For nearly 30 years, the Lubavitch Yeshiva of Toronto has trained and empowered young bochurim who go on to serve as shluchim and mechanchim to Jewish communities around the world. But their impact is not limited to distant locations. Every day, these students are transforming lives right here in Toronto.

Jeff Wasser grew up in a Conservative, traditional Jewish home. He attended a Hebrew school, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, and maintained a connection to Judaism throughout his life. Yet, like many Jews, much of what he encountered left him with questions rather than clarity. Over the years, Judaism remained meaningful, but many core beliefs and practices felt distant.

Everything began to change through his relationship with the Yeshiva bochurim.

What started with occasional visits to his office to put on tefillin gradually developed into genuine friendships. Jeff was struck by the warmth, sincerity, and authenticity of the young bochurim. They were welcoming, respectful, and deeply caring.

After October 7th, one student, Hatomim Sholom Cohen, began visiting Jeff for tefillin at his home right next to the bochurim dormitory. He began learning with Jeff regularly. Together, they studied the practical Tanya and then GPS for the Soul and explored purpose and practical Jewish living.

These weekly sessions led to real and lasting change.

Jeff began putting on tefillin every day.

He took on the mitzvah of giving tzedakah daily.

He placed mezuzahs on every door in his home.

He joined farbrengens, Lag BaOmer bonfires, and uplifting gatherings filled with song and inspiration.

After a conversation with Jeff one week about what he was doing Friday night, Sholom Cohen decided to arrange Shabbat dinner meals for Jeff to join him at each week. They were welcomed each Friday night into the homes of the Rabbeim of the Yeshiva and their families for Shabbos and Yom Tov meals, experiencing firsthand the beauty, warmth, and joy of authentic Jewish life, full of Shabbat zmiros—especially big Gedalia Goomber, his favorite.

After Sholom graduated, he ensured that another bochur, hatomim Nosson Labkowski, would continue the chavrusa and Shabbat dinners and add further mitzvah opportunities for Jeff. Together, they are now two chapters from finishing GPS for the Soul.

Today, Jeff’s Judaism is not just something vague from the watered-down and confusing Yiddishkeit of childhood. It is a vibrant and growing part of his daily life.

Jeff’s story is one example among hundreds.

Every year, more than 100 students at the Lubavitch Yeshiva are trained not only in learning Torah nigla and chassidus and davening, but also in how to connect with fellow Jews with warmth, sensitivity, and genuine care.

Many times, we see how these bochurim go on to strengthen Jewish life in communities across the globe. However, way before that, they are already making a profound impact here in Toronto.

This is the power of your partnership.

When you become a Shutaf in our annual campaign, you are not simply making a donation. You are helping create stories like Jeff’s. You are investing in the education of future shluchim and mechanchim, in the strengthening of Jewish identity, and in the growth of communities worldwide.

Please join us and become a Shutaf today.

Together, we can continue transforming lives, one relationship at a time.