In response to the growing number of Jewish adults eager to learn more about their heritage, Partners in Torah has embarked on an ambitious campaign to attract men and women to serve as volunteer mentors for its acclaimed telephone mentoring program. Whereas some 30,000 Jewish men and women have signed up to study by phone in Partners in Torah’s first 16 years of operation, that number has swelled to well over 40,000 in the last two years alone.

“Meeting the needs of this growing number of curious but somewhat distant community of Jewish men and women,” explains Partners in Torah founder and National Director Rabbi Eli Gewirtz, “requires a large pool of positive role models from the observant community to serve as mentors.”

Though it is very encouraging that so many men and women have already stepped up to the plate and volunteered 30-45 minutes a week for this telephone-based relationship, many more are needed. Partners in Torah is therefore sponsoring a special 5 Towns “Shabbos of Inspiration” this coming December 2-3 to inform, inspire and encourage the community to get involved in mentoring. In addition to learning how easy it is to help, it will be an opportunity to hear firsthand from students how they personally benefited and from mentors how easy and enjoyable the experience has been for them.

Former President of the OU and Chairman of Partners In Torah’s Board, Steve Savitsky, says, “I can’t think of a more important cause to promote. We all have busy lives, but can all benefit from the inspiration of real people taking time out of their own busy week to learn more about what it means to be a Jew.” Savitsky is co-chairing the weekend with Hewlett resident Yitzi Stern, who exclaims “my life has been completely changed by becoming a mentor…and that’s nothing compared to how my student’s life has changed.”

During the course of the Shabbos, the communities of Woodmere and Hewlett will be hosting various events at different shuls. On Friday night, Congregation Anshei Chesed will host a Shabbos Oneg and Panel Discussion with Partners in Torah mentors and students. Shabbos morning, Rabbi Gewirtz, Savitsky and other special guests will be giving the droshas at various Shacharis minyanim at Young Israel of Woodmere. Words of inspiration will also be heard at the Island Shul (Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok) during the Shabbos Afternoon shiur. At 4pm, Young Israel will be hosting a panel of students and mentors following Mincha, and Aish Kodesh will sponsor a special Seuda Shlishis with Rabbi Eli Gewirtz. A short video presentation will be held on Motzei Shabbos at Congregation Anshei Chesed following YOSS Fathers and Son Learning.

To find out more, please call Yitzi Stern at 857-991-7906 or visit www.study42.org / 1-800-STUDY-4-2.

(YWN Desk – NYC)