A group of bochurim have launched a new Yeshivas Kayitz in the Catskills under the auspices of Or Hachasidus, balancing intensive study with outreach efforts throughout the region during the summer months.
The program combines daily sedarim in Nigleh and Chassidus with hafatzas hamayanos activities, including shiurim, one-on-one chavrusas and visits to yeshivos, kollelim and shuls across the Catskills. The initiative is made possible by R' Shneur Minsky, a longtime Or Hachasidus supporter, who provides the bochurim with full room and board, enabling them to dedicate themselves entirely to learning and outreach.
Based at Or Hachasidus' Zichron Moshe Chassidus Center in Monticello - which opened in 2023 - the yeshiva operates from a facility featuring a spacious study hall and extensive sefarim collection that serves year-round residents and summer visitors.
Mornings focus on structured sedarim in both Nigleh and Chassidus. Afternoons involve travel throughout the Catskills, where the bochurim arrange chavrusas with interested learners, deliver shiurim in local batei midrash and distribute sefarim. The center also hosts public shiurim and farbrengens on special occasions.
Early results show several new shiurim established, regular chavrusas arranged and evening farbrengens drawing growing attendance. Rabbi Avrohom Mann, founder and director of Or Hachasidus, noted that "the Catskills is filled with Jewish life during the summer, but at a different pace from the hectic city routine. People have more time and are often more receptive to the idea of learning Chassidus with a chavrusa, joining a shiur or attending a farbrengen. The bochurim are here to make those opportunities available."
The organization plans to expand programming in coming weeks and envisions the Yeshivas Kayitz becoming an annual initiative. "With Hashem's help, we envision the Yeshivas Kayitz becoming an annual program, ensuring that wherever Jewish life moves for the summer, the light of Chassidus moves with it," Rabbi Mann says.