Investment Of A Lifetime: Shaar Neshama Campaign Builds Jewish Futures One Neshama At A Time
Shaar pairs talmidim up with experienced rebbes to guide them in life and learning
Shaar is building Jewish futures one neshama at a time
Darren checked the address one last time. A 25-year-old cybersecurity professional from Denver, he was encouraged by his Olami rabbi to spend a Shabbos at the Shaar. Reserved by nature, Darren wasn’t sure what to expect.
Thursday night began with chavrusa learning, where Darren was paired with Aaron, a securities attorney. Before long, the conversation shifted from the learning packet to careers, life, and shared interests. Later that evening they were off to a spirited hachanah l’Shabbos at a local home. Music filled the room, guys sang together, and Darren slowly let his guard down and just enjoyed himself. He had come looking for learning but found something he didn’t realize he was missing: genuine friendship, warmth, and belonging.
Then came Shabbos. A whirlwind of kedushah unfolded. Conversations shifted to Torah topics, zemiroswere sung, camaraderie filled the air followed by quiet moments of reflection. By the time Havdalah arrived, something had shifted inside of Darren. Though it was impossible to explain exactly what.
Nestled on the campus of Sh’or Yoshuv in Far Rockaway is the Shaar, a kiruv yeshiva with a unique mission to serve young Jewish men searching for an authentic Torah life, whether they are able to learn full-time or balancing careers and college. More than 90% of the bachurim who stay for at least six months leave fully shomer Torah u’mitzvos.
Founded in 2019 by Rabbi Mayer Hurwitz, the Shaar was created to fill a growing need in the Jewish world. While many students were inspired through Olami, not everyone could spend years learning in Eretz Yisrael. The answer was Shaar, a place where young professionals and students could immerse themselves in Torah learning while continuing to build their futures.
Soon after, Rabbi Hurwitz partnered with Reb Shlomo Reich, whose infectious warmth, music, and ahavas Yisrael became the heartbeat of the program. Later, Rabbi Ephraim Kamin joined as mashgiach ruchani, bringing decades of kiruv experience and deep personal guidance. Together they built far more than a yeshiva: they built a family.
The Shaar is woven into the fabric of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway. Hundreds of local families regularly host talmidim for Shabbos meals, many forming lifelong relationships. These sincere young men are not just guests; they become part of the family. In return, the community is inspired by the sincerity, enthusiasm, and commitment they bring to every Shabbos table.
Every student arrives with a different story. A geneticist searching for meaning. A former Marine. A Columbia Law student. A cybersecurity champion who became a serious ben Torah. A professional golfer who met Rabbi Eli Mansour while working at a Pesach program. A surfer whose chance encounter with another Jewish student led him to the Shaar. Some grow quickly, others at a more methodical pace, but every journey is treated with patience, dignity, and love.
Today, approximately 60 young men learn at the Shaar with customized schedules that fit around work or school. Shiurim run throughout the day and late into the evening, combining chavrusas, mussar, halachah, Gemara, and practical guidance for building Torah homes. Their motto of Healthy Balanced Growth (HBG) emphasizes steady, genuine development, while encouraging healthy recreation, careers, and strong middos.
The Shaar doesn’t simply teach Torah. They guide every stage of life for these young Jewish men. The staff mentors their talmidim through the shidduch process, marriage, careers, and beyond, remaining involved long after the chuppah. Graduates continue hosting Shaar students, creating a cycle of giving that strengthens both the yeshiva and the broader community.
Perhaps that’s the Shaar’s greatest accomplishment. It doesn’t just change individuals; it transforms families, communities, and future generations. It creates a place where young Jewish men discover that Torah isn’t simply something to learn: It’s something to live.
Please participate in the Shaar’s $1 million Rayze.it campaign to help them open the door for the next generation of young men searching for Torah, purpose, and belonging. Every contribution can make a difference in someone’s life. Donate today at https://www.rayze.it/shaar.
