The atmosphere in Jerusalem’s International Convention Center was positively electric as over 3,000 students, alumni, parents, teachers and supporters gathered together on May 20 to celebrate two extraordinary decades of OTS innovation and achievement.

Electric atmosphere: OTS founder and Chancellor Rabbi Shlomo Riskin celebrates with his students

Under the dome of a vast, filled-to-capacity auditorium, the evening was launched with a specially-broadcast message of appreciation from Israeli President Moshe Katsav, which set the tone for the evening in praising OTS and its impact on Israeli society. “In this difficult time for the Jewish people,” Katsav said, “OTS’s activities toward strengthening Jewish values, uniting the nation, advancing women’s rights and combating assimilation are commendable and worthy of emulation.” Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who as former Mayor of Jerusalem was involved in the establishment of several OTS schools, echoed the President’s remarks when he told the audience that “Ohr Torah Stone schools are a shining example, a model and an ideal for the entire Israeli educational system.” And Olmert’s colleague, Israeli Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Zevulun Orlev revealed an additional, personal connection: “As the proud parent of two OTS alumni,” he said, “I feel privileged to be able to offer thanks. The OTS network simply produces the best of Religious Zionism,” he affirmed. “It is imbuing the next generation with Torah learning and general knowledge, with Jewish values and tremendous spirituality.”

OTS students and alumni exhibited enormous levels of energy and pride

A sophisticated multimedia presentation showcased the diverse accomplishments of OTS over the past 20 years. Footage of OTS rabbis working in far-flung Diaspora communities was screened alongside testimony from agunot who have been freed of their chains by OTS women advocates; interviews with eloquent OTS students, educators and alumni were woven together with a concentrated history of the organization. The result was a clear illumination of the underlying OTS vision - “Torah and Tikkun Olam” - the common thread which ties together all of its diverse and multi-faceted projects.

OTS Dean Rabbi Chaim Brovender greets OTS parent Dr. Esther Chazon

For many in the audience, the presentation was enlightening, marking their first exposure to the full gamut of OTS programs. “Three of my sons are products of OTS junior high or high schools,” related David Gordon of Efrat, “so of course I came tonight to show my appreciation for the excellent education and support they received. But until this evening, I had no idea of OTS’s tremendous scope, and of the phenomenal impact OTS is making not only on Israeli society but on the entire Jewish world.” Rabbi Yisrael Cohn agreed. “As a graduate of the Joseph Straus Rabbinical Seminary, I’m aware of the effect OTS rabbis and educators are having across the globe, especially in my native England. But I was amazed to learn tonight what a difference OTS is making in so many other important spheres,” he said.

Interspersed with the multimedia presentation were high-spirited performances highlighting OTS students’ varied talents. Punctuated by intense cheering and deafening applause, the music, dance and drama presentations energized the audience and effectively conveyed the students’ exuberance and pride in their schools. “I was tremendously moved by the enormous levels of energy and ruach exhibited by students and alumni,” said Karen Guth, a new immigrant to Israel and supporter of OTS. “Had I known beforehand what kind of outstanding graduates OTS schools are producing, I would have made aliya much sooner,” she laughed. An emotional note was also introduced to the program, as Neveh Shmuel yeshiva high school students remembered the OTS students whose lives were tragically cut short by performing a Yizkor song written by their Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Yaacov Fisher.

Remembering OTS students and graduates whose lives were tragically cut short

OTS Director General Yinon Ahiman conveyed his appreciation to the many guests who converged from all corners of the globe in honor of the milestone occasion. “As we celebrate 20 years of ongoing innovation and creativity in the realms of Jewish education, Jewish leadership and Jewish unity, it is gratifying that so many of our key supporters are in attendance, making this a true ‘OTS Community’ event,” he declared. The international visitors in turn repaid the compliment. “The event was simply phenomenal,” proclaimed 20th Anniversary Mission to Israel Co-Chair Morry Weiss, of Cleveland, Ohio. “It gave me a distinct sense of satisfaction and joy to be a part of the OTS family.”

Taught to blend what they receive from OTS with what they can contribute to society

The word ‘family’ also came up often in alumni descriptions of their OTS experience; graduates testified to feeling a deep bond with their alma mater, even years later. They stressed that what they learned - often outside of the classroom - continues to influence every aspect of their adult lives. Rabbi Chaim Brovender, Dean of Ohr Torah Stone explained that ultimately the OTS goal is “to meet our students on their current level, and to assist them from there in developing themselves within the framework of am yisrael, eretz yisrael and torat yisrael.” Tikva Juni of New York credits this educational philosophy with helping her mature as a person and shape her worldview. “I’ve grown so much this year,” revealed the participant in the new Darkaynu Program for young women with special needs who, like their peers, long to spend a year learning in Israel. “I’m able to face the challenges that I’ve been running away from since I was a little girl, and to look at life from a different perspective.” The OTS philosophy also has long-lasting impact upon its students: “When I entered the Hadas Women’s Hesder Program, I felt like a complete person for the very first time in my life,” admitted Reut Fingher of Chispin. Today a Company Commander in the IDF’s Education Corps, Fingher said, “We were taught to blend what we learned and received in the program with what we could then contribute to society.”

Minister of Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs Natan Sharansky with Mission co-Chairs Judy and Morry Weiss at a pre-event dinner for OTS supporters from around the world.

The drama and excitement of the evening was capped off by an emotion-filled address by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, the founder and Chancellor of OTS whose original dreams of 20 years ago have been far exceeded by today’s reality. “Ohr Torah Stone began as a response to the dry and ritualistic approach that was prevalent and growing within Judaism and Jewish education,” he explained. “The true Torah is supposed to drive away darkness. It should illuminate the entire world with its inherent sensitivity, love, social justice and tolerance. As we look toward the next two decades, I pray that Hashem enables us all to continue spreading this message together, building a bright future for our people.”

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