Mikhail Fuzaylov

Emet Outreach and Chofetz Chaim – “Partners in Torah”

Led by Rabbi Michael Fuzaylov, the Beis Midrash Program is run by Emet Outreach with the participation of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, designed to give Emet students and alumni the experience of real yeshivah learning.

In addition to leading one of the largest groups, Emet Director Rabbi Mordechai Kraft feels a personal connection to Chofetz Chaim, as an alumnus and musmach of the Yeshiva. In fact, he continues to learn there every morning with Emet Co-Director Rabbi Akiva Rutenberg. Rabbi Kraft feels privileged to be able to teach his own students at theyeshivah that he attended for over a decade.

The Chofetz Chaim connection runs deeper than mere logistics. Rabbi Akiva Grunblatt, a Rosh HaYeshiva of Chofetz Chaim, is Emet’s main rabbinic advisor. He was also very instrumental in launching the Beis Midrash Program, and strongly encourages his owntalmidim to participate as teachers and mentors. On a recent Wednesday night, Rabbi Grunblatt himself delivered a stirring musar shmues.

Rapid Weekly Growth

Though not even three months old, the program already has over 70 members, and more continue to sign up each week. Many work full time and come directly from the office, not getting home until after the program finishes at 10:15 p.m. They’re divided into groups of 2 or 4 – led by either an Emet rabbi or Chofetz Chaim Kollel member – and learn with the intensity and energy of yeshivah bachurim, engaged in passionate analysis and debate, with smiles on their faces.

The Secret Behind Its Success

Rabbi Fuzaylov credits the program’s massive popularity to the hours spent making sure each student is happy. “You can’t just create a program and hope it will run itself. You need to stay on top of every detail, and follow up with each person, to keep trying new things until everyone is happy.”

Rabbi Fuzaylov assesses each member’s skill level and personality to ensure everyone is paired up with the best group. He sends a follow-up email to new members to make sure they enjoyed their experience, and makes any changes necessary. His hard work has paid off, with dozens of happy students who can’t wait for Wednesday to come.

Rabbi Reuven Kigel, Emet’s campus director, who was very instrumental in developing thebeis midrash, says his favorite part is keeping up with alumni and knowing what’s happening in their lives. “Before this program started, I rarely saw my alumni. Now I get to maintain a real kesher with them. I love seeing my old students every week.” He adds that, thanks to this, Emet’s campus programs have more continuity than ever.

Gavriel Hakhamov, a weekly attendee, says he used to pass Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim and think, “The students here are so lucky. I wish I was a yeshivah student with a chance to learn here too.” He says that, thanks to the program, he finally got his wish. “This is a dream come true.”

Gavriel adds that Emet staff members are more than teachers. “They are like family. We ask them for business advice and family advice, as well as Torah advice.”

Each Student: A Unique Story

Yaakov is a computer science major in Queens College. His personal story is remarkable. As a child, his family was not religious, and he went to public school. After his bar mitzvah, Yaakov became interested in Judaism, and learned hilchos Shabbos, as well as other areas of halachah. He slowly began to take on different aspects of Judaism.

For years, Emet Outreach has given Yaakov the mentoring and support he needs, but he never had the background to study Gemara on his own. The Beis Midrash Program has given Yaakov a chance to do what he loves: learn a sugya and know that he is fulfilling this important mitzvah of learning Torah.

Thriving Community of Emet Outreach Alumni

Rabbi Rutenberg is very excited by the Beis Midrash Program, along with many other cutting-edge Emet programs that he believes will take campus kiruv to a new level. Emet’s slogan is “Campus, Community, Continuity,” and the Beis Midrash Program transforms this from a catchy message into a reality.

Rabbi Rutenberg says that one common challenge for campus kiruv organizations is staying connected after students graduate.

“It’s important to keep up our bond with students, especially when they get married and enter the workplace,” says Rabbi Rutenberg. “It’s a crucial transition in life, as alumni start to work and raise a family, and it’s imperative for Emet staff members to help them stay immersed in Torah and be role models to guide them to make decisions that will enhance the rest of their lives.”

The Beis Midrash Program is growing explosively, and new members join each week. Rabbi Kigel says that he believes they’re only beginning to “scratch the surface.” He says that with this many excited and enthusiastic students who love learning, a program specially designed to give them the unique yeshivah experience they’ve wished for has the potential to be one of the most popular learning programs of its kind in Queens.

For more information, contact the Emet Outreach Office by calling 718-820-9010, by emailing EmetBM@EmetNY.com, or by calling Rabbi Fuzaylov at 646-509-1839.

College Campus: NYC

Organization: EMET

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