About Likras Shabbos

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Our Mission and Goal

       We at Likras Shabbos of Washington Heights invite you to join us in our mission as we promote Kedushas and Hilchos Shabbos especially amongst children, the future of Klal Yisrael, through an Erev Shabbos shiur. The feelings that we impart to the boys extend not only to Shabbos, but also enrich their entire Yiddeshkeit!

       We aim:

• (a) to motivate the boys to be prepared for Shabbos Kodesh early ― a concept found in Halacha and also denoted as the way to be zoche to מעלת השבת― and particularly to use the extra time for learning;
• (b) to teach these boys the Halachos of Shabbos in an enjoyable and retainable manner ― a vast topic which not many people are privileged to learn fully, but yet is so important and very applicable;
• (c) ultimately to nurture a love for Shabbos Kodesh ― as befitting for what is called a ברית אהבה;
• and (d) thereby giving glory to Shabbos.

This sets a track to always be punctual in all areas of life & act with zerizus, as well as to approach all Mitzvos and Torah with a desire to learn all about them, and to truly have a deep affection for them instead of performing them just habitually.

Our Programing and Implementation

       We achieve our goals by providing our rich and engaging shiur ― which includes a section on Hilchos Shabbos, a vort on the Parsha, & stories of tzadikim ― to our budding talmidei chachamim, with refreshments and incentives to make their precious Torah learning even sweeter. The shiur is talentedly given by YRSRH (Breuer’s) first-grade rebbi, Rabbi Avrohom Hoffman. The accomplishment of our objectives are detailed below: 

• The shiur is given immediately prior to davening on Erev Shabbos to ensure that all the boys are ready for Shabbos early. 
• The relaxed, stress-free environment in-collaboration with the clear format of giving over serves so the Halachos of Shabbosremain firmly embedded in each child’s memory for long-term recollection. 
• Upon learning about Shabbos, viewing its beauty through its Halachos, and putting in effort towards the Kedusha of Shabbos, a strong connection is established between the boy and Shabbos, steering the way towards a love for Shabbos. 
• Isn’t the only way to truly bring glory to Shabbos through honoring it (like greeting it unhurriedly), knowing and keeping it (through learning its Halachos), and cherishing it?! What greater glory can there be to Shabbosthan Jewish children clinging to it, learning about it, and holding it dear; rearing another generation of Shomrei Shabbos K’hilchaso!

       The successful results of the national Likras Shabbos program are beheld in homes across North America! The boys know and remember the halachos, and there is a heightened atmosphere of Kedusha. Just as an example: Rabbi Dovid Kushner, the rebbi of a group in Lakewood, relates, “Parents comment to me that at the Shabbos table, their children are commenting about the practical application of halachosthey’re learning, like cautioning their siblings not to pick out the food they don’t like. They are more aware of Hilchos Shabbos, even though they’re so young, and they’re catching on to material that most people don’t cover until they are much older.”

What makes us unique

       Our focus is with children learning Torah and specifically about Shabbos. There we have 3 factors:

1. Children, תינוקות של בית רבן, whose learning, untainted by חטא, Chazal describe as being what is keeping the world in existence (אין העולם מתקיים אלא בשביל הבל תינוקות של בית רבן – שבת קיט:) [in fact according to many Poskimsupporting children is even greater than supporting adults].
2. Torah, which is the pillar of the world; without Torah for even a split-second the world would cease to exist! Furthermore, Torah is what brings all bracha down to this world, especially to its learners and supporters. Plus so much more…
3. Shabbos [more specifically keeping it properly], which has extraordinary power, as Chazal say that Shabbos is the key to the Geula. The Gemara also says that chillul Shabbos is what led to the Churban, and also to outbreaks of fire, ח"ו. On the other hand, keeping and honoring it properly leads to wealth and other brachos, and as we say in Lecha Dodi "היא מקור הברכה", Shabbos is the source of all ברכה!

Our Recent Successes and Advancements

       Upon reflection of our previous season, with around 15 boys attending this 40-minute shiur weekly for over 25 weeks, the sum total amount of time -of Torahlearned by these תינוקות של בית רבן ― whose learning, untainted by חטא, Chazal describe as being what is keeping the world in existenceאין) העולם מתקיים אלא בשביל הבל תינוקות של בית רבן – שבת קיט:) ― is incredible!

       Likras Shabbos of Washington Heights is currently celebrating 10 years since the opening our branch! We are also pleased with our recent innovations to make donating even easier than ever! We welcome our new, state-of-the-art website and 24-hour automated phone & text line ― graciously subsidized anonymously, as a zechus for our brothers in Eretz Yisraeland throughout the world. 

       We thank you for visiting us, and would like to invite you to assist in the continuation of our program by donating here.