NSPRINGewsbrie 2021 • 5781 f Ohr Stone Wishes You a Wonderful Pesach Your support of brings light to people throughout the world and ensures that all are welcomed to the Jewish family with warmth and passion. Rabbi Brander and Rabbi Riskin further explore these themes in their divrei Torah for Pesach. in to open study to women. It houses the Rabbi Soloveitchik, Women’s largest women’s Beit Midrash in the world. Women com- Learning and Redemption plete tractates of Talmud, and some complete all of the Babylonian Talmud. Last year, perhaps for the first time Rabbi , in , a 17-year-old young woman from our President and Neveh Channah High School completed the entire Talmud. Rosh HaYeshiva We have taken the Rav’s vision to its next stage. Not only do the women of Midreshet Lindenbaum study n 1977, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik Talmud; they teach (the Rav) gave one of the most I it across Israel and important shiurim (classes) of the It cannot be that Jewish around the globe. 20th century, focused on the identity of the 14th of Nisan, the In his class, the women can achieve the day before Passover. Its importance was not due to the Rav explained that highest levels of scholarship pearls of wisdom revealed in the lecture; rather that the 14th of Nisan the Rav delivered the first formal lecture on Talmud is referred to in in all fields of knowledge, to women in New York. He wished to make a state- the first chapter of yet are shuttered from ment to the Jewish world. If we are to guarantee the the Tractate as ohr eternality of Torah, we need to continue the innova- le’arba asar (the light engaging with the dialogues tion of the Chofetz Chaim and Sara Schneir and fully of the 14th day) educate women in our tradition. and in the tenth of the Talmud. chapter, as ervei The “inner halls of Torah she-ba’al-peh” (the oral Torah) pesachim (the day leading up to Passover). He contrasted should be opened to the hearts and minds of women. these dual identities. It cannot be that Jewish women can achieve the highest levels of scholarship in all fields of knowledge, yet are shut- In many ways it is ervei pesachim. Like every other tered from engaging with the dialogues of the Talmud. erev chag, the identity of the 14th of Nisan is a day of preparation for the Seder and the holiday. Rabbi Soloveitchik hoped that women would create and participate in new institutions that would enable the sea Yet this day is also known as ohr le’arba asar. It has of Talmud to become part of Torat imecha (the Torah and its own identity, its own personality. It is NOT just a prepa- wisdom of women). It was his dream that women would ration day. It has its own mission and purpose. Specific be able to engage with the rabbinic sages — Ravina activities are reserved for this day, including the ritual & Rav Ashi, Rava & Abaye, Rabbeinu Tam, Ravad and slaughtering of the Pascal offering and the prohibition the Rambam, to become talmidot chachamim. of consuming and enjoying chametz. This day has its At Ohr Torah Stone we have seen this dream actualized. own light, its own uniqueness. Midreshet Lindenbaum was the first Torah institution continued on page 2 2 OTS NEWSBRIEF

continued from page 1 (Exodus 12:26) Why does the Haggada assume a The Rav explained that as the holiday of Passover negative attitude on the part of this child, who is merely focuses on the redemption of the Jewish people, it must seeking a relevant explanation for a ritual he doesn’t be celebrated in the context of a journey. One does understand? The Haggada’s answer to this child also not transform from a slave nation to a free people in a seems unduly harsh. “‘What is this service to you’ — moment. Therefore, unlike any other holiday in the to you and not to him. He removed himself from the Jewish calendar, the holiday of redemption does not historic Jewish community. And so you must set his begin at the strike of the clock on the 15th day of Nisan. teeth on edge [hak’heh], and tell him, ‘It is because of It begins gradually throughout the 14th day, emerging the wonders that God did for me in taking me out of into Passover, journeying through the months of Iyar Egypt’ (Exodus 13:8). Had he (the child) been there, he and Sivan, culminating with Shavuot. would not have been redeemed.” Ohr Torah Stone and its commitment to women’s learn- Indeed, it is in the context of the response to the wicked ing and leadership also has a dual identity. On the one child that the Haggada teaches that the most basic hand, our pioneering activities must be consistent with principle of our faith is to include oneself within the the norms of the Jewish people. At the same time, historical community of Israel, to be part of the eternal redemption and continuity require shaping a new reality. chain of Jewish being, to be a member of the family. We must never underestimate our capacity to bring Therefore, the problem with this child’s question is not new paradigms to transform the world. What a privilege his search for relevance. The problem is that he has to be on this journey together! excluded himself from the familial-national celebration. This d’var Torah is in memory of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, The author of the Haggada tells the head of the family zt”l, whose yartzheit is on Passover. to hak’heh his teeth; the unusual Hebrew hak’heh, which means to blunt or remove the sharpness by means of And You Shall Tell Your the warmth of fire (Ecclesiastes 10:10; B.T. Yevamot 110b). Tell him that Children although we are Tell him with the flame living thousands Rabbi , of years after the and passion of fire that Founder and Rosh HaYeshiva fact, God took me blunts sharp iron, with he Passover Seder is dedicated — and you — out of the warmth and love of Tto parents communicating Egypt, because we to their children the agony and are all one historic a family that is claiming ecstasy of Egyptian enslavement family. and welcoming its own and exodus. Indeed, the masterful And don’t tell him booklet that tells the tale is called matter-of-factly or as one who belongs — the Haggada (literally, telling), from the biblical verse harshly. Tell him no matter what. Then, “And you shall tell your children [vehigadeta] on that with the flame and but only then, will the day” (Exodus 13:3). passion of fire that But what if one of your children is not interested in blunts sharp iron, child feel redeemed. hearing? What if he or she is turned off to the ritual that with the warmth surrounds and informs the meal? How are we supposed and love of a family that is claiming and welcoming its to respond? The Haggada is not only a text of the own as one who belongs — no matter what. Then, but Egyptian experience; it is also a masterful guide to the only then, will the child feel redeemed. art of parenting. We learn that we can only successfully Your support of Ohr Torah Stone does just that, impart a value that we ourselves believe in; children will connecting Jews of all backgrounds, cultures and learn not by what we say, but by how we perform. perspectives to the worldwide Jewish family through But what of the apathetic, uninterested child? One passionate Jewish leaders and warm, welcoming of the four prototypical children of the Seder is the Jewish communities that give each Jew a sense of “wicked child,” whom the author of the Haggada belonging. designates as such because of the biblical question Chag kasher v’sameach! ascribed to him: “What is this service [avoda] to you?” SPRING 2021 • 5781 3

Yachad Welcomes All Jews to the Seder Table “I wasn’t halakhically Jewish, and as I went through the conversion process, Yachad became my Jewish community and the place where we celebrate Jewish holidays and Jewish life.”

According to Jenya, “I wanted my daughter to learn about her roots. We enrolled her in a religious school and we began attending Yachad programs.

For Russian-speakers who are not halakhically Jewish, their involve- ment with Yachad is often the first step on the road to conversion. RUT (JENYA) AND ELIYAHU CELEBRATE THEIR RELIGIOUS WEDDING WITH YACHAD FOLLOWING Yachad’s warm approach enables RUT’S CONVERSION TO them to learn about Israel and hen discussing the message Connecting Russian- Jewish life in an environment that is Wof Pesach, the rabbis teach comfortable for them, and in many Speakers to Jewish cases, to subsequently embark on that everyone has a place at the Heritage table. We welcome all Jews, regard- conversion. less of their upbringing, religious or Jenya and Eliyahu grew up in Jenya explains, “I wasn’t halakhically cultural backgrounds. Russia just after the fall of the Jewish, and as I went through the Today, approximately 1.2 million . With no Jewish conversion process, Yachad became people from the Former Soviet education of their own, their my Jewish community and the place Union (FSU) live in Israel, of whom parents weren’t equipped to teach where we celebrate Jewish holidays and Jewish life.” 25% are not halakhically Jewish. them about their Jewish roots, Even those who are halakhically and yet they both felt a strong pull Jewish grew up at a time when to explore their Jewish heritage. Tools to Celebrate Jewish they or their parents were forbid- Several years after they married, Traditions den to learn about and celebrate they moved to Israel and settled in Jewish life. For many, Ohr Torah Yachad programming for the hol- Stone’s Yachad Program for Jew- Haifa, a city with a large Russian- idays is important to the broad ish Identity is their first encounter speaking population which of- spectrum of secular Jewish Israelis, with Jewish traditions, values and fered a soft landing for them and and particularly for Russian- holiday celebrations. their then 5-year-old daughter. speaking Jews and those on

continued on page 12 4 OTS NEWSBRIEF

Empowering Women to Build a Better Future

court advocate accompanied her to a rabbinical court appearance. After imposing sanctions against the husband, Tehilla worked with the court to demand that the hus- band’s employer fire him. Within less than a month, he agreed to give a get. Ilana’s social worker, Tirtsa Karniel, met with her individually and also suggested that she participate in Yad La’isha’s Playback Theater group, a support group in which participants use improvisation to process their experiences. Through Playback, Ilana developed confi- dence and gained a support system of women who became like family. They celebrated with her when Yad La’isha helped her secure a get, and later, when she became engaged to (L TO R) TEHILLA COHEN, ILANA S., YAD LA’ISHA DIRECTOR PNINA OMER, AND TIRTSA KARNIEL her new husband.

s soon as I got married, my from and where we met and mar- Starting a New Life “A husband became a different ried, the situation just got worse. person from the man I had known And on top of it all, I had left my As critical as the get is to helping just hours earlier. He began beat- family in India. I was in Israel with- women gain their freedom, con- ing me immediately, but I always out any support system. tinued emotional support is often believed things would get better,” crucial even following a successful Three years ago I finally filed for relates Ilana, a former aguna. divorce. Tirtsa suggested individual divorce, wanting to start a new life “Instead, after we came to Israel a counseling to ensure Ilana would for myself and for my son.” decade ago from India, where I am have the emotional tools and resources to build a healthy and Finding Support fulfilling second marriage, some- As critical as the get is A friend referred Ilana to Yad thing which Ilana fully accepted. to helping women gain La’isha: The Monica Dennis Just two months ago Ilana married their freedom, continued Goldberg Legal Aid Center & her new husband, a man who Hotline, and there, she immedi- treats her with respect and who emotional support is often ately found expert legal advocacy, she and her son both love. After emotional support, and the tools years of abuse and struggle, she is crucial even following a to rebuild her life. The day after filled with gratitude to Yad La’isha successful divorce. Ilana approached Yad La’isha, for enabling her to build a new, Tehilla Cohen, Ilana’s rabbinical better life.

Thanks to your support, in 2020, Yad La’isha: The Monica Dennis Goldberg Legal Aid Center & Hotline provided free legal advice to 682 women and represented 127 agunot in Israel’s rabbinical courts. SPRING 2021 • 5781 5

At Home in Israel midst the many challenges of COVID-19, there them just like everyone else. We are thrilled to be Ahave also been silver linings. Young men in the on Ohr Torah Stone’s Israel Henry Beren Campus.” Elaine and Norm Brodsky Darkaynu Program Yochanon Gittleson is a 21-year-old man with are spending the year at Ohr Torah Stone’s Robert Down syndrome from North Miami Beach who M. Beren Machanaim Hesder Yeshiva. returned for his third year with Darkaynu. Darkaynu is the only Modern Orthodox program Yochanon shares, “I participate in Darkaynu for the to offer young adults with special needs the same opportunity to opportunity as their peers to spend a year learning study Torah in “I participate in Darkaynu and touring in Israel through a unique “side- Israel and to learn for the opportunity to streamed” curriculum, in which students engage in a how to be indepen- highly-structured program of their own, but within dent and responsi- study Torah in Israel a larger mainstream environment. Each student ble. I was worried and to learn how to be also develops important life and vocational skills that because of that foster independence and a sense of accom- corona, the pro- independent and responsible. plishment. gram might not I have a great group of friends happen this year. and I’m so happy to be here Coming “Home” to Ohr Torah Stone It’s different — we have to wear Program Director, Avi Ganz relates, “Darkaynu in Israel.” masks and there students look forward to spending a year in Israel are plastic dividers with staff and peers who understand them, and everywhere. Last year I worked in a kindergarten being part of a yeshiva where the young men treat and visited each week with my adopted family in

YOCHANON GITTLESON IS THRILLED TO BE IN ISRAEL WITH Efrat. This year, because of corona, we have work- DARKAYNU shops on campus instead, which I really enjoy. I have a great group of friends and I’m so happy to be here in Israel.”

Fran, Yochanon’s mom, explains, “The Darkaynu program has enabled Yochanon to be more self-sufficient. It has given him a greater sense of responsibility, not only to himself, but also to others. Our goal is for Yochanon to live as fulfilling and independent a life as possible, despite having Down syndrome. The staff believes in each student and helps each one achieve as much as he possibly can. Yochanon has developed life skills, a sense of confidence, and a wonderful group of friends. We are so grateful to Avi Ganz and the entire staff for overseeing such a successful and much needed program.”

continued on page 9 6 OTS NEWSBRIEF

Midreshet Lindenbaum Students Take Responsibility for their Jewish Journeys isters Elyana and Dani Schwartz are originally from Beginning a Future in Israel SMaryland and studied at Berman Hebrew Academy. First Elyana, and then Dani, chose to learn at Midreshet After one year in the overseas program, Elyana began Lindenbaum’s Maria and Joel Finkle Overseas a second year in Midreshet Lindenbaum’s Israeli Program following high school. With various programs program. “By then, I was in a different mindset. I housed under one roof at the Besen Family Center for knew that I wanted to make Israel my home, and Advanced Jewish Studies, Midreshet Lindenbaum has it was comforting to have a support system. Rav offered both sisters the opportunity to chart their own Ohad [Teharlev], the Director of Israeli Programs at Jewish journeys. Midreshet Lindenbaum, was incredibly helpful throughout the process of IDF enlistment.”

Serious Learning in a Warm Elyana enlisted in the army in July 2019 as part of Environment Hadas: The Claudia Cohen Torah/Army School as a sambatzit (combat support soldier), and began an When she graduated from high school, Elyana was officer training course in May 2020. Today, Elyana looking for an Israel program that would enable her serves as an IDF commander of young women work- to learn Torah on a high level in a warm environment, ing as sambatziot (combat support soldiers) on the with Americans and Eilat border. “I gained so much from Israelis, alike. At my experience. It was the Midreshet Linden- baum, Elyana found first time I’d ever learned the perfect balance Torah lishmah (for the between serious sake of learning) and learning in English, and the opportunity had the opportunity to to meet Israelis and choose what I wanted to truly experience Israel. explore. I had amazing women role models. “I gained so much from my experience. And above and beyond It was the first time the wonderful experience I’d ever learned Torah lishmah (for in the beit midrash, I gained the sake of learning) the confidence to see and had the oppor- my future in Israel.” tunity to choose what I wanted to explore. I had amaz- ing women role models. And above and beyond the wonderful experience in the beit midrash, I gained the SISTERS ELYANA AND DANI SCHWARTZ AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE CHANA AND YAACOV TILLES CAMPUS confidence to see my future in Israel.” continued on page 11 SPRING 2021 • 5781 7

Curriculum Prepares Young Men to be Successful Leaders, Wherever They Go, Whatever They Do “The program gives students broad general knowledge within the context of their Torah studies. It increases their curiosity about the world, and gives them an appreciation for other people and diverse ideas.”

ing completed his IDF service. “I don’t yet know exactly what path I will take following yeshiva, BARUCH GREENBERG WITH ITAY JESELSOHN IN THE ISRAEL HENRY BEREN BEIT MIDRASH comments Baruch, “but I know n all of its programs, Ohr Torah are part and parcel of the yeshiva that the knowledge and values I’ve IStone seeks to emphasize broad study program. gained here will infuse my choices knowledge and a sensitivity to real- Rabbi Shlomo Vilk, Director and and my interactions in my personal world challenges together with , explains, “The and professional life.” the importance of living a Jewish program gives students broad life steeped in Torah and Jewish general knowledge within the Academic Learning values. context of their Torah studies. It Complements Torah The Monique and Mordecai Katz increases their curiosity about Learning Academic Studies Program does the world, and gives them an that through providing rabbis- appreciation for other people and in-training at the Joseph & diverse ideas. The knowledge they Gwendolyn Straus Rabbinical gain enables them to be educated Seminary and yeshiva students at people and leaders — in their the Robert M. Beren Machanaim communities, as professionals Hesder Yeshiva with high-level throughout Israel, or as emissaries interdisciplinary courses as part across the Jewish world.” of the the classic Torah study When visiting yeshivot to decide curriculum. Students get a wide where he would learn following ranging perspective on the inter- high school, Baruch Greenberg RABBI HANANEL ROSS face between Judaism and the spent time at Machanaim and humanities, science and current was astounded by the diversity of Rabbi Hananel Ross studied events, through classes in areas sources listed on one of the source towards semikha (rabbinical such as philosophy, psychology sheets. “I was so impressed by the ordination) at the Straus seminary and political science. The program richness of the experience.” Today following his IDF service. In de- scribing the experience on the is unique in Israel — the only one of Baruch is in the hesder program, its kind in which academic courses learning at the yeshiva after hav- continued on page 12 8 OTS NEWSBRIEF

Emissaries around the World Save Jewish Lives

abbi Pini Ben Mordechai the knowledge to lead a minyan, Rstudied towards rabbinical or even affix a mezuzah or make ordination at Ohr Torah Stone’s Kiddush on their own.” Joseph and Gwendolyn Straus Rabbi Ben Mordechai adds, “We Rabbinical Seminary, while he, have worked to teach people and and his wife, Renana, simultane- give them the tools to do these ously learned in the Straus-Amiel things on their own. At the same Rabbinical Emissary Program time, we are encouraging them to and the Claudia Cohen Women’s think about the kind of community Educator’s Institute. Today, they they want to build, and the Jewish work as emissaries in the Jewish future they want for their children. community in Monterrey, Mexico. These are things that most of them never considered before.” The Value of Ohr Torah Stone Rabbinical Critical Ongoing Support Ordination and Practical for Emissaries and their Tools Communities According to Rabbi Ben Mordechai, “COVID-19 has posed huge chal- “It was amazing to learn in lenges,” Rabbi Ben Mordechai depth through the kollel and then relates. “During Sukkot, we built get practical preparation through a sukkah on the back of a pickup Straus-Amiel. At the kollel, I gained truck and drove throughout the RABBI PINI AND RENANA BEN MORDECHAI the halakhic knowledge and quali- community to give people the WITH THEIR CHILDREN IN MEXICO fications to serve as a rabbi, while experience of Sukkot. During Straus-Amiel gave us skills to work Chanukah, we met families out- “At the kollel, I gained the in a community. We really enjoyed side their homes to light candles the training, and when we arrived and bring them chocolates. We are halakhic knowledge and in Mexico, it was clear that it had now running programs to prepare all been right on target, preparing families to lead the Pesach Seder. qualifications to serve as a us for real-life, relevant issues.” rabbi, while Straus-Amiel Throughout our time here, regard- Helping a Small Jewish less of the challenges, the Straus- gave us skills to work in a Amiel staff has always been there Community Take for us. They know exactly what is community. We really Ownership of its Jewish happening with each emissary and enjoyed the training, and Future are always available with practical, helpful guidance and support. when we arrived in Mexico, Describing the Monterrey Jewish community, Renana explains, I compare our work to that of it was clear that it had all “There are about 150 families who paramedics on an ambulance. We are Zionist and connected to their are saving Jewish lives. Living and been right on target, Jewish identity, but know very lit- working here, we see how crucial preparing us for real-life, tle about Judaism. It’s important it is to train and place emissaries to people here to have all of the who can strengthen Diaspora relevant issues.” elements necessary for Jewish communities throughout the life, such as a , Jewish world. It is critical for the Jewish school and kosher supermarket. future.” Yet, when we arrived, very few had SPRING 2021 • 5781 9

Emissary Impact by the Numbers

continued from page 5 The Special Darkaynu-Machanaim Connection The learning and the relationships that develop be- tween Darkaynu and Machanaim students remain central components of the program. When offered the opportunity to learn with a Darkaynu participant, Matis Roskind, a Machanaim shana aleph (first-year) student immediately volun- teered and was matched with Yochanon. They study together every week. “I asked Yochanon what he’d like to learn and followed his lead. We study parshat hashavua (the weekly Torah portion) and the halakhot (Jewish laws) related to each holiday. I look for- ward to our time together and he really enjoys it, as well. Having the Darkaynu group on campus really enriches our experience. Now that they are here, I

YOCHANON AND MATIS LOVE LEARNING TOGETHER (SAME CAPSULE) can’t imagine my time at Machanaim without them.”

Thanks to your support, The Elaine & Norm Brodsky Darkaynu Program has enabled over 180 men and women with special needs to strengthen their Jewish identities, independence and self-confidence in Israel. 10 OTS NEWSBRIEF

Opening Doors for Talented Orthodox Women

IHL has given the social worker in the COVID ward, and then “Wme opportuni- drawing on her own experience with COVID ties I never could have and her training through WIHL and the pastoral imagined.” counseling pro- gram, as she walks Rabbanit Shira Marili- Rabbanit Marili-Mirvis through the ward Mirvis is a fifth-year to speak with relates, “I learned about student, and the Yael patients and fami- Penkower Fellow at the the class through WIHL RABBANIT SHIRA MARILI-MIRVIS lies and give them Susi Bradfield Women’s strength. and was immediately Institute of Halakhic Leadership (WIHL). In interested. Based on my addition to giving her access to the highest level of “The COVID ward Torah learning, WIHL has provided her with training, is a very diffi- experience and knowledge, opportunities to serve in a range of community leader- cult place to be. I was accepted. It was a ship roles and access to programs enabling her to Patients don’t develop and enhance her skills. have their own fantastic learning rooms and many experience, one that Turning Illness into an Opportunity to are in extremely really prepared me to Help Others difficult situations. I try to speak to volunteer as a pastoral Rabbanit Marili-Mirvis was ill with COVID-19 last as many people counselor.” spring, right at the beginning of the pandemic in Israel. as possible, to re- Soon after, two things happened simultaneously: She mind them that saw an ad that Ezer Mizion was seeking volunteers they aren’t just to work in hospital COVID wards throughout Israel; sick people, but professionals, parents, grand- and a continuing education class on pastoral coun- parents. Essentially, I try to help them think seling was being offered to rabbis. Rabbanit Marili- positively and focus on life.” Mirvis relates, “I learned about the class through WIHL and was immediately interested. Based on Sometimes, unfortunately, focusing on life simply my experience and knowledge, I was accepted. It becomes unrealistic. “There are phones through- was a fantastic learning experience, one that really out the ward and I am often asked to call a patient’s prepared me to volunteer as a pastoral counselor.” family and give them the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one.” Giving Hope to COVID Patients at Affirming Life Shaare Zedek Medical Center There are also beautiful, life-affirming moments. After completing an antibodies test, Rabbanit Marili- Mirvis was offered a volunteer position at Shaare “Recently, there was a group of COVID patients who Zedek Medical Center in . She goes had just given birth and were separated from their to the hospital every Sunday, meeting first with newborns, who had contracted COVID and were in SPRING 2021 • 5781 11

a separate neonatal room of their own. After spend- continued from page 6 ing time with the mothers, I went to visit their babies. Holding each baby, I called the mothers and showed Sisters Chart their Own Paths them their children on video. We were all crying.” Elyana’s sister Dani is now studying in Midreshet “Because of WIHL, I had the opportunity to get Lindenbaum’s Overseas program. She relates, “I love incredible training that really prepared me for the that I can push myself to learn as much as possible role I’m playing at Shaare Zedek. I’m so grateful for in such a warm, family-like atmosphere. Although I’m all of the knowledge, tools, training and opportuni- not planning to stay in Israel, it’s just wonderful to have Elyana here, and I’m so proud of the important ties I’ve had thanks to WIHL. It has had a huge impact work she is doing.” on me, and I hope, in turn that I am able to make a

positive difference in the lives of others.” DANI SCHWARTZ AND ZOEY BUCHSBAYEW LEARN IN THE LINDA AND MURRAY LAULICHT BEIT MIDRASH

Thanks to your support, fellows and graduates of the Susi Bradfield Women’s Institute of Halakhic Leadership are providing spiritual leadership, halakhic guidance and pastoral counseling to hundreds of men and women in organizations and communities throughout Israel.

RABBANIT MARILI-MIRVIS WITH A COVID-19 PATIENT AT SHAARE ZEDEK MEDICAL CENTER

According to Elyana, “At Lindenbaum, I gained the skills to take responsibility for my learning. Through amazing role models, I learned to take ownership of my Jewish growth, as well. I’m proud to be serving in the IDF, with a strong foundation in Torah learning and the support of my Midreshet Lindenbaum family, wherever I go.”

Thanks to your support, 41 women are currently studying in Midreshet Lindenbaum’s Maria & Joel Finkle Overseas Program, 153 are studying in Hadas: The Claudia Cohen Torah- Army School and 369 are currently serving in the IDF. PHOTOS: DAVID KHABINSKY; ELYASHIV LEVITAN; OTS STUDENTS, ALUMNI AND STAFF. GRAPHIC DESIGN: ZATAR CREATIVE • WWW.ZATAR.CO.IL

David Katz

Yinon Ahiman

OTS NEWSBRIEF Gable HouseGable [email protected] Ryan Hyman Ryan London N3 3LF London N3 www.ots.org.il Tel: 212-935-8672 212-935-8672 Tel: NORTH c/o Mr. Paul Winter Mr. c/o UNITED KINGDOM Tel: 972-2-548-8444 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR New York, NY 10036New York, 239 Regents239 Park Road Friends of Ohr-Torah, Ltd. Friends of Ohr-Torah, [email protected] Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin Dr. Rabbi SPW Chartered Accountants 49 West 45th Street, West 45th Suite49 701 FOUNDER AND ROSH HAYESHIVA: Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander Kenneth Dr. Rabbi P.O. Box 1037 Efrat, Israel Box 1037 90435 P.O. PRESIDENT AND ROSH HAYESHIVA: HAYESHIVA: PRESIDENT AND ROSH DIRECTOR GENERAL:DIRECTOR INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR: INTERNATIONAL

, - & Mordecai Katz Academic Studies Program to date. to Program Studies Academic Katz & Mordecai Over 300 young men have benefitted from the Monique Monique the from benefitted have men 300young Over read articles on science, psychology and philosophy. My understanding understanding My and philosophy. psychology science, on articles read of influencesmy Torah perspectiveon the world and my knowledge of other disciplines also enhances learning. my Torah need real they world,’ ‘real the enter people when that believe I truly I gained what That’s succeed. to and understanding knowledge world very I am grateful.” day, this To Program. Studies Academic the through psychology at The Hebrew The Hebrew at psychology Jerusalem. of University with lives Ross Rabbi Today, in and two children wife his his and combines Jerusalem, rabbinic training and back through psychology in ground andcouples. individuals counseling psychologist a clinical as work his “The combination and also of daily Torah I learn and today. who I am work my to approach Torah and secular studies influenced my components of our studies were were studies our of components become us helping to essential educated and Jews.” worldly both impacted experience His and professional Ross’s Rabbi going personal development his forward. After completing rabbinical ordination, he studied B.A. his towards and M.A. in Israel HenryIsrael Campus Beren were “There notes, Ross Rabbi I had areas in courses excellent before, to been exposed never part of a seamless were and they experience. learning entire the might we Talmud, learning While had we something to back refer class, a philosophy in discussed all that believe I versa. vice or continued from page 7 page 7 from continued

- - - Stone’s conversion conversion Stone’s programs throughout world. the for his veryfor his generous Torah Ohr of support A special thank you you thank A special M. Beren Robert to

we began our new life together as together life new our began we family.” a Jewish After I converted, my husband and husband my I converted, After andcele wedding religious a had I as family Yachad our with brated how to celebrate the holidays and holidays the celebrate to how a strong with children our raise heritage. our Jewish connection to into my daily life. The programs The programs life. daily my into me and so teaching for critical are background my with others many class, I learned Judaism in theory. theory. in Judaism I learned class, incor to I learned where is Yachad porate the rituals and traditions conversion process and now goes andnow process conversion became Jewish her — Yachad Rut by conversion my “In community. Beginning a New Life her — who completed Jenya For with their families. make it that much more essential essential more much that it make fully to tools the people give to home at holiday the experience munities around the country, country, the around munities health restrictions COVID-19 scale gatherings large preventing home. While in previous years, years, previous in home.While large-scale run would Yachad com Sederscommunity many in experiential online program for for program online experiential them teach to nationwide Israelis Seder at own their run to how no exposure to Jewish holidays holidays Jewish to no exposure for preparation In up. growing an launching is Yachad Pesach, continued from page 3 page 3 from continued whohad conversion, to path the 12