L’Dor V’Dor – Distinguished Parents Award
Daniel and Jessie Lefton
HTC is honored to present the L’Dor V’Dor – Distinguished Parents Award to Daniel and Jessie Lefton. Hailing from St. Louis, MO, the Leftons’ multigenerational bond with our Yeshiva began with Daniel’s father, Rabbi Jerome Lefton z”l, who earned his Semicha at HTC in 1960 and studied under esteemed Roshei Yeshiva: Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, Rabbi Hertzel Kaplan, Rabbi Chaim Regensburg, and Rabbi Moshe Wernick. Daniel continued this legacy, attending HTC’s Beis Midrash program from 1992-1995, where he learned from Roshei Yeshiva Rabbi Avraham Friedman, Rabbi Shlomo Morgenstern, Rabbi Zev Cohen, Rabbi Yehoshua Levinson zt”l, and Rabbi Zvi Teller zt”l.
In 2013, the next generation of Leftons entered HTC as Daniel and Jessie enrolled their eldest son, Sam (FYHS ’17), at Fasman Yeshiva High School. Their commitment
continued as they enrolled their three younger sons: Josh (FYHS ’19), Jack (FYHS ’22), and Ari (FYHS ’25), who will graduate this spring.
Daniel and Jessie exemplify true Yeshiva parents, deeply devoted to HTC’s mission. Whether joining a dinner committee, hosting Yeshivas HaKayitz meetings, or cheering at a basketball game, they are fully invested in their sons’ growth and the Yeshiva. They are tireless advocates, ready to lend their support whenever called upon.
Outside of HTC, Daniel balances his law practice with community work and storytelling, while Jessie is a beloved preschool teacher and director at Epstein Hebrew Academy in St. Louis. Their dedication is an inspiration to all of us at HTC.