When Rabbi Dr. Leonard Matanky began his undergraduate degree, he was a business student. Halfway through college, Matanky realized his true passion was education. Matanky began teaching at his alma mater, Ida Crown Jewish Academy, in 1981 and became dean in 1996. In addition to his work at Ida Crown, Matanky is also past president of the Orthodox Union’s Rabbinical Council of America, a co-president of Religious Zionists of America, and co-chairman of JUF’s Rabbinic Action Committee. Matanky is also the pulpit rabbi at Congregation K.I.N.S. in West Rogers Park.

Matanky’s service to the Jewish community was recognized in March at Ida Crown Jewish Academy’s 75th anniversary gala. As school was winding down for the year, he sat down with JUF News for a phone interview to reflect on his time as dean at his alma mater.

JUF News: How have you seen Ida Crown grow during your time since you werea student?

Rabbi Dr. Leonard Matanky: The core values of Ida Crown have stayed the same: the sense of community, the commitment to Orthodox Jewish life, the absolute striving for excellence as a college prep high school.

When I was a student, the computer science course was one where we filled out the necessary punch cards to be run, whereas today, every one of our students walks around with an iPad.

The biggest change would be the way the academy has respond to the changing needs of our community. Today, unfortunately, we have to help distinguish higher culture and other aspects of general culture which might be antithetical to the values we have always tried to teach.

What value do you think is most important to instill in the next generation?

The first value is the sense of community that our students need to understand. Not only are they part of a community, but their actions, their innovations, and their passions will help shape our community and guarantee our future. We need to instill in our students that they are part of our glorious tradition that reaches back to Sinai. Their role is critical in bringing the beauty of Torah to the world, and brightening the world with its teachings and its values.

One of the most important things of being part of community is that sense of hope. What we try to foster within our students and our school community is a sense of comfort, of home. A place our alumni come back to visit, and a place where current students know they can turn to teachers for guidance. It’s because of the warmth of Torah that we can achieve some of the greatest things.

What part of your work do you find most meaningful?

The highlights of my days are the classes I teach every day, and the opportunity to help our students find who they are and find their voices and grow and prepare themselves for the next stage in life.