(Courtesy of Yeshiva University) On Shavuot, more than 85 Yeshiva University students—including 18 from Teaneck and Bergenfield—traveled to 17 communities across North America to share their love of Torah and enliven holiday celebrations as part of the Aaron and Blanche Schreiber “Torah Tours” mission.
For more than 40 years, Torah Tours has sent students to synagogues as close as Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Merrick, New York, and as far as Providence, Rhode Island, and San Francisco, California, where they deliver shiurim and lead prayer services and engaging programming for community members of all ages. Over the long Shavuot weekend the students gained insight into each community’s unique way of life, made new friends and shared eye-opening leadership experiences.
“We are so proud of our students and what they choose to do in their free time—volunteering, teaching and setting an example. Torah Tours is an exceptional opportunity for our students to extend their reach of influence beyond the classroom and into the Jewish communities of North America,” said Talia Molotsky, Yeshiva University’s Student Life Coordinator on the Israel Henry Beren Campus. “Throughout the Torah Tours experience our students are giving and getting inspiration from fellow Jews in communities of all shapes and sizes. It is the perfect training ground for these future Jewish leaders.”
Jonah Ganchrow, a Yeshiva College student from Teaneck, New Jersey, traveled with his group to Dollard Des Ormeaux, Quebec. “For me, Torah Tours was a life-changing experience. After we delivered our shiurim it was incredibly impactful to hear the positive feedback from the community members. They explained that Shavuot was their favorite holiday because it allowed them to learn so much about Judaism and Torah. It was amazing to see how they thirsted for Torah, and even more remarkable that we were able to quench that thirst,” explained Ganchrow. “I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I hope to participate in many more Torah Tour missions throughout my time at YU.”
Bella Adler, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, had been looking forward to participating on Torah Tours ever since she applied to Stern College for Women. “Being guests in the warm and welcoming community of Roslyn, New York, made this Shavuot extremely meaningful. We spoke words of Torah, learned together, heard stories and ate great food at the homes of countless community members, all of whom welcomed us so graciously,” said Adler.
Elen Sarah Dolgopolskaia, who hails from Buffalo, New York, appreciated the opportunity to share her passion for Torah with residents of Columbus, Ohio. “Columbus is a small community with deep roots and enormous strength. Getting to know the community members and bond over a love for Torah was a truly unique experience,” said Dolgopolskaia. “I learned so much from our short visit to this community, and I hope to use that knowledge to inform my life and impact others.”
