Boys Learning Program in Jamaica Estates Is Growing - Be a Part of the Action Every Tuesday Night!

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This past Tuesday, the Bukharian Jewish Congregation of Jamaica Estates held one of its exciting and highly anticipated weekly programs, under the guidance of Rabbi Yitzchak Aminov. One of the topics discussed is the important idea and tradition of ‘Shovavim’. The Hebrew term ‘Shovavim (wayward ones)’, refers to a six-week period in the beginning of the winter, and is also an acronym of the six weekly Torah portions Shemot, Vaera, Bo, Beshelah, Itroh, and Mishpatim. This term also alludes to the Pasuk in Yirmiya (3:14), “Shuvu Banim Shovavim” - “Return, O wayward children...”

The great sage and holy Arizal taught that these 6 weeks are especially auspicious for doing Teshuvah (repentance), since the content of the weekly parshiyot highlight the power of reversal. The content of the six weekly Parshiyot of Shovavim deal with the crushing slavery of the Jewish people in Mitzrayim and their eventual redemption, culminating in the giving of the Torah on Har Sinai.

Last week’s class opened a discussion amongst our boys of the struggle for moral purity which often follows a theme mirroring the above mentioned Torah portions; enslavement and redemption. We discussed the Jewish idea of a divine soul in an animal body, and went into depth about the consequence of this union which often causes destructive desires. We also focused on the idea that through the power of true Teshuvah, one can succeed to break free from the bondage of these negative behaviors and draw closer to G-d.

Our Tuesday night shiurim are open to teenage boys from all backgrounds, religious levels, and communities. We like to focus on basic Halachot, Mussar, Agaddah, and host Q&A sessions. Upon arrival, all newcomers even receive their very own “Supreme” Tzitzit!! 

The Shiur takes place every Tuesday evening at 8:00pm, with hot dinner served. Hope to see you all there!

By Rabbi Yitzchak Aminov