OUR HISTORY
1914
Rabbi Yehudah Leib Levin opens an after-school learning program in the Mogain Avrohom Synagogue on Farnsworth Street.
1923
Now 35 students strong, the school moves to Beth Tefilo Emanuel Synagogue on Twelfth Street and institutes a full curriculum.
1925
After his passing, the school is renamed Yeshiva Beth Yehudah in memory of Rabbi Levin.
1940
The Yeshiva, now located at Dexter and Cortland, teaches 162 students across six grade levels.
1943
The Bais Yaakov Girls School is established. Rabbi M.J. Wohlgelernter becomes Yeshiva Beth Yehudah’s first President, and Rabbi Simcha Wasserman, son of the great Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman, is appointed Dean.
1944
At the urging of the legendary Rabbi Shraga Feivel Mendelowitz, founder of the National Torah Umesorah Day School movement, Rabbi A.A. Freedman moves from New York to lead the Yeshiva.
1946
Rabbi Sholom Goldstein joins Rabbi Freedman in leading the Yeshiva and the greater community.
1951
Rabbi Joseph Elias begins his tenure as Principal.
1964
The Yeshiva moves to its current location on Lincoln Road in Southfield.
1976
Yeshiva purchases a building in Beverly Hills for the Girls School.
The Saltsman New Americans Program launches to serve the many Russian immigrants now joining the community.
1991
The Girls School moves into the newly renovated Bnai Moshe Synagogue in Oak Park, central to its students’ community.
1999
The Yeshiva opens a new division, Partners Detroit, offering adult education and community outreach.
A new preschool building is raised adjacent to the Boys School.
2008
The Bais Yehudah Kollel is founded, starting with eight young scholars learning day and night.
2013
The new Girls High School and Preschool building is completed - across the street from the Bais Yaakov girls’ elementary school in Oak Park.
2018
The Dr. Lois & Dr. Milton Shiffman Boys’ School is expanded and renovated to accommodate its continued growth.
2019
The Oak Park campus is dedicated as the Nancy Grosfeld Beth Jacob Campus of the Yeshiva Beth Yehudah in honor of Mrs. Nancy Grosfeld.
2020
The Yeshiva completed construction of the state-of-the-art George and Vivian Dean Elementary School Building, on the 80,000 square foot Nancy Grosfeld Beth Jacob Campus.
2021
Due to expansive growth in enrollment, the Yeshiva added a third floor to the boys' school located on the Mickey Shapiro Educational Complex, creating a completely new space for 7th and 8th grade boys.
Calling all Alumni!
If you were a part of making Yeshiva history, please reach out with your photos, stories and memories.
We would love to hear from you!
Email Alum@yby.org or call 248-557-6750
“The Yeshiva provides a unique combination of an uplifted Torah and secular education, along with a critical focus on a love for learning and high ethical teachings. It is a remarkable recipe for producing high achievers for our next generation.”
Mr. Matt Simoncini,
2017 Outstanding Leadership Awardee
Join us in building the future of Jewish Detroit
Help us continue to ensure that our children receive the knowledge, skills, and Torah values they need to succeed in school... and in life.