Please tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Providence, RI enveloped by a warm, caring, Torah community. I spent much of my formative years here in Baltimore at Ner Yisroel. With the encouragement of Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky shlit”a, I ran a summer program, Kesher Scouting, for twelve years. I always dreamt of running a mesivta that was truly wholesome and focussed on building skills. Around nine years ago I took over Toras Chaim together with our Rosh Mesivta, Rabbi Ayson Englander, to make that dream a reality.
Tell us about YTC
Toras Chaim is a local Mesivta with over thirty, mostly local, bachurim. Driven by our mantra “Simcha Through Success, Success Through Simcha” Toras Chaim is known for its skill-building and level-based system, simcha, warmth, and whole-talmid focus. We provide shiurim that are level-appropriate for each talmid, and every Rebbi goes above and beyond to ensure the success of each talmid. There are also some great extracurricular activities for the bachurim such as construction, music production, video production, archery, and more. An extensive motivational rewards program complements and augments all the wonderful growth at YTC.
This will be your third Annual Row-a-Thon. What exactly is a Row-a-Thon?
It’s a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors while supporting Torah learning in Baltimore! Participants become part of our important mission by donating or raising funds for this campaign. Then, the fun part is coming together, bringing your family, and enjoying a 2-hour kayaking excursion down the scenic Gunpowder River.
Participants have the choice of rowing in single or two-person kayaks. A delicious barbecue awaits them to cap off the day.
How can I participate in this fun-filled, exciting event?
It’s easy! You can sign up online at www.row4ytc.com. Build your team, or row as an individual, set your donation goal, and start soliciting sponsors. On the day of the event, Sunday, June 26th, meet us at the Mariner Point Park in Joppa, MD. Bring your family, bring a friend, and bring a smile for a fun-filled day!
Are there activities for other family members to engage in during the row-a-thon? Mariner Point Park is a beautiful park with hiking trails, great spots for fishing and ample grassy fields for sports play. There will also be a barbecue and some boating available for the families. LIke in years past, it is sure to be an exciting and enjoyable day for the entire family.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? I would urge your readers to visit and see the amazing learning and growth that is taking place in our yeshiva. If they come during sefira, they will encounter some powerful programs building serious hasmoda in preparation for Kabolas ha’Torah as well as building middos tovos as part of our avoda during sefira. Stop by late Thursday night or Motzei Shabbos and listen to the beautiful Kol Torah!
