By Y. Mannes
Since 2014, Kollel Torah has caused a rebirth of Torah learning and transformed countless Jewish lives across Russia, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. Established as a grassroots network of kollels, these learning centers provide Jews of all religious levels and backgrounds the opportunity to come together and learn Torah, from basic essentials of aleph beis to more advanced davening, halachah, and Torah study. Classes vary in each location, offering sessions in the morning, evening, and, in some, throughout the day.
In recent decades, gathering a minyan to fill a shul, even on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, was a nearly impossible feat. But as Kollel Torah has continued to grow, more and more communities are once again beginning to pulsate with the vibrancy of Jewish life.
“Torah provides the connection they’ve been seeking for so long,” shared Rabbi Berel Lazar, Chief Rabbi of Russia. “Kollel Torah connects Jews who are on similar journeys creating a sense of community and belonging.”
The Kollel Torah network currently boasts over 100 locations across the region and is run by Rabbi Ben Tzion Lipsker, Chabad shliach in St. Petersburg and Rabbi Moshe Weber, Shliach in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, and is primarily funded by the Meromim foundation, who provides the bulk of the funding for operating the network of Kollel Torah.
Like the standard kollel structure, students of the kollel receive a significant payment with regular, mandatory attendance and with the satisfactory test scores on topics they have learned. These stipends often make all the difference to many in this economically stricken region, providing families with their “bread”–physically and spiritually.
As they progress in learning, they also begin progressing in observance, even saving kollel stipends to purchase tefillin or mezuzos. They ask questions, they are koshering their kitchens, and they are eating kosher food.
In light of the demand, similar women-only classes have been created–bringing the inspiration and warmth of Torah into the homes of thousands.
To take part in this incredible initiative, join with Kollel Torah on June 5, as they raise $3Â million to further their impact throughout the region.