Deputy Minister of the Labor and Welfare Rabbi Avrohom Ravitz
recently visited the moshav Kfar Zeitim, located near
Tiveria. He was accompanied by his senior staff. They went to
see the unusual yeshiva that was established there several
years ago for students who need other activities in addition
to learning Torah.
Rabbi Ravitz was evidently impressed when he met the staff
and talmidim. He was able to see for himself the
professional approach that is taken so that each
talmid is guided along the path best suited for him
personally. The senior staff of the Ministry of Welfare were
also deeply impressed with the methods and success of the
institution and they promised to do whatever they could to
help out.
***
A lot can be done, a lot can be saved but it all depends on
us, on every single one of us. The problem is a familiar one
and occurs in many families today. Everyone has tried, in
their own way, to cope with the problem, but often without
special success. Many have thought the problem is the school,
the cheder, the yeshiva, the teacher, the rebbe
— everybody except our dear son. He is just a regular
child.
The fact that he is mischievous or that he is not capable of
concentrating on the gemora even for a few minutes, is
a small problem that will resolve itself with time — if
not today, then tomorrow, and if not tomorrow then the maybe
next year. Of this we are certain.
The years fly by rapidly. The child goes from school to
school, trying but not finding his place. He survives yet
another day at school, another day in yeshiva, but he is lost
among the seforim that surround him. Even in the
single sefer in front of him, he finds himself
lost.
This is one frustrated young boy. The lack of activity and
achievement, the lack of interest, has caused him to loose
every last bit of patience. For these children and teenagers
— who in any case have an overabundance of creativity
— every other day of idleness and inactivity is
terrifyingly destructive. The alternatives are
unfortunate.
These children are commonly diagnosed as having Attention
Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), or are just generally
known as "hyperactive." These are general very intelligent
boys and very capable. They are simply not capable of sitting
and concentrating on their learning, especially hour upon
hour, day after day. Sometimes even sitting in class for a
short period of time can unbalance their serenity. Giving
them something creative to do, something challenging to fill
their time and minds, is the only thing that can keep them
from becoming frustrated.
They are capable of learning, they are capable of studying
— something that does not require constant
concentration from morning to night. Forcing them to learn in
school or yeshiva only causes their deterioration and
quickens their fall, with consequences that no parent
wants.
The lack of professional care necessary to cope with these
problems in the correct way, causes tragic outcomes. Many
good boys from good backgrounds have found themselves at a
dead end. Parents are left hopeless, having given them all
possible attention, and more love and affection than any of
their other children — to no avail. The child can be
most successful, and is able to reach untold achievements
— only in a different way from everyone else.
In Kfar Zeitim, a moshav founded some fifty years ago
in the lower Galilee, on an open plateau overlooking Mount
Arbel with a breathtaking view, high above the Kinneret in a
calm and relaxing atmosphere, far away from the hustle and
bustle of city life, there is a growing group of boys who
have been given a chance to progress at their own pace. Here
they thrive and blossom.
These boys found a unique educational concept which enables
them to grow and develop their abilities in natural
surroundings. Here they are offered a choice of various
vocational fields such as construction, agriculture,
carpentry and more, combined with joyous Torah learning.
It may sound easy but it is far from that. A special program
has to be created for each boy. Every one has his own
character and his own needs. This of course makes it
difficult and expensive for those who are behind this unique
project.
Rabbi Dov Frank, an educator who was formerly the principal
of a talmud Torah in Bnei Brak for 25 years, accepted
the challenge and came to Kfar Zeitim. With the blessings and
encouragement of HaRav Shteinman and with the blessings and
guidance of HaRav Silman of Bnei Brak and HaRav Avraham Dov
Auerbach of Tiveria, he joined Yehuda Hertzlich, a resident
of Kfar Zeitim who has extensive experience working with
youngsters. Professional counselling is Michel Alon's part.
He is an educational psychologist whose expertise is youth
guidance who gives personal care and attention to the
students, in addition to meeting with the staff periodically
to discuss various issues that come up and to give guidelines
for coping with changing situations. The rosh yeshiva HaRav
Aryeh Rubinfeld is directly responsible for the students'
Torah studies and ruchniyus. Together the dedicated
staff have established an educational program designed to
reach the neshomoh of each boy, with dedication and
love.
The results of these combined efforts are outstanding: About
thirty-five boys from all backgrounds — Litvish,
Chassidic, Ashkenazi and Sephardi — find their place
here, sharing the challenge of combining Torah with creative
activity.
The day starts with Shacharis, after which the boys
spend some time tidying up their rooms. These are pleasant
and well-kept wood cabins surrounded by gardens and lawns.
The boys themselves maintain the grounds.
Then they eat breakfast, prepared by the "chefs" — a
few of the boys who love to prepare and cook food.
The morning hours are dedicated to Torah learning in groups.
The rosh yeshiva Rabbi Rubinfeld approaches his students with
exemplary patience, giving friendly personalized attention to
each one. The daily shiur is given by the Educational
Director, Rabbi Dov Frank. The boys' obvious interest and
enjoyment show on their faces.
In the afternoon, the boys work on their various vocational
projects, accompanied by step-by-step professional guidance.
The joy of creativity and satisfaction of meaningful labor,
in addition to congenial company, give them a feeling of real
contentment. Some tend to the animals, feeding the sheep and
goats, riding the horses, and collecting the fresh eggs from
the hen-house. This develops their sense of
responsibility.
Once a week, the group goes on a field trip to various places
in the Galilee and the Golan Heights.
The rosh yeshiva Rabbi Aryeh Rubinfeld will be in London
during the week of 29/1/06 — 3/2/06.
