Rabbi Akiva Houghtling, director of the largest outreach and achdus building organization in Eretz Yisrael that you’ve probably never heard about is coming to Cleveland to raise awareness and support.
Few people have heard of a law in Israel that requires over 25,000 non-religious Jewish couples to learn Torah with frum people EVERY year. Although in the past these forced meetings have been more a recipe for disaster rather than an opportunity for success, Lahav is turning this around! But let’s start at the beginning…
In order for a Jewish couple to get married in Israel, they are obligated to first take a class in Taharat Mishpacha. Essentially, this law brings thousands of non-religious couples in direct contact with frum people to learn about a beautiful mitzvah in particular and how to build a Jewish Home in general. Unfortunately, in the past (and even today in most cities) these classes were run by each city’s Religious Council, which due to berucracy, budgetary restrictions and under-trained teachers turned these classes in a loathed part of the marriage process. Instead of bringing Jews closer to their heritage, these classes were turning them off.
In came Lahav to turn this all around! Lahav makes agreements with local Religious Councils, whereby ALL THE COUPLES getting married in their city are sent to Lahav to receive personal, one on one classes instead of the impersonal group classes that are given at the Religious Councils. In our beautiful centers they are able to learn in an intimate, private, and respectful setting. Besides the halachic content, strong emphasis is given to the hashkafa behind the Mitzvah, showing its wisdom and beauty. The syllabus also includes tools and tips on how to create a lasting relationship built on a foundation of Jewish values. Read more about Lahav and results to date HERE
Rabbi Houghtling will be in town this whole week till the 15th and can be reached via his cell phone at 917-613-2288 or via email at Akiva@nisuin.org.il.
English website – www.lahavisrael.org
English page of Hebrew website – http://nisuin.org.il/LHV06_english.html
Lahav Overview and Results Summary
Yonoson Rosenblum Article: Marriage Lessons As a Bridge for Crossing the Cultural Divide
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