Young Israel Of Stamford Unveils Their Family Bait Midrash Program

Family Beit Midrash Program 5765

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“Our people are currently fighting a Milchemet Mitzvah, a war that requires full participation by every Jew,” explained Rabbi Ira Ebbin, spiritual leader of the Young Israel of Stamford, in one of his weekly sermons. “Every Jew is obliged to assist in this battle, both physically, and spiritually.”

This month, The Young Israel of Stamford went on the offensive on the spiritual front as they unveiled their heavily anticipated Family Bait Midrash program. This new and exciting program allows adults and young adults to study any Judaic topic with a study partner provided by the Young Israel. Eight men and women from Yeshiva University, along with Rabbi Elie Weinstock of Greenwich, CT and Rabbi Ira and Chevi Ebbin used this opportunity to study one on one with the more than two dozen eager participants. Topics ranged from Talmud to Beginners Hebrew, to Maimonidies, to Chumash, as many parents took the opportunity to study with their children on what they are learning in school. A number of parents just utilized the “Bait Midrash” setting to study one on one with their children.

The Bait Midrash model is not something new or innovative created specifically for Stamford, but has had a long standing past. Throughout our history, our people have studied our Torah through a one on one exchange and dialogue. The Family Bait Midrash program tries to recreate this ideal way of study and exploration of the sources. As Steve Beker, one of the FBM participants who is studying Talmud explained, “I’ve attended many classes and seminars, but there is something special about studying one on one with someone”

Those who witnessed the program were just awestruck. “This is a dream come true”, said Gil Orbach, whose family has pledged to underwrite the cost of the programs initiation in memory of Gil’s maternal grandfather. “The two things that I wanted to focus my energies on as a board member [of the Young Israel] were increasing Torah Study and the time we spend as a shul engaging in acts of chessed within our greater community. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to see it (The Family Bait Midrash Program) go off as well as it did. I look forward to this program growing as it generates positive "buzz" on the street.”

The program had a more global focus as well. “Our studying is dedicated to the men and women of Israel who are fighting to protect our country and our people” Rabbi Ebbin explained at the first session. “We all need to do whatever we can to support Israel during this time. We need to visit, volunteer, and send our charities her way, and we also need to focus our prayers and dedicate extra time to study on her behalf.”

Future ideas to be incorporated into the Family Bait Midrash program include Parenting Seminars, Preschool Torah Projects, as well as High School and Junior High School programming.

The program, which meets every Sunday night from 6-8pm at the Young Israel of Stamford, includes dinner and deserts, and it provides a very comfortable setting for both adults and children to delve into their studies and explore previously uncharted topics for themselves. There is no charge for the program. If you or your family is interested in participating or sponsoring please call Rabbi Ira Ebbin at 203-609-0448 or iebbin@hotmail.com.