New ‘Routes’ Program Helps Students Establish Roots

A person’s most important years are his childhood. These are the years in which he builds a foundation and a base upon which his entire life will be lived. The goal of a new program, titled ‘Routes,’ which is being run by Levi Druin, an Oholei Torah Alumnus, is to give all talmidim of Oholei Torah’s 7th Grade, a meaningful, exciting, and personal way to grow and strengthen their own roots in Yiddishkeit.

Being that everyone will be taking different routes in their life, whether they will be a part of “Yissachar” or “Zevulon,” now is the time to help strengthen their roots and build their base in Yiddishkeit. Another important goal of Routes is to explain the ‘why’s of Yiddishkeit. This will give each talmid more of an appreciation and enjoyment in their daily avodah.

The Talmidim begin by choosing their own Hachlotas in day-to-day life and davening that fit where they are holding. Being that everyone is on a different level, it would be unfair to place everyone in one box. Just as the roots of a tree grow a little a time, the students will start by committing to do one Hachlota for the first week. Each following week they will add another.

There will be a weekly Wednesday night shiur with the Class Shluchim, Shmulik Berkowitz, Mendel Groner, Yossi Mahpour and Eli Wajsbort. They will be covering a different topic each week to help prepare them for the upcoming Yomei Depagra, Yud Shvat, 11 Nissan and Gimmel Tammuz.

Other exciting programs for the students to look forward to are: a weekly newsletter called “The Kvetch,” Shabbos morning Chassidus, Melavah Malkahs and much more!

Instead of the usual point system, each participant will be earning “Routes” – the new Oholei Torah “Currency.” Each Route will have a monetary value. They can use their Routes to buy items in the weekly canteen, and for bi-monthly lunches and breakfasts. They will also be able to purchase different bonuses on monthly trips.

“This is a mivtza which actually relates to me. I can’t wait to get involved!” a boy was heard saying after the program’s launch.

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