In a fascinating interview with Yated Ne'eman, Rabbi Yaakov Bornstein, head of the Hadera branch of Lev L'Achim, dwells on the many activities of the organization in the city. He has many stories to tell about the 'closing of circles' from these very past days, and the fruits of its labor after many years of active toil in the city.
"Ever since the outbreak of the October 7th War, two new botei medrash have been opened in Hadera, which are joining the three already existing ones," he says proudly and excitedly. "Our crowning glory is a spacious and central beis medrash active here which, over the years, has turned into a strong magnet for thousands of the residents. It offers lectures, ongoing shiurim, a beis medrash and outreach activities. It is a veritable beehive center 24 hours of the day, seven days of the week, nonstop.
"Large numbers of people gather here from all corners of the city, absorbed by our staff, which addresses their needs collectively and individually with a broad spectrum of activities and possibilities which Lev L'Achim offers."
Rabbi Bornstein describes an interesting phenomenon: "If in the past we had to go out and seek them, today our job is just to pair the newcomers with study partners and proper frameworks. The thirst for spirituality is felt everywhere."
In addition, the city maintains seminaries for youth for boys, and Shalheves for girls, providing a warm and supportive environment for the young generation seeking Judaism, Torah, and heritage.
His face wreathed with smiles, he relates a personal story, "A story of closing a circle. There is an avreich living in the South, a recent newcomer to Torah and mitzvos, thanks to Lev L'Achim. He used to come to a seminar once a week and progressed rapidly until he was accepted in Yeshivas Acheinu and from there, to the more advanced Yeshivas Rina Shel Torah in Carmiel. He got married a year ago. I met him last Shabbos when he came to visit his family.
"I have been working in outreach for the past 45 years, during which certain events have been engraved upon my memory. The story I am about to tell is a recent one, and is deeply etched in my heart. In my early years, I worked in the South in small and larger settlements. I and my co-workers would register children, boys and girls, in Torah schools. Many Torah families can be credited to those children.
"The young man I am talking about got married a year ago. His family celebrated the Shabbat Chattan before the wedding and came to invite me. Not knowing the family, I didn't think of attending, but my family told me that a large group of the family came in person, citing my nickname 'Bushy'. Since they apparently did know me, I decided to go to the hall where they were gathered for seuda shlishit.
"I was welcomed from the side of the kalla. Her father, the father-in-law-to-be of the chosson, is a prestigious Rosh Yeshiva of high standing and apparently, he and his wife both knew of me and received me very warmly. They introduced me to their extended family, noting, 'You are the one who registered us as children to Torah institutions and saved our lives, spiritually.' Now, I am not an emotional man by nature but this closing of a circle actually moved me to tears," he concludes.
Rabbi Bornstein ends the interview with a note or urgency. "We are fully convinced that in view of the increasing demand, we are obligated not only to reinforce the present but also to enable those pounding on the doors of the treasure houses of Torah to enter. This is a rare opportunity; the spiritual thirst in the midst of the Jewish people is growing and swelling from week to week."
A Lev L'Achim Beis Medrash
