OORAH DOES...

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That is because Oorah understands that kiruv is a lifetime proposition. It has seen in more than 30 years of kiruv work that there is so much more to the process than providing a Torah education to a child.

“A study was done of day school students who come from non-religious homes,” said an Oorah spokesman. “It showed clearly that the only children who remain frum in later years are those with whom someone is working one-on-one.”

The dramatic part of kiruv is the part that relates to the initial transformation, which can in itself be a long tale of persistence and patience. Children might attend yeshiva or day school for many years without taking on Shabbos observance or kashrus. If their homes do not support those observances, it can be nearly impossible for all but the most adamant children to do it on their own. Much of what Oorah does is to supply the tools for growth during this period. It makes sure children have a way to celebrate Yomim Tovim properly, that they have the opportunity to experience a real Shabbos periodically, and that they have the knowledge, even if they cannot yet use it fully, to live a Jewish life.

Oorah also tries to inspire the parents to grow with their children, knowing that this is the best possible way of solidifying the child’s own commitment. If parents are willing to learn, Oorah will teach them. If they are willing to experience a Shabbos, Oorah will invite them to its Shabbat With Oorah weekend. If they are willing to kasher their kitchens, Oorah will get it done. If they agree to have a sukkah in their back yard, Oorah builds it. Every Sukkos, Chanukah, Purim and Pesach, Oorah sends them a package that enables them to participate in the Yom Tov’s mitzvos.

In short, Oorah does whatever can be done to ensure that the child emerge from his childhood years as a committed, Torah-observant Jew. But then, there’s the rest of the child’s life. He is frum, but he is still a newcomer to a world far different than the one into which he was born and raised. This is difficult enough for those who go through the yeshiva system, yet come from non-religious homes. For those who become religious in high school or college or even later, the issue looms larger.

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