י״א אלול ה׳תשפ״ה | September 3, 2025
New Yeshiva in NW Florida’s ‘American Shtetl’ Opens Its Doors
Yeshivas Lubavitch Northwest Florida, situated on 80 acres of serene forest and open space in the heart of the Dror Acres “American Shtetl” community, has opened its doors on 4 Elul with twelve talmidim. The yeshiva is led by Rabbi Yoseph Wernick and is under the auspices of Rabbi Schneur Oirechman, shliach to the Florida Panhandle.
Yeshivas Lubavitch Northwest Florida, situated on 80 acres of serene forest and open space in the heart of the Dror Acres “American Shtetl” community, has opened its doors on 4 Elul with twelve talmidim. The yeshiva is led by Rabbi Yoseph Wernick and is under the auspices of Rabbi Schneur Oirechman, shliach to the Florida Panhandle.
With great excitement and gratitude to Hashem, Yeshivas Lubavitch Northwest Florida officially opened its doors on 4 Elul, under the auspices of Rabbi Schneur Oirechman, shliach to the Florida Panhandle. The opening was marked by warmth, joy, and a deep sense of mission as talmidim, staff, and community members came to celebrate.
Rabbi Yoseph Wernick serves as Rosh Yeshiva, providing leadership and inspiration, while Rabbi Baruch Lipovenko brings his dedication and knowledge as a teacher. On shlichus are Benny Ziegelbaum and Dovi Wilhelm, whose energy and devotion are already beloved by the bochurim. A dedicated cook and administrative staff ensure a well-organized and nurturing environment.
Twelve enthusiastic talmidim, spanning Mechina and Mesivta, have arrived from communities across the country. They are settling in beautifully, embracing Torah learning, Chassidus, and Avodas Hashem with unity, chayus, and excitement for the year ahead.
The campus sits on over 80 acres of serene forest and open space, in the heart of the Dror Acres “American Shtetl” community. Its wholesome and nurturing environment fosters focus, growth, and spiritual connection for every talmid.
Already, the new Yeshiva has begun to impact the local Jewish community. Chabad shluchim have joined for minyanim and simchos, bringing additional achdus and celebration.
This milestone marks not only the start of a new institution but also the continuation of a vision: to raise the next generation of Chassidim, leaders, and lamdanim.
May Yeshivas Lubavitch Northwest Florida go m’chayil el chayil, and may its talmidim bring much nachas to their families, the Rebbe, and all of Klal Yisroel.
So nice to see different types of lubavitch buchrim, but all one family, real achdus!! Beautiful.!!
My son is in Shiur Aleph and is very happy. A great place for good bochurim! The teachers, shluchim, and staff have been really wonderful. Hatzlacha!
While I am deeply sad with Rabbi Werniks departure from the Phoenix community, I am extremely gladdened to see the birth of an amazing new Yeshivah taught by one of the best Rosh Yeshivahs. Mazel Tov and Hatzlacha to all the Yeshivah boys and to all the melamdim and to the support of the entire Wernik family that banded together to make this possible.