Among the nearly 40 religious-Zionist Torah MiTzion religious core groups around the world, the one in St. Louis is notable in several respects. It has been around for five years – about half the age of the Torah MiTzion project altogether – and has “created an indelible mark on the local Jewish education landscape,” according to the St. Louis Jewish Light.

At present, the Kollel (study group) staff comprises six people: Chaim and Merav Possick from Karnei Shomron, who are beginning their second year; two National Service (Sherut Leumi) girls from Israel, Sara Kamper and Tova Maimon; and the most recent arrivals, Assaf and Gilat Gastfraind, also from Israel, joining the crew in coordination with the local Bais Abraham Congregation.

The Possicks were both born not far (in Midwest American terms) from St. Louis – in Columbus and Milwaukee – and made Aliyah to Israel with their families at a young age. They and their three children have been in St. Louis since the summer of 2008. The Gastfraind couple and their three children arrived from Israel this past summer.

Together they are involved in nearly every religious and Zionist educational venture in the St. Louis area, including programs at Washington University, H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy, Solomon Schechter Day School, Bnei Akiva Youth Program, Derech Eretz summer camp, and informal study programs with children and adults of all ages.

“They are here to provide a unique type of Jewish education using values found in the Torah with the perspective you can only get from someone who lives in Israel," says the President of St. Louis Torah MiTzion Kollel, Michael Ariel. "It is important for Jewish individuals to identify with Israel as a focus of their Jewish identity."

Bais Abraham's Rabbi Hyim Shafner told the Jewish Light that his congregation saw the partnership with Torah MiTzion Kollel as a way to expand its educational offerings.  "Our growing congregation is very open and attracting a diverse community who have a great interest in learning and observance," he said. "Torah MiTzion Kollel teachers bring energy to our synagogue and to the St. Louis Jewish community at large."   

Torah MiTzion Kollels now number close to 40 around the world, including four in Europe (Munich, London, Warsaw and Moscow), two each in South Africa, Australia, and South America, and on some 15 college campuses.  In addition, Torah MiZion kollels can be found in 13 North American cities, such as Syracuse, Cleveland, Mexico City, Chicago, Hamilton, Memphis, Atlanta, and others. Through their dedicated Israeli shlichim (emissaries), the Kollels promote the ideals of the Torah, Nation, and Land of Israel. They bolster educational activities in schools and synagogues, aiming to strengthen Jewish identity, Torah knowledge and Zionism in all sectors of the Jewish community.

Click here for more information on how to join, start or support a Torah MiTzion Kollel.