Post-Israel inspiration: DRS minyan

After the much anticipated year in yeshiva or midrasha has come and gone, the students return to earth from a spiritual high in the rarified environment of Torah learning in Israel. Back in the U.S., many struggle to establish a college experience that continues their Torah high.

To facilitate and maintain a yeshiva connection in the students, Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky, menahel (principal) of the Davis Renov Stahler (DRS) High School for Boys in Woodmere, has initiated a periodic Shabbat minyan (the next one is this Shabbat, Dec. 7). All single post-high school young men and women are invited.

About 50 young men and 30 young women, mostly alumni from DRS and Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls (SKA), attended the first minyan on Oct. 26 in the DRS Bait Midrash, 700 Ibsen St., Woodmere. Rabbi Kaminestsky’s wife Elisheva Kaminetsky is a teacher and administrator at SKA.

He said that “a lot more than I expected” came but he anticipates “a lot more” will come in the future.

“Young men and women come back from learning in Israel where they are exposed to yeshiva davening and get very inspired, spending time in Israel with like-minded students. When they come back they don’t have anywhere to daven with a common bond,” he said.

“Most shuls are geared to adults,” he said. “It’s different, they get lost and have no opportunity to lead the tefillah, to lain (read from the Torah). [In this minyan] there are more opportunities for the kids to get involved in leading the tefillah, laining, as gabbai [sexton].”

He emphasized that the minyan is “for students, not adults,” and he wants the “kids to take over and lead it.” Its intent is “not to take away from regular minyanim,” he said.

He said that through this minyan, rabbis and teachers in the community can maintain contact with and mentor their high school students once they are in college. He said that his wife continues to “meet with and advise” SKA alumni on “how to stay inspired in the U.S.” and answers “dating questions.”

Additionally, the kiddush and shiur that follow the minyan provide a “low pressure and wholesome positive atmosphere for young men and young women to meet. People know people — they can meet at the kiddush and the shiur. The Orthodox community does not have enough venues for young people to meet each other and this venue could be helpful in the area of shidduchim.”

“Some of the people who are not interested in dating [said] that maybe it was an atmosphere they are not used to but understand that it’s good for the community. And those not dating yet are willing to go along with it anyway. The positives of davening outweigh any awkwardness they feel and will get used to it.”

He hopes to begin “running chesed events together” with DRS and SKA alumni.

The minyan is “not going to be every week,” he stressed. “I don’t have the time or the energy. I’m not a shul rabbi and don’t want to be. I just want to create a nice minyan for teenagers” to recharge, rejuvenate and retain their connection to the davening in Israel.

“This time period between Israel and marriage lacks direction. It’s volatile. In college you are on your own. For some kids it’s great [but] some kids get lost. I’m hoping to give direction and strength to this age group.”

The beit midrash at DRS, accessible through the main entrance and to the right, can seat 350 people comfortably and has a mechitza. “It’s a wonderful thing and important for the neighborhood,” Rabbi Kaminetsky said.

Nusach Ashkenaz davening is conducted from 8:30 to 10:30 am, followed by kiddush, and shiur on the parsha by Rabbi Kaminetsky.

For information or to sponsor the minyan or kiddush: clevy@drshalb.org or call 516 295-7700 x0.