Lev HaTorah Update - Yeshivat Lev HaTorah
Transcription
Lev HaTorah Update - Yeshivat Lev HaTorah
בס“ד Turning Visions into Reality התורה ישיבת Lev HaTorahUpdate Yeshivat Lev HaTorah M a r ch 2 0 0 9 A d a r 5 7 6 9 A Message from the Rosh Yeshiva חמָיו ֲ תמְנּו כ ִי ֹלא כ ָלּו ר ָ חסְדי ה’ כ ִי ֹלא ַ חדָׁשִים לַבְקרים רבָה אֱמּונָתֶך ֲ כ”ג- כ”ב,איכה ג “Hashem’s kindness surely has not ended, nor His mercies exhausted. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness!” M iracles happen. We all watched spellbound as nine months of construction gave birth to the first building on Lev HaTorah’s new campus. In the last year we witnessed a bare mountain become a vibrant community, home to three married alumni and ten of our Rabbanim! Our dreams have unfolded before our very eyes! As we grow physically we continue to strive toward greater spiritual heights. Lev HaTorah has proudly launched an innovative Educators Semicha program to help shape the face of tomorrow’s Torah leaders. Our current facility proudly serves the Ramat Shilo community hosting shiurim, daily and Shabbat minyanim, parent-son learning and other communal events! The vision of alumni maintaining a second home at the yeshiva is happening. A constant flow of bogrim fills the yeshiva on Shabbatot and Chagim with record breaking numbers joining us for Yamim Noraim and winter break. B’chasdei Hashem, there is always room for everyone! We still have much to build. We invite and welcome even more bogrim to ‘return and learn,’ rejuvenating themselves spiritually and strengthening our Beit Midrash. At the same time, bli ayin hara, our spacious ‘temporary’ Beit Midrash is already nearing capacity and we anxiously await construction of the main building! Lev HaTorah’s Chanukat Habayit Celebrating the Inauguration of our New Building O n the fourth night of Chanuka, the holiday of miracles, the Yeshiva Community celebrated its own miracle, the completion of the first stage of the Lev HaTorah campus. Over 200 people, including students, staff, alumni, community members, and supporters, participated in the momentous occasion of our Chanukat Habayit. continued on page 7 We thank Hashem for seven good years of growth and prosperity. Our gratitude extends to our friends and partners whose support has made it all possible. B’vracha, Rav Boaz Mori Rosh Yeshivat Lev HaTorah page 7 1 Lev HaTorah Update A Journey of Vision and Faith May September I n recognition of our educational success, the city council of Beit Shemesh grants Lev HaTorah a five dunam parcel of land for our future campus. The land is located at the heart of a planned residential neighborhood, with the goal of the Yeshiva occupying a central role in the community’s life. 2005 2002 Y eshivat Lev HaTorah opens its doors to 17 students, offering a small staff and limited facilities but big goals for the future. חמָיו ֲ תמְנּו כ ִי ֹלא כ ָלּו ר ָ חַסְדי ה’ כ ִי ֹלא חדָׁשִים לַבְקרים רבָה אֱמּונָתֶך ֲ כ”ג- כ”ב,איכה ג February Future Campus Plans 2007 Phase II: Complete the interior top two floors of the current building to accommodate the Yeshiva’s dormitories. T he staff and students of Lev HaTorah gather to witness the pouring of the foundations for the building. The four-story structure, designed to ultimately serve as the Yeshiva’s dormitory, will also temporarily house its Beit Midrash, classrooms, and dining hall. Phase III: Development of the campus grounds, including a covered basketball court and landscaping. Phase IV: Build the Beit Midrash complex to house the Blumenfeld Beit Midrash, classrooms, library, offices, and dining hall. C onstruction on the Ramat Shilo (Shchunat Yeshivat Lev HaTorah) neighborhood begins. The area is designed for almost 400 families. September 2006 September For dedication opportunities, please contact Rav Binyamin Kwalwasser at [email protected] 2008 T he current student body and staff of Yeshivat Lev HaTorah gather together for the first tefila in our new Beit Midrash. Lev HaTorah Update 2 3 Lev HaTorah Update T h a n k • y o u t o Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Berman • o u r Master Builders Mr. Avi z”l and Mrs. Lois Blumenfeld Dear supporters W ith your help, we have turned visions into reality. Your generosity has enabled us to construct our new building, organize an entire residential community, and expand our educational efforts with our new Educators’ Program. We so greatly appreciate your partnership in our educational and communal endeavors. With many more dreams to be realized, we look forward to sharing in the simcha of achieving many more milestones together. Sincerely, • R’ Benjy Kwalwasser Mashgiach Ruchani Current Lev HaTorah Partners s u p p o r t e r s Mr. and Mrs. Alan Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Judah Schorr Mr. Ayal Kellman Mr. Avi Lasko Mr. Reuven Lebovitz Mr. Dov Lerner Mr. Mickey Levine Mr. Rafi Levine Mr. Brian Linder Mr. Marc Merrill Mr. Michael Porcelain Mr. Ari Price Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Rosenzweig Mr. Aaron Ross Mr. Daniel Sacks Mr. Natan Santacruz Mr. and Mrs. Benzion Shamberg Mr. Scott Shulman Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Silverman Mr. Zach Stern Mr. and Mrs. Dani Vanderwalde Mr. Matt Weiss Mr. Eric Wittenberg Mr. Gavriel Zeitlin Mr. and Mrs. Mark Abraham Mr. and Mrs. Abe Adler Mr. and Mrs. Zev Baker Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Berkowitz Rabbi and Mrs. Avi Bodlander Mr. Daniel Elovic Mr. and Mrs. David Epstein Mr. and Mrs. Kostia Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Zach Grosser Mr. Simcha Haber Dr. and Mrs. Harold Hefter The Kellman family Mr. and Mrs. Ben Kurtzer Rabbi and Mrs. Porcelain Mr. Ari Price Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Rich Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Rosenzweig Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Santacruz Mr. and Mrs. Benzion Shamberg Rabbi and Mrs. Michael Siev Prof. and Mrs. Harvey Sober Mr. and Mrs. Philip Stein Dr. and Mrs. Paul White Mr. Scott Wittenberg Drs. Stuart and Loren Zakem Mr. Gavriel Zeitlin Thank you to our supporters Mr. and Mrs. Mark Abraham Mr. and Mrs. Michael Abramowitz Mr. and Mrs. Abe Adler Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Adler Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Adler Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Agi Mr. and Mrs. Yudi Akselrud Mr. and Mrs. Jody Alter Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Ambinder Mr. and Mrs. Henry Anhalt Mrs. Beverly Anker Mr. and Mrs. Jerrold Appelbaum Mr. and Mrs. Joel Atkin Drs. Adrian Dobs and Marty Auster Mr. and Mrs. Barry Bank Dr. and Mrs. Jody Bardash Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Barenholtz Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Baron Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Becker Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bender Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Benjamin Mr. and Mrs. David Berkowitz Alumni Supporters Mr. Daniel Abraham Mr. Judah Abraham Mr. Jacob Agi Mr. and Mrs. Aryeh Altshul Mr. Yosef Baker Mr. and Mrs. Zev Baker Mr. Benjamin Berman Mr. Ehud Cohen Mr. Daniel Elovic Mr. and Mrs. David Epstein Mr. Yoni Garellek Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Goodhardt Mr. and Mrs. Zach Grosser Mr. Simcha Haber Mr. Danny Hadar Mr. Naftali Hirschberg Mr. and Mrs. David Hoffman 4 Lev HaTorah Update Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Berkowitz Mr. and Mrs. William Berlin Dr. and Mrs. Marvin Berman Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Berman Mr. and Mrs. David Bersson Dr. and Mrs. Robert Bersson Rabbi and Mrs. Jack Bieler Mr. and Mrs. Avraham Bindell Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Blatt Rabbi and Mrs. Avi Bodlander Mr. and Mrs. George Bornstein Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Brafman Mr. and Mrs. Leo Brandstatter Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Brown Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Burian Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Chazen Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Avi Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Cohen Dr. and Mrs. Meyer Cohen Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Danto Rabbi and Mrs. Judah Dardik Dr. and Mrs. Orrin Davis Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Dickstein Mr. Jeffrey Druckman and Ms. Erica Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Eckman Mr. and Mrs. Lenny Eis Mr. and Mrs. Alan Eisenman Mr. and Mrs. Irving Eisenman Dr. and Mrs. Yehuda Eliezri Mr. and Mrs. Gary Elkins Mr. and Mrs. Josh Epstein Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Esterson Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Farber Mr. and Mrs. Zvi Feigenbaum Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Fein Mr. and Mrs. Kostia Feldman Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Feldman Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Fine Mr. and Mrs. Perry Finkelman Ms. Marion Fishman Dr. and Mrs. Carey Fredman Ms. Ilya Freydina Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fried Dr. and Mrs. Myron Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Philip Friedman Thank You Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Fuld Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Fuld Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Gdanski Mr. and Mrs. Marc Geller Mr. and Mrs. Michael Glass Mr. and Mrs. Motty Glucksman Rabbi and Mrs. Rami Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Howard Goldberg Mr. Jeffrey Goldberg Drs. Margaret Ravits and Mark Goldfarb Mr. and Mrs. David Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Ilan Goldstein Dr. and Mrs. Gilad Greenberg Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Michael Grosser Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Grundman Mr. and Mrs. Irv Hackel Mr. Eric Hackel Mr. and Mrs. Mordy Hackel Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hartstein Mr. and Mrs. Kalman Hartstein Rabbi and Mrs. Pinchos Hecht Dr. and Mrs. Harold Hefter Mrs. Joyce Heller Mr. and Mrs. Barry Hertzberg Ms. Frederica Herzfeld Ms. Hanna Hochster Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Hoffman Drs. Michael and Marianna Horn Dr. and Mrs. Irving Isakow Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Ives Mr. and Mrs. Shalom Jacob Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Hillel Jaffe Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jonas Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kalish Dr. and Mrs. David Kallus Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Kaplan Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kastner Mr. and Mrs. Gary Katz Mr. and Mrs. Peter Katz Mr. Daniel Keebler Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Keiser Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Kellman Mr. and Mrs. Todd Kesselman • Mr. and Mrs. Eli Kipper Dr. and Mrs. Steve Kirshblum Mr. and Mrs. Lester Kirshenbaum Mr. and Mrs. Joel Klein Dr. and Mrs. David Koplon Mr. and Mrs. David Koschitzky Mr. and Mrs. Saul Koschitzky Rabbi and Mrs. Ira Kosowsky Mr. and Mrs. Gary Krasna Mr. and Mrs. Lester Kushner Mr. and Mrs. Avi Kwalwasser Rabbi and Mrs. Gene Kwalwasser Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lasko Mr. and Mrs. Meyer Last Dr. and Mrs. Edo Lavi Mr. and Mrs. Laibel Layman Dr. and Mrs. Allan Lebowitz Drs. Moshe and Marilyn Levi Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Levine Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Levy Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Liberman Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Lichtenstein Dr. and Mrs. Barry Lifschitz Mr. and Mrs. Henry Loeser Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Marder Mr. and Mrs. Joel Margolies Mr. and Mrs. Michael Margolies Mr. and Mrs. David Maslow Mr. and Mrs. Charles Merrill Drs. Barry and Hillary Miller Mr. and Mrs. Ira Mitzner Drs. Mark and Galina Moerdler Mr. and Mrs. Abe Moore Mr. and Mrs. Tamir Mori Dr. and Mrs. Zev Munk Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nutis Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Oppenheim Dr. and Mrs. Harold Parnes Rabbi Yehuda Pearl Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Perlmutter Mr. Ely Pinto Mr. and Mrs. Martin Polack Rabbi and Mrs. Glenn Porcelain Mr. and Mrs. David Radunsky Mr. and Mrs. William Rapfogel Mr. and Mrs. William Rappoport Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rauch Mr. and Mrs. Ely Razin Ms. Evelyn Reichenthal Mr. and Mrs. Michael Reuben Ms. Vera Revesz Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Rich Dr. and Mrs. Ari Robicsek Dr. and Mrs. Leslie Robicsek Mr. and Mrs. Donny Rose Dr. and Mrs. Gary Rosenbaum Rabbi and Mrs. Yehuda Rosenbaum Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Rosenberg Dr. and Mrs. Steven Rosenblatt Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rosenfelt Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rosenzweig Mr. and Mrs. Craig Rosin Mr. and Mrs. Ian Rosmarin Rabbi and Mrs. Aaron Ross Mr. and Mrs. Eric Rothman Mr. and Mrs. Eric Rothner Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sacks Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Santacruz Mr. and Mrs. Alan Schabes Drs. Patrice and Marc Schoenbrun Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Schreiber Dr. and Mrs. Richard Schwarcz Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Ushie Selevan Mr. and Mrs. Yosseph Shachnovitz Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Shmunis Mr. and Mrs. Steve Shulman Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan Shuter Rabbi and Mrs. Joseph Siev Dr. and Mrs. Edwin Simpser Mr. and Mrs. Scott Singer Mr. and Mrs. Barry Sklar Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sklar Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Sklar Mr. and Mrs. Ilan Slasky Mr. Russel Small Prof. and Mrs. Brian Smith Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith Prof. and Mrs. Harvey Sober Mr. and Mrs. Loren Spigelman Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Staiman Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Stefansky 5 Lev HaTorah Update Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stein Mr. and Mrs. Marc Stein Mr. and Mrs. Philip Stein Mr. and Mrs. Sam Stern Dr. and Mrs. Victor Stiebel Dr. and Mrs. Jason Suss Mr. and Mrs. Isidore Tauber Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Tuchman Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Tuchman Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Vanderwalde Mr. and Mrs. Gary Vatenmakher Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wasser Rabbi and Mrs. Daniel Wasserman Mr. and Mrs. Ernst Weglein Mr. Meir Weingarten-Ariel Tours Mr. and Mrs. Mattes Weingast Dr. Claire Ellen Weinstein Mr. and Mrs. Baruch Weinstein Mr. and Mrs. Adam Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Harold Weissler Dr. and Mrs. Larry Weprin Dr. Justin Weprin Ms. Irene Wexler Dr. and Mrs. Paul White Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Wiener Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wimpfheimer Mr. and Mrs. Jan Wimpfheimer Mr. Scott Wittenberg Ms. Cindy Wodinsky Mr. and Mrs. Simon Wolf Prof. and Mrs. Michael Wolfe Dr. and Mrs. Steven Wolinsky Mr. and Mrs. Elan Yaish Mr. and Mrs. Sam Zagha Drs. Stuart and Loren Zakem Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Zeifman Mrs. Sylvia Zeifman Mr. Alan z”l and Mrs. Lenore Zelinger Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Zucker Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Zwany • TurningVisions intoReality אז אגמור בשיר מזמור Chanukat HaBayit Sponsors Etz Chaim Sponsorship Platinum Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Berkowitz Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Tuchman continued from page1 Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Adler Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Fine Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Fuld Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Fuld Mr. and Mrs. Ilan Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Meyer Last Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lax Prof. and Mrs. Brian Smith Mr. and Mrs. Marc Stein Mr. and Mrs. Ely Razin Gold Mr. and Mrs. Barry Bank Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Blatt Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Brafman Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Kaplan Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Katz Mr. and Mrs. Laibel Layman Drs. Moshe and Marilyn Levi Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Lichtenstein Rabbi and Mrs. Michael Siev Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Staiman Mr. and Mrs. Mattes Weingast Silver Mr. and Mrs. Leo Brandstatter Dr. and Mrs. Yehudah Eliezri Mr. and Mrs. Gary Elkins Mr. and Mrs. Josh Epstein Mr. and Mrs. Adam Frieberg Dr. and Mrs. Myron Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Hillel Jaffe Mr. and Mrs. Lester Kirshenbaum Mr. and Mrs. David Maslow Dr. and Mrs. Harold Parnes Mr. Ely Pinto Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Santacruz Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan Shuter Dr. and Mrs. Edwin Simpser Drs. Stuart and Loren Zakem Contributors Mr. Daniel Abraham Mr. Judah Abraham Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Adler Mr. and Mrs. Yudi Akselrud Mr. and Mrs. Jerrold Appelbaum Drs. Adrian Dobs and Marty Auster Mr. Yosef Baker Mr. and Mrs. Zev Baker Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Berenholz Mr. and Mrs. Avi Cohen Mr. and Mrs. David Cohen Mr. Ehud Cohen Dr. and Mrs. Meyer Cohen Ms. Debbie Fisch Ms. Marion Fishman Dr. and Mrs. Carey Fredman Mr. and Mrs. Allan Freedman Dr. and Mrs. Gilad Greenberg Mr. and Mrs. Michael Glass Rabbi and Mrs. Rami Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Steven Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. David Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Martin Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Michael Grosser Mr. and Mrs. Mordy Hackel Mr. and Mrs. Michael Harris Ms. Frederica Herzfeld Ms. Hanna Hochster Mr. and Mrs. Shalom Jacob Rabbi and Mrs. Avery Joel Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kalish Mr. and Mrs. Gary Katz Mr. Daniel Keebler Mr. Elan Kirshenbaum Dr. and Mrs. David Koplon Mr. and Mrs. Gary Krasna Dr. and Mrs. Allan Lebovitz Mr. and Mrs. Alden Leifer Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Liberman Mr. Brian Linder Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lipstein Mr. and Mrs. Michael Margolies Mr. and Mrs. Charles Merrill Mr. Marc Merrill Mr. and Mrs. Michael Miller Mr. and Mrs. David Morris Mr. and Mrs. David Pollack Mr. Michael Porcelain Mr. and Mrs. William Rappoport Dr. and Mrs. Ari Robicsek Ms. Evelyn Reichenthal Ms. Mindy Rogoff Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rosenfelt 6 Lev HaTorah Update Ms. Sarah Santacruz Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Schreiber Mr. Yaakov Seligman Mr. Logan Singman Mr. and Mrs. Loren Spigelman Mr. and Mrs. Sam Stern Dr. and Mrs. Victor Stiebel Mr. and Mrs. Dani Vanderwalde Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Vanderwalde Mr. and Mrs. Gary Vatenmakher Mr. and Mrs. Harold Weissler Ms. Irene Wexler Mr. and Mrs. Steven White Mr. Eric Wittenberg Ms. Cindy Wodinsky “The new building will enable us to impact Am Yisrael even more powerfully than ever” 7 Lev HaTorah Update In an emotional opening speech Rav Kwalwasser described the unfolding miracle of Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, from the uncertain early days when we were energized by vision alone, to the current fulfillment of those dreams with over two hundred alumni and a campus of our own. “The new building will enable us to impact Am Yisrael even more powerfully than ever,” he said. Rav Boaz eloquently recognized all of the many individuals who enabled us to thrive and accomplish our goals. “The Yeshiva depends on two types of supporters: those who are able to financially help us with the physical process of building a campus, and our alumni, who build the character of the Yeshiva with their enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication.” Beit Shemesh Mayor Moshe Abutbul and Council Member Shalom Lerner expressed the city’s pride in Yeshivat Lev HaTorah and their commitment to aiding our continued growth. Rav Mordechai Machlis ended the formal program by describing the uniqueness of the Yeshiva: “Our challenge on Chanuka is for each of us to find the ner, that special unique spiritual flame within. Yeshivat Lev HaTorah enables each of its students to find that fire.” In traditional Lev HaTorah style, guests, students, and alumni joined together in joyous dancing and singing. Joey Goldstein, a current student at Lev HaTorah reflected: “Seeing so many people that the Yeshiva has touched gather together and celebrate makes me appreciate even more what an amazing Yeshiva this is!” Not Just another Carnival Lev HaTorah brings a little light to the darkness of war Lev HaTorah’s solidarity project brings smiles to the faces of children from the rocket-battered South the local chessed organization, and together they developed a A sense of our solidarity and concern for them. riel, a 9-year-old from Shomriya, a town in southern Israel, has lived a life of upheaval. As a one-year old, he was injured by shrapnel from a mortar directed at his community in Gush Katif. He recovered, only to experience the trauma of the disengagement from Gaza in 2005. He and his family were sent to a resettlement site in the south, hoping to rebuild their lives in peace. As Operation Cast Lead began, that peace was shattered once more by the waves of kassams and mortars launched by Hamas. In order to preserve some semblance of normalcy, his school began bussing its students, along with over 1000 other school children, to community centers in Beit Shemesh to continue their schooling in safety. Meanwhile, students and staff at Yeshivat Lev HaTorah searched for meaningful ways to respond to the turmoil and fear experienced by so many of our fellow Jews in the South. While intensified prayers, Tehilim recitals, and additional learning were important responses, Jesse Nowlin, a shana-aleph student at Lev HaTorah, felt strongly that the situation required action as well. But what? How could 70 enthusiastic American students make an impact on a situation so far beyond their control? Jesse consulted with Rav Mordechai Kaplan, Lev HaTorah’s Director of Student Activities and Lema’an Achai, 8 Lev HaTorah Update concrete plan. They would organize an exciting carnival for these displaced school children, lifting their morale and giving them a In a matter of days, the students and Rav Mo planned dozens of activities, from inflatable “moon walks”, carnival games, popcorn, cotton candy, a band complete with a sound system and lunch for over 300 people. Jesse used his organizational talents to raise additional money to help fund the program from the students of JEC, Maayanot, and TABC in New Jersey. In the organizational meeting before the carnival, Rav Mordechai emphasized that the goal of the carnival was not just an opportunity to have fun; its main purpose was to give these children warmth and love, to let them know that Am Yisrael cares.” On the day of the carnival, the Ramat Beit Shemesh community center bustled with kids full of smiles and laughter. For a few brief moments, Ariel and his friends forgot about the sound of the air raid siren, and were able to just be children having fun. As the program wound to a close, the Lev HaTorah band began playing upbeat Jewish music. Everyone rose to their feet, and the entire crowd began to dance. As the children danced and rode on the shoulders of the Lev HaTorah students, the feelings that had been just beneath the surface throughout the day burst forth. The love between brothers filled the room. As we danced and sang with the children, we felt that we had brought a little light to the darkness of war. 9 Lev HaTorah Update MM a z a ll TT oo vv! Shammai (‘04) and Adi (Gurewicz) Cylich Rav and Mrs. Copperman on the birth of a daughter, Roni Jason (‘03) and Lindsay (Smilow) Eisenman Rav Asher and Miriam Friedman on the birth of a son, Akivah Chananya Tzvi Ephrayim and Miriam Naiman on the marriage of their son, Akiva to Chani (Segal) Rav Yehoshua and Batsheva Fass on the birth of a son, Yosef Levi Ephrayim and Miriam Naiman on the marriage of their daughter, Shoshana to Eliyahu Haschel Rav Mickey and Rena Siev on the birth of a son, Asher Yair (’04-’05) and Faigy Reuben on the birth of a son, Avinoam Aaron David (’03) and Miriam Epstein on the birth of a daughter, Zimra Temima Spencer (’04-’05) and Deena Silverman on the birth of a son, Shalom Tzvi Spencer (‘04-’05) and Deena Silverman on the birth of a son, Shalom Tzvi Yaakov (‘03-’04) and Sara Wolinsky on the birth of a daughter, Rivka M a r r i a g e s Dovid (’06-’07) and Lanee (Rosenberg) Layman Danny (‘04) and Sara (Daniels) Wajcman Daphna and Yehudah Goldreich on the marriage of their son, Ephraim to Pazit (Avitan) E n g a g e m e n t s Benzi Jaffe (’03) on his engagement to Michelle Frankel Daniel Rosenfelt (’07-’08) on his engagement to Amanda Friedman Dovid Becker (‘05) on his engagement to Tali Cohen Josh Berk (‘06) on his engagement to Aliza Litchman Eli Katz (‘06-’07) on his engagement to Elana Mehl Eitan (’04) and Adina (Schwartz) Kastner Josh Goodhardt (‘06-’07) on his engagement to Miri Broner Adam (‘06-’07) and Sarah (Halpern) Frieberg B a r Zev (’04-’05) and Sara Adina (Berger) Baker Rav Yehoshua and Batsheva Fass on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Elchanan Jacob (madrich) and Goldie (Jacob) Milner המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים M i t z v a h Chazak Ve’ematz The Yeshiva would like to acknowledge those alumni who are currently serving and who have recently served in the Israel Defense Forces • Sammy Harari (‘08-’09) • Tzvi Selig (‘08) • Avraham Schlagman (‘07) • Menashe Wodinsky (‘05) • Avi Jacobs (‘04) ושבו בנים לגבולם The Yeshiva would like to acknowledge and welcome those alumni who have recently made Aliyah to Israel • Noah Zivan (‘08) • Gershy Rapp (‘07-’08) • Amir White (‘07-’08) • Avraham Schlagman (‘07) • Ian Zeifman (‘07) • Aryeh Kirshblum (‘05- Kollel- madrich) • Mordy Rapp (‘05-’06 - madrich) • Gavi Zeitlin (‘05-’06 - madrich) • Josh Grussgot (‘04) • Yaakov Guttman (‘04- madrich) • Eytan White (‘03) Yeshivat Lev HaTorah mourns the loss of Mr. Avi Blumenfeld z"l a dear friend, supporter and admirer of the Yeshiva and its programs. Last year, the Blumenfeld family decided to name the future Beit Medrash in memory of Avi's late father, Sam Blumenfeld z"l. Although Avi Blumenfeld z"l did not have the opportunity to visit the new campus, his legacy of valuing a Torah education, maintaining the utmost respect for Tefila, and being active in philanthropy will forever be taught in the halls of our Beit Medrash. We extend our deepest wishes of consolation to his dear wife, Lois, his children and grandchildren. Our new semicha program prepares future teachers and leaders to make an impact on the Jewish community B i r t h s Lev HaTorah’s New Educators’ Program The Lev HaTorah Semicha Program Picture (from l-r): Dovid Zvi Newman, Rabbi Rami Goldberg, HaRav Menachem Cooperman, Gedaliah Goldstein, Aryeh Kirshblum, Avi Staiman, Yoni Miller, Josh Pittleman. a quiet revolution in the world of Jewish education A midst the excitement of Lev HaTorah’s move to the new campus, a quiet revolution in the world of Jewish education began this past Elul in our Beit Midrash. Seven talented, budding talmidei chachamim are preparing to make an impact on the Jewish world. They are learning under the mentorship of experts in the field of Torah education as part of Lev HaTorah’s new Educators’ Kollel/Semicha Program. Combining high-level Talmud, Tanach, and Jewish Philosophy with a solid grounding in pedagogy, these aspiring teachers are learning in an environment ideal for testing out their educational techniques and ideas with the Lev HaTorah students around them. Many institutions would never consider starting a new program during a year filled with the intense technical challenges of moving to a new campus. But for Rav Boaz Mori, Lev HaTorah’s founding Rosh Yeshiva, there was never any doubt. “We can’t grow physically without also growing spiritually,” Rav Boaz explains. “As we enter our new campus, we have to begin filling it with new initiatives and ways of impacting Am Yisrael. We’re empowering seven very talented young men to become leaders in Israel’s schools and yeshivot.” Our kollel students come from diverse backgrounds – including alumni of Lev HaTorah, Yeshivat Hesder Ramat Gan, Yeshivat Hesder Sha’alvim, and even Rami Goldberg, a musmach of Yeshiva University who currently manages a financial services company. But more significant than their differences is the common goal that unites them. Yoni Miller explains, “It’s incredible to be part of a group of older, advanced students who share the same focus, goals, and vision. It’s an atmosphere of incredible spiritual growth, an opportunity very difficult to find in Israeli Yeshivot, which generally focus on younger students.” This personal focus enticed our seven students to join Lev HaTorah instead of a large array of other programs available to older advanced students. Rav Menachem Cooperman, a rabbinic judge and the primary Ram in the program, stresses, “Personal attention for older students is key. It’s essential for developing learning skills. When students can work with a mentor who sits with them, guides them, sees where they stumble and where they succeed, they can truly excel in their learning. These students are the next generation of leaders who will impact the Torah world, and they deserve as much focus and attention as we can give them.” Along with personal growth and improved learning skills, sharing a Beit Midrash with shana aleph students involves constant opportunities for the kollel fellows to begin developing their skills as teachers. By giving model lessons to the shana aleph students under the supervision of Lev HaTorah’s master educators, and engaging in countless informal learning sessions, the Kollel students gain feedback, insight, and techniques that will serve them for the rest of their careers. Aryeh Kirshblum, an alumnus and former madrich at Lev HaTorah, emphasizes, “No class on pedagogy can provide the kinds of hands-on knowledge and experience of the kinds of issues that come up with the students we interact with on a daily basis.” While the “hands-on” aspects are crucial, the program also provides rigorous academic training. Through partnership with Herzog Teacher’s College, the premier undergraduate program in the Religious-Zionist community, students take classes in psychology, classroom management, and curriculum. Lev HaTorah’s shana aleph program continues to thrive and grow, now joined by the Educators’ Program. Together, they represent our continuing efforts to provide innovative and inspiring education to the Jewish people, both now and in the future. Check out our newly updated Website www.levhatorah.org Shiurim, Photos, catch up on what’s happening, Alumni news and lots more! 10 Lev HaTorah Update 11 Lev HaTorah Update S a th ve e Date ! Mega Alumni Shabbaton a n d Gala Melavah Malka in Teaneck, NJ, June 13, Parshat Behar - Bechukotai Alumni from all years and rebbeim will be in from Israel Furthur details on our website www.levhatorah.org התורה ישיבת Yeshivat Lev HaTorah L e v a h H a T o r In Israel Tel: 972- 2-992-2617 Fax: 972-2-999-4640 Rechov Nachal Ein Gedi 37 Ramat Beit Shemesh, 99000 Israel In the US Rabbi Gene and Mrs. Edna Kwalwasser Tel: 1(718) 506 9911 Mailing address: Yeshivat Lev HaTorah c/o Mrs. Beth White 65 Argyll Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804 To Donate in Canada: Please make checks payable to Mizrachi Organization of Canada [email protected] www.levhatora h.org 5 7 6 9