BTM Celebrates Graduation Event

On Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, June 18, 2015, Yeshivas Bais Toras Menachem (BTM) held its annual Gala Tribute Graduation, celebrating, b’chasdei Hashem, the unique institution of higher learning’s completion of its seventh successful year.

The beautiful affair was graciously hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Yisroel Finer in their elegant and warm home. The spotlight shone brightly on each and every one of its bachurim as each were bestowed distinctive awards and certificates in accordance with their various achievements. This was truly a unique event accompanied with music, niggun and words from the heart and mind; an evening filled with nachas and pride for all.

There were Smicha certificates for the ‘stars of the evening’, those who successfully completed the four chlaokim or sections, of the Code of Jewish Law required for Rabbinical Ordination. This milestone was the result of countless hours of study under the thorough and patient tutelage of HaRav Levi Chazan, our Smicha Maggid Shiur and a noted Talmud Chacham in our community.

The designated “testing Rav” for the specialized Smicha program is the renowned and widely respected Posek, and Av Bais Din D’kehilla of Los Angeles, Harav Elchanan Tauber. Rabbi Tauber, who has been a strong proponent of the program since its inception, has expressed how impressed he has been by BTM’s students’ overall dedication to their studies and their fine grasp of the material.

Many of the program’s other students were awarded certificates recognizing the completion of two of the four Chalokim (this year being “Basar B’Chalav” and “Melicha”), and intend to return for the next semester beginning after Tishrei to complete the program and to duly receive their Smicha.

A “Nigleh” certificate recognizing the quota of Halochos covered in Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aroch, Oruch Chaim, a prerequisite to the formal Smicha test, was also awarded. This is in accordance with the Rebbe’s explicit instruction that all Bochurim should be knowledgeable and conversant in day-to-day practical Halochos. Emphasised topics this past year included Hilchos Tefilah, Birchos Hanehenin and Hilchos Shabbos.

One of the goals of BTM is empowering its students with life skills needed for gainful employment or in preparation for higher university studies. To this end, Bochurim attend one of several secular learning tracks designed by BTM. Accomplishments in these fields were also given their just recognition at the reception. While some completed a course in math and English fundamentals and others their GED certificates, the highest level of excellence were those who
graduated, either fully or partially, from ORT College of Los Angeles with an AA degree in Business Management.

The other main highlight was, actually, the speeches – this was FAR from your typical graduation with predictable presentations. Divrei Torah, whether based upon Chassidus or Nigleh, impressions of a year of growth and experience, and expressions of sincere appreciation were shared eloquently by each student.

Proud father Rabbi Yosef Dubrowski traveled from Tampa, Florida to attend and also to address the graduates, staff, parents and friends. He spoke about how this Yeshiva has the Rebbe’s name in it which means that each bachur has some of the Rebbe’s kochos inside him, which has been revealed during his stay in the program.

The evening was the crowning event to cap off a very special, unique and successful seventh year of BTM’s program. One could truly witness the expression “Kol shvi’in chavivin” (Whatever is ‘associated’ with the number seven is dear.) Throughout the year, the achdus amongst the bachurim was remarkable as they melded together like a family unit. In addition to their rewarding studies, they had the opportunity to ask any questions they wanted at a weekly Q & A session, which led to many meaningful and thought provoking discussion (some even life altering).

Something new was a mini-lecture series about preparation for
Shidduchim and marriage, given by a noted Shadchan and Shidduch coach.

Of course, the bachurim got to enjoy a wide range of guest lectures, farbrengens with chosheve members of Anash, barbecues, hikes, trips and Shabbatons throughout Southern and Northern California. We have the advantage of being within driving proximity to many wonderful Shluchim who have time and again opened their hearts and homes to our boys. Often they call upon our bachurim to help with Shabbos Minyanim, Holiday programs, and bringing chayus to their events. In that sense we can add to our list of life preparation, “Training for future
Shluchim.”

The BTM dormitory is a very comfortable house in close proximity to the host shul, Congregation Levi Yitzchok, which once again welcomed the boys warmly into the Los Angeles Anash community. Wholesome balanced meals, as well as time for athletics and other physical exercise have been hallmarks of the yeshiva since its inception, as the overall gashmius of BTM provides the proper balanced environment for ruchniusdik and social growth.

BTM’s success is grounded upon its dedicated and talented staff who give their all to educate and inspire. In addition to R. Chazan, our Rebbeim were R. Heshy Mishulovin, R. Aryeh Erlich, R. Moshe Hildeshaim and R. Aryeh Hoffman. The Pre-GED and GED teachers were R. Hertzy Richler and Mr. Yonatan Amzalog. ORT business management instructor was Dr. Denise Kotler. The year was spearheaded by Mr. Yaakov Mark, who helped with PR, acquiring the dorm, and setting up the GED program.

The following students were honored:

Full Smicha – R. Shneur Zalman Abramowitz, R. Avrohom Katzoff, R. Yossi Weiss, R. Aharon Dubrowski

2 Chalokim – Zusha Bettoun, Mendy Kohn, Boruch Marshak, Moshe Kashani, Nachie Samuels, Dovid M. Weingarten

1 Chelek – Yossi Tevel

Pre-GED – Reuven Korn, Yossi Tevel

GED – Dovid M. Weingarten, Mendel Benhamou, Mendy Kohn, Zusha Battoun, Meshulam Brief

Business Management AA Degree – Avrohom Katzoff, Aharon Dubrowski, Yossi Weiss, Nesanel Klafter, Mendy Hecht

Business Management 1st Year – Mendy Kohn, Nachie Samuels, Mendy Friedman, Zusha Bettoun, Mendy Friedman, Moshe Kashani

Bais Toras Menachem was established in 2008 by Rabbi and Mrs. Mordechai Katz in response to a serious need in the greater Chabad community in terms of quality programs catering to post-Mesivta students, age 18 and up, who are looking for something different and innovative. By balancing a well-rounded curriculum of Smicha studies, Chassidus, Halacha and Hashkafa with inspiring extra curricular activities plus career training in the afternoons – the program has
B”H enjoyed phenomenal success in keeping its students engaged on all levels.

We are looking forward to enhancing the program, some examples are by adding more varied subjects in Limudei Kodesh, arranging apprenticeship within the community, and ability to take courses with a Frum online College with hands-on mentors to achieve a BA alongside the Smicha.

To inquire further regarding BTM or to register for the 2015-16 academic year, please email [email protected] Keep in mind there is limited space in the dormitory for out of town students. You may also contact Mrs. Rivky Katz at 323-495-3010 or Rabbi Katz at 323-936-2777 ext. 103.

To make a donation to our very worthy and critical cause, please use the donate button on our website at www.Smicha.net.