A pre-dinner event will be held in Lakewood this evening to honor Mr. & Mrs. Simcha Shain, the parents of the year honorees at the upcoming Waterbury Yeshivah dinner.

The following is a letter from Simcha Shain:

What do you value more than anything in the world?

While Torah and Mitzvos is the universal foundation for Jewish life, picking a secondary category that one values most is not easy. Some answer that it is money; others value an honest relationship, and still others yearn for relaxation from the daily grind of life above all. But the answer that rings truest for me, I’m sure you’ll agree, is nachas from our children.

Bringing up children in our day and age can be so challenges. Despite our best efforts, so much of what shapes their destinies is out of our hands. The single greatest influence on children, aside from their parents, is the Yeshiva that they attend. It is there that they spend the greatest amount of time, develop friendships, and cultivate relationships with rebbeim that can impact them for a lifetime. Indeed, picking the right Yeshiva for one’s children is as important as picking the best surgeon for a delicate procedure – the effects can last a lifetime.

Our son Ahron is in twelfth grade, entering a crucial stage of life. How grateful we are to the Ribono Shel Olam that he directed us to the Mesivta of Yeshiva Ateres Shmuel of Watebury. Ahron is bli ayin hora thriving, and the incredible rebbeim have skillfully brought out the best in him.

Aside from what I see my son experiencing, there is another perspective that I’d like to share. For the past eighteen years, I have been involved in creating an alternative environment for boys that have challenges in Yeshivos. “Minyan Shelanu,” started in our living room around the time of Ahron’s birth, has helped not only helped countless boys, but it taught me so much about honest, compassionate chinuch for our youth. I am encouraged by Yeshiva Ateres Shmuel’s phenomenal hatzlocha in reaching boys in a non-judgmental, positive way. So many boys these days crave a framework that allows them to be the best version of themselves, without feeling that they are being constantly lectured to fit a mold.

While there are many yeshivas in our community, and many of our young men will be”H find hatzlocha in the ones that are best for them, Yeshiva Ateres Shmuel fills a very unique need for boys that want to thrive as bnei Torah but need an environment that nurtures their individuality. The yeshiva fills a crucial role at a crucial time. Waterbury is close to my heart and I hope that you’ll find it within yourselves to bring it close to you.

The Anniversary Dinner is the mainstay of support for the Yeshiva, and ‎its successes is critical.‎ Please join us on June 6th in Terrace on the Park, and consider participating in our ‎Scroll of Honor campaign.‎

Looking forward to greeting you personally,

Sincerely,

Simcha Shain