Schottensteins Visit at Mayanot

It is often said that Mayanot is like one big family. This was never truer than during the recent visits to Mayanot of two members of the Schottenstein family – Tovia Schottenstein and his son David, along with his wife Eda and son Ari, visited the Mayanot campuses on their respective trips to Israel.

Tovia paid a visit to the Men’s Program, while David, Eda and Ari spent time at the Women’s Program. It was truly a family affair. The Schottenstein family have been loyal friends and partners to Mayanot over the years. With their help, through initiatives such as the Saul’s Scholars Program, countless students are able to come to Mayanot to study the classic texts and connect with their religion.

After his tour of the Men’s Program, accompanied by Rabbi Shlomo Gestetner, Dean of Mayanot, Tovia stated that it was a ‘thrill to support’ Mayanot, and it was, for him, ‘a “blue chip” investment.’

David and Eda, following their tour of the facilities at the Women’s Program, spoke to the students. David expressed what a pleasure it was to see all the girls learning in the Beit Midrash and in the classes; for David, the ability to help others study Torah is an investment that cannot be quantified. Eda reminded the students to truly appreciate the time they have at Mayanot to indulge in their learning – life becomes very busy, she cautioned them, and it becomes harder and harder to find the time to learn. Jenna Bassman, a current student at the Women’s Program, thanked David and Ida for giving her the opportunity to study at Mayanot, a sentiment echoed by many of the students. As with any Jewish family gathering, the goodbyes stretched on for a long while, and it culminated in an invitation to meet again – David and Ida stressed that their Shabbat table was always open to any and all students who may find themselves in Florida.

On behalf of Mayanot and the students, Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, the Executive Director of the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies, thanks the Schottensteins for their support and dedication. The Mayanot family has grown thanks to their partnership, and that growth allows reunions such as this one to be all the sweeter.