By Reuvein Mizrahi

Dear Shluchim,

I would first like to say how much I admire and appreciate your work. Your level of sacrifice and mesiras nefesh for other Yidden is truly astounding. We admire you, we appreciate you, and we are in awe of your dedication.

I, too, was brought closer to Yiddishkeit by a Shliach who encouraged me to go to yeshiva, undoubtedly one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. Today, Baruch Hashem, I live a frum family life in Crown Heights.

I’m writing because, having come from the “other side,” I feel a strong desire to encourage you to guide members of your community toward yeshiva. Over the years, and having had the zechus to meet hundreds of Baalei Teshuva, I can say with confidence that for most of us, going to yeshiva was life-changing.

The learning, the friendships, the connection with mashpiim, and the personal growth create an experience that makes everything real and helps set the foundation for building a Torah-true home.

Having attended Yeshivas Mayanot, Morristown, and Hadar HaTorah, I can personally attest that they are all exceptional. Each has its own flavor and style that speaks to different personalities, and all of them help nurture happy, fulfilled, chassidishe, frum Yidden who go on to build beautiful families.

I can only imagine how challenging your shlichus can be, and I ask forgiveness if it is not my place to comment on your mission. I simply feel that this message is especially important today. I understand that encouraging someone to go to yeshiva can come with doubts and hesitations, and that is exactly why I am writing, to reassure you that your kehilla will ultimately thank you deeply for it.

This is when young men truly flourish, take ownership of their Yiddishkeit, and prepare for the next step of building a Yiddishe heim.

As summer approaches, many yeshivos offer summer programs. Even better would be to encourage them to go to yeshiva now, but if that is not feasible, the summer is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of yeshiva life.

Go for it. Believe me, they and their families will thank you later.