Baruch W. joined Birkas Rifka as an apprentice. He acquired many skills and self-confidence as well. He enjoyed the Torah environment. He returned to his native city in the States and opened his own business. Today he is the sole proprietor of his business and is a married man living a frum Torah life with his young family. Alan S. came to Birkas Rifka feeling lost and confused. He was searching for an identity. He found it at Birkas Rifka and enjoyed the Torah centric environment and learned carpentry skills at the same time. Today he is not only a webmaster but also one of the senior staff members of a Yeshiva giving shiurim, inviting students home for Shabbos and developing strong relationships with them. He is successful at boosting the student’s self confidence and love for Torah. Joseph P. came to Birkas Rifka as an apprentice. After successfully completing the program he returned to his home town in the States. Today he works in a factory and with the aid of a computerized program he spends his day building bed frames and wood furniture. Shaul R. joined Birkas Rifka as an apprentice. He did very well learning the skills for cabinet making and made great strides in his Torah learning. He married and decided to join a Kollel and continue his learning. He has the potential to be a great cabinet maker and to join the work force with a skill in hand. Simcha B. came to Birkas Rifka from London. He joined Birkas Rifka as an apprentice. After building up his skills and self-confidence he returned to London and was able to branch out and he now does electrical work. Avi D. joined Birkas Rifka as an apprentice. He found tremendous satisfaction in learning carpentry skills in a Torah setting. He was able to grow immensely in his sense of self and Ahavas Yisroel. He felt he had found his place. He decided to stay on. Today he is not only a vital staff member at Birkas Rifka but he has become the shop manager. Shmuel W. joined Birkas Rifka as an apprentice when he was married. He was so enthused by the special workshop environment that he remained at Birkas Rifka as a permanent member of the staff and trainer in the workshop. Aaron G. came to Birkas Rifka from a Moshav and as an apprentice he learned carpentry skills. He was able to gain not only poise and skills from the program but he also learned proper work ethics. Today he runs a frozen fish company in Atarot and is looking to expand the business and include frozen chickens as well. Yoni K. came to Birkas Rifka and joined the apprenticeship program. He was very pleased by all he gained at Birkas Rifka that he decided to stay. Today he is a staff member and a trainer at Birkas Rifka. AMERICAN FRIENDS OF BIRKAS RIFKA 1340 Princeton Ave. Lakewood, NJ 08701 Tel: 732-367-2203 IN ISRAEL P.O.B. 27468 Jerusalem 91273 Tel: 972-2-533-4774 www.birkasrifka.org email: [email protected] Birkas Rifka is proud to share select bios from over the two hundred young men who have participated in the Birkas Rifka Apprenticeship Program in Motza during the past eighteen years. The short excerpts are a telling story since many young men have chosen carpentry as their profession and are currently providers for their families. We also know many others who have been motivated to devote more time to Torah. Every one who has passed through our doors has been encouraged to find his individual path. Birkas Rifka is proud of them all. (All the names have been changed in respect of the individuals and their private and professional lives)