As Anti-Semitism Soars, More Learn in Israel and New Jersey

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Since October 7th, anti-Semitic acts have increased by 400% in the U.S. It has infected every major college campus. College presidents were forced to resign for inadequate prevention of violence against Jewish students on campus. Jewish students responded in different ways. Some stood up to the threat. Many gravitated to Hillels and Chabads as safe havens. As the threat climaxed in the Spring semester, others hid in their rooms and attended classes by Zoom only. A final group found a totally different solution-–leaving for Israel and enrolling in yeshivas and seminaries. Not since the golden years of kiruv 30 years ago, have Baalei Teshuva yeshivas been so full.

One such yeshiva is Shapell’s for men and its sister school Midreshet Rachel v’Chana (MRC) for Women in Jerusalem. At Shapell’s/MRC), English-speaking college students and young professionals have taken a break from school or left jobs altogether to make Torah Judaism, not material success, the center of their lives. Shapell’s/MRC have many programs ranging from 1 week to several years, giving all students, regardless of background or the length of their visit, access to the world of classical Torah study. Their programs immerse students in the infinite world of classic texts, some for their first time.

Rabbi Yitz Lerner, Director of Recruitment for Shapell’s/MRC came last Sunday to New Jersey to speak at another yeshiva with a similar philosophy. Yeshiva Ner Boruch-Passaic Torah Institute (PTI) and its sister program Neve, the local affiliate of Neve Yerushalyim seminary, provide serious learning on a high level to men and women, regardless of background. Some students learn at PTI before going on to a yeshiva or seminary in Israel. And Shapells/MRC, Aish Hatorah, Ohr Somayach, and other Israel yeshivas have referred alumni to PTI when they return home. The Passaic community has a comprehensive infrastructure to provide returning alumni with all their needs. Rabbi Lerner met with students, teachers, rabbeim, local shadchanim, job placement facilitators, and housing advisers that ensure alumni returning home will smoothly integrate into the community.

It was a standing room only crowd of 70 men and women— impressive considering it was 9:30 on a Sunday morning. “This place is on fire!” said Rabbi Lerner in his comments. “I’m putting Passaic on the map. I am so impressed. There’s so much learning here for both men and women, which is rare. I definitely will recommend PTI to our men and women returning to the U.S.”

PTI and Neve have learning morning, noon, and night 7 days a week, including 5 levels of shiurim, from the complete beginner to the most advanced full time scholar in its kollel. There are many more programs on halacha and hashkafa, chassidus, and frequent visits by gedolim. There are also several women’s programs throughout the week. Students span every age from teens, to young professionals, to retirees, and every walk of life.

“People of all backgrounds feel comfortable here,” said Rabbi Baruch Bodenheim, who heads PTI and Neve., adding, “PTI/Neve and Shapell’s/MRC have much in common and many opportunities for partnership.”

PTI is located at 441 Passaic Avenue, Passaic, New Jersey. For info call Shmuel Brodsky 201-406-3814 ptitorah@gmail.com https://pti.shulcloud.com