In response, Rabbi Bender conceived
the idea to create a “mini-Lakewood”
within the Darchei campus.
As Darchei talmidim grew up and graduated,
they would go off to study in the top yeshivos of
Yerushalayim, often continuing to Beth Medrash
Govoha in Lakewood afterward. Some, however,
expressed their desire to continue their learning in
Far Rockaway upon their return from Eretz Yisrael. In
response, Rav Bender conceived the idea to create a “mini-Lakewood”
within the Darchei campus. A kibbutz was launched in 2005 with six
bachurim. Today, Kollel Tirtza Devorah, named for Mr. Lowinger’s
grandmother, comprises chaburos on several different sugyos, and
includes more than 30 full-time members and 30 part-timers (primarily
mechanchim who join for the afternoon seder). The yungeleit have settled
within the local neigborhood, raising families and helping to transform
the community into a bastion of Torah life.
Building the Community
Rav Bender’s breadth of vision encompasses not only the well-being of
the Yeshiva and its talmidim, but the greater community as well. When
the Darchei campus was purchased in 1991, the neighborhood was
considered highly undesirable. While that made the purchase price
relatively affordable, only three Orthodox families owned houses in the
area.
January 14, 2018
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