Partnering with Rabbi Gershon

[Benaroya Sephardic Center]

Dear Friends,

A few weeks ago, Rabbi Ely Allen and I had an opportunity to address the entire Ahavath Torah community at a joint seudat shelisheet and speak about the exciting new programs that we will be directing in Israel. Although there was a great turnout and we received very positive feedback from those who were there, it has occurred to us that many of you were unable to attend the seudat shelisheet on that Shabbat. I would, therefore, like to share some of the details about the important programs that Rabbi Allen and I will be starting, b'ezrat Hashem.

Rabbi Allen and I will be joining the staff of an amazing yeshiva called Lev HaTorah and expanding their already successful program to include two new special initiatives.

The first imitative is a "mechina track," which is intended for American/Canadian students who have a limited Torah background, but are searching for a serious learning environment in which to develop their knowledge and observance of Torah. The mechina track will focus on helping the students to develop a solid foundation in Torah learning, give them the skills and desire to become life-long learners of Torah, help the students to solidify their commitment to Judaism, teach them the importance of Israel/Israel advocacy, and give them life skills that will prepare them to be dedicated and responsible adults as they return to the US to attend university.

In addition to classical Torah learning, Ulpan, and Israel advocacy, the program includes a unique series of touring across the country in order to give the students a deep appreciation of Israel. Furthermore, many of our courses will train the students to take on leadership roles so that they will have an easier time staying connected even while away from their vibrant Jewish communities, as they continue into their college years.

The second initiative is a Sephardic track, which will enable Sephardic students to experience the fantastic year in Israel program of Lev HaTorah, while still being able to maintain their Sephardic minhagim and even learn more about their Sephadic heritage and history. The students will develop their knowledge of Sephardic customs, halakhot, zemirot, and hazzanut. Aside from the tefillot, halakha shiurim, and hazzanut classes, the Sephardic track is fully integrated with the Ashkenazic students for Talmud, Machshava, Tanach, etc. The result will be the creation of an environment of genuine Ahavat Yisrael - with a mutual understanding and respect of Jews with all different types of customs.

Baruch Hashem, we will be starting the pilot for both of these tracks in September. We are now actively seeking partners and supporters to help these programs come into fruition. Aside from the cost of launching the program and assistance with scholarships, we are also seeking to raise funds for a dormitory expansion campaign so that the yeshiva will be able to accommodate the greater number of students that we anticipate will attend these programs, b'ezrat Hashem.

Our ultimate goal is to help young people (many of whom did not grow up with the privilege of a Torah education) to become dedicated Jews who are committed to Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael and will contribute to/ be a part of the greater world around them.

For any further information or questions please contact me at evang...@gmail.com or Rabbi Ely Allen at rebel...@gmail.com. Also, please check out the yeshiva's website at: www.levhatorah.org/prospective.asp

Checks should be made out to American Friends of Lev HaTorah with "New Initiatives" put in the memo and can be sent to:

Rabbi Ely Allen

100 Hallberg Ave

Bergenfield, NJ 07621

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Mordechai Gershon