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For them, Machon L'Torah is not just a series of classes, but an extension of their life and values, intermixed joy- fully with their five children and modest home. It is not unusual to find 30 or more people — students, visitors and friends of every observance level — at their home every Shabbat. Two long tables joined in a "T", covered with freshly starched white cloths, fill up their liv- ing room and dining room. At the head sit two large, twisted, homebaked challahs, along with the artwork and schoolwork the children finished during the week. After the Friday evening service, conducted in their temporary basement shul, the men join the women upstairs for a festive and talkative meal. Rabbi Jacobovitz in- volves both his guests and children in the D'var Torah. These Shabbats are the heart of his program. They offer Judaism at its best — food, family and ritual — all in one happy, intellectually- stimulating and satisfying evening. Over the past seven years, Machon L'Torah has issued a steady stream of cleverly- worded pamphlets that ad- vertise classes or weekend sessions. "Spring Training — Join Us For A Double Header" introduced a two- evening Passover workshop. "Jew Yourself Up For A Real Change" headlined summer vacation programs. "Jewish Apathy, Learn To Kick The Habit" introduced an eve- ning's discussion of Jewish lifestyle. Semester class schedules boast the slogan, "Don't As- similate, Re-Jew-Venate." The courses are designed for the intellectually motivated who are involved in academic studies or full time careers. The most interest is shown by college students or young professionals. The teaching staff is made up of the area's Orthodox rabbis and lay leaders. On college campuses, Jacobovitz often works in con- junction with the B'nai B'rith Hillel, offering a weekly class or a special evening program. Last year, Hillel House and A E Pi fraternity at MSU sponsored a talk about in- termarriage entitled, "Eat, Drink and Be Marry." More than 60 students attended. Part of Jacobovitz's success is due to catchy fliers, timely topics and, of course, re- freshments. But his success is also due to his soft-sell ap- proach. "We try to make everyone at ease, under no pressure. They come to us. It's not my nature to be pushy," he explains. If a student remains in- terested, Jacobovitz is avail- able for one-to-one dialogue and instruction. Several years ago, Boruch (Bruce) Levine returned for his senior year at MSU in de- sparate need of housing. By chance, he hooked up with two students just back from Ohr Somayach. He was not intimidated by their need to keep kosher or be Shomer Shabbat. "I figured I'd be way too busy to interfere with their religious beliefs," he re- calls. One evening, they dragged him to a class led by Jacobovitz, and Levine was smitten. "Something Rabbi J. said triggered something in me. I went up to him after- words and asked him, 'What is one's purpose in this world?' " After a Shabbaton weekend held at MSU and sponsored by Ohr Somayach, Levine de- cided to spend his last term studying in Jerusalem. "I wanted to go back to the source. Ohr Somayach was fully accredited. I felt I needed to define who I am be- fore I get married and bring other children into the world." "Torah began to fill up my life, change my outlook on life and my career goals." Originally on a political fast track, Levine had worked as a summer intern for Sena- tor Carl Levin and had run MSU's student campaign for Governor Blanchard. With his degree in political science and urban planning finished, he remained in Jerusalem for a year, then returned to a branch of Ohr Somayach in Monsey, New York. Today he works in New York City as the assistant to the owner of a commercial construction company. He be- gins each morning davening and tries to spend several hours a day in Torah study. "For the first time, I feel I'm working towards a complete- ness, a fulfillment and rich- ness in life." For Ed and Karen Hurvitz, becoming observant was a gradual eight-year process. "It wasn't overnight," Ed ex- plains. "We had our ups and downs and our questioning period." Karen's two brothers had remained close with several Orthodox teachers " at the United Hebrew Schools and had become quite religious. They inspired Karen to explore traditional Judaism. "At first, Karen was way ahead of me," Ed recalls. "We were dating in college when she decided to keep Shabbos. It meant no fraternity par- ties, no McDonald's." Together, they explored and accepted the Orthodox lifestyle. Rabbi and Mrs. Jacobovitz acted like a role model for the Hurvitzes. "We saw them Continued on Page 18