Since 2018, Shua’s Kollel has offered something rare—young men post-high school receive a modest stipend to dedicate their mornings fully to Torah, building discipline, purpose, and personal growth. Each talmid receives a tailored learning plan—guided or independent—within a warm, nonjudgmental environment designed to nurture both personal growth and a deep connection to Torah.
This innovative model provides a supportive alternative to typical jobs, offering young men consistency and a meaningful daily routine from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, tailored to their interests and learning levels. Many participants have left unfulfilling jobs or inconsistent schedules to embrace this opportunity for full-time growth.
Beyond learning Nigla and Chassidus, Shua’s Kollel hosts weekly minyanim and daily classes in Likkutei Torah. Every Friday, guest speakers from business, real estate developers. additionally therapistd and relationship fields enrich the curriculum, providing practical tools for life and personal development. A standout feature is the dating preparation course, crafted around real questions from participants, which has helped many transition smoothly through dating and into marriage.
As well as the kind of people meant for. Shuas Kollel is specified for the adolescent who has struggled with learning and school in the past yet has an ember of inspiration to want to experience a second chance to learn again.
Located conveniently on Eastern Parkway, the kollel has become a cornerstone for young men navigating the transition from high school to adulthood in Crown Heights. It is not just a learning program but a community dedicated to cultivating personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and meaningful connections.
Honoring the Legacy of Shua Polanski
Named for our dear friend Shua Polanski—a loving friend, brother, husband, father, and true chossid—the kollel carries forward his legacy of ahavas Yisrael, integrity, and a profound love for Hashem and the Rebbe. Shua’s character and devotion continue to inspire the kollel’s mission and values.
A Brief History
Originally inspired by Rabbi Eli Engelson’s work with the Lamplighters Shlichus Center in La Paz, Mexico, Shua’s Kollel was founded to fill a unique need in Crown Heights. Recognizing that many alumni had no structured place to continue learning as they transitioned into adulthood, Rabbi Engelson created this model where young men could leave unfulfilling jobs to engage in full-time Torah study, supported by a modest stipend. Over the years, the kollel has grown to include tailored learning plans and supportive programming, fostering a nurturing environment for its talmidim.
Community and Growth
It has been our honor to support our talmidim not only with Torah study but through counseling, hosting farbrengens, and offering shidduch advice, creating a nurturing environment dedicated to their growth.
Join Us
As we look to the future, Shua’s Kollel is open to sponsorship opportunities. Your partnership will help empower today’s youth to strengthen their Yiddishkeit through Torah, preparing them for beautiful, meaningful futures.
Limited spots are available. Starting this Elul.
Email [email protected] to apply.
Visit Shuaskollel.com/donate or email [email protected] to become a partner.
Seven years later, Shua’s Kollel remains a unique and life-changing space where learning is personal, practical, and deeply transformative.
Beautiful
I was a part of Shuas Kollel it’s first year and being there rekindled my connection with Yiddishkeit that was dwindling after Yeshivah. This is an amazing program!
Changed my life, so grateful to Ell and Miriam
As one of the first guys part of this space i can confidently say it truly set me up for success in life.
From dating, marriage, fatherhood, etc.
This isn’t just a kollel like it truly is the next step in a bochurs evolution post yeshiva life.
They are amazing. I really developed a massive chip on my shoulder from negative experiences in Yeshiva. Shua’s Kollel really helped me reignite my connection with Hashem.
Shua’s Kollel was there for me during a very pivotal point in my life.
Post “system” the few months I was a part of the Kollel solidified my yiddishkeit and identity as a Chosid in an authentic and meaningful way. I am eternally grateful to Eli and the Kollel.
Post yeshivah/system is a vital and sensitive transition period that has been overlooked for a long time. Shua’s Kollel is that shining lighthouse for me and countless others.
Just want to take this opportunity to say Thank you!
– M.R.
As an alumnus I can confidently say that Shua’s Kollel made me fall in love with Torah and Chassidus all over again. Rabbi Engelson is fully devoted to each boy, showering them with care and love.
If you’re right out of Yeshiva, this should be your first stop.
And if you’re looking for a place to put your tzedaka, send it here, you’re literally helping young men find their own spark. Nothing greater than that!
Shua’s Kollel is a place for serious growth. At an age where I was transitioning to an adult. I had the privilege to be apart of this special place. Eli and Myriam really provide a home and a place of connection. They have the biggest hearts and are pillars of the community. My favorite part was the classes with Eli teaching us Torah Or. Its a place of light and godliness. I will continue to support and show my love to this amazing kollel. Its truly was a blessing to have a family in a place where I didnt have… Read more »
This organization has literally changed my life.
It helped me foster a love for Torah that wouldn’t exist without Rabbi Eli’s guidance and care.
Such an important organization
An amazing place with special people!! Bringing the water and sweetness of Torah to the masses
As a past participant, I can attest to the incredible learning environment created here at Shuas Kollel and to the integral role it plays for the young adult men of Crown Heights in learning Limudei Kodesh on a daily basis. Thank you Eli and Miriam your work does not go unnoticed!!
One of the most important places in my educational journey. I spent close to two years at the Kollel and loved the brotherhood and atmosphere. Rabbi Eli is unmatched in his understanding of what young men are yearning for and has such an eloquent way of teaching.
If you’re a young man post yeshiva and are feel you need more this is a great place to go.
I am proud and honored to be able to call myself an alumni of Shua’s Kollel.
Shuas kollel is a precious moisid that should be supported by parents and people who care about youth and the future generation.
Learning at Shua’s kollel, provided me with a torah work life balance. Having structure in the morning with minyin and learning torah, and then working in the afternoon helped me get my priorities straight and helped me grow tremendously while having such a great tight knit chevrah that became close to one another by virtue of learning torah each morning. A singles kollel is definitely something that is not typical, but definitely necessary. Having the stipend means that one can have a dignified balanced approach preparing oneself for a successful marriage.