---Second in a series ---
A powerful trend has been noted at the Beit El Yeshiva website: Dozens of teenagers tenaciously overcoming family and other obstacles to become religiously observant.
The decade-old Beit El Yeshiva website provides thousands of Torah classes in various formats by leading rabbis, and features a popular "Ask the Rabbi" section. Among the 100,000 monthly visitors are those who are not religiously observant, but who want to learn more about Judaism. The website's response team replies with initial answers and explanations, and then matches up those who wish with a local rabbinical advisor who can provide more hands-on help.
The problem is that my whole family mocks religion... I try to keep kosher and the like, but it is very hard to do so in such a secular environment.
In recent months, the website administrators say, "the wave of requests for spiritual direction - particularly from young readers who have not been formally exposed to Judaism - has been increasingly strong. We sense an undercurrent of a tremendous process of awakening and desire to return to authentic Judaism among young teenagers."
The yeshiva website provides 16 pages (!) of letters from mostly young readers indicating this phenomenon. Several translated samples were provided here, and a second collection follows:
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed, the yeshiva's founder and dean, and community rabbi of the town of Beit El, said in his annual Repentance Sabbath lecture to some 500 people before Yom Kipppur:****
Shalom.
I have a story and a question that are very important, I feel. I am a 14-year-old boy, living in a totally secular home and community. I have always believed in G-d and have always been interested in becoming religious and going to synagogue. As I grow older, I feel closer and closer to religion, and I am sure that when I grow up I will be religious. But the problem is that my whole family mocks religion; it is very exasperating that they always say there is no G-d. I try to keep kosher and the like, but it is very hard to do so in such a secular environment. I never had a Bar Mitzvah... When I get older, am I going to have to convert or something like that? Because I don't know how to pray or to read the Bible, and I don't know any basic concepts. What should I do? How does one learn about this and get close to this? I feel so close to religion, but I am so far, far away. What should I do??? Thank you and please answer.****
Dear Rabbi [Melamed],
First of all, I want to thank you. A year ago, I asked you a question when I was right at the beginning of my return to Judaism. I asked you how to deal with my difficulties, and you helped me greatly with your answer. I merited to return fully to observant Judaism, to switch schools, to change my name and environment, to overcome my problems with my mother... I am now in a religious school and a religious seminary at the same time, I have a tzaddik [righteous] rabbi, and of course most of all I have the blessed G-d, Who has shown me many personal miracles.Life is truly amazing, and I have really seen that every time one falls or stumbles, it leads to an even higher climb! Thank you very much!
...My father is secular and doesn't allow me to observe the Sabbath... Can you please explain the concept of 'concentration and intent' in prayer. Thank you.****
Hello!
I greatly enjoyed reading your responses to me; they strengthened me greatly! Regarding finding someone who might be able to change my father's opinion - I don't think I'm ready for that yet; maybe when I get older, I will be more open to such ideas... But I wanted to know if you know of any women in my area that I could speak with, or Jewish Law classes that I could learn in... Sorry if I took up too much of your time!****
Shalom, Honored Rabbi!
I am a 12-and-a-half year old girl, in the process of becoming stronger religiously. I come from a non-observant home; I try to observe the Sabbath, but my father is secular and does not allow it... I have a question about blessings: What are the different blessings on foods, for which amounts, etc. Also, please explain the concept of 'concentration, intent, and meaning' of prayer. Thank you.****
... I want to thank you for your very nice responses, and for listening to me and trying to formulate answers in a way that I will understand. Thanks a real lot. Sincerely, Oz [a not-religious boy who has been in contact with the yeshiva website]
"There is some kind of bug in the air, a bug of spirituality and holiness, and it attracts itself to those who are even a little bit sensitive to it. It is going around, and this generation is particularly prone to catching it, and we have to recognize it and encourage it and realize that we are taking part in a critical cultural battle for the religious character of the State of Israel. This is a special moment; all of us gathered here, as if to receive our special instructions and take on our special assignments in this battle. Everyone should try to increase helping others spiritually and materially, as well as Torah study and good deeds, and with G-d's help we will emerge victorious!"