Created 15 years ago to fill urgent needs in the world of Jewish education, Yeshivat Lev HaTorah continues to offer crucial programming meant to inspire and empower the next generation of Jewish leaders. Celebrating past successes and anticipating new horizons, friends of the yeshiva gathered at The Palisadium to celebrate the yeshiva’s 15th annual dinner last Sunday night.

Representing the yeshiva’s incredible impact on its post-day-school students over the past 15 years, the dinner honored alumnus Dani Vanderwalde (LHT ’02) for his lay leadership in his Maryland community, and Dr. David Kallus, for almost a decade of dedication to learning with Lev Shana Bet students in the midst of his busy periodontal surgery practice.

The dinner also focused on honoring new programs that amplify the yeshiva’s ability to inspire and empower students. Rabbi Ely Allen, director of new initiatives, has revitalized the yeshiva’s programs preparing students for Jewish life on college campus, and has spearheaded the yeshiva’s new Sephardi and Mechina Tracks.

Marc and Debbi Frankel, parents of Jacob (YLT ’14, LLC ’15-17) were honored for their contributions to the community of parents of lone Israeli soldiers. Witnessing their son’s service in the IDF, they recognized that both the soldiers and their long-distance families need support. Debbi’s initiative has brought hundreds of North American parents of IDF soldiers together.

In Israel, lone religious soldiers have found a new framework: Lev LaChayal, the yeshiva’s program offering spiritual and physical preparation and support to North American religious volunteers to the IDF. Since its founding three years ago, 26 lone soldiers have readied themselves through Torah study and physical workouts. Once they begin their service, they continue to benefit from the highest levels of nurturing and guidance in their “home away from home” in the Lev HaTorah community.

Fifteen years after opening its doors, Lev HaTorah continues to grow in its impact on the world of Jewish learning and leadership. With over 90 Shana Aleph and Shana Bet Students, and a growing body of lone soldiers in Lev LaChayal, Stage II of the yeshiva’s campus building project commences this summer.

To find out more or to make a donation, visit Lev HaTorah’s website at www.levhatorah.org or email [email protected].