(Courtesy of PTI) Since October 7, antisemitic acts have increased by 400% in the U.S., and the scourge has infected every major college campus. College presidents were forced to resign for inadequate prevention of violence against Jewish students on campus. Jewish students responded in different ways: Some stood up to the threat, but many gravitated to Hillels and Chabads as safe havens. As the threat climaxed in the spring semester, numerous students hid in their rooms and attended classes by Zoom only. Another group found a totally different solution—leaving for Israel and enrolling in yeshivas and seminaries. Not since the golden years of kiruv 30 years ago have baalei teshuva yeshivas been as full as they are now.
One such yeshiva is Shapells for men and its sister school Midreshet Rachel v’Chana (MRC) for Women in Jerusalem, both part of the Darche Noam umbrella. English-speaking college students and young professionals have taken a break from school or left jobs altogether to make Torah Judaism, not material success, the center of their lives.
Shapells and MRC have many programs ranging from one week to several years to give all students, regardless of background or the length of their visit, access to the world of classical Torah study. Their programs immerse students in the infinite world of classic texts, some for their first time, and emphasize the skills that lead to fluency in traditional sources. This empowers students by giving them the ability to learn Torah directly from the sources and to enjoy learning, ensuring that they will continue to learn in the years to come. They understand that it is not for them alone, but also for future generations, as they become strong links in the chain of transmission. The programs educate students to understand that high ethical character, continual spiritual growth and fidelity to our sacred tradition are integral parts of serving Hashem.
Rabbi Yitz Lerner, director of recruitment for Shapells and MRC, is coming to New Jersey on Sunday June 23 to speak at another yeshiva with a similar philosophy. Yeshiva Ner Boruch-Passaic Torah Institute (PTI) and its sister program Neve, the local affiliate of Neve Yerushalayim seminary, provide serious learning on a high level to men and women regardless of background. Some students learn at PTI before going on to Israel while others come to PTI after a gap year at Shapells-MRC and other yeshivas. PTI and Neve have learning sessions morning, noon and night, seven days a week, including five levels of shiur—from the complete beginner to the most advanced full-time scholar—in its kollel. There are many more programs on halacha, hashkafa and chassidus, as well as frequent visits by gedolim. There are also several women’s programs throughout the week. Students span every age from teens to young professionals to retirees, and they come from every walk of life.
PTI-Neve and Shapells-MRC have much in common and therefore have opportunities for collaboration. Rabbi Lerner will speak at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 23 at PTI. Men and women are welcome, as well as interested applicants. A full hot breakfast buffet will be served. PTI is located at 441 Passaic Avenue in Passaic. For details, call Shmuel Brodsky 201-406-3814 [email protected] https://pti.shulcloud.com
