FrumWire

 Rabbi Mordecai Scharf in Efrat, Israel runs a special program called Project Nefesh for "at risk" teens and young adults.  He and his wife Shoshana, have been taking in these special people for 35 years and giving them an alternative home when parents and/or educational institutions have been unsuccessful in keeping them on a successful life path.  These individuals often struggle with social and/or emotional issues-sometimes, but not always, caused by abuse or existing professionally diagnosed conditions.  Project Nefesh works with American psychiatrists and psychologists in conjunction with an American-Israeli social worker to provide the best care outside of their parental know-how.

The program is unique as each person is brought in like a foster child and they instantly become part of the family.  Daily and Shabbat meals often include extended family and teens/young adults are always encouraged to take part in family outings and simchas.

Project Nefesh treats each "case" with sensitivity, respect and personalized attention as each individual is different and their needs vary.  At no time is the teen/young adult forced to do anything he/she is uncomfortable with as far as employment, religion or otherwise, but is encouraged and supported to try and take steps in the right direction, at their own pace, to make an improvement from his/her beginning status.

Currently, the Scharfs are looking for two new candidates between the ages 15-24 as two young adults who have recently "graduated' out of the program will be returning to their families to begin life anew.  They maintain a maximum of six teens/young adults (primarily boys) split between two homes. Some stay for short periods of time, but some have stayed for up to 4 years.  There is also a separate home for girls run by Project's coordinator which can accommodate presently up to two girls also of the ages 15-24 years.  We are looking to fill these places also as it is a new addition to the program.

This is not a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program, so we do not take in individuals with related conditions.

Please contact Daniela Syer  [email protected] for more information on how to get your teen/young adult started.

*Please note that it is preferable that the candidate want to live in Israel.  We can also provide assistance to those interested in making Aliyah.

Our sages have taught us that one who grieves over the destruction of Jerusalem will merit to see its rebuilding. Join Rabbi Chaim Brovender, Rosh Yeshiva of WebYeshiva, and Rabbi Yitzchak Blau on Tisha B'Av, Thursday, July 30th, for two sessions of live, fully interactive Kinot and Tisha B'Av shiurim in memory of former WebYeshiva faculty member and beloved teacher, Rabbi Jay Miller.
(Please register by clicking here).

First Session

9:15-11:30 AM Israel time
Explanatory Kinot Service with Rabbi Brovender
Rabbi Brovender will explain the themes of the various Kinot, with a close examination of the text and ideas. What was the historical background of the Kinot? Who are the authors of the Kinot? What themes in the Kinot resonate in modern times?

12:00-1:00 PM Israel time
Aggadot HaChurban with Rabbi Blau
Rabbi Blau will take a deeper look at the Aggadot HaChurban (stories dealing with the destruction of the Temple) including Bar Kamza, R. Zecharya and the Biryonim.


Chatzot in Jerusalem is at approximately 12:45 PM


Second Session

5:30-7:00 PM Israel time
Second Explanatory Kinot Service with Rabbi Brovender
Rabbi Brovender will explain the themes of the various Kinot, with a close examination of the text and ideas. What was the historical background of the Kinot? Who are the authors of the Kinot? What themes in the Kinot resonate in modern times?

All texts and materials will be provided online by WebYeshiva.

Both sessions are free and are open to WebYeshiva students and to the public.