Most young Orthodox adults today are fortunate to spend a year (or more) in Israel learning Torah and focusing on spiritual growth. In many cases, upon returning back to America to begin the next chapter of life, these young men and women experience an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. Yesh Olam is a project dedicated to openly addressing the challenges of integrating one’s spiritual growth with real life struggles.
Yesh Olam offers an opportunity for young adults (19-24) to interact with rabbis, mental health professionals and leaders in the community who can assist with answers to common concerns. Sometimes these young adults, who are matriculating into college and post-college life, including professional decisions, dating and a certain level of independence, are faced with real-world concerns but lack the guidance they may need to comfortably navigate them. Many post-Israel men and women also grapple with religious struggles as they try to maintain and even elevate the level of learning they mastered in yeshiva or seminary.
Rav Avraham Tzvi Kluger, a highly sought after mashpia in Beit Shemesh, encourages people to recognize that there’s a world (Yesh Olam). The project was developed based on the principle that we live in this world and we need to work within its confines while simultaneously striving to live elevated and inspired lives. Being able to appreciate that growth is a lifelong journey and is an integral part of personal development.
At times, young adults back from Israel possess a vision of where they see themselves, which can either propel them to greater heights or suffocate them. To that end, Rav Kluger explains that we can’t lose hope just because everything isn’t what we imagined it should be. Yesh Olam helps give young adults the tools they need to fuse their spiritual and worldly aspirations in a wholesome way.
Rav Moshe Tzvi Weinberg has offered support and guidance for the project and believes there is a tremendous need for this outlet. “One of the most important goals of the Yesh Olam project is the conversations it starts among young adults. I can’t tell you how many people have come to me saying, ‘You are not going to believe this and probably never spoke to anyone about this but…’ Or ‘I don’t have anyone to speak to because no one else has gone through this.’ It is simply not true. The reality of life is that everyone is dealing with challenges. Everyone has struggles. Very often other people in the room have the very same struggles but everyone is too embarrassed or unsure if and how to speak about it. People can help each other more than they realize. At the same time, sometimes people are not able to gain that sound advice from friends alone. Sometimes bigger issues need to be directed to professionals who are more experienced to offer guidance. Yesh Olam is dedicated to helping those in need find the right people to talk to. There are a lot of very qualified people, and Yesh Olam is building a system to connect young adults with those who can best guide them,” Rav Weinberg articulated.
Yesh Olam aims to create an environment where the support is readily available. Many local rabbis and professionals are qualified and happy to help. Yesh Olam believes with proper accessibility these young men and women can find the direction they need. “People are searching for real conversations, real advice and real thoughts. People get confused and tripped up when they find themselves facing new challenges and are just looking around for someone to reach out to. Yesh Olam is trying to create a place for them to head to when these things happen,” explained Yonatan Glicksman, founder of Yesh Olam.
Yesh Olam would like to expand its programming to include monthly conversations with master educators who can address a variety of topics including relationships, drug conversations and balancing the secular workforce with a life of avodat Hashem. These speakers will be individuals who have successfully navigated these issues and can offer real-life solutions to many challenges. Additionally, these forums will introduce people to others who are facing similar challenges and foster an environment with open dialogue that will create meaningful connections.
On Motzei Shabbat Chanukah, December 8, Yesh Olam will host a night of niggunim and chizuk featuring Rav Weinberg and Zusha. The event will be held at Keter Torah and is open to the community. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Sponsorships are available with all proceeds benefiting Yesh Olam. For more information, please visit [email protected].
By Andrea Nissel
