children, three boys and a girl, who keep our home busy, lively, and fun. When I’m not working or thinking about my next idea, I enjoy spending time with my family, learning Torah, running, playing basketball, and singing.