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High School for Boys
Yeshiva Central Florida
An Orlando Jewish High School
Yeshiva of Central Florida is a college preparatory Yeshiva High School headquartered in Orlando, Florida with satellite branches in Tampa and Jacksonville (with additional branches to come). YCF’s standard is to engage each student via the prism of serious commitment to Torah study accompanied by a rigorous study of the world around him, encouraging students to embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity.
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To accomplish this, YCF provides an excellent Judaic and rigorous general studies curriculum with a robust elective program and speaker series. This includes a combination of both in-person and live online classes with monitored technology. Modeled after IT team meetings in our Yeshiva schoolhouse, online sessions ensure that every student actively participates in discussions, collaborates in the learning process, and develops essential technology etiquette—an invaluable skill for success in higher education and professional settings.
Online classes are offered through accredited programs that span the range from remediation through gifted, including dual enrollment College courses. The curriculum is tailored to each student and is set up in a manner that will be most effective and ensure he will be equipped with a well-rounded, competitive education.
Each student is challenged at their individual level to enhance their learning experience guided with individualized attention from a full time proctor and caring, highly qualified classroom teachers.
Yeshiva Central Florida's high school program is designed to educate each individual student in all aspects of life, with an emphasis on middos, building self-confidence, and striving to reach their individual potential.
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Principal's Message
From the Desk of Rabbi Raphael Malavsky
Dear Prospective Parents and Talmidim,
I imagine that you may be thinking and asking many of the same questions that I did when I first heard about YCF. After having been in chinuch for so many years I had a great many questions. These spanned many of the big topics such as the hashkafa, the curriculum in limudei kodesh and secular studies, the overall educational standards and goals for the talmidim and how the unique blend of in-person, distance and online teaching and learning would work. Let me tell you that from my initial introduction with YCF and the many more very detailed conversations over a few months that we had before my coming on board I was consistently struck by the passion, keen intellect, forethought and goals of the founders of the Yeshiva. They have envisioned and created a system that is already producing a wonderful educational product for communities that due to their location and student numbers cannot fund a standard high school Yeshiva program. YCF can also be the answer for various individuals who might be in proximity of a Yeshiva but need something more geared to their specific needs. The commitment to children is evident in their various educational and community programs designed to foster a love for learning and growth.
Our first priority is to make sure that YCF is a smooth professionally run institution with high standards and that is has all the systems in place to support the faculty and talmidim to become their very best. This means giving each and every student warm, personal care and establishing an environmental culture that expects hard work toward the goal of achieving a very well rounded Torah and secular education. This is required to help the students take pride and feel a satisfaction and connection to the Yeshiva and the faculty. We also emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive community for families, highlighting various educational and cultural programs that cater to their needs. The emotional connection and care extended to both students and their family create a nurturing environment where individuals feel valued and appreciated.
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My years in the classroom and extensive supervisory experience as well as being aware of the demanding technological society in which we live has convinced me that schools owe it to their talmidim to have and require high standards. This prepares them for the challenges ahead as committed Jews and as socially aware and active world citizens. Special services may be available for students with both special needs and exceptional ability but even in these cases high expectations will lead to one of the most important element for student success; self-esteem developed through hard work and academic success.
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I will tell you that I am very excited about being a part of this exclusive Yeshiva and being able to help with a program that can open the doors to many young men to get a wonderful full-fledged Yeshiva education where before it was out of reach. If you feel that your son would benefit from our unique Yeshiva program it would be my pleasure to speak with you.
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All the best,
Rabbi Raphael Malavsky
The Student Experience
At Yeshiva of Central Florida, we believe that every student is unique and deserving of a personalized education.
Our small class sizes and experienced teachers allow us to tailor our instruction to meet the individual needs and interests of each student. This model ensures that gaps in learning are addressed and each student receives the support and enrichment they need to thrive Jewishly, academically, and personally.
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We also offer a range of extracurricular opportunities, designed to help our students develop new skills and pursue their passions. Whether your child is interested in sports, music, or art, we have something for everyone. Our goal is to provide a well-rounded education that nurtures the whole child, helping them to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
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By fostering a nurturing environment rooted in Torah values and academic excellence, we empower our students to grow into confident, well-rounded individuals prepared for higher education and lifelong success.
Community Involvement
Community Rsponsibility
At Yeshiva of Central Florida, we believe that community involvement is an essential part of a well-rounded education. We encourage our students to get involved in their community through volunteer work, community service projects, and Judaic life in the Sand Lake Orlando area and beyond. We also partner with local organizations and businesses to provide our students with opportunities for internships, mentorship, and networking.
By engaging with our community, our students develop important skills and values, including empathy, responsibility, and leadership. These experiences not only enrich their education but also help them to become active and engaged members of the Jewish community after graduation.
Jewish Life in Central Florida
College Preparatory Jewish High School for Boys in the Heart of Orlando's Jewish Community
Central Florida is home to a thriving Jewish community and Yeshiva of Central Florida is proud to be a part of it. Our school is committed to promoting Jewish life and learning right in the Sand Lake Hill, Doctor Phillips community.
As Orlando's first Yeshiva, we offer a range of programs and activities designed to engage and inspire our students. From comprehensive Judaic studies and Shabbaton's, to meaningful community service projects, and physical education; we provide our students with opportunities to explore and deepen their connection to Judiasm while fostering friendships to last a lifetime.
Our goal is to continue fostering a vibrant and dynamic environment where Jewish life can flourish, and where each boy is develops a strong sense of identity and belonging.
STAFF DIRECTORY
We have an esteemed team of Judaic and General studies teachers. Whether in person, or live online, our faculty is dedicated to the success of each of our boys at an individual level.
Rabbi Ari Hercenberg
Rabbi Hercenberg joined the YCF team from its inception. With his dynamic, engaging and electrifying energy, he quickly connects with the students, encouraging them with his warmth and nurturing style. His crystal clear delivery coupled together with his commitment for excellence in education inspires his students to acquire superior clarity and brings to fruition the potential he sees in every student. Rabbi Hercenberg is the type of person who sees the entire picture, using the knowledge and experience of 20 years in chinuch and caring for the individual student, therefore being the perfect fit for Rosh Yeshiva of YCF. Rabbi Hercenberg is a talmid of Harav Asher Arieli and Harav Nissin Kaplan as well as having a very close relationship with Harav Asher Weiss. Rabbi Hercenberg received Semicha Yoreh Yoreh Yadin Yadin from Harav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg Z"L.
Rosh Hayeshiva
Halacha, Hashkafa
Rabbi Raphael Malavsky
Rabbi Raphael Malavsky received his Rabbinical degree from BMG in Lakewood and then earned his Masters and completed his coursework towards his Doctorate in Education from Azrieli. He has over 40 years of experience as an educator in the Orthodox Yeshiva Day School world. His career spans pretty much the full gamut of educational experiences, culminating in his position as menahel/principal spanning many years and as a consultant/principal these last 8. In each position he has had exceptional success in building a smooth running, professional Yeshiva where the talmidim are happy and growing young men while at the same time receiving an excellent education.
His early leadership roles were as a young Hebrew School principal and then as the Menahel/principal of a very prestigious college preparatory Yeshiva (JEC – Elizabeth, NJ) for 18 years. He was then recruited to create the very same model (Ma’or Yeshiva – Long Branch, NJ) which he ran for 12 years. He was approached to help in the development (Heichal HaTorah – Teaneck, NJ) of a new, rapidly growing Yeshiva that required an experienced educator to help create a professional Yeshiva high school program. Then, he was asked to come give new direction and transform the Shaare Torah boys high school (Brooklyn, NY). His most recent achievement was when he was asked to create and start another new boys high school the Ohr HaTorah Yeshiva in Hollywood Florida. It is our pleasure to have Rabbi Malavsky join YCF as our educational consultant and interim Principal to help us continue on our path as a top tier Yeshiva Program.
Principal
Parsha, Tefilla
Rabbi Baruch Harris
Rabbinically trained and ordained in the Holy City of Yerushalayim, Rabbi Harris, a Torah pioneer in Afula, Israel, has been teaching Torah for decades in various positions, from elementary to post high-school as well as adult education. An expert mohel, he spends most of his time between bris milahs in the beis medrash learning Torah and preparing for his shiurim.
Rebbe
Gemara
Rabbi Joseph Hamaoui
As an experienced Tanach Rebbe, Rabbi Hamaoui is able to delve into Chumash and Navi, bringing the beauty of Torah sh'Bichsav to each boy regardless of his prior knowledge. He is based in Jacksonville where he is also active with JSU, NCSY, Jacksonville Torah Academy and Kollel.
Rebbe
Tanach
Mrs. Sarah Halvorsen
Sarah Cook Halvorsen is in her twenty-fifth year of teaching English literature. Originally from southern California, Ms. Halvorsen has taught IB Literature, AP Literature, as well as General Education literature classes both at a public high school and international schools. She received her B.A. in English from Rollins College, an M.A. in Civic and Cultural Management from Tulane University, and an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from the American University in Cairo. Ms. Halvorsen was a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa after her undergraduate studies and has a passion for travel. Her favorite writers are Cormac McCarthy, Margaret Atwood, and George Eliot. She holds her teaching credential in the state of California.
Language Arts
Mr. Blair received his bachelor’s degree in physics in 2012, and master’s degree in mechanical
engineering in 2014, and has been a career-long educator. He prides himself on teaching high level
mathematics, preparing students for university math and STEM, and preparing students for advanced
high school mathematics. His experience with physics and engineering allows him to easily incorporate
real world concepts into the mathematics lessons. He places a large emphasis on the underlying logic
and inner simplicity of mathematics rather than blindly memorizing and applying formulas.
Mr. Josh
Blair
Math
Mr. Abraham Ng
Abraham Ng received his Masters of Science from University of Chicago in 2015 and has been teaching high school science ever since. As a Chemist, he is particularly adept at teaching Chemistry and AP Chemistry and has embraced many different online teaching modalities. This allows him to engage the students in science at many different levels.
Science
Mrs. Yael Gollub
Yael Gollub/Kamensky was born in Israel. She received her Bachelors from the University of California Los Angeles. She has been teaching for thirty years. Her passion is telling stories and inspiring students to bring out their best.
Hebrew Language