Gedolei haTorah and roshei yeshiva joined course
participants in a melave malka siyum held two weeks
ago marking the completion of a training course for
counselors to deal with the generation gap problem and the
problem of dropout youth.
The unique, first-of-its-kind course was conducted by the
Chazon organization. Scores of avreichim selected out
of hundreds of candidates participated in the two-month
course, undergoing intensive training.
HaRav Yisroel Gans, president of Chazon, presented the
blessings of the Mashgiach HaRav Shlomo Wolbe. He then
dwelled upon the great zechus and that awesome
responsibility that rests on the shoulders of the
avreichim chosen for this sacred task.
In his address, HaRav Yitzchok Ezrachi noted, "Now that
these avreichim have been so thoroughly trained, it
is their responsibility to go out and work in this area:
helping, locating, assisting and guiding bnei
yeshiva." HaRav Aryeh Shechter spoke about the
importance of parental participation in guidance of the
younger generation. HaRav Noach Weinberg said, "It is clear
that drawing the near closer (kiruv kerovim) is more
important than drawing the distant closer (kiruv
rechokim), even if the only reason is the chilul
Hashem caused by the dropout phenomenon."
HaRav Noach Orloweck noted that Chazon's activity is
crucial. Director of Lev Shomea, Rabbi Chaim Tarnovksy, said
that too few people are working in this vital area of
dropout prevention. "Lev Shomea will help all it possibly
can to help Chazon succeed. The two organizations complement
each other," he added.
HaRav Tuvia Ehrenreich, Chazon menahel ruchani, said:
"The chazon of Chazon is that there be no work for
these avreichim; in reality, however, intensive work
is currently needed in this area."
The rabbonim thanked and blessed the program coordinators,
especially Rav Eliezer Auerbach, Rav Dovid Posen, Rav Doniel
Spetner, and Rav Moshe Speiser, all of whom made great
efforts to ensure the success of the course. Rabbi Uri
Maklev, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem from UTJ, was also present
at the event.
The melave malka marked the completion of an
intensive two-month course in which select avreichim
were trained by experts in the field of chinuch. The
aim: to equip them with educational psychology tools and an
understanding of some of the finer aspects of our children's
essence. The avreichim will be placed in various
communities to serve as "brothers" and leaders for youth in
need of help, offering spiritual support and an attentive
ear. Chazon activists will be stationed in every city and
will maintain ongoing contact with the communities and
families of their areas.
The avreichim will deliver weekly talks on issues of
chinuch, and will respond to parents' questions. In
addition, they will organize activities for area children,
helping the younger generation cope with the various
challenges and trials facing them today.
The avreichim were selected with utmost care from
hundreds of candidates. Selection criteria included
experience, mesirus nefesh to the community, and an
ability to communicate well. Out of the avreichim
chosen to participate in the course, only fifty passed the
various tests and were accepted as educational advisors.
The course training included the following topics: "Chinuch,
an Imperative;" "Ways of Chinuch;" "Problematic Factors;"
"The Power of Speech and Ways of Influence;" "The Art of
Speaking and Debating;" "The Art of Listening;" "The Work
Contract Between Student and Guide;" "How to Deal with
Educational Problems;" "A Common Denominator in the Dropout
Problem;" "How to Instill Self-Confidence in our Children;"
"The Strict Person Doesn't Teach, He Educates; "Practical
Tips To Answer Youth's Questions;" and "Respect and Love For
One's Fellow." Role playing, in which the participants
presented problems, conflicts and ways of coping, was also
part of the curriculum.
Chazon is planning to set up a central office with a
professionally-manned telephone hot line. It will also serve
as a center for lectures, meeting and discussions, as well
as an address where students, parents and teachers can
receive immediate answers to questions on matters of
chinuch.
Chazon is also planning bein hazmanim camps for
bnei yeshiva to serve as inspiration to accompany
bochurim into each new zman. Evening events
and chizuk rallies for bnei yeshiva with
outstanding lecturers have enhanced their knowledge in
hashkofoh, emunoh and current issues in the past.
Chazon was founded with the encouragement and guidance of
gedolei Yisroel. Its purpose is to provide bnei
yeshiva with in-depth understanding of Jewish topics and
to help them internalize Yiddishkeit's basic values.
HaRav Shmuel Auerbach signed an enthusiastic letter in which
he encouraged Chazon activities. "Through Chazon's sacred
activities, it will be possible to not only significantly
decrease the number of dropouts, but also to strengthen
those who are already strong in their emunah. For,
`one urges only the zerizim.'. In addition, those who
are strong in their emunah will also be able to lend
their hand to this sacred endeavor which will, be'ezras
Hashem, make its mark throughout the country."
