Community Magazine April 2014

38 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Rabbi David Ashear, Mashgiach Rabbi Ashear is the leader of the Young Adult Minyan of Yad Yosef Torah Center, and is well-known for his Emunah Daily, a short inspiring email he sends to thousands of listeners. Rabbi Ashear also gives classes at Shaare Binah Seminary and teaches in Beth Torah. Rabbi Moshe Nathan, Maggid Shiur Rabbi Nathan is a renowned talmid hacham, recognized even amongst great rabbis. He is also a rabbi and hazzan in Yeshivat Mikdash Melech. Rabbi Nathan (as well as R' Ashear and R' Arking) is a graduate of Yad Yosef Kollel’s seven-year rabbinic program, and received semichah from Rabbi David Feinstien and Rabbi Asher Hatchuel. Rabbi Moshe Arking, Rosh Yeshivah As a Rabbi in the Young Adult Minyan of Shaare Zion, Rabbi Moshe Arking was instrumental in building up the Shaare Zion Torah Center. Rabbi Arking arranges the yeshivah policies and curriculum, and delivers shiurim on mussar, halacha and parasha. A Hands-on Program This past September, under the direction of Rabbi Moshe Arking, the yeshivah began an intensive practical halachah program, beginning with the study of the laws of bishul akum (food prepared by non-Jews), a subject usually reserved for advanced kollel learning. Rabbi Arking brings to the program the rare combination of outstanding Torah scholarship and the ability to run a stimulating educational program. “Our boys learn kollel style,” he says. “We learn through the Gemara and the basic Rishonim [Medieval commentators], followed by Tur/Bet Yosef and the Shulhan Aruch [the primary halachic codes]. Then we come down to the practical present-day questions that come up in daily life. This takes enormous skill and is very rewarding.” Despite the high academic level, Rabbi Arking’s open and accepting personality makes students of every level feel like part of a family. Since September, the yeshivah’s enrollment has doubled. The distinction of the yeshivah program is that the boys quickly emerge knowing how to learn a Gemara and going straight through the subject down to the practical halachah. Rabbi Moshe Nathan, noted for his penetrating and analytical mind, ensures that the boys learn to understand each subject properly. The boys are tested at the conclusion of the study of each subject to ensure a firm grasp on the material learned. Rabbi David Ashear, the yeshivah’s Mashgiach, reaches out to the boys with his uniquely warm and uplifting personality, making sure every boy is doing the best he can. “When a boy joins our yeshivah program he knows that there is always someone there for him,” says Rabbi Ashear, “guiding him in his learning and bringing out his best.” Adding to the vibrancy of the yeshivah is the shared space with the Yad Yosef Kollel, which is led by Rabbi Ari Sutton and Rabbi Y.C. Bromberg and is home to some of the best young men of our community, who are on track to becoming our next generation’s leaders. Their presence helps to create an atmosphere of Torah scholarship in which the yeshivah boys can grow and flourish. The Boys The students of Yeshivat Yad Yosef hail from different community shuls and varying family backgrounds. Their ages range from 19-28, often the most transformative years in a one’s life. “Our boys are choosing a profession or searching to find themselves in the workforce,” Rabbi Arking describes. “They are deliberating who is ‘Mrs. Right’ and facing all different challenges, whether at home, work or on the college campus. It is critical in these formative years to have a structured Torah environment and a strong relationship with rabbis for guidance.” Many of the boys attend local colleges such as Baruch School of Business, Touro and Brooklyn College. Notably, these boys tailor their college schedules to fit their morning seder. Eli Sutton and Joe Khezrie, graduates of Yeshivah Shaare Torah and Mikdash Melech Yerushalayim, who now have intensive class schedules at Baruch College, had to work to rearrange their schedules to be available to learn every morning. Looking back, Joe and Eli agree it was the best decision they made. “Anyone pursuing a degree can easily incorporate the learning program within their schedule,” Rabbi Ashear points out. An added benefit is that it is a recognized accredited program, and thus students can receive college credits for learning Torah. The location of the yeshivah, housed within Yad Yosef, is conveniently en route to the city and the schools. Many boys who are just beginning to work in family businesses can find the flexibility in these early years to devote mornings to learning. Joseph Sutton, who oversees production in his family’s textile business, Sam Salem and Sons, schedules all his appointments for after 1pm. “I am making the greatest investment possible,” Joe enthuses. “I am gaining skills and knowledge that will last me a lifetime.” Eddie Rahmey LMHC, a graduate of Yeshivah of Flatbush and Netiv Aryeh in Yerushalayim, is a successful mental health professional, and he schedules all his clients for the afternoon.