BRIDGEPORT — Rabbi Yonatan Yussman, Ed.D. has been appointed the new head of school of the Jewish High School of Connecticut (JHSC), it was announced this week by Maureen Dewan, president of the school’s Board of Trustees.
Yussman, who will assume his new post on July 1, replaces Rabbi Ed Harwitz, who is leaving his position at the end of the school year.

Rabbi Yonatan Yussman, Ed.D.

He comes to JHSC from the Adelson Educational Campus in Las Vegas, Nev., where he has served as head of Jewish studies of the independent day school, which serves grades pre K through 12, since 2007.
“Dr. Yussman is an inspiring, creative and thoughtful educator and leader,” said Dewan, in announcing Yussman’s appointment. “His intelligence, hard work, and passion for education and Judaism will inspire the JHSC faculty, students and the community. He leads by example, with the highest integrity and respect for the school’s mission and JHSC’s philosophy of learning and responsible action as the foundation for achievement.”
A graduate of Boston University with a degree in psychology, Yussman received his Master’s degree in Jewish education from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and his rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Daniel Landes, rosh yeshiva (head of school) of the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem.  While in Israel, he also served in the Israel Defense Forces.  In addition to a rabbinic degree, he holds a Doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His dissertation, on the topic of prayer in Jewish pluralistic schools, received two awards for most outstanding dissertation.
Dr. Yussman has also earned a record of collaborating with top school leaders internationally, such as at Harvard University’s Principals’ Center, Bar Ilan University’s Principals’ Center, and the Hartman Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. In Las Vegas, he founded and directed the Florence Melton Adult Mini School and he continues to serve as teacher mentor for graduates of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem.
“The Jewish High School of Connecticut already has a strong foundation for providing students and their families in Southern Connecticut with a superb education in both general and Judaic studies,” he said, upon accepting the appointment as head of school at JHSC. “It is truly an honor to be a part of such an extraordinary school that prepares its students for college and life. I look forward to implementing JHSC’s mission, upholding its philosophy and helping to guide JHSC to an outstanding future.”