Imagine pulling into a parking lot where every space is taken, cars are packed tightly, and some vehicles are blocking others in. In most places, that kind of scene might quickly lead to frustration. Here, drivers simply left their keys available so cars could be moved when necessary, and everyone went on with their day. The setting was Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, but for the ten Emet students visiting that weekend, the moment represented something larger: a community where Torah values shape everyday life.
The goal of the immersive weekend in Lakewood and Toms River was to broaden the students’ perspective on what a Torah-centered life can look like. Accompanied by Emet’s Rabbi Michael Fuzaylov, Level 2 Men’s Director, and Rabbi Yakov Musheyev, Campus Mekarev, participants were all motivated to learn and grow. The weekend was thoughtfully coordinated by Mr. Alex Scharg. Along with his wife, Jenny, Alex moved from Toms River to Queens last year to become more involved with Emet. Jenny works with students on Emet’s college campuses, and Alex is a marketing professional.
“We wanted to give the guys a unique Shabbos experience that was completely new to them and let them appreciate the community firsthand,” Mr. Scharg shared. “They saw thousands of students learning at BMG, met warm families and connected with successful professionals who showed them that you can be deeply committed to Torah while also building a successful career and life.”
The weekend began on Thursday evening when the group settled into a beautiful rental home and then enjoyed dinner and basketball. On Friday morning, the students learned at Torah Links in Lakewood and heard a shiur by Rabbi Aaron Gruman. Over Shabbos, everyone spent time in the Toms River community, davening at Ohev Yisroel and hearing from Rabbi Shaul Rosen, rav of the shul. Yeruchem Miller, Yanky Mayer, David Walkin and Abe Kleinbart hosted the students for meals, giving them a firsthand view of Torah-centered homes and community life.
For Emet student Jonathan Pinkhas, the experience challenged assumptions he had before the trip. “My favorite part of the weekend was experiencing a Jewish community that I had never really been exposed to before. I went in thinking the community might be closed off to people who weren’t as religious, but I found the complete opposite. Everyone was so warm, compassionate, and humble. It really taught me not to judge a book by its cover.”
Students also heard from successful professionals, including Yitzchok Perlstein of Madison Healthcare and Shalom Reinman of Megadata. The conversations focused broadly on bringing Torah values and emunah into everyday life and demonstrating that professional ambition and religious commitment can go hand in hand. One message that deeply resonated, by Mr. Perlstein, who is also the founder of the “Stop Talking in Shul!” movement, was the importance of not talking during davening. Several students immediately made a conscious effort to remain quiet and more focused in shul.
On Sunday morning, the students visited BMG, where they learned in the beis midrash and spoke with those studying there. Rabbi Fuzaylov recalled students asking why so much time is devoted to learning topics that may not seem immediately practical. That opened a discussion about ameilus baTorah, the transformative value of exerting oneself to understand Torah and how that effort can deepen a person’s connection to his neshamah and to Hashem.
Seeing that dedication firsthand was one of the weekend’s most powerful moments for Jonathan. “One moment that really stayed with me was learning in BMG alongside thousands of other students. What struck me was how much they genuinely cared about the Torah they were learning. They weren’t just sitting there to get through it. They were completely focused and learning for hours every day because they wanted to grow and better themselves. That really changed the way I thought about learning. I also met successful businessmen who told us that their passion for Torah helped shape the way they approach their careers and their lives. I came away wanting to bring more of that same seriousness and intention into my own learning and to keep emunah in mind in everything I do.”
The weekend in New Jersey was capped off with a trip to Six Flags, balancing the serious learning and inspiration with time to relax, have fun and connect. As they headed home, students were already thinking about next steps in their own growth, from becoming more focused during davening to taking on additional mitzvos. More than a visit to a new community, the experience gave the students an opportunity to see how Torah values could become a greater part of their own lives.