JSOI isn’t just a seminary; it’s a transformative journey for young Jewish women who are ready to explore their individuality, deepen their connection to Torah, and discover their power to lead. Our program is built on the belief that every student carries a unique gift, a spark of the Divine, waiting to ignite. Through immersive learning, life-changing experiences, and personal mentorship, we equip our students with the tools to live meaningfully, grow spiritually, and create real change.

Our Story

JSOI nurtures the next generation of leaders; strong, compassionate, empowered Jewish women prepared to illuminate the world as shluchot and beyond.

A

Journey

JSOI invites you on a journey of growth that transcends the classroom. Our Torah and Chassidus learning isn’t just knowledge—it’s the wisdom that fuels a life filled with meaning and impact. With every class, trip, and real-life challenge, we help you turn your potential into power, giving you the confidence to step into leadership and the clarity to live with purpose.

Become A

Leader

Here, you’ll grow into a leader—not by imitating others, but by becoming the best version of yourself. You’ll walk away not just with inspiration but with the tools to inspire others, uplift communities, and make a lasting impact on the world.

We are committed to the Rebbe’s vision of creating leaders and we have modeled our curriculum both in and out of the classroom on this premise. There is no better way to become a great leader than to connect with our Rebbe, the greatest leader of our time, through his own writings, teachings, and stories.

In Loving

Memory Of

Jean Schottenstein

A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to an entire generation of chassidim of The Rebbe (her descendants include Schottensteins, Wuenschs, Rubashkins, Pinsons, Levitins, Gutnicks, Marinovskys, Sirotas, Engelsons).

She was an active co-founder of numerous Jewish institutions in Columbus, Ohio and along with her husband Leon, businessman and philanthropist, they were instrumental in bringing Yiddishkeit to a then-fledgling Jewish community. A key charitable endeavor of Mrs. Schottenstein was partnering with the Rebbe’s special fund, Machne Israel.

She was known for her witty personality and sharp sense of humor. She loved traveling, seeing the world, and had a unique appreciation for authentic beauty. Mrs. Schottenstein selflessly devoted herself to Jewish causes and set the foundation for the blossoming of many Jewish schools and communities.

Our seminary bears her name as a testimony to her value of Jewish learning and continuity. Her children continue her legacy of supporting Jewish causes through the David & Eda Schottenstein Foundation as well as the Saul foundation.

Meet Our Team

  • Leah Bastomski

    DIRECTOR & FOUNDER

    My vision in creating this seminary is to facilitate a growing environment where Chabad girls of today recognize the gift of Torah and Chassidus and learn how to use it to enhance every aspect of their life. Once we recognize that the Torah is relevant to everyone in every situation I believe we have discovered a key to living a life full of success and meaning. My hope for the girls that leave this seminary is that they go out into the world, proud of who they are, and discover new ways to infuse their G-dly spark into everything and everyone they come in contact with.

    Tel: +972 53 223 0198

    Email: leah@oryah.org

  • Mrs. Itty Wuensch

    DIRECTOR & FOUNDER

    Finally, we are bringing the seminary we dreamed about to fruition! Time to make it your own. Everyone comes to a point in their life where they can either choose to live meaningfully and purposefully or try to fill that void with illusions of happiness and success. My vision in creating this seminary is that the students will realize the powerhouses they are and act upon that without letting anything stop them! With a clear goal in mind of fulfilling the mission of Hashem, we can never lose sight of where we are going. Truly understanding that each of us is an integral piece in uplifting and elevating this world will give the motivation and clarity to never give up and know your worth. I hope not only to impact the students but to be an example to many more students and teachers beyond our seminary walls.

    Tel: +972 532551747

    Email: itty@oryah.org

  • 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 Oryah 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. Mushky Caytak

    PROGRAM COORDINATOR

    Mrs. Caytak grew up in Denver, Colorado, where she was raised on Shlichus. After completing her studies in a seminary in Israel, she dedicated many years to working in seminaries and teaching, always with a strong emphasis on Shlichus and the beauty of a Jewish home. Mushky is deeply involved in women’s programming and plays a significant role in running Neshei Chabad in Jerusalem. She is a licensed Kallah teacher and in the summer, she serves as one of the directors of Camp Emunah. With her wealth of experience, she has been a cherished teacher at Oryah Seminary for several years. Mushky Caytak’s focus at Oryah Seminary will be on programming, aiming to make the year both special and meaningful for the students. She is very excited about this role and has a great passion for working with young seminary students, bringing her energy and dedication to enhance their experience. In addition to programming, Mushky will be teaching chassidus and topics on Shalom Bayis.

    Tel:

    Email:

  • Mrs. Nechama Pevzner

    DORM MOTHER | MASHPIA

    I was always in love with the seminary energy. I feel it is such a crucial time where the girls are just starting to choose their path in life, and form themselves as responsible adults about to carry out their education and put it into practice. I feel very strongly about that particular age and find that’s where my fire and passion is. I’ve worked as a dorm mother in Seminary Chaya Mushka in Montreal as well as in Mayanot Israel. I’m very much looking forward to taking care of the girls to ensure that they gain the most from their seminary year.

    Tel: +972 528365553

  • Chayale Wolf

    SHLUCHA HEAD

    After being a Shlucha at Oryah herself, Chayale came back to work together with the amazing Shluchos to create a fun, meaningful, and energized environment in Oryah.

  • Sara Berzansky

    OFFICE ADMIN

  • Sarah Rivkah Hecht

    KITCHEN MANAGER