By M. Lowinger
It’s Shovovim
time of year again, and tens of thousands of Yidden are gearing up to attend
Irgun Shiurai Torah’s annual lectures on the halachot and hashkofos of the
home. Those who are zocheh to attend these Shiurim recognize their unparalleled
Chashivus. Those who do not yet attend are asking themselves, “What’s in it for
me?”
Plenty, say
the askonim and Askaniyot who work tirelessly for months to ensure that the
program runs smoothly in over one hundred American cities plus thirty countries
throughout the world. Plenty, say the Rabbonim and community leaders who see a
remarkable difference in the Ruchniyut and well-being of their Kehillos.
Plenty, say the many men and women who have discovered the secret to a happy
and successful marriage filled with Kedushah and taharah.
Shovovim is an
acronym for the coming Parshiyot of Shemos, Va‑era, Bo, Beshalach, Yitro, and
Mishpatim. According to the Ari Z’’l, these six weeks represent a special time
for teshuva. That’s why Irgun Shiurai Torah designated these cold winter weeks
as the perfect opportunity to spiritually strengthen Klal Yisroel.
What’s the
secret to Shovovim’s success? The lectures teach us how to rejuvenate our
marriage and reconsider our lives. According to one Irgun spokesman, “People
are so busy with Parnossoh, with their daily routines, and with social
obligations, that they barely have time to consider their own and their
spouse’s needs.” Irgun Shiurai Torah invites us to take a step back and re-evaluate
our family life. Is there real Kedushah in our house? Does a simchas HaChayim
emanate from our home environment? Do we share a caring relationship with our
spouse? Shovovim allows us to bring a refreshing and spiritual perspective to
our marriage. Its effect is very powerful and lasts for many years.
If you think
you know it all already, you may want to reconsider. If you feel that Shovovim
is for beginners or newlyweds, you’re making a big mistake. Those who benefit
most from these Shiurim are people like you. Sure you’re heimish and ehrlich.
You daven properly and attend a learning Seder every day. You may even be the
ultimate Ba’al Chesed in your neighbourhood. But there’s a good chance that
over the years you may have forgotten or neglected to perform these vital Mitzvos
properly. Shovovim teaches you how.
Said one Ba’al
Habayis who wishes to remain anonymous, “I’m embarrassed to say that, after
twenty five years of marriage, I discovered that there are fundamental halachot
which I wasn’t even aware of. Here I am marrying off my own children, yet it
looks like it’s my turn to learn these basic halachot all over again.”
It takes
tremendous planning, organizing, and mesiras Nefesh to get the massive Shovovim
project off the ground. It also takes immeasurable Siyata diShmaya. Irgun
Shiurai Torah’s askonim are a determined lot. They’ve been manning the phones
for months already, ensuring that each lecture in every city runs smoothly.
Their greatest nachas is calling someone on the other side of the world, and
hearing him say,
“Hello Shovovim
I’ve been waiting for your call”
In Eretz
Yisroel alone, the success of Shovovim has been phenomenal. Last year, it was
the source of a spiritual revolution throughout the land. Just in terms of Achdus,
it was amazing: The program encompassed nearly all the communities of Eretz
Yisroel, including religious and non-religious, Charedi, Chassidish, Yeshivish,
Sefardish, Ashkenazi and everyone else in between. Ehrliche teachers and Rabbonim
travelled to distant kibbutzim and Moshavot in order to teach those who were
unfamiliar with the halachot. The Hatzlacha of the program exceeded all
expectations. Irgun askonim speak in awe of the great Siyata diShmaya that
allowed this special miracle to take place.
The Shovovim
project easily rivals any other international campaign in terms of scope and
effectiveness. Starter packages filled with information are mailed out from the
Irgun’s central office to communities across the United States and Canada.
Thousands upon thousands of phone calls are made and e-mails are sent, full of information
about programs and scheduled events reaching the remotest destinations all over
the world. The Irgun’s central office is a hub of relentless activity, busier
than the world’s biggest corporations. Most Irgun askonim will sheepishly admit
that they haven’t slept properly in weeks.
Askonim get to
hear the most remarkable stories. According to one askan, “A woman told us her
own amazing story. After being married and childless for many years she decided
to teach the halachot of taharas hamishpachah as a special Zechus. Hashem
blessed her shortly afterwards, and she was zocheh to start a family. But
that’s not all, after giving her class, two women approached her and told her
that they were worried. Perhaps keeping the halachot would make it more
difficult for them to have children. She told them that she is a living example
of the opposite being true ‘Just look at me!‘ she said with tremendous courage
and enthusiasm. ‘I promise you that if
you keep these halachot you will be zocheh to have a child just like me!’
Within a year, both women were blessed with the Zechus of having children!
The Ruach of Shovovim
affects people all over the world. A yungerman who had no children decided to
become an askan for Irgun Shiurai Torah. He worked days and nights arranging
and organizing the Shiurim. The next year he called the Irgun Shiurai Torah Shovovim
office with wonderful news. He had just become the father of multiples.
It’s not easy
organizing the Shovovim lectures. At times, it can be downright disheartening.
When one particular community was called about hosting lectures in their city,
the response was, “Sorry, our community is not interested.” The askan was
deeply disappointed. A short time later, the phone rang at the Irgun office. It
was another member of that very same community. “I saw your advertisements for Shovovim
lectures,” the enthusiastic person said. “Could you please organize them in my
area?”
Apparently,
there are still people out there who don’t recognize the significance of the Shovovim
project. They still think it’s just for the other guy. But Irgun askonim are
working to change all that. And they are asking the community to help. All
those who believe strongly in the efforts of Irgun Shiurai Torah are encouraged
to volunteer their time and their services to assist the Irgun’s askonim.
“We’re pleading with the olam to help us,” said one exhausted askan. “We may be
working nearly twenty four hours a day, but we will not rest until every Jewish
community in the world is included in the Shovovim project.”
What’s in it
for you? The special Zechus of being mezakeh the rabbim, of course, and the
immeasurable Sachar that will reward your efforts. By personally attending the Shiurim,
you have the ability to change your life. And by supporting this vital project,
you can change the lives of countless others. For more information contact
Irgun Shiurai Torah at ist.shovavim@gmail.com.
Good Shabbos
Rabbi Elozer
Bald
Rabbi Avrohom
Kugelman
Rabbi Simcha
Deutsch
Rabbi Gavriel Fromowitz
Menasche
Scharf
Irgun Shiurai
Torah
001718.851.8651
Fax 001718.686.7713
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