The sound of singing fills the air as a beautiful Shabbos meal is underway. The dishes and Dvar Torahs are out of this world, and the atmosphere is incredibly uplifting. As the evening comes to a close, the table is cleared, and it’s now time to say Birkas Hamazon. Then the host turns to you and asks you to lead the Bentching. Suddenly your heart starts pounding and you break into a cold sweat.
For most people, reading the concluding blessing isn’t anxiety-inducing. However, for some, it could be an extremely uncomfortable experience. Although they may have been davening, bentching, or studying Torah for many years, many still struggle to read basic Hebrew.
JNet is excited to announce the first segment of Yudi’s Legacy project, dedicated to making it easier for Jews worldwide to experience Torah study on their level.
Phase one of the project is being done in partnership with JLI to create curriculums for JNet Volunteers to use with their chavrusas. The first program will provide JNet members with the tools they need to go from struggling to read Hebrew to reading fluently in under ten weeks.
“Yudi was extremely passionate about the unique power of studying Torah with a chavrusa. He felt that the impact of reading and analyzing Torah one on one is incomparable to listening to a lecture,” says Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice-Chairman of Merkos L’inyonei Chinuch. “That’s why the first step of Yudi’s Legacy project is to help people read Hebrew, so they can ‘own their Torah study’ and Yiddishkeit.”
The program uses innovative slideshows and flashcards to provide users with a fun and intuitive way to master each letter. With just ten minutes of practice a day, students will be able to commit all twenty-two letters to memory, and by the end of the course, they’ll be able to read effortlessly.
“Having a curriculum to teach is a game changer for our volunteers. Hebrew reading is one of our most requested topics, but it also has been a difficult subject to teach,” says Mendel Groner, JNet director.
“Yudi cared for all members of JNet and he always was willing to do what it took to help them. He never turned anyone away, no matter how much of a challenge it would be to find a volunteer to learn with them. We’re going to carry that legacy forward in this project, and we hope you will join us as we help people who need to start from Alef.”
JNet is currently looking for volunteers who want to share their passion for Yiddishkeit with others. If you would like to volunteer to teach this course with a student one-on-one, please email them at info@jnet.org or sign up today at jnet.org/volunteer.
