Joy Rochwarger Balsam
Joy Rochwarger BalsamCourtesy of Yeshiva University

The Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) has dedicated its Israel guidance program to thy of Joy Rochwarger Balsam, a devoted Jewish educator active in America and Israel who passed away at the young age of 37.

"Joy’s relationship with Central, her devotion to the State of Israel and contributions to Jewish education were remarkable,” said CB (Chaya Batya) Neugroschl, who serves as Head of School at Central. "Her cheerful disposition, tremendous faith, love of Israel and infectious devotion to learning lishma (for its own sake) inspired countless students."

Rochwarger Balsam herself attended Central in 1984, and afterwards went on to Barnard College. After graduating, she moved to Israel and taught at the post-high school program at Midreshet Moriah in Jerusalem for over a decade. During her time in Israel she completed her master’s degree from Touro College.

The educator was likewise a key student of the noted scholar Torah scholar Nechama Leibowitz, acting as her personal assistant during Leibowitz’s latter years. She paid tribute to her mentor in an essay written for the collection "Torah of the Mothers."

In 2001, Rochwarger Balsam returned to America to serve as a program officer for The AVI CHAI Foundation, a role in which she strengthened Jewish education and identity. She also volunteered in Poland for 12 years in coordination with the Lauder Foundation to help Jews reconnect with their heritage.

On May 21, 2004, Rochwanger Balsam passed away at the age of 37, just a year after she married Jerry Balsam.

With the new naming of the program after her, Central officials say they hope a new generation will follow her footsteps of academic pursuit and love of Israel.

"Central guides each student to consider learning in Israel as a transformative opportunity to further develop their personal commitments to Israel and Torah study,” said Rabbi Zvi Lew, the Israel guidance advisor at the school.

Thanks to the numerous school activities, close to 75% of the students spend a year in Israel during their time at the school.

"The Israel Guidance Program is integral to Central," said Neugroschl. "It is the belief of the school that a year in Israel will further inspire a student’s commitment to learning Torah and their connection to Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel) and Medinat Yisrael (the state of Israel)."