In an effort to proactively address one of the fastest-growing challenges facing today’s teens, MTA hosted a powerful and thought-provoking program for its 11th and 12th graders centered on the dangers of gambling. As access to online betting platforms continues to expand, what was once distant or abstract has become an increasingly real presence in the lives of high school students. This program was designed to meet that reality head-on with honesty, depth, and care.
The panel brought together a unique blend of voices, each offering a different lens on the issue. Rabbi Daniel Rapp shared the halachic perspective, drawing from his experience as a dayan to illustrate how gambling can lead to serious financial and personal consequences. His stories underscored that beyond the theoretical concerns, there are real individuals and families whose lives have been deeply impacted.
Rabbi Moshe Frankel approached the topic from a clinical standpoint, explaining how gambling addiction develops and how modern platforms are intentionally designed to keep users engaged. By unpacking the psychology behind addiction, he helped students understand that gambling is not just a matter of willpower, but a system that can quietly take hold of the brain.
Providing a deeply personal perspective, Uri Edell shared his own journey through addiction and recovery. His story brought a human face to the issue, offering both a cautionary message and practical tools for students to recognize warning signs and make informed decisions.
The program, which was emceed by Mrs. Tamar Sheffey, created an open and engaging environment where students felt comfortable asking meaningful and honest questions. The Q&A session reflected a high level of engagement, with students grappling seriously with the material and seeking guidance from each of the panelists.
More than just a one-time presentation, the program served as an important step in fostering awareness, responsibility, and resilience among MTA’s students. By bringing together Torah values, professional insight, and lived experience, MTA continues to prioritize the well-being of its talmidim, equipping them with the knowledge and perspective needed to navigate complex challenges both now and in the future.
