A Transformative Step Forward for the Chinuch of Lubavitcher Bochurim
In a historic milestone during its seventieth year, Oholei Torah is proud to announce the acquisition of 402 Eastern Parkway, the future home of the Oholei Torah Rabbinical Campus.
Located at the corner of Eastern Parkway and Bedford Ave, three blocks from the current Yeshiva and a ten-minute walk from 770, the campus will be a dedicated center for Limud HaTorah. It will support hundreds of bochurim through the years following Mesivta, preparing the next generation of Shluchim, Rabbonim, Mechanchim, and Chassidishe Baalei Batim.
A World-Class Center for Bochur Development
At its heart will be three expansive Batei Medrash, complemented by state of the art yeshiva amenities, including ample shiur rooms, mashpia offices, a comprehensive Torah library, a beautiful mikvah, and kitchen and dining space, all designed to support every aspect of a bochur’s growth.
The campus will significantly strengthen and further develop the Beis Medrash division under the leadership of Rabbi Elchonon Lesches and Rabbi Nison Deitsch.
Beyond meeting the needs of the current yeshiva, the new campus responds to a broader responsibility within the Lubavitch community, creating a structured makom Torah where bochurim can continue growing in Torah, Chassidus, and personal development beyond Shiur Daled. It will allow for the reintroduction of Shiur Hey, programming for the Shlichus year, and a dedicated destination for post Shlichus bochurim returning to Yeshiva, with in depth tracks in Gemara, Chassidus, Halacha, Semichah, and Dayanus.
For post Shlichus and shidduch age bochurim, the campus will provide more than a place to learn. It will offer a continued yeshiva environment, practical preparation for shlichus, rabbonus, and life, and the guidance of mashpiim and mentors with whom they have built real and lasting relationships.
“A bochur who enters Oholei Torah should feel settled, cared for, and supported in every stage of his growth,” said Rabbi Mendel Blau, Roish Moissed. “Our goal is that he knows he always has a makom Torah, a place where he can remain connected, continue growing, and build a strong foundation for the future.”
“Space alone does not create a great yeshiva. People do,” Rabbi Blau added. “Baruch Hashem Oholei Torah has already attracted outstanding Maggidei Shiur, Mashpiim, Meshivim, and Hanhola members, and we continue to seek exceptional people who can help us care for each individual talmid.”
Toward that end, Oholei Torah is not waiting until the new campus is ready to be occupied. Already this coming year, Rabbi Aharon Dovid Rappaport of Toronto and Rabbi Meir Shur will be joining the large and illustrious staff of the Beis Medrash. Additional hires are currently being finalized in time for the new Shnas HaLimudim.
In addition, beginning this coming year, a select group of Kollel yungeleit will be learning daily in the Batei Medrash. Beyond their own learning, these yungeleit will serve as mentors and role models, readily available to learn with, guide, and support the bochurim through warm, personal relationships. The initiative will be led by newly appointed Rabbi Levi Lebowitz.
Meeting a Growing Need
As Lubavitch has grown over the past several decades, Oholei Torah has continued to grow and adapt in response. Under the leadership of its dedicated Board of Directors, and with the support of generous donors and friends, Oholei Torah has purchased additional properties and creatively utilized every available inch of space to meet the needs of the growing Crown Heights neighborhood and the global Chabad Lubavitch community.
“Over the years, we have often found ourselves playing a game of Tetris, the Oholei Torah version,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Lustig, Menahel K’lali. “Whenever a division grew, we found a way to create room. Each building acquisition benefited the entire yeshiva, but it was usually a short period of breathing room until the space filled up again.”
Applications to the Beis Medrash continue to rise, with year-over-year growth averaging ten percent over the past decade.
At 58,000 sq ft, with the potential to expand to 80,000 sq ft under existing zoning, the campus is larger than any Oholei Torah acquisition in decades. To put its scale in perspective, the Mesivta campus at 555 Remsen Avenue is 30,000 sq ft, while the new campus, as it stands today, matches the size of the original Brooklyn Jewish Center at 667 Eastern Parkway.
The Beis Medrash will remain on the main campus until the new building is ready. Once complete, the move will free up much needed space, allowing for expanded early childhood programming and continued enhancement of the Cheder and Preschool divisions.
Founded and funded by the Rebbe, Oholei Torah carries a living mission: to provide Chinuch Al Taharas HaKodesh and Limud HaTorah at the highest level, imbued with Ahavas Hashem, Ahavas Yisroel, Hiskashrus, and a Lechatchila Ariber spirit, supporting a talmid’s growth from cradle to chuppah.
Candidates seeking to join the educational team may visit oholeitorah.com/jobs. A major campaign supporting the campus will launch in the coming months. Those who wish to be part of this historic project are invited to visit oholeitorah.com/rabbinicalcampus to connect with us about partnership opportunities.
