Imagine pulling into a parking lot where every space is taken, cars are packed tightly, and some vehicles are blocking others. In most places, that might lead to frustration. Here, drivers simply left their keys available so cars could be moved when necessary.
The setting was Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, but for the ten Emet students visiting that weekend, the scene reflected something larger: a community where Torah values shape everyday life.
The immersive weekend in Lakewood and Toms River was designed 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, the participants came ready to learn and grow.
The weekend was coordinated by Mr. Alex Scharg. Alex and his wife, Jenny, moved from Toms River to Queens last year to become more involved with Emet. Jenny works with students on Emet’s college campuses, while Alex is a marketing professional.
“We wanted to give the guys a unique Shabbat 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 Thursday night, when the group settled into a rental home before enjoying dinner and basketball. On Friday morning, the students learned at Torah Links in Lakewood and heard a shiur from Rabbi Aaron Gruman.
Over Shabbat, they 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, allowing them to experience family and community life firsthand.
For Emet student Jonathan Pinkhas, the weekend 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 professionals including Yitzchok Perlstein of Madison Healthcare and Shalom Reinman of Megadata. They discussed how Torah values and emunah can guide everyday life while remaining compatible with professional ambition and success.
One message that particularly resonated came from Mr. Perlstein, founder of the “Stop Talking in Shul!” movement, who spoke about refraining from conversation 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 beit medrash and spoke with those studying there. Rabbi Fuzaylov recalled students asking why so much time is devoted to subjects that may not appear immediately practical.
That led to a discussion about ameilut b’Torah—the value of exerting oneself to understand Torah and how that effort can deepen a person’s connection to his neshama and to Hashem.
Seeing that dedication firsthand left a strong impression on 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 concluded with a trip to Six Flags, giving the students time to relax and enjoy themselves together after several days of learning and inspiration.
By the time they headed home, several were already considering practical next steps, from becoming more focused during davening to taking on additional mitzvot. The weekend gave them more than an introduction to Lakewood and Toms River. It showed them how Torah can shape a community, a home, a career and their own daily lives.
Emet Students Experience Torah Life In Lakewood And Toms River
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