Our Mission

At the heart of our seminary is the Rebbe’s vision: to cultivate strong, purposeful leaders who live with clarity, warmth, and a deep connection to Torah and Chassidus. We empower each student to recognize her unique strengths, embrace her role with confidence, and become a source of light to others. Through immersive learning, personal growth, and an environment of opportunity, we challenge young women to impact their communities and the world with courage, joy, and authenticity.

“Everyone can, and must, be a leader.” -

The Lubavitcher Rebbe

Meet Our Team

  • Mrs. Henya Burton

    Principal

    Mrs. Henya Burton has been involved in the world of Jewish education both in the classroom and in administrative positions for over 20 years. She is honored to work with the amazing students and staff at JSOI as she focuses her energy, creativity and vast experience in ensuring students have an incredibly growth-oriented year that will build their foundation for life. Mrs. Burton lives in Har Nof with her husband--therapist and author, Rabbi Tani Burton, and their 6 children.

    Tel: +972 526765401

    Email: henya@oryah.org

  • Mrs. Leah Bastomski

    Director & Founder

    Leah Bastomski co-founded JSOI with a clear and passionate vision: to create a dynamic, growth-oriented environment where today’s Chabad young women can deeply connect with the gift of Torah and Chassidus—and learn how to apply it meaningfully to every area of their lives. Under her leadership, JSOI empowers students to leave the seminary with confidence in their identity, a deep pride in their values, and a sense of mission to bring their G-dly spark into the world around them.

    Tel: +972 53 223 0198

    Email: leah@oryah.org

  • Mrs. Itty Wuensch

    Director & Founder

    Rebbetzin Wuensch is the founder and director of JSOI. she plays a key role in shaping the vision and daily operations of the Jean Schottenstein Oryah Institute. She oversees academic planning by developing a dynamic curriculum that blends deep Torah learning with real-world relevance. She also leads experiential programming—such as Shabbatons, workshops, and chessed projects—designed to bring learning to life and inspire meaningful growth.

    Tel: +972 532551747

    Email: itty@oryah.org

  • Mrs. Nechama Pevzner

    Dorm Mother | Mashpia

    Having previously served in similar roles at Seminary Chaya Mushka in Montreal and Mayanot in Israel, she brings a deep understanding of student life, emotional support, and spiritual mentorship. At JSOI, she is a trusted figure who helps create a warm, structured, and growth-oriented dorm environment—while offering students personal guidance rooted in Chassidus and genuine care. Her presence is both calming and empowering, helping each student feel seen, supported, and inspired on her journey.

    Tel: +972 528365553

  • Mrs. Daphna Kanar

    Program Co-ordinator

    Daphna has been teaching teens and women Tanya and Judaic studies for many years, and has run many teen camps, shabbatons and workshops.

    She loves to explore, empower and connect. She allows her students to experience the world through an artist’s eye, truly believing that every one of us is a creator, cocreating a world with Hashem.

    Tel: +972 53-570-8700

  • Mrs. Sara Berzansky

    Office Admin


    Sara Berzansky has been a dedicated leader in Jewish education for women since 1995. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, she now calls Israel home, where she and her husband are raising their family in Givat Zeev. Affectionately known as Mrs. B, she is the heart of operations at JSOI, overseeing admissions, logistics, finances, and overall administration. Known for her keen eye for detail and love of structure, Mrs. B excels at creating efficient systems that keep everything running smoothly—ensuring that JSOI is not just functional, but exceptional.

    Tel: 02-6285885

    Email: Office@oryah.org

  • Sarah Rivkah Hecht

    Kitchen Manager | Dorm Mother | Alumni Liaison

    Sarah Rivka wears many hats at JSOI, and she wears them all with heart, warmth, and dedication. As our Day Dorm Mother, she is a steady presence and nurturing force in the lives of our students, offering guidance, support, and a listening ear throughout their daily journey. In her role as Kitchen Manager, she brings intention and care to every meal. As our Alumni Liaison, Sarah Rivka maintains meaningful connections with our graduates, serving as a bridge between past and present, and helping our alumni stay rooted in the values, relationships, and growth they began at JSOI.

    Tel: +972 532477085

  • Rabbi Mendel Wuensch

    Seminary Rabbi

    Rabbi Mendel Wuensch serves as the seminary rabbi at the Jean Schottenstein Oryah Institute. In this role, he provides spiritual guidance and inspiration to the students, delivering thought-provoking shiurim and fostering a deep connection to Torah and Chassidus. With warmth, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose, Rabbi Wuensch helps students navigate personal growth, strengthen their Jewish identity, and develop a lifelong commitment to their values. His presence adds depth and authenticity to the seminary experience, making him a trusted mentor and role model for the young women at Oryah.

    Tel: +972 53-880-9063

Our Hashkafa

JSOI Seminary is where a young woman learns not only who she is—but why she’s here. Rooted in the Torah and the depth of Chassidus, JSOI is a place of inner refinement and outward purpose. We cultivate a spirit of leadership, resilience, and responsibility. Through immersive learning, mentorship, and hands-on leadership opportunities, we empower our students to become grounded, compassionate, and capable builders of their families, their communities, and the Jewish future.

Our Purpose

JSOI was established in loving memory of

Mrs. Jean Schottenstein

(1923-2008)

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose legacy lives on through generations of Chassidim of the Rebbe — among them the Schottenstein, Wuensch, Rubashkin, Pinson, Levitin, Gutnick, Marinovsky, Sirota, and Engelson families.

Together with her husband, Leon Schottenstein — a respected businessman and philanthropist — she played a pivotal role in building Jewish life in Columbus, Ohio. At a time when the community was still in its early stages, their vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to Yiddishkeit helped lay the foundation for countless families and institutions.

Mrs. Schottenstein was not only a pillar of her community, but also a proud partner in the Rebbe’s holy work, notably through her support of Machne Israel.

JSOI bears her name and strives to continue her legacy, impart her generosity, faith, and strength through our institution, to continue to inspire all who were touched by her life.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • September/Elul 2025 - June/Sivan 2026.

  • We will be accepting between 30 and 40 girls this coming year IY”H.

  • 650 shekel non-refundable registration fee plus 87,000 shekel. Total 90,650 shekel.

    There is also a $300 deposit - a $250 security deposit and a $50 cleanliness deposit - refunded at the end of the year if no damage occurs and the student’s room is clean upon leaving.

    Scholarships are available. Apply with this link.

    JSOI is accredited with Touro College. Financial aid can be available by applying to Touro (as well as to JSOI). It is recommended to apply to Touro as early as possible.

  • Applications open Hey Teves 5785, January 5th 2025.

    Applications close Chof Vov Teves 5785, January 26th 2025.

  • Interviews will be held in Crown Heights from February 23rd to 26th. Zoom options will be available for out-of-town applicants.