Yated Ne'Eman, 13 Sivan, 5760 9 (June 16, 2000)

A KEHILLA THAT RENEWS THE LIVES OF HUNDREDS

By Nini Rubin

On June 14, 2000 Kehilas Moreshes Yaakov, will hold their annual parlor meeting at the home of Dr. And Mrs. Heshy Blobstein. This function will be graced by the rare presence of Harav Hagaon R’Shmuel Berenbaum, shlita, Rosh Hayeshiva of Yeshivas Mir, who will address the assemblage. Harav Berenbaum has visited the Kehilla and once delivered a shmuess for the more than 150 members. The Rosh Hayeshiva has frequently expressed his deep regard for this remarkable undertaking.

Indeed, this once a year fundraiser will benefit a rare jewel, that glows brightly in the heart of Flatbush. Kehilla Moreshes Yaakov, has managed to become, against all odds, a rarity in the world of Russian Kiruv: a community of Russian émigrés who ere living Torah lives and inculcating their children with the values and mores of Yiddishkeit.

Without question, one of the most cogent reasons for why the community has succeeded so splendidly, is that it is a product of the community itself. Started by a native Lithuanian, Rabbi Avrohom Binsky, it thrives and grows because it gives those who are a part of it, a place where they are comfortable and at home. " There is no question that the secret ingredient for why Kehila Moreshes Yaakov has succeeded at being mekarev entire families where so many other methods have failed," says Rabbi Binsky, "is that we have established a community that lives together, davens together, learns together-this is what keeps us strong."

In fact, one can never underestimate the cohesiveness of the community spirit. It brings together, in one wholesome entity, disparate sums. "When people feel comfortable coming to shul, because the language is not a barrier and the people there are all on the same level of religiosity, they feel comfortable," Rabbi Binsky explains." When they feel comfortable they keep coming back."

Rabbi Binsky was educated at yeshivos in Israel and received Smicha from Shvut Ami. After living there several years, he and his family moved to the United States. Immediately, he plunged into the formidable task of trying to mitigate the rapidly escalating problem of Russian assimilation, but from a unique aspect. His approach was to found a Kehilla - a place where Russian immigrants could daven, learn, celebrate simchos-among their own. They would derive spiritual sustenance from a Russian-speaking Rabbi. They would fraternize with others from the same background and culture. They would become part of a group of like-minded individuals and families. With that methodology they would stay with the Kehilla.

Today, over 100 Russian families and several hundred singles have become members of the Kehilla and are fully observant. There are nightly shiurim five nights out of the week on various levels. Shabbos and weekday davening attract a sizable olam and a Bris program has been the catalyst for hundreds of brissim in the kehilla. Special functions throughout the year, related to Yomim Tovim also help to foster a communal feeling.

The parlor meeting which is traditionally attended by lay leaders of the community and Rabbonim, is one of the ways that askonim raise funds to keep the Kehilla viable." We look forward to a strong turnout," said Dr. Blobstein, the host." We are hoping that with the success of this function, Kehilla Moreshes Yaakov will be able to continue to provide an oasis of Yiddishkeit for those who are looking to start a new life on the right foot."