Stories From Around The World
Here are some of the stories of the lives that Kotel Connections has impacted.
From the Kotel to Boston
Scott I.
Elisha met Scott during the Akiva winter 2022 trip. Scott, originally from Boston, and I stayed in touch, and I helped him return for a second trip to New York in 2023. We connected him with Meor on campus, and he subsequently joined a program called the Meor Solidarity Program, run by Rabbi Beryl Gershenfeld, which involved volunteering in Israel while participating in morning Torah classes. Currently, Scott is connected with the Rabbis on campus and regularly attends their events.
From the Kotel to Meorot Seminary
Julianna G.
Julianna Grishko became involved with Kotel Connections when Mrs. Halpern met her at the Kotel. Elisha then connected her to the local Rabbi at RAJE, where she attended Shabbat and learning programs. Elisha later assisted Julianna in returning to Israel to study in Seminary. Julianna has been attending Seminary (Meorot) for about 6 months now.
From Florida to Shaar Yoshov
Andrew B.
Through Kotel Connections, Andrew's journey to the Shaar began after we first met at an event there a few months ago. Since then, he has enthusiastically immersed himself in his studies at the Shaar. Our initial meeting took place at Florida State University, and I've been thrilled to maintain our connection and support him through Kotel Connections.
Staten Island Connection
Hailey L.
Chaya Sarah met Hailey at the Kotel, where she then took her on a tour of Neve. Hailey found the experience so inspiring that she decided to attend seminary. We assisted in arranging for her to attend Baer Miriam for six months. During this time, she experienced significant growth in her religious observance. Upon returning home, Kotel Connections once again supported her by connecting her with a mentor in Staten Island. Currently, she is learning under the guidance of Mrs. Tzipporah Portowicz.
From Atlanta to the Shaar
Zach G.
Kotel Connections pivotal role in Zach's journey began when Elisha met him during an Akiva trip. Through his conversations with Shimshi and my encouragement, he returned to Aish. During his time at home in Atlanta, Elisha supported him as he tried to maintain his Jewish identity. When he decided to join Aish for 10 days, Elisha sat down with him during the interview process, offering him guidance. As he continued his journey and began learning at the Shaar, Kotel Connections remained a constant source of support and encouragement. Additionally, Elisha helped facilitate his transition to the Shaar, ensuring he had the resources and support needed to embark on this next phase of his spiritual journey.
Kotel To Washington
Aaron C.
Rabbi Doc Bar Smith met Aaron at the Kotel. Aaron loved traveling and when he came back home, we connected him to a Mekarev named Rabbi Tietelbaum from Menorah DC. Aaron has since returned to DC and is actively attending their events
From Seattle to Neve
Nelly L.
Chaya Sara met Nelly at the Kotel and showed her around Neve. She was inspired to develop and committed to attending seminary. Nelly participated in Meorot Seminary in Israel for 3 weeks. She is now linked to Rabbi Moshe Drukman in Seattle. Despite living far from the Jewish community, she stays in touch and connected.
Montreal connection
Issac O.
Issac Ohayan, a college student from Montreal met Mordy by the Kotel. I connected him to Rabbi Michael Harrosh who runs events and groups and is a part of OLAMI. He attends their events and Shabbatons. And he's still involved.
Los Angeles Learning
Charlotte M.
Sima met Charlotte at the Kotel and invited her to her home for Shabbat. Upon returning home to LA, Kotel Connections connected Charlotte to Leah Klatzko. Since then, Leah and Charlotte have been learning together weekly for many months.
Argentina to Souled
Magui.
Rivki encountered Magui at an event in Tel Aviv. Rivki assisted Magui in participating in an Arachim seminar, facilitated by Kotel Connections. Rivki then introduced Magui to Rabbi Raiton from Olami. She also helped Magui get involved in the renowned program Seriously Souled, with guidance from a Spanish coach.
Germany to Souled
Hilana D.
At the Kotel in Jerusalem, Shimshi met Hilana and her fiancé from Essen, Germany. Although they were interested in connecting, there wasn't anyone available in person. So, we connected them with PAL, a learning program where Hilana could meet with a mentor remotely and be actively involved in her spiritual journey. Hilana is currently learning actively with her mentor.
From Argentina to Teffilin
Eric G.
Simah encountered Eric Glotzer from Argentina at the Kosel. Simah maintained communication with him when he returned to Argentina. We connected him with Rabbi Ari Berim. They have been learning for several months, and he has also been attending events. Rabbi Berim facilitated Eric's journey to Israel for further volunteering and study.
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From Akiva to Torah
Josh L.
I met Josh on an Akiva trip while working for Kotel Connections. Since then, Josh has continued to be actively involved in Jewish learning and activities, with our organization playing a pivotal role in supporting his journey. Recently, Josh participated in another trip to Poland organized by Akiva, further deepening his understanding and connection to his heritage. Additionally, we have spent valuable time together learning and have plans to meet up again in the next few weeks. It's inspiring to see Josh's commitment to spiritual practice, including his daily observance of putting on Tefillin. We are proud to support Josh on his journey of learning and growth, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with him.
From Cherry Hill to Kollel
Russel L.
Russel Levi, a former client of Akiva, has shown remarkable growth since his time with us. Kotel Connections has been actively involved in supporting him throughout his journey. We have maintained regular communication with Russel and have provided ongoing guidance and encouragement. Recently, Russel has taken significant steps in his spiritual development. He has commenced learning at the Kollel in NJ during the evenings and has made a commitment to put on Tefillin daily.
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From Chicago to Chuppah
Erica G.
Shimshi met Erica Merrit by the Kotel tunnel tours, Erica is from Chicago but was not connected to the Jewish community. Sima and Rivki worked with her tirelessly to get her to Neve. She attended Neve for several months and grew tremendously. We at Kotel Connections are so happy to hear that she recently got engaged to a frum man in Israel.
From Visitor to Ambassador
Danielle & Toby
Elisha met Danielle on an Akiva trip and is very involved with StandWithUs and is active in the Jewish community, defending Israel and learning more about her Judaism. Elisha met Toby on an Akiva trip and has been keeping up with her. We also helped her start learning, and she is an active member of Olami, learning with a mentor every week.
Personal Redemption
Dylan S.
Sima met Dylan S. as he was finishing his Birthright trip in Israel. He was inspired by his trip, and when Sima introduced herself as a Frontline Kotel Connector, he was very excited to get connected to a great Rabbi in NY. Sima set them up, and a few days later, he attended Rabbi Fingerer's class in NY. The class focused on Pesach, and he left with a bottle of wine, a box of Matzos, and a Haggadah. Rabbi Fingerer asked where Dylan would be for Pesach, and Dylan mentioned he was going to be in Spain. He proudly informed Rabbi Fingerer that he now felt prepared to share what he learnt about Pesach by the Seder with unaffiliated Jews in Spain. And the journey continues.....
From L.A to Shearim
Oceana H.
Elisha met Oceana on an Akiva trip to Israel, where she began to explore her Judaism. When she returned to Marina, California, Elisha stayed in touch with her, and together discussed the idea of attending seminary. Elisha provided support throughout the application process. Oceana commenced her studies at Shearim Seminary in Israel on January 8th and is now in her fifth month, thoroughly enjoying every moment.
From Daily Tefillin to Yeshiva Dedication
Brandon. M
Brandon Meyer was introduced to Kotel Connections during his time on the Akiva trip in Israel. Throughout his stay, KC arranged several learning sessions with him, deepening his connection to Judaism. After returning to Wantagh, NY, Brandon continued to stay in touch, committing to putting on Tefillin daily. Although Wantagh offered limited opportunities for further involvement, Brandon’s dedication led him to join Ohr Somayach Yeshiva in Israel, where he enrolled in the J101 Program.
From Learner to Leader at Meor
Risa B
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Risa Berson, a student from Temple University, was introduced to Kotel Connections during an Akiva trip, where she was connected with Rabbi Aaron Katz. Her initial involvement grew as she began attending classes regularly. Recently, after a conversation with Rabbi Katz, it was revealed that Risa has not only been consistent in her learning but has taken on a leadership role. She is now one of the student leaders for Meor on campus, actively organizing classes for other girls.
Michael T. Yeshiva Journey
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Michael. T
Michael T was first introduced to Kotel Connections during his time in Israel on the Akiva trip. During the trip, he expressed a strong interest in attending Yeshiva. After maintaining contact with him, Michael made the decision to return to Israel and begin his studies at Ohr Somayach, where he plans to stay until later in the year.
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Stories are constantly being updated
Thank you to all the people who were involved in each of their journeys.
We couldn't of done it without you!
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