Listeners Dedicated

Inspired Gemara students keep the learning chain going as they continue to meet together from the previous school year through today.

JBHSfaculty member Rabbi Avi Churba inspired students to continue their independent Torah learning from Pesach 2022 through to today.

Back in November, 11th graders who had begun learning Masechet Ta’anit with Rabbi Churba as sophomores the previous year, celebrated a siyum and were featured in a video about their inspirational learning experience. The learning did not stop there — these devoted students, motivated by their teacher, still continue to meet during Monday and Thursday lunch breaks and after school on Tuesdays in the BenHaim Bet Midrash, and on Sundays at Bnei Yitzchak. They even continued meeting during the summer of 2022 in New Jersey to continue their Gemara studies.

Junior Claude Grazi explained that these classes were the first time that he was learning Masechet outside of the classroom. “Seeing the boys’ dedication and consistency was very inspirational to me.”

Junior Shlomie Katash echoed his classmate’s sentiments. “We remained strong, having classes twice a week throughout the summer. Rabbi Churba is our fire and our spirit.”

Over the summer, about a dozen students met with Rabbi Churba every Sunday morning at Beit Yosef in Deal for a morning filled with prayers, breakfast and learning. But on many Thursday nights, the group met for a full-evening affair in Lakewood where they would have class, visit various community rabbis, and enjoy a beautiful dinner together. Dinners were held at Beth Medrash Govoha, at a local restaurant, or in Rabbi Churba’s home.

“We are so proud of the commitment to Torah learning by this outstanding group of students,” shared Rabbi Joseph Beyda, Head of School. “They pushed themselves and one another to achieve a wonderful milestone in learning – and I know this is just the beginning!”

Junior Ralph Braha offered the idea of starting a learning program for freshman students with Rabbi Churba, since they had more free time to be able to get involved. Rabbi Churba agreed, and a group of about a dozen freshmen (and a few sophomores) eagerly started learning twice a week on their lunch breaks with him as well. “Getting the chance to learn with Rabbi Churba early in their high school years is a nice thing for them to have. I thought it would be a good opportunity for the freshmen that they would take advantage of and appreciate,” explained Ralph.

Freshman Judah Beyda and Rabbi Churba conversed at the beginning of the year about possible Gemara learning opportunities. "Rabbi Churba immediately made time in his busy schedule for us to learn with him twice a week,” said Judah.

“What was most inspiring to me was seeing all of the High School boys balance time for learning with their active social lives and schoolwork. Seeing the same group of students 3-4 times a week builds a sense of camaraderie… we are all close and we are all friends,” shared junior Victor Braca, who created the siyum video for YOF.

Youcanwatchthevideoattinyurl.com/yofmasechetlearning.