By COLlive reporter
The long-time Yeshiva Chovevei Torah in Crown Heights is being revamped into two separate programs that will cater to different types of Chabad bochurim.
The move signals a forward-thinking outlook on how to educate the next generation of Lubavitch on the foundation of Torah and Chassidus, while not forsaking the individual’s needs and capabilities.
“Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim of Crown Heights” caters exclusively to the needs and interest of aspiring Tmimim, upholding the sacred Tomchei Tmimim schedule, standards and in-depth learning.
“Achei Tmimim Yeshiva Program” is designed to instill a passion and appreciation for Torah and Yiddishekit, providing an authentic Yeshiva experience with the benefit of a targeted learning schedule and time for leisure.
“For many years, our Yeshiva excelled at catering to and reaching large groups of bochurim on a wide range of levels, while keeping them under one shared roof and schedule,” said the Menahel Rabbi Mendel Blau.
He said that the accomplished and motivated bochurim learned under the guidance of the Roshei Yeshiva and Mashpiim. At the same time, the Yeshiva’s warmth also extended to the bochurim that required more flexibility and guidance.
“We worked with both types of Bochurim, while making every effort to safeguard the high standards of the Yeshiva,” he explained.
“As the needs of the Bochurim grow more and more apart, we feel that we cannot properly cater to the Chassidisher bochur who is wholesomely committed to Limmud Hatorah with Yiras Shomayim תורתו אומנתו, while also tending to the needs of the Bochur who has not yet found ultimate satisfaction from Limmud Hatorah, or the Bochur that enjoys learning but needs extra break time for sports and activity.
“The gap especially widens when we address their individual expectation of themselves, their goals and aspirations. We therefore decided to embark on a major shift and change in the Yeshiva,” Rabbi Blau said.
For this coming year, Chovevei will separate the two groups so that the staff can focus and target each group with their individual needs. Each Yeshiva will have their own Beis medrash, with selected Maggidei Shiurim, Mashpiim, and Farbrengens that will address them at where they are holding in life and Avodas Hashem. The Yeshivas will each have separate dormitories.
Here’s how the Yeshiva described the plan:
Tomchei Temimim – Beis Medrash for bochurim ages 17-21
The Beis Medrash will live up to its name “Tomchei Tmimim” – and will strive to be the highest standard Yeshiva with no compromise. The Beis Medrash will be selective as to whom can be accepted; only a Chassidisher Bochur with Yiras Shomayim, strong values and commitment to Limmud Hatorah and superb Shemiras Hasdorim will be accepted.
This will allow the “Tomchei Tmimim – Beis Medrash” to focus exclusively on the “Tomim”- the Bochur who is capable and interested of living up to the high demands of a Tomim in Tomchei Tmimim, just as the Rebbe Rashab established.
These Temimim will benefit from our beautiful Zal, Begashmiyus and Bruchniyus, lead by our outstanding Roshei Yeshiva and Mashpiim that have incomparable dedication and care for each individual Talmid. This will be a Zal that will offer a strong learning atmosphere, including high caliber Shiurim coupled with personal Hadracha.
As appropriate to Tomchei Tmimim, there will be no tolerance for smartphones or other devices that distract from the focus of Avodas Hashem. There will be a thorough application and interview process for each Bochur considering our Yeshiva, and we are confident that should you choose to send your son to our program, he will grow and gain more than he would in any other Yeshiva.
Once accepted, your son will choose from amongst our highly respected Roshei Yeshiva and Mashpiim – under whom he is most suited to learn with, together with his Chavrusa.
Mashpiim include Rabbi Paltiel and Rabbi Sternberg, Roshei Yeshiva include Rabbi Winner, Rabbi Labkowsky or Rabbi Blau. Additionally, Rabbi Lipsker and Rabbi Baras will serve as Meshivim.
Here is our unprecedented offer, exclusively for the Tomchei Temimim- Beis Medrash:
We know it’s late, and know that there are many choices – but we are confident that the New Tomchei Tmimim will be unmatched by any other yeshiva Beruchniyus and we will make it more appealing Begashmiyus as well!
We are extending a special offer – until Yud Beis Tammuz – for the Bochur approved for “Tomchei Tmimim” – We will offer scholarships and work with you as a parent so that you are not forced to pay what you cannot afford!
Additionally, if your son is applying for Shiur Alef of Tomchei Temimim, we have secured funding for very generous scholarships – no scholarship or negotiation needed. For questions or inquiries, email [email protected].
Achei Tmimim Yeshiva Program for bochurim ages 17-19
Today, as a Lubavitch community, we have a large amount of excellent Bochurim that want an authentic Yeshiva with Chassidisher standards but need some more flexibility, and a more concentrated learning program.
To answer this challenge, we have meticulously designed the “Achei Tmimim Yeshiva Program”, which will offer excellent classes in Chassidus, Gemara, and Halacha together with a two year afternoon Semicha class.
The new Yeshiva will be headed by Rabbi Tzukernik under the leadership of Rabbi Blau, and will also benefit from the input and periodic classes from the veteran Mechanchim of the Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva.
The Bochurim will have their own Beis Medrash, structure, rules and guidelines, and dormitory supervision.
The yeshiva is fully accredited.
For more details please Inquire @[email protected]
Yiras Shomayim and a full day of learning are not mutually exclusive. Many bochurim would thrive in a less intense environment, working with their hands and having time for exercise.
It’s true that a great many bochurim start to lose their way. It seems this program is designed to keep every bochur growing in Yiras Shomayim and learning.
Let’s not assume that a bochur is not a moireh shomayim, simply because ‘the system’ doesn’t cater for him.
Why cant their be an honest accounting in the mesifta system. How many bochrim feel good and accomplished about their learning. How many want to be cassidish? How many go to the mikva and daven barichus and with a connection? How many bochrim understand what gemara can do in their avodad Hashem? Mesiftas are becoming a three ring circus and the bochrim see it so clearly. Its not the smart phones or the girls. Its not goish music and its not tznius or more lisure time thats needed Its becoming close to a bochur and asking them how they feel… Read more »
Very hard to implement so Kol hakavod!
What does accredited here mean?
How much is tuition?
What sports are available? Real sports coach? What parnosdoh will they be guided towards as they get older and in a kosher respectable way?
A concerned parent.
Thank you
Bracha vshalom
I have the same question regarding accreditation.
Moshiach NOW!!!
I saw #36, which, if from hanhala, busts my bubble. I thought the reosn why the original post was vague about the curriculum ofr “achei” is because they didn’t want to emblazon perhaps secular studies that would be included, especially since the post sticks in, as if an afterthought “the yeshiva is fully accredited”. I hoped there could be computer classes and perhaps skills like coding, accounting, business management, etc., all tolls that could be used for straight parnassa, or even in support of Chabad institutions, thereby empowering these potential shluchim… Sports is important. Maybe they’ll modify their schedule so… Read more »
Rabbi Blau had an idea and instead of just talking he went ahead with it !! May it be with hatzlacha !
*Tomchei Tmimim Yeshiva – Daily Schedule* 7:00 Modeh Ani & Mikvah 7:30 Chassidus 9:00 Korbonos and preparation for Teffilah (Mikvah) 9:30 Schachris 10:20 Breakfast 11:00 Iyun 2:15 Mincha 2:35 Lunch – 3:45 Hilchos Shabbos Leiyun with Poskim 5:15 Girso – full mesechta 6:30 Sichos & Shiurim on the topic of Geulah Umoshiach 7:00 Supper – 8:00 Night Seder 9:30 Maariv 9:45 Seder Sichos in 770 11:15 Krias Shema & Lights out Tomchei Tmimim Roshei Yeshivos & Mashpim *You may choose which Shiurim you would like to attend in Chassidus and Gemara* Mashpiim: 1. Rabbi Y. Paltiel 2.Rabbi S. Sternberg Roshei… Read more »
It used to be, that not every boy went to Yeshiva. Now it became something that everyone does. So making 2 “systems” in necessary. Can’t only be one “system” for all.
If the program/schedule is weak and also, dosn’t have enough strong chassidus (to explain everything) – then it will could come out to a watered down experience – essentially, a baby sitting experience with free time – supposedly to cater to the bochurim’s needs – when what they really need is a tight schedule.
Unfortunately you think you are doing something new
This was the way it used to be
Our yeshivos had everyone before uniforms today my friends including myself are very prominent shluchim teachers askonim vechu
Whats unique about your “new” approach is you and your staff
Today the yeshivas have ramim mashpim etc who look at there needs
You and the staff at the yeshiva are allways looking for the tamims need
Im sure there will be changes but only as a redult of your devotion
As a parent i know your yeshiva is not about פשרות its 100% איבערגעגעבנקייט
When I was growing up, TTL offered a fully accredited regent high school diploma. It was a well rounded opportunity for Tmimim.
The system has weekend since then so we come up with all kinds of band-aids.
Sounds Amazing really owe the above staff tremendous thanks
Important ? What about 19-21 boy who needs less intense program .It seems the program for younger boys is less intense .
To #24, yes, the yeshivos here in America used to be called Achei Temimim (like Pittsburgh, PA, and Worcester, MA).
In general though, it’s a great idea to give different levels, all with great standards, to assist different students. I do also like the ideas above of in the extra time available also teaching or providing some other skills that can come in handy.
Mazel tov Esther
You have the most incredible family
Much nachas from all you amazing children!
I’m impressed with both of these programs. Each one sounds like an amazing program in its own right.
Brilliant initiative.
A model for of Chanoch lnaar al pi darko.
Wishing the staff siyata dishmaya with tremendous hatzlacha and nachas from every talmid with the Rebbes Brachos.
Labels…. labels… are you a Tomim or an Ach?
Sounds good, but neeeds to be implemented with LOTS and LOTS of sensitivity…. or else this will cause more harm than good….
Spent in chovevei. Rabbi Blau is reallu really good
In general, besides, I guess, for Bedford and Dean/Chovevei, weren’t all Yeshivos with Limmudei Chol always called Achei Tmimim, rather than Tomchei Tmimim?
Reaches and helps bochurim in the most kind, sensitive and impactful way. The ideal person to run the program
Rabbi blau and rabbi tzukernik are the best!!
One would think you would want to give smicha to yorei shomayim masmidim b’limud hatorah and not the other way around
Revolutionary
Why is tomchei temimim until 21 and achai temimim until 19?
sounds like an excellent idea, and hopefully will be implemented well
It seems vocational training is more important than leisure.
Will be great if it does!!! A chassidishe Baal Bo’s or employed in avodas hakodesh is a great thing.
about time! Hatzlacha Raba
Rabbi Blau Thinks day and night about how to make the gashmius and ruchnius of the boys as good as can be.
This is an amazing forward thinking move.
Hatzlacha!
Agree with 1! This is the time for learning skills ,discovering talents. Teenagers everywhere need it.
Please ,this is just as important as learning kodeish. Streets are full of bochrim who don’t know what to do with thselves.
Finally a Yeshivah being run by a younger guy who actually understands bochurim, and is not living in the 1980’s.
A long overdue revolution.
The toxic environments that exist in many yeshivos has long wreaked havoc within our system. Many bochurim feel, trapped, claustrophobic and apathetic to yiddishkeit due to being in a yeshiva not meant for them. As a result an ‘Avir” – atmosphere of pathetic indifference spreads throughout the yeshiva. This isn’t healthy for anyone involved.
Its about time that full time yeshiva was a personal commitment that the bochur makes. Not just a ‘system’ to float through.
Amazing Chossid! A Menahel that cares about the INDIVIDUAL Bochur and is willing to put in extra thought, time and effort to help each Neshoma that comes through his doors. Memenu Yilmidu
Let every type of boy flourish in their element.
Rabbi blau puts his heart and soul and time into everything he does and finds a way to reach every bochur
Continued Hatzlacha!!
Good point to number 1. I’m sure leisure time will be productive and in the spirit of bchol drachecho
This is probably the best news this year yet.
Aleh vehatzlach. Rabbi Blau you should receive the Nobel price or its equivalent in the Jewish chinuch world (if that exists)
To above commenter about leisure time: I would like clarification as well. But probably means not as rigid. Not a 14 hour day 7:30-9:30
Chanoch lanar al pi darko style
Your novel idea sounds good but with regards to the AcheinTmimim program you only wrote half a description. What is the schedule? The leniency? The goal? Etc.
Between Rabbi Blau and Rabbi Tzukernik it will be absolutely awesome
Thank you Rabbi Blau for the sensitivity and understanding of today’s bochurim.
May you have much hatzlacha
Thank you so much for all your effort you put into this yeshiva. My son has changed and became a much better bochur after spending a year there.
finally someone got it!
He is caring , sensitive and so well rounded
All good sounding except…. the Achei Temimim program will have more “time for leisure” – let the bochurim learn a trade or whatever suits their needs…but not empty free time please!