EMET Outreach: Inspiring Students Through the Beauty of Torah

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Just a few miles from Queens’ bustling frum communities, thousands of Jewish boys and girls grow up with little connection to their heritage or identity. EMET Outreach’s warm, dynamic staff is on a mission to rescue these students from the brink of assimilation and show them the beauty of Torah.

In addition to being unaffiliated, growing up as a post-millenial Bukharian Jew in America is fraught with challenges their parents never faced. As Rabbi Nissim Musheyev, Director of EMET’s Higher Level Boys’ Division, explains, “Assimilation is at an all time high. Many Bukharian students are second-generation Americans, and things that were not accepted years ago are accepted now. When their parents came here from Russia, they never considered assimilating at this level. They had a Jewish identity and core values. With this generation, nothing’s holding them back.”

EMET has multiple programs to help college-age kids, young professionals, and couples discover their heritage, become Torah observant, and live meaningful lives. They provide knowledge, inspiration, and access to talmidei chachamim and mentors who help them grow and discover what it means to be a Jew.

Extensive Campus Programming

Each week on 5 local campuses, students enjoy inspiring classes, delicious food, socializing with friends, and an intellectual and emotionally inspiring taste of Torah. In addition to lectures and classes, EMET’s warm staff members develop meaningful relationships that often last throughout college, after graduation, and even into married life.

Rabbi Fuzaylov, Coordinator of EMET’s flagship Fellowship Program in Forest Hills, says that staff members’ number one focus is forging a connection, right from the start. “Before students join, we interview them to see if they’re a good fit. There is an added benefit—it enables us to build a personal relationship and start developing a bond immediately. That way when the program begins, students already feel comfortable with the staff, which is a
big advantage.”

Virtually every aspect of EMET’s programming is fully interactive. Rabbi Kraft explains that lectures and lessons are presented in an engaging style, to encourage questions and stir thought and analysis. “To inspire, learning cannot be passive; it needs to be active. That makes them want to connect, and brings out their desire.” He added, “It’s more than imparting information, it’s about engaging students and getting them involved and responsive.”

Rabbi Musheyev says they work hard to create a warm, comfortable, and friendly atmosphere, where students feel like they’re part of a family. “The EMET Fellowship provides a Jewish educational experience in a non-threatening, non-judgmental, loving and caring environment. Students get to be themselves.“ He added, “Nobody is forced to be there. They’re coming voluntarily, giving up their personal time to learn and grow.”

Since students have minimal Jewish education or background, this is their first taste of religion, and staff members strategize to make it an extremely positive experience that inspires students to think and develop.

“We’re not trying to prove things at this point,” explains Rabbi Kraft. “The purpose of my class is to expand students’ minds, get them to think, and make them realize the Torah is more than they think it is.”

EMET’s rabbis, teachers, and mentors strive to demystify Torah observance, and teach students, step by step, how to live a fulfilling Torah life. They impart that Judaism is unique in that it’s not merely about Olam Habah, the World to Come. Living a life governed by Torah and mitzvos is inherently rewarding and leads to a happier life in this world too.

EMET’s leaders believe it’s very important for individual learning to be text-based. “Using a text shows students they’re not just learning the teacher’s personal opinions or ideas,” explains Rabbi Kraft. “We’re teaching something based on tradition, handed down through the generations over 3,000 years.”

At the end of each year, graduates enjoy a 10-day trip to Israel or Eastern Europe, offering an unparalleled opportunity for growth. It gives students a first-hand vivid taste of their Jewish heritage, which brings to life what they’ve spent months studying. It gives them a chance to bond with peers, as they go through a life-changing journey of discovery as a group. And the trip allows rabbis and teachers to spend a great deal of personal one-on-one time with students—answering questions, engaging in personal discussions, and bringing their connection to a stronger level. Many students are inspired to deepen their commitment to Judaism and Torah observance.

Only the beginning

Rabbi Musheyev says that as valuable as learning is, staff members strive to foster a long-term commitment with students. “This is a springboard for them, opening the door to a Jewish lifestyle and mitzvah observance.”

Gradually, teachers encourage students to move forward and continue to grow. They often move on to EMET’s higher-level programming, and become inspired to strengthen their observance and begin keeping Shabbos. Students are also encouraged to spend time learning in yeshiva, where they can create a foundation for a Torah-centric lifestyle and eventually raising a frum family.

EMET Outreach is a beacon of light in the college “wilderness”, where students on the brink of total assimilation can build a connection to a 3,000-year heritage. Over its 14-year history, EMET Outreach has impacted over 6,000 students. As students discover the beauty of Torah, and spend time enjoying Shabbos with frum families, they strengthen their commitment to Torah observance.

EMET’s approach to kiruv is based on building long-lasting relationships with students and guiding them through each stage of life. Its fellowship program is where seeds are planted, and the entire curriculum and atmosphere are specially engineered to give students the foundation they need to ultimately live a robust Torah observant life.

EMET Fellowship 2018-2019 is generously dedicated in memory of Libby Schwartz, a”h. Throughout her life, Libby was extremely dedicated to learning. Sponsoring a program that ensures Jewish continuity through learning is the perfect tribute to her legacy.

For more information about EMET’s Fellowship or its many other programs, visit EmetOutreach.org.