Spotlight on Itchy Isenberg (FYHS '12)

Graduating Year: 2012

Current Location: West Rogers Park, IL

Profession:  4th Grade Rebbe at Arie Crown, and I also work at the Chesed Fund as their Data & Systems Coordinator.

What is your favorite memory/(memories) from FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

I came to the Yeshiva from WITTS a few weeks into my sophomore year and was put into Rabbi Schechter’s class. My first day was a fast day and everyone was exhausted. Rabbi Schechter was basically doodling on the board because everyone was so out of it. It was a strange first impression, but everything turned around from there.

I was pretty shy and would stay in the classroom during breaks. One day Rabbi Schechter kicked me out and told me to go to the dorms where everyone else was. I was uncomfortable, but the guys were immediately welcoming. Looking back, I really appreciated that he pushed me out of my comfort zone.

I goofed around plenty in Rabbi Schechter’s class, and he put up with it. The next year, I was warned that Rabbi Weiss would be much tougher on me. I ended up loving him. Once, during a shiur to the entire Yeshiva, I fell asleep and woke up when he slammed the desk and said, “I’m a jelly donut!” From then on I called him Donut and he called me Samitch (sandwich).

I also once wrote on a test, “Can I get extra credit for doodling?” Rabbi Weiss gave me the extra points! Now I let my students do the same if the doodle is good enough.

My favorite Rebbe was Rabbi Weinberg. He taught us really well and knew how to get on our level. I still think about that in my own classroom and try to bring some of what I learned from him into the way I teach.

Please share a lesson/takeaway from your time at FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

I had very rigid Rebbeim at other institutions who never came down to my level. At the Yeshiva I saw a much friendlier approach. The Rebbeim could be serious about learning and Yiddishkeit while still joking around with us. That changed everything for me. You can learn, be frum, and have a great time doing it. That is something I try to bring into my own classroom.

Advice for current students:

The Rebbeim there care. High school pressures can feel heavy, but really aren't. You aren't paying bills or doing a project for work. Be serious, but make room to enjoy.