Community Magazine July 2009

Or Hatorah’s Surprise Visit from Shwekey For Regents week, Or Hatorah’s Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yaakov Marcus, had a special surprise for the hard working boys of the yeshiva. One afternoon, the rabbi announced that all the boys should return to school at 6 pm. The boys arrived that evening to a surprise end-of-the-year celebration with none other than internationally renowned singer Yaakov Shwekey. When the special guest arrived, he was greeted with spirited dancing accompanied by live music playing his famous song “ ma tovu .” Sheweky then spoke to the boys about the remarkable power of music to affect a person spiritually and even physically. He shared some stories and emphasized how fortunate they are to attend such a wonderful yeshiva, with such dedicated rabbis. He encouraged the boys to continue their study of Torah in Israel upon graduating. After a kumzitz featuring Shwekey’s classic songs “ Vhee Sheamdah Laavotainu” and “ Im Eshkohech ,” another round of dancing erupted, with Shwekey joining the students arm in arm singing “Yerushalyim” and “Shema Yisrael.” Shwekey noted how impressed he was with the yeshiva’s student body, and wished the students and faculty continued success. Finally, the singer greeted each boy personally and pledged to return to the yeshiva, with Gd’s help. Rabbi Duvi Bensoussan Rejoins Or Hatorah Rabbi Yaakov S. Marcus, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Or Hatorah, proudly announced the addition of Rabbi Duvi Bensoussan to his excellent and devoted staff of teachers. Rabbi Duvi (as he is affectionately called) is the Rabbi of Beneh Har Halebanon and works very closely with the teenagers and young adults of the community. Rabbi Duvi is no stranger to Or Hatorah, having served on the yeshiva’s original teaching staff in its inaugural year (1997-98). He will be rejoining the yeshiva this September as an assistant principal and rabbi for the senior class. He is also expected to deliver special classes to boys in the other grades. Help the Autistic Children of Tishma Long time friends and supporters of the Tishma School and Center for Autism in Jerusalem, Ariella and Charlie Ben- Dayan, will be hosting the center’s annual Bake Sale and Chinese Auction on July 22, in their home at 208 Ocean Avenue, Deal, New Jersey. The Ben-Dayan family has a long history of supporting Tishma. Over the years, a number of beautiful events with fascinating speakers and wonderful food have been hosted at the homes of Ariella and Charlie, and Marlene and Avi. These events have introduced many new friends to Tishma’s important and innovative work on behalf of children with autism in the Jerusalem area. Tishma seeks toprovide every autistic child the opportunity to learn and fulfill his potential to the fullest. Each of Tishma’s 52 students is offered an intensive, personalize program designed to substantially improve their communication, learning and life-skills and provide them with a more dignified and self-sufficient life. Without early and significant therapeutic intervention, the prognosis is bleak for autistic children, and the vast majority of these individuals will likely be entirely dependent on others throughout adulthood. A successful early intervention can mean the difference between a future with dignity or a life of dependency. Tishma offers its students and their families the hope of independence. To offer the community a firsthand observation of their work, Tishma regularly host groups from Yeshiva of Flatbush, Ramaz and Hillel. All these visits feature special programs such as music and art, enabling the students of each school to meet and interact with one another. Tishma is endorsed by leading rabbis who have given their blessing to supporters of Tishma. These include Hacham David Abouhassera shlita , Hacham David Bassri shlita , Rabbi Haim Kanievski shlita , and Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita . Send tax deductible contributions (US Tax ID 20-5218133) to: L’man Tishma, 1274 49 th Street, Suite 475, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219. Community Chest Minister of Welfare Isaac Herzog and Moshe Weinstein presenting an award to a Tishma student Rabbi Duvi Bensoussan Rabbi Naftali Besser of Yeshiva of Flatbush (right) with Moshe Weinstein, Executive Director of Tishma tamuz 5769 JuLy 2009 93