Chicago

Brrrr…ing on the warmth!

Chicago in January is frigid. So when college students from all over the US converge on the Windy City in the middle of a cold snap, you have to wonder what makes them come. It’s not like they’re getting a chance to hit the beach or soak up the sunshine.

The answer sounds counter-intuitive. They’re coming for the warmth!

Their souls have been ignited somewhere, and they’re searching for the source of the fire! That source is Torah – and they’re getting it from Ohr Somayach – literally, “A light that brings joy.”

Still, the question remains: why Chicago?

The answer brings us back to Ohr – light. Dr. Josh Silberberg, a Chicago native, joined the summer Mentors Mission in Eretz Yisroel, and was ignited by Ohr Somayach! Like a flame on a candle that lights up a room, he wanted to share the warmth and bring the Mission to his city.

Na’aseh v’nishma. He decided he was doing it, and then made it happen. The logistics, the hosting, the fundraising – he jumped in and did it all. And what a weekend it was!

Torah on the Menu

With little distraction in terms of outdoor entertainment, the Chicago mission was laser-focused on Torah and Yiddishkeit. The mentors outdid themselves. Every learning session, every meal, every interaction was alive with spirit and camaraderie. The college students left with their hearts filled with warmth, and their souls satiated with the joy of Jewish life.

Contagious

While the flu and COVID were going around, Yishai Broner caught Ohr Somayach Fever from his friend, Dr. Silverberg. The main symptom of Ohr Somayach Fever is an unquenchable thirst to do more and more for college students seeking Yiddishkeit. It’s accompanied by a sense of mission, and a distinct feeling of honor at the privilege of bringing Hashem’s children home.

Yishai went all-out in hosting a grand Thursday night opening banquet. And we mean it when we say ‘hosted’: he personally cooked the entire multi-course extravaganza, for 40 – 50 people! His family was all on board.

This is one fever that keeps spreading. Our advice? Catch it! You’ll be hooked.