New School Rabbi 'Very Excited To Begin This Journey' At Brandeis Hebrew Academy

LAWRENCE, NY — The start of the school year is the time for new beginnings. For Rabbi Aharon Bain, it's just that. He was named the School Rabbi at the Brandeis Hebrew Academy.

Bain grew up in Far Rockaway, where he began his Torah learning. After spending two years in Israel deepening his studies, Bain returned home to the Yeshiva Nishmas HaTorah High School in Inwood. The rabbi taught and coordinated programs to enrich student life.

Bain, despite being a 30-something rabbi, already has plenty of experience to impart to the Brandeis children.

"But there is the youth aspect that hopefully my energy will bring to the table as well," Bain told Patch.

"I'm very excited to begin this journey of developing a relationship with everyone in the school," Bain said. "And trying as best to incorporate everything that comes from my background and enhancing every aspect of the school."

With approximately 160 students enrolled, Bain plans to be hands-on, with a focus on the upper grades (5-8). But as the general school rabbi, he'll interact with all ages at the academy.

"I thrive on the connection with every student that I interact with. I strongly believe that classroom interaction is enhanced when there's a personal relationship as well," Bain said.

The rabbi calls his main responsibility "to add atmosphere, where everyone at Brandeis has been one big family."

He'll maintain an "open door policy," aside from his time teaching a Judaica Studies class. "I'm always available. They know my contact info. I have an office and the door will hopefully not be closed," Bain said.

Rabbi Bain will be part of all activities and events at the school.

"I'll be closely involved with anything that has to do with student life," he said. "I look forward to being personally involved in all aspects of anything that goes on at the school, be it academic [or] be it extracurricular, cheering on everybody in every way."

As Bain is about to get busy with classes starting, he's excited and up for the challenge.

"The institution thrives on this family vibe and uplifting the general atmosphere of the school," he said.