It is easy to speak about alternatives in theory, but far more important to live by action rather than words alone. In a modest way, the approach of Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, zt”l, serves as a model. As mentioned in Part Three, what he accomplished in providing alternatives was truly remarkable.

The Chofetz Chaim lived in an era of immense spiritual need. He founded the renowned yeshiva in Radin, Poland, yet he understood that the traditional system could not reach every segment of Klal Yisroel. Rather than attempting to overhaul the entire structure which was beyond his immediate power, he created a parallel path: he wrote seforim.

Through works such as the Mishnah Berurah and Chofetz Chaim, he reached diverse audiences, simple yidden, talmidei chochomim, women, and those far from the walls of the yeshiva in ways that the institutional framework alone could not accomplish. His writings became bridges, bringing practical Torah guidance to the masses.

Inspired by this legacy, I have tried to follow his wisdom.

Addressing the Crisis in Jewish Education

As mentioned frequently, I have witnessed firsthand the growing crisis in Jewish education over the last 40 years, encountering thousands of students and kollel yungeleit who have been learning for years but yet come seeking to strengthen the foundational skills they missed when they were younger.

Time and again, the same weaknesses appear: shaky Hebrew reading, limited grammar skills, gaps in basic concepts, and deficiencies in core Jewish knowledge. These challenges are not limited to one group; they also appear amongst baalei batim, roshei hayeshiva/kollel, and even maggidei shiur.

To help address this problem, I authored a book titled I Can Learn (published by Feldheim Publishers). The book was the culmination of over 35 years in the field and it was designed as a corrective tool and support system to strengthen the educational foundations that many students lack. Boruch Hashem, the book has been warmly received and has helped many individuals rebuild their confidence in learning. It serves as an alternative resource that every Jewish family should consider having. For parents whose child or teenager is struggling in the educational system, it can be an eye-opener, offering practical techniques to help a child become an independent and enthusiastic learner.

A “Yeshiva Without Walls”

In response to the growing educational challenges of our time, I also founded one of the earliest online “yeshivas without walls.” This is not simply a traditional yeshiva that happens to offer an online service, but rather a flexible approach to Torah learning something closer to what people today might call a “yeshiva online,” though the concept goes far deeper.

History shows that when crises arise in Jewish education, great leaders respond by creating solutions. The Chofetz Chaim, for example, recognised the spiritual dangers facing his generation and established yeshivos that placed a strong emphasis on areas that were being neglected, such as mussar and the strengthening of yiras Shamayim.

As mentioned above, in our time however, a different kind of crisis has emerged—one that is far less discussed but deeply damaging. The greatest weakness today is the absence of solid foundation skills in learning. It is truly painful to witness how many sincere students struggle simply because these foundations were never properly built.

Addressing this gap has become one of the central missions of my work.

I offer one-to-one personalised sessions tailored to each student’s needs. Depending on demand, this can expand to include group classes as well.

Much like the Chofetz Chaim, who could not completely reform the educational system of his time but instead provided alternatives through his writings and initiatives, I have sought to create a parallel framework that can reach people wherever they are.

This “yeshiva without walls” is open to everyone of every age, gender, level of commitment, and background.

This is a true alternative.

Preserving the Legacy of My Rebbe

Following the petirah of my revered Rebbe, HaRav HaGaon Rabbi Mattisyahu Salomon, zt”l in 2024, a profound sense of responsibility emerged to ensure that his teachings would continue guiding future generations particularly his practical wisdom on becoming an effective mashgiach and mechanech.

His lessons were never abstract. They were structured, practical, and life-changing, offering educators a clear path to influence their talmidim in a deep and lasting way.

Drawing upon more than four decades under the guidance of my Rebbe, during which he continually challenged and inspired me to develop my own abilities in the field of Jewish education, I felt compelled to preserve these teachings. His guidance shaped my efforts to strengthen and upgrade foundational learning and Torah education for students and educators in communities worldwide.

Out of this responsibility, I compiled this work specifically for mechanchim and yeshivos resulting in A Talmid’s Journey (published by Targum Press), a volume that is unique among works about gedolim. Through integrated technology, readers can scan a barcode and hear the voice of the Rebbe himself, allowing his words to continue inspiring listeners as if he were still addressing them today. The first edition sold out within its first week, a testament to the enduring power of his legacy.

Creating Practical Alternatives Through Books

My journey in writing began in the field of kiruv rechokim, bringing Jews closer to their heritage.

My first book, Bridging the Gap, was written to provide practical and accessible ways to connect not yet affiliated children to Torah life. The book is available for free download through the Torah Mesorah website.

This was followed by First Steps to Kiruv (published by Targum Press and Feldheim Publishers). The book emerged from a recognition of a critical need in our generation: a concise and practical guide that could empower ordinary people to reach out to fellow Jews.

The goal was simple to give anyone the confidence and tools to plant seeds of Torah connection, even during brief encounters, through genuine warmth and simple ideas.

Today I am preparing an updated edition of First Steps to Kiruv, nearly twenty years later. The landscape has changed dramatically. Social media, cultural shifts, assimilation pressures, and new challenges require new strategies and updated methods.

The Guiding Principle: Pathways, Not Just Boundaries

A single theme runs through all of these efforts: when a generation faces new realities, Torah leadership must offer more than warnings and boundaries. It must provide pathways and constructive solutions.

This model comes directly from our gedolim, and it is our responsibility to continue it. Warnings alone are not enough we must build alternatives.

Another work that grew from this vision is Torah Wisdom (published by Targum Press). I was inspired by the shiurim of Rabbi Mendel Kessin, who demonstrated that Torah is not confined to the walls of the beis medrash. Torah illuminates current events and helps us understand the world in which we live.

Torah learning is not merely abstract Gemara analysis; it provides the tools to understand history and contemporary events. When people see how Torah explains reality, it becomes alive relevant, guiding, and vibrant.

I was also influenced by the teachings of Rabbi Avigdor Miller, zt”l, who encouraged people to respectfully share Torah perspectives with government leaders when important moral issues arise.

Following this advice, over a period of about a year and a half I wrote several letters to Donald Trump, presenting a Torah perspective on the Middle East and the situation in Israel. My first letter and his reply are published in Torah Wisdom. Since then, I have received seven responses from him, including a personal note thanking me for sending him a copy of my book.

This, too, represents another form of alternative. While I cannot reshape global policy single-handedly, I can voice Torah values and contribute moral clarity.

The exchange generated considerable attention online. Non-Jewish readers from across America reached out to me. One non-Jewish woman was deeply moved by earlier articles I had written, which inspired the creation of another book titled A Light to the Nations.

She wrote a beautiful recommendation for the book, and it also includes a foreword from Rod Bryant, a former pastor, U.S. Army chaplain, Bnei Noach educator, and founder of NETIV.

Once again, the pattern became clear. When we cannot transform reality overnight, we build alternatives. We teach. We write. We illuminate. We provide pathways.

Through these efforts, influence spreads gradually but powerfully.

To be continued…

For more information or to contact Rabbi Abenson for evaluations, training, speaking engagements, or seforim sponsorships, please reach out today. Tel/WhatsApp: 848-367-1740 Email: [email protected]