our story
Welcome to Hillel Torah, where we prepare the Jewish leaders of tomorrow.
At Hillel Torah, we combine academic excellence with Torah values, inspiring a love of learning and a deep connection to Torah, Israel, and the Jewish people. Our child-centered approach fosters curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, shaping the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Our Mission
We are a dynamic, Modern Orthodox day school preparing the Jewish leaders of tomorrow. Our progressive, child-centered approach promotes academic excellence in Judaic and general studies. Rooted in Torah learning and values, we encourage children to develop a life-long commitment to Medinat Yisrael, the Jewish people and the global community.
Hillel Torah At a Glance
420+ Students
FROM
200 Families
Students scored, on average, in the
94th Percentile
Nationally on the Math MAP Assessment
Ivrit B’Ivrit & Israeli cultural immersion with
4
Shlichim
2
Bnot Sherut
Average Class Size (Grades 1-8)
20
With 1:8 Teacher-To-Student Ratio
200 +
students participate in afterschool enrichment activities and sports teams
Students from all over the Chicago Area
Skokie, Evanston, West Rogers Park, Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park
640
Hillel Torah students and faculty
have made Aliyah
$2M +
given in financial assistance annually
About Us
Founded in 1962, Hillel Torah has been a cornerstone of Jewish education in the greater Chicago area. We’re a proud Preschool through 8th grade co-educational, Modern Orthodox Jewish Day School. Our rigorous dual curriculum combines cutting-edge general studies with a rich Judaic education, engaging students in exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. Our nationally recognized Ivrit b’Ivrit immersion program, led by Israeli shlichim and bnot sherut, brings Hebrew language and Israeli culture to life.
Our History
Since 1962, Hillel Torah has provided a progressive Modern Orthodox education to the greater Chicago Jewish community. Over the decades, we have expanded our curriculum, modernized our facilities, and strengthened our connection to Israel, all while staying true to our mission. Our focus on academic excellence, Torah values, and community engagement continues to shape the future of Jewish education.
Mid 1950s
- Migration of the Jewish community from West Side to the East (Lakefront) and North (Rogers Park) neighborhoods led to the closing of Rambam Day School on the West Side.
- Establishment of Torah Center (Lakeview) and Hillel Day School at Bernard Horwich JCC (WRP).
1961
- Hillel Torah (a merger between Torah Center and Hillel Day School) joined North Suburban Day School (Skokie Valley Synagogue) to form Hillel Torah North Suburban Day School.
- Became the first Modern Orthodox Jewish day school in the northern suburbs.
- Rabbi Dr. Abraham H. Bruckenstein appointed founding Principal/Dean (1961–1997).
- Preschool and primary grades housed at Skokie Valley and BHJCC; Middle School moved into the Max and Rose Cohen building at the HTC campus in Skokie.
- Received Illinois State Accreditation and Torah Umesorah recognition.
- Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) program initiated.
1972–1975
- Significant enrollment growth led to mobile classroom units.
- First addition built—new classrooms and a multipurpose room (gym/auditorium).
1985–1988
- Second addition doubled the size of the library and added four primary school classrooms (North wing).
- University of Illinois at Chicago recognized HTNSDS as one of 19 Chicago-area schools fostering character development and academic achievement.
- Visit from Governor Jim Thompson and the State Commissioner of Education.
- Visit by Aluf Uzi Narkiss, Six-Day War hero and liberator of Jerusalem.
1990–1994
- Third addition: gym and eight Middle School classrooms added (South wing).
- Awarded the “Pras Yerushalayim” (Jerusalem Prize) for Torah education in the Diaspora by the Torah Department of the Zionist Organization.
- Presented in Israel by President Ezer Weitzman in the presence of Chief Rabbis Bakshi‑Doron and Yisrael Meir Lau.
- Hachnasat Sefer Torah (Torah scroll dedication) by parents Ruth and David Binter in memory of relatives George and Dora Halperin, z”l.
2004
- HTNSDS reunion in Israel attended by over 400 graduates, teachers, and administrators who made aliyah.
2009–2011
- Visit from Rabbi Shlomo Amar, Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel.
- “Names, Not Numbers” program introduced into 8th-grade Jewish history curriculum.
- 2010 Hartman Educator of the Year awarded to Lior Kakon.
- 2011 Hartman Educator of the Year awarded to Gayle Kopin.
- Visit from Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, z”l, of Yeshivat Har Etzion and Rosh Kollel (Gruss Institute).
2012 – 2014
- 50th Anniversary: “Legacy of Learning.”
- “Our Building, Our Future” campaign completed with purchase of HTNSDS building from HTC.
- 2012 Hartman Educator of the Year awarded to Ariela Haymberg.
- Emuna Shir Weiss z”l Sefer Torah dedication.
- 2014 Hartman Educator of the Year awarded to Debra Andruk.
2015 -2019
- 2015 Hartman Educator of the Year awarded to Anita London.
- HTNSDS selected to pilot Google Expeditions Pioneer Program.
- 2016 Hartman Educator of the Year awarded to Rabbi Aaron Leibtag.
- AdvancED accreditation renewed.
- MSI Partnership begins.
- Visit from Rav Reuven Feinstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Staten Island Yeshiva.
- A 7th grader won 2nd place in the National Chidon Hatanach Contest in NY.
- 2019 Hartman Educator of the Year awarded to Sari Kravitt.
2021
- 60th Anniversary Year.
- Record admissions year with 82 new students.
- Inception of the Joseph Kirschner GrowTorah Garden Program.
2022-2025
- Hillel Torah featured in Inside Jewish Day Schools: Leadership, Learning, and Community by Alex Pomson and Jack Wertheimer.
- 2024 Hartman Educator of the Year awarded to Hannah Kowitt.
- 2025 Hartman Educator of the Year awarded to Shevy Pressburger
Accreditations and Affiliations
We are proud to be:
Accredited with Cognia, whose standards focus on academic achievement, leadership, and excellence in personnel and resources.
An affiliate of the Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago
A partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community
A member of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools
We have been privileged to partner with institutions such as Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Walder Science Center, collaborations that have enriched our students’ educational experiences. Their influence continues to shape our programs, instructional methods, and overall approach to experiential learning.
“Hillel Torah gave our kids a wonderful foundation in Hebrew language and Jewish studies, which has helped them adjust to life in Israel, and we are so grateful for the education they received!”
Former HT Parent