SAR schools launch Big Bold Future campaign

Two Orthodox Jewish schools in Riverdale will be unveiling new accommodations as part of an expansion to accommodate an increase in their student body.

Late last month, Salanter Akiba Riverdale (SAR) Academy and High School officially launched their Big Bold Future Campaign, meant to revitalize or create nearly 90,000 square feet of learning space across both schools.

The improvements of SAR Academy, at 655 W. 254th St., will include a new wing for the middle school, six new classrooms and a large open area for student prayer and gatherings which overlooks the Hudson River, when renovations are completed.

In total, the new wing will provide nearly an additional 10,000 square feet for SAR Academy students to utilize. 

“These new spaces will enable us to continue saying ‘yes’ to students seeking an SAR education while expanding opportunities for deeper creativity, exploration and connection,” SAR Academy principal Rabbi Binyamin Krauss said.

Before construction broke ground over the summer and as a sign of neighborly consideration, Krauss said the school spoke with nearby residents about noise pollution and other issues caused by renovations. Renovations are expected to be completed in the next few weeks.

SAR High School, at 503 W. 259th St., will also see renovations at its facility, including a 25 percent increase in classroom space to create more flexible work environments.

Two new Batei Midrash (Judaic study centers,) included with a dedicated space for Sephardic prayer, will also be part of the school’s transformation, along with a nearly 50 percent expansion of the school’s theater.

“We are proud to launch the Big Bold Future Campaign which will ensure that SAR continues to provide the highest quality Jewish education for generations to come,” Jack Bendheim said, SAR High School president.

Bendheim said the project reflects the school’s unwavering belief in the power of Jewish education to shape strong, compassionate and capable leaders who will contribute to the strength and vibrancy of all Jewish people.

The new spaces at the high school will include a new engineering and innovation lab, centers for art and music, a new gymnasium with a regulation-sized hockey rink and an additional basketball court, additional open spaces to facilitate large student and faculty gatherings and a daycare center for faculty parents. Construction on the new amenities has not yet begun.

“The Big Bold Future Campaign gives us the opportunity to deepen their educational experience, providing access to even more resources, space and helping them develop into thoughtful leaders who will leave a lasting impact on the Jewish world and beyond,” Tully Harcsztark said, SAR High School principal.

Harcsztark added when the high school opened in 2004, the school had planned for a large student body, but with the significant growth of students in the past two decades, he said their facilities must keep up and expand. 

The schools’ campaign honors the educational institutions’ founders — Lou Bravmann and his wife Lotte. It also honors the visionary leadership of rabbis Yitz and Blu Greenburg and their foundational values which have guided SAR for decades, according to Krauss.

SAR Academy accommodates nursery school students as young as 2 years old through eighth grade, while SAR High School serves grades 9 through 12.

The two schools, both practicing Modern Orthodox Judaism, have been educating students for more than 50 years.

“These new spaces will become the heart of SAR — places where lifelong friendships are forged, curiosity is sparked and spiritual growth is fostered,” Bendheim added.