Rabbi Meir Fendel, who transformed Jewish education on Long Island by founding the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC) in 1953, has passed away in Jerusalem. His visionary leadership created an institution that would educate thousands and help shape the Orthodox Jewish community in New York.
When Fendel started HANC in an old mansion known as the "Oppenheim Collins Estate" in West Hempstead, Long Island had no Jewish schools despite its growing Jewish population. Beginning with just 30 students and a handful of dedicated families, he converted living rooms and bedrooms into classrooms, serving as principal without taking a salary.
"He had such a genuine warmth that parents couldn't say no when he met with them individually," recalled one former colleague. His dedication paid off - today, many of New York's Orthodox Jewish doctors and medical professionals are HANC graduates, including the current head of Nassau County's Department of Health.
In 1971, Fendel launched the innovative "New Opportunities Program," which continues today, enabling students with limited Jewish education background to attend the school while receiving strong secular education. Under his leadership, financial constraints never prevented any child from attending HANC.
A student of renowned Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg at Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in the 1940s, Fendel later immigrated to Israel, where he continued his educational work. He taught at several institutions in Jerusalem and established a summer camp program for diaspora Jewish girls.
"Summer programs can achieve what takes a full year to learn," Fendel once said, highlighting his innovative approach to education. After moving to Jerusalem's Har Nof neighborhood, he remained deeply committed to promoting connection to Israel, often citing traditional texts about the significance of the Holy Land.
Fendel is survived by his sons Hillel, a prominent journalist for Israel National News, and Rabbi David Fendel, who heads the Sderot yeshiva. His funeral will be held at the Eretz Hachaim cemetery in Beit Shemesh.
Voz is Neias contributed to this article.
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