Community Magazine August 2016

co mm unity HIGHL IGHTS A pioneering initiative that would dramatically raise the salaries of approximately three thousand rebbeim in the United States took a major step forward last month with the deposit of the first $7M into a fund that will subsidize the increases. The fund is projected to eventually reach its goal of $66 million. Fifteen yeshivot have already signed up for “The Rebbi Initiative,” which aims to give rebbis in the United States a raise of $15,000 per year in a staggered program over six or seven years. Its declared goal is also to raise the stature of the rebbi, both through this extra income and through a massive campaign planned for the near future. “The profession of a rebbi will become both more respected and more financially secure,” a letter to yeshivot that went out last week declared, “which will retain and encourage talent into the field.” The seeds of the initiative began in November of last year, when Rabbi David Ozeri passionately pointed out at an Agudah convention that rebbeim are not paid or respected enough. In awidely publicized speech, Rabbi DavidOzeri praised the community for the hesed for which it is known. “However,” he charged, “there is one areawherewe, as a klal , are lacking in our obligation of dei machsero asher yechsar lo – providing a person that which he lacks. What is it? Our melamdim ,” he declared. “Your children’s rebbi, your grandchild’s rebbi. Are we providing for what they are lacking? Your child’s rebbi is a gifted tzaddik who has forfeited most pleasures of this world to teach your child Torah. A brilliant mind sacrificing to live on a minimal salary. He is working in the loftiest field which the universe has to offer.” The speech made an impact on tens of thousands of people. At the leadership halls of Torah Umesorah, Rabbi Ozeri was asked to flesh out his proposals at their Presidents Conference in January. A group of baalei batim met after the conference. Linking up with Agudah, the meeting yielded pledges for the $66 million they estimated was needed to get the project off the ground. At an event in Lakewood last month, the first 15 yeshivot froma cross-section of the Torahworld signed on to the plan. Rabbi David Ozeri Last month, Congregation Magen Avraham (West Long Branch Synagogue) introduced a new and exciting Youth Minyan Program led by Morris Mizrahi. Boys and girls of all ages are welcome to join. The youth minyan is held Shabbat mornings at 9:00AMfollowed by a delicious spread of breakfast and snacks. All community children (and fathers) are encouraged take part in the youth minyan program, by being hazzanim and reading the Torah. Participants receive amazing toys, prizes, and gift cards. Children also receive tickets to win prizes. Even if they do not win, they can save tickets to put towards prizes at a later date. Plus, the delicious candy is an anticipated bonus! In addition to morning tefilah , the new youth minyan offers Shabbat afternoon Parasha classes and keriah classes led by Rabbi Victor Gindi. With all the fun, candy, and prizes as incentives, the main goal of the new youth minyan is to make every child feel comfortable and welcome during the Shabbat services. For more information about the program, please contact Morris Mizrahi at 732 275 5088. Written by H.S. The completion of a month-long Yom Tov marking the accomplishments of lomdei Dirshu transpired at the most recent Dirshu Siyum on Seder Nashim in Buenos Aires, Argentina. More than 1,000 people celebrated with an outpouring of simha , love, and emotion for what Dirshu has done for their lives and for the community. The siyum in Argentina was preceded by the largest of the siyumim held in Eretz Yisrael and attended by Rav Chaim Kanivesky. At his home, Rav Chaim gave a heartfelt beracha to Dirshu, its hanhala , and maggidei shiur. “Seeing the face of Rav Chaim Kanievsky wreathed in smiles as he looked at the more than fifty Daf Yomi Maggidei Shiur make a siyum on Seder Nashim was just so special!” exclaimed Rabbi Avigdor Bernstein, a prominent member of Dirshu’s hanhala . The Skulener Rebbe, Rav Yaakov Hillel, and Rav Yitzchak Ezrachi were some of the other Gedolim who graced the Siyumim. New Youth Minyan at West Long Branch Synagogue a Big Hit! Massive Gatherings in Eretz Yisrael and Argentina Wrap Up Dirshu’s Month-Long Worldwide Siyumim Let’s Celebrate!! •Youthminyan starts every Shabbat@8:45am • First10 kids get a$57-11 gift card! •AllMaftirReaders get a$57-11 gift card! • Starts the Shabbat after Shavuot. • Formore info, call:732-275-5088 is back and better than ever! YMA AHoverboardgiven awayeveryweekfor thefirst 10weeks! TonsofNerf,Lego,Girls Toys,SuperSoakers, andmuchmore! YoungMagenAbraham Youth minyan Rabbi David Ozeri Sparks Initiative to Raise Salaries of Rebbeim TAMUZ - AV 5776 AUGUST 2016 85