Members of the Flatbush community flocked to the Agudah of Avenue L for an enlightening symposium hosted by Yeshiva Ateres Shmuel of Waterbury on learning to connect with teens in today’s tumultuous world. Over 150 men and women attended the event this past Sunday night, with more than 1,000 listening in through a live hookup sponsored by Torah Anytime.

Rabbi Aharon Kaufman, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Ateres Shmuel, opened the evening by discussing the importance of building strong relationships with talmidim as the best way to avoid the emotional pain of rejection that often takes place when addressing difficult issues with teens. He was followed by the Waterbury Mesivta’s Menahel, Rabbi Daniel Kalish, who emphasized believing in every talmid’s ability to thrive as the key to a successful yeshiva experience.

Mirrer Rosh Yeshiva Rav Elya Brudny acknowledged that today’s generation faces unprecedented challenges, but said that instead of lowering our expectations, it is crucial to set high standards to allow talmidim to maximize their potential, crediting Yeshiva AteresShmuel for its groundbreaking methodologies.

“Waterbury yeshiva is an incredible mosad that plays such an integral role in today’s chinuch world,” said Rabbi Brudny. “ I have witnessed first-hand the special work Rabbi Kaufman and Rabbi Kalish do on my multiple to visits to Waterbury. Needless to say, they are leaders in today’s world of chinuch, whose system is one of truth, and real growth.”

The evening concluded with remarks from Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff, Rov of Agudath Israel Bais Binyomin who urged listeners to imbue their own lives with enthusiasm in order to instill the next generation with the geshmak of yiddishkeit.

Many participants lingered after the program ended, taking advantage of the opportunity to speak with Rabbi Kaufman and Rabbi Kalish.

“We were extremely inspired to see how many people took time out of their busy schedules to attend this event and we hope that by learning how to best communicate with teens we can continue inspiring them in positive directions,” said Rabbi Kaufman.

Audio and video of the event are available at www.TorahAnytime.com