After being welcomed warmly by Agudah executive vice president Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel and school principals Mrs. Tsivia Yanofsky and Mrs. Estee Friedman-Stefansky, Secretary DeVos sat in on classes in Scriptures, forensic science, English literature and music. The secretary listened during a class on Jewish history and genealogy as students shared their families’ stories of escaping Nazi persecution in Poland during World War II, telling the teens how her family members in the Netherlands helped Jews escape to safety during the Holocaust.

Board members and teachers discussed their commitment to educational excellence that prioritizes strong religious studies while also offering a top tier secular curriculum during a roundtable meeting with Secretary DeVos, observing that the school prepares students for success in later life without compromising on their Jewish values in any way. Describing the school as “a holistic learning environment,” the secretary expressed her admiration for the high standards in evidence that imbued the girls with a clear level of confidence.

An informal lunch meeting with students had girls sharing their high school experiences freely with Secretary DeVos, discussing extra-curricular activities, today’s technological challenges and political matters. Several students spoke enthusiastically of their willingness to travel several hours daily to enjoy the school’s stellar academics and Secretary DeVos appeared touched by one girl who told of the school’s support during her battle against leukemia, noting that she hoped to become a pediatric oncology nurse so that she could repay the many kindnesses shown to her during her own illness.

Before leaving the group, Secretary DeVos told the girls how much she enjoyed speaking with them, remarking, “I am very, very impressed with everything I have seen and heard. I know you will be successful in whatever you do.”

At the conclusion of the visit, a pair of twelfth graders presented Secretary DeVos with several gifts, which included a framed illuminated teacher’s prayer, written in both Hebrew and English. Both Mrs. Yanofsky and Mrs. Friedman-Stefansky emphasized that Manhattan High School was honored to introduce Secretary DeVos to the world of Jewish education, giving her a firsthand look at students who are both well educated and deeply committed to their religious roots.

"The resounding message around the table was that we do not live bifurcated lives,” said Mrs. Friedman-Stefansky. “We empower our students with interdisciplinary knowledge and a range of skills they need to contribute to the greater world around us. Secretary Devos expressed her support of the value we place on the arts and cultivating empathy and respect for others."

“It was a distinct pleasure to serve as a prototype of the many fine Orthodox Jewish institutions throughout the United States,” added Mrs. Yanofsky. “Today our students were ambassadors for the Jewish community and I am deeply appreciative for this unique opportunity.”

Secretary DeVos’s visit to Manhattan High School and a second visit to Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway are both the result of continued advocacy by the Agudah on behalf of yeshiva parents.

"Agudath Israel has worked with Secretary DeVos for more than a decade trying to give all parents the opportunity to choose the best and most appropriate school for their children,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, the Agudah’s National Director of State Relations. “We are proud that the Secretary’s first school visits in New York City are to two of the Orthodox community’s finest schools.”

With the number of students enrolled in Jewish schools nationwide increasing annually while other nonpublic school constituencies have seen their numbers dwindle, Secretary DeVos’s visit was long overdue, said Rabbi Zwiebel.

“What Secretary DeVos saw today at Manhattan High School for Girls - a deep commitment to Jewish education as the key to Jewish continuity - will surely give her greater insight into the trend-bucking phenomenon of Jewish school growth,” remarked Rabbi Zwiebel. “Clearly, the Secretary was delighted with what she saw, and just as clearly, the prestige of our Jewish schools received a significant boost.”

Preparing for Historic Visit

Preparing for Historic Visit

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is warmly greeted by Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Agudah's Executive Vice President, and Manhattan High School Principals Mrs. Tsivia Yanofsky and Mrs. Estee Friedman-Stefansky.

 Secretary DeVos in the classroom

Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Agudah's Executive Vice President, Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudah's Vice President for Federal Affairs and Washington Director and Counsel, Mrs. Tsivia Yanofsky, Manhattan High School Principal, and Secretary DeVos in class

Dr. Michael Zalefsky, parent and co-leader of Oncology, Sloan Kettering, addresses Secretary DeVos. Next to him (left to right) are Rabbi Rafael Gelley, Rabbi Mordechai Prager, and Mr. George Karasik, President of the Board.

Dr. Zalefsky addresses Secretary DeVos.

 Mr. George Karasik, President of the Board, addresses Secretary DeVos.

Roundtable Discussion with the members of the staff, board and parents of Manhattan High School.

Secretary DeVos speaking to students

Secretary DeVos with school administration, board members, and Agudath Israel directors