Spotlight on Rabbi Zach Swigard (FYHS '02)

Graduating Year: 2002

Current Location:  Los Angeles, CA

Profession: Principal at Yeshivat Yavneh, K-8 School in Los Angeles

Tell us a little bit about your family: 

I’m married to Devorah with 3 kids, 18, 15, and 11 years old 

What is your favorite memory/(memories) from FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

One of my most memorable experiences was the lightning strike. It was a moment of chaos, but out of that craziness, we felt truly cared for. Rabbi Weiss took charge of the situation, turning adversity into an opportunity that brought us all closer together.

Beyond that, my years were shaped by incredible Rebbeim who made a lasting impact on me. I felt a deep connection to Rabbi Schachter who sparked my love for learning—so much so that I reached out to thank him this past summer. Rabbi Polstein looked after us as if we were his own children. Whether it was being in his shiur to working as a counselor in Yeshivas Hakayitz. I have so many great memories of the Rebbeim’s care and dedication, which continue to inspire me today.

Please share a lesson/takeaway from your time at FYHS/HTC/Kayitz:

I wasn’t a shoo-in to attend Skokie—my brother went to Ner Yisroel—but through Josh Zisook, a friend and neighbor from Seattle, I realized I should check out the Yeshiva. Looking back, I’m so grateful I did.

As a principal, I now appreciate the nuances of finding the right place, derech, and environment for each student. What stood out about the Yeshiva was how it allowed students to make mistakes while still showing them love and belief.  I felt that support firsthand, and it played a key role in my growth. Our dorm counselor, Jared Topek, represented this every day. I looked up to him as a role model and he helped me so much. That experience shaped the way I approach education today, ensuring that every student feels valued and has the space to grow.

Advice for current students:

My advice would be to take a moment to appreciate the unique experience of being part of this Yeshiva. It’s easy to recognize its impact in hindsight, but there’s so much value in appreciating it while you’re still there. Being part of the Skokie Yeshiva legacy is something I take pride in—it helped shape who I am today, and I will always feel connected to the Yeshiva family.

Anything else to share?

I am currently in my 16th year in chinuch, and over the years, I have had the opportunity to observe many Rebbeim, educational approaches, and methodologies. I have been involved in hiring and developing teachers, shaping the learning environment for students, and ensuring that each child gets the support they need. Through this experience, I have come to deeply appreciate just how well Skokie Yeshiva balanced it all. The way the Yeshiva fostered both personal and academic growth, while maintaining warmth and belief in each student, is something truly special. I have tremendous hakaras hatov for the impact it had on me, and I carry those lessons with me in my own role as an educator today.