Yeshiva? Ya?
Up until a short while ago, that’s how your typical Russian University student would respond to the suggestion he go to Yeshiva. Me? Yeshiva? Enter Yeshivacation. A ten day getaway, packed with intellectual stimuli and excitement.
Initially beginning as a pilot project last year, the Yeshivacation has become the number one destination spot for young adults who are interested in learning about their faith but are not ready to commit to full time Yeshiva life. In its short history, the program has attracted students from across Russia and beyond.
Located on the outskirts of Moscow at the TT campus, the program is ably headed by Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Mendy Goldberg and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Drutz. Lecturers included Rabbi Dovber Baitman from Ukraine, Rabbi Reuven Smolkin from Israel and Rabbi Yisroel Birenbaum from the Moscow Beis Din.
“When we started we had no idea how popular this would become. Over 50 students participated this winter and unfortunately we have had to turn away many potential students simply because we lacked space. We now have Shluchim already booking their students for the summer” says Rabbi Goldberg.
Rabbi Avi Cassel, current director of the Student Torah Alliance for Russian Students of Ner Lelef which co-sponsored the program, couldn’t have been more thrilled. ” There is no question in my mind that the most effective way of being mekarev students is by providing them with an authentic Torah experience”.
The results speak for themselves, in addition to the 15 participants who’ve signed up for full time study at the Moscow Yeshiva, tens of students have committed to wear Teffilin daily, start keeping Kosher and strengthen their commitment to Torah study. 3 students had a bris with many more committing to in the coming months. Perhaps what is most telling of all is that every single participant undertook to only marry Jewish, with some even calling up their non-Jewish girlfriends during the program itself, letting them know of their decision.
In his letter of thanks, Daniel one of the students who recently had a bris wrote “I have spent much time with various Jewish programs in Israel and thought I knew it all. This program was an eye-opener for me. I now understand that I knew nothing. I cannot stop telling my friends that I now know what it really means to be a Jew. I am trying to find a way to take off from my job and join the Yeshiva.”
“We run many programs for students here in Russia” says Rabbi Mendy Wilansky, director of Or Avner’s youth department. “Seminars, Shabbatons, youth clubs, holiday programs, even trips to Israel, America and Europe. Nothing has garnered the interest of Shluchim and students alike, as much as the Yeshivacation has. After last years success with the boys, we decided to pilot a girls version this winter with room for 40 participants, and to our amazement nearly a hundred girls signed up!”
“A tremendous Yasher Koach must be given to Chief Rabbi of Russia Rabbi Berel Lazar and to the director of Or Avner Rabbi Dovid Mondshine, for all their support, continuous encouragement and active involvement, without which the Yeshivacation would still be just a dream.”
