Rabbi Mordechai Palgon

Meet Rabbi Mordechai Palgon

Rabbi Palgon, who claims to have coined the phrase «No Child Left Behind» decades before President George W. Bush popularized it, is known for his dedication to helping every student succeed. For the past 35 years, he’s also devoted several weeks of each summer to Camp Mogen Avrohom, as a member of the administrative team.

What I do

I, along with my fellow Rosh HaYeshivas, am responsible for everything at YTCTE! That includes the daily decisions that keep the yeshiva running, and supporting and encouraging excellence in every staff member, student and situation that arises. I help ensure the yeshiva can continue to reflect and grow in excellence. As a nation, we cannot afford to fail with any child. Therefore, whatever needs to be done must be done!

How I make a difference at YTCTE

In my first year at YTCTE, there were 11 students in Grades 9-12. Now we’re at over 100 and counting! It’s been an honor to be part of the tremendous growth in all divisions.

My favorite part about what I do

The relationships created with staff, parents, students and board members. There’s also the thrill that comes from placing a student on the right derech, so he can strengthen the skills needed to learn and analyze Gemara independently.

Parting Words

Rabbi Grunblatt flew to New York to offer me my first positions at YTCTE: Assistant Principal of Grades 7-12 and Grade 8 rebbe. The school was small then. Since that day, we’ve created an extremely successful school, known for nurturing the next generation of Bnei Torah and Bnos Yisroel, who are defined by their yiras shamayim, middos tovos and chesed, and equipped with the tools for a successful, fulfilling future.