On the evening of Wednesday, February 5, the Jewish community of Kew Gardens Hills gathered for a special reception on behalf of P’eylim / Lev L’Achim. The event, graciously hosted by Dr. Elie and Golda Fried, was a momentous occasion in support of an organization dedicated to bringing Jews closer to their heritage.
Rabbi Nachum Barnetsky, Executive Vice President for Lev L’Achim, opened the reception with thanks to the esteemed rabbanim and community leaders lending their support to Lev L’Achim’s noble mission:
Rabbi Yaakov Bergman, Bais Medrash of KGH
Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Friedman, Khal Bais Yosef D’Ulm
Rabbi Akiva Grunblatt, Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim
Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, Cong. Charm Circle, and Chazaq
Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, Khal Ahavat Achim
Rabbi Noach Isaac Oelbaum, Khal Nachlas Yitzchok
Reb Abe Rosenthal, President at Beit Medrash Tov
Rabbi Hershel Welcher, Khal Ahavas Yisroel
A number of distinguished lay leaders also attended the evening, reflecting the ongoing commitment of the Kew Gardens Hills community to Lev L’Achim’s vital mission. Among them was Yanky Arem, a key figure in American Jewish activism and an essential partner in advancing Lev L’Achim’s mission. As a leader dedicated to engaging young professionals in supporting kiruv, Arem has spearheaded numerous initiatives to expand Lev L’Achim’s reach and bolster its resources. His involvement has been instrumental in fostering a new generation of supporters for the organization’s work.
Additionally, past reception host Dr. Marc Silverman was present, underscoring his ongoing dedication to Lev L’Achim. His generosity in hosting previous gatherings has played a significant role in galvanizing communal support for kiruv efforts. District Leader Shimi Pelman, a known advocate for Jewish causes in the public sphere, was also in attendance.
A video presentation titled Bringing Them to the Bais Medrash was shown, emphasizing the tremendous impact Lev L›Achim has had in inspiring individuals to connect with Torah learning. The video depicted the remarkable journey of thousands of secular Jews finding their way back to Torah through simple yet profound acts of learning. It showcased men and women, teenagers, and young children who, through Lev L’Achim’s outreach, had begun to embrace mitzvos, transitioning from a life devoid of religious observance to one deeply connected to Yiddishkeit. One young man in the video shared, “I never kept Shabbos, and I never put on tefillin. But now, after coming to the bais hamedrash, I can’t imagine my life without it.” Another individual spoke of how the turmoil of October 7 had shaken his very foundation, leading him to seek meaning in Torah learning. The video powerfully illustrated the transformation taking place in Eretz Yisrael, showing footage of packed batei hamedrash and the heartfelt words of volunteers who dedicate their nights to teaching those thirsting for Torah.
Rav Uri Zohar zt”l was a giant in the world of teshuvah, capturing the hearts of Jews from all backgrounds and drawing tens of thousands closer to Torah and mitzvos. His passing left an immense void in the work of Lev L’Achim, as he had been its driving force, inspiring the p’eylim (activists) with his energy and vision. In his honor, the organization has intensified its kiruv efforts, establishing new batei hamedrash and midrashot for youth, resulting in thousands more returning to their Jewish roots. Hundreds have joined the nightly batei hamedrash programs, and many parents have transferred their children to Torah schools. Lev L’Achim is committed to continuing his legacy, with 2023 dedicated to expanding these efforts even further.
The keynote speaker, Rabbi Moshe Taub, mara d’asra of Young Israel of Holliswood, captivated the audience with his impassioned remarks about the significance of recognizing pivotal moments in Jewish history and personal life. He began with a story from his time as a rav in Buffalo, NY, recalling an elderly member of his shul who approached him and said, “Rabbi, I can’t leave this world without finishing Shas.” Together, they began learning, and over time, a small chavrusah turned into a community of dedicated learners.
Rabbi Taub then recounted a powerful historical anecdote: the story of a man who, as a teenager in Brooklyn, encountered the Klausenberger Rebbe collecting for an institution. Decades later, he remembered nothing of the speech the Rebbe gave, yet he vividly recalled the overwhelming presence of kedushah in the room. “Sometimes, all it takes is one moment of exposure to emes, and a person’s entire life trajectory is altered,” Rabbi Taub said. He likened this phenomenon to what Lev L’Achim is accomplishing today, providing thousands of neshamos with that one moment of truth.
Rabbi Taub drew a parallel between the baalei teshuvah movement following the Six-Day War and the current resurgence of Torah learning after October 7. “Jews who never imagined themselves stepping into a bais hamedrash are now coming of their own volition,” he stated. “We are witnessing the second great teshuvah wave in modern history. The question is—will we rise to the occasion?”
Rabbi Taub also touched upon the commitment and sacrifice of the Lev L’Achim volunteers, referencing a powerful teaching of the Chasam Sofer. “Torah study is the highest pursuit, yet those who engage in bringing others close to Torah are given special siyatah dishmayah in their own learning,” he explained. “These volunteers are not only transforming others’ lives; they are elevating their own souls in ways they never imagined.”
Rabbi Taub emphasized that the work of Lev L’Achim extends beyond teaching—it is about binyan nefashos, building souls. He described the painstaking efforts of volunteers who reach out to individuals in all stages of life—adults searching for meaning, women looking for a spiritual home, and children needing a Torah education.
The numbers are staggering: Lev L’Achim operates 171 Evening Batei Medrash across Eretz Yisroel, serving over 8,500 participants. These centers foster a love of Torah learning, strengthening emunah and creating ripple effects within families, ultimately leading to greater shmiras hamitzvos and enrollment of children in Torah schools. In 2024 alone, Project Rishum has enrolled over 2,400 children in Torah schools on a $2 million budget. Dedicated enrollment officers personally visit families, understanding their needs and guiding them toward the Torah education system. The process requires patience and persistence, sometimes taking multiple visits to convince a single family. The officers even accompany parents and children to visit schools, ensuring a smooth transition. Their work does not end at registration—ongoing support is provided to help these families adapt to their new Torah lifestyle.
The midrashot for young men and women have provided thousands with an anchor of Yiddishkeit, offering Torah classes, visits to gedolim, and immersive Shabbos experiences. At the Kosel, Lev HaKotel representatives engage visitors at moments of spiritual openness, leading to over 5,000 individuals joining Torah programs in the past year.
One of the most striking moments of the event was a testimony from a volunteer who shared, “At first, I thought I was sacrificing my own growth to help others. But then I realized—I’m gaining far more than I’m giving. Every soul we bring back is a victory for Klal Yisrael.”
Attendees were encouraged to become Neshamah Sponsors to further the mission of Lev L›Achim. The sponsorship tiers include: $45 per month x 12 months; or $540 per year. With each donation, supporters help bring more Jews to the bais hamedrash and provide essential resources for those seeking to learn and grow in Torah observance.
For more information or to contribute, donations can be made online at levlachim.org or by contacting their office at (718) 258-7760, or 1217 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Special thanks to Rabbi Aryeh Nelkin for taking onsite donations.
Rabbi Barnetsky concluded the evening with heartfelt remarks, thanking the attendees for their dedication to this vital cause. The Kew Gardens Hills reception served as a testament to the power of Torah and community unity. Through continued dedication and generosity, the Jewish community can play a crucial role in ensuring that Lev L’Achim’s life-changing work reaches even more individuals seeking a return to their roots.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
