Moscow · Russia

Moscow Torah MiTzion

Torah MiTzion was founded in 1996 to establish a global network of community-based Torah Learning Centers (Batei Midrash). The Centers invite and enable every Jew around the world, whatever their denomination or current knowledge level, to learn and actively interact with their fellow Jews and to engage with their own Jewish heritage.

The Torah Learning Centers are staffed by high-impact, dynamic, educational emissaries (shlichim), men and women, singles and families. They all possess a deep knowledge of and love for Torah studies and have served in the IDF or did National Service, thus exemplifying an idealistic model of commitment to both Judaism and Zionism. Their duties in the communities include one-on-one (chavruta) learning, formal and informal education, implementing community events and hosting smaller, more personalized activities (e.g Shabbat dinners) for individuals and families in the community.

Our time-tested Theory of Change posits that our learning centers (Batei Midrash) create a strengthening of Jewish identity , higher rates of affiliation and observance , stronger ties to Israel and increased Aliyah .

In 2016, Torah MiTzion received the prestigious 5776 Jerusalem Prize! “For her inspiring work strengthening ties between Jewish communities abroad with the Torah of Israel and the Land of Israel, and for the establishment of centers of Torah and empowering young leadership”!

We live in a world where the connection between Israel and the Diaspora has become a choice and not a commitment.

Today we are faced with the unusual phenomenon of a vibrant Jewish life existing in both Israel and in the Diaspora, each with its own successes and challenges. Many Jews view each community as self-sustainable and completely independent and the historical – taken for granted – synergy between these communities and Israel is not present in the same way. This has consequences on the formation of Jewish identity, assimilation levels, interest in aliyah (immigrating to Israel), and a changed feeling of responsibility for the wellbeing of others. Contrary to the past, the connection between Israel and the Diaspora cannot be taken for granted anymore.

torahmitzion.org

What they run

The Kollel Tzioni is our flagship Shlichut Model. The Kollel is typically comprised of at least one couple, including a Rosh Kollel, together with 2-4 ‘bachurim’ (young men who have learnt in Hesder Yeshivot or Mechinot and have completed their army service). The heart of the Kollel is the Beit Midrash, and the Bachurim have a daily seder, led by the Rosh Kollel. The internal learning serves as an example of our commitment to Torah learning to the community, and also insures the shlichim’s continued spiritual advancement.

Through Torah study, teaching (formal and informal) and outreach, Torah MiTzion shlichim are able to impart their love for learning, for The State of Israel, and for their fellow Jew to all ages (from grade schoolers to golden-agers) in their host communities. The Kollel model is designed to reinforce Zionist Jewish identity and strengthen Torah knowledge among all sectors of the Jewish community.

The Torani-Tzioni Center’s team of shlichim are specially recruited and trained in Israel in order to arrive as a cohesive group ready to impact their host community. Their home base is typically in the local high school, though a synagogue or community center may also serve as a fitting host location. The Rosh Kollel and his wife both serve in leadership rolls, ensuring that their team of shlichim remain active in initiating programs and conducting learning sessions with a wide cross-section of members of the host community.

The Beit Midrash Kehilati (community learning center) is a model generally employing one couple to serve as shlichim, without accompanying Bachurim. The husband and wife team work together to strengthen and inspire their host community.

Both shlichim are trained to lead formal and informal educational activities, in the local schools and within the adult communities, whether based around a Synagogue or a community center. They initiate one-on-one learning (chavrutot), offer a variety of shiurim and organize community-wide activities.

The family of shlichim serve as a cohesive role model family committed to both their practice of Judaism and adherence to Zionist ideals.

inspiring Jewish communities worldwide with love of Torah, the Jewish People and the State of Israel.

In recent years, Religious Zionist Midrashot in Israel have trained a growing array of woman Torah scholars, who can serve as a much-needed role model for women of all ages in the Diaspora. Our Women’s Batei Midrash program utilizes this tremendous resource in order to the benefit Diaspora communities.

torahmitzion.org/programs/torani-tzioni-center/

Getting there

torahmitzion.org/contact/

Who is here

David Yushuvayev

Moscow, Russia

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