Baltimore, MD - July 31, 2019 - Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim - Talmudical Academy of Baltimore announces the appointment of Rabbi Gedaliah Oppen as the new High School Menahel for the 2019-2020 school year.

Over the last three decades, Rabbi Oppen has served as a Rebbi, principal, and Rav, most recently as High School Principal at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway and Rav of Congregation Etz Chaim in Cedarhurst, NY.   In these roles, Rabbi Oppen has excelled with his unique ability to connect with his many talmidim and congregants, guiding them to achieve and grow. A noted talmid chacham and popular lecturer, Rabbi Oppen gives shiurim on many different Torah topics, and presents workshops on parenting, and education. 

Rabbi Oppen studied in Eretz Yisroel at Yeshivas Bais Hatalmud, Yeshivas Beit Hakerem and Yeshivas Ner Moshe. He holds a BA in Human and Community Service and an MS in social psychology.  Having studied at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, he obtained certification in their “Improving Schools: The Art of Leadership” program. Rabbi Oppen is also an AAPC and Refuah Institute certified life coach.   

Rabbi Oppen has proven himself to be a tremendous Talmid Chacham, a committed educator, an efficient administrator and as a person who understands the needs of today's high school students, teachers, and parents alike. He is highly respected by his colleagues, parents, and the general community, and has built long-lasting personal connections with his talmidim.

Rabbi Oppen will now lead the leadership team in TA’s Mesivta - including General Studies Principal, Rabbi Shimshon Steinberg, Mashgiach, Rabbi Shraga Hershkowitz and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Mr. Gavi Brown.  Rabbi Oppen’s appointment as High School Menahel adds to the already strong Mesivta program currently being put together for this coming year.  A complete revamp of the general studies program along with additional programming has already been planned, offering many more academic options to TA’s talmidim. 

Excited about joining TA’s administration, Rabbi Oppen remarked, “TA is a crown jewel in the world of chinuch, and it is an opportunity to be part of such a wonderful mosad and to help be mechanech the future leaders of klal Yisrael.” 

A tremendous debt of gratitude is owed by TA to Rabbi Yaakov Schwartz, who this past year served in the position of interim High School Menahel.  Rabbi Schwartz will IY”H be returning full time as the Menahel of the Middle School. 

TA’s Vaad Hachinuch and Executive Board look forward to working together to make this transition a smooth one for the Rebbeim, teachers, parents and students.