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A 'Ladder of
Growth'

A group of mostly Reform Jews
finds inspiration from an Orthodox rabbi.

SUSAN TAWIL

Special to The Jewish News

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I

The secret is the subject matter says
Gregg: "The Torah is strong enough
to break down all barriers."
Last week on Wednesday, the group
met at the Wertheimer's Southfield
home to study the weekly Torah por-
tion of Chaya Sarah (Genesis 23:1).
Questions and opinions flew in a spir-
ited give-and-take. Discussions of the
text, which tells of the death and bur-

t started as a mistake.
About five years ago,
Farmington Hills resident Jay
Korelitz, feeling curious about
his Jewish roots, answered an adver-
tisement in The Jewish News. The ad
announced the launch of a new learn-
ing program, sponsored by NCSY.
These initials, Korelitz discovered
when he called, stood for National
Conference of Synagogue Youth, an
Orthodox Jewish youth group. Not
exactly what Korelitz, a 50-year-old
member of Temple Israel, was hoping
to find.
NCSY director Rabbi Yaakov
Gregg, however, saw an opportunity.
He made an appointment to meet
with Korelitz, and set up a personal
one-on-one weekly learning session
with him.
The pair began learning Pirkei
Avot (Ethics of Our Fathers, a six-
chapter portion of the Mishnah
dealing with Jewish ethics and
beliefs).
"I argued over every word,"
Korelitz says. Apparently so: in an
entire year, they had barely finished
the first chapter.
Jay's wife Paula, would often lis-
ten in on the heated discussions,
Group members (clockwise from top) Bruce
and began taking part. After a year,
Gale, Paula Korelitz and Diane Wertheimer
some friends joined them.
share a book.
Ultimately, a class of 10-15 regulars
was formed.
ial of Sarah and the betrothal of Isaac
Some participants are Reform; oth-
to
Rebecca, led to discussions of
ers are Conservative. Rabbi Gregg, 36,
Jewish
marriage laws, the Holocaust
a teacher at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah and
and Gematrias (the numeric value of
Adat Shalom Religious School, teaches
Hebrew words).
from a strictly Orthodox viewpoint.
"I try to be a springboard to the
Yet, the denominational differences
next step," Gregg explains. "I love
pose no hindrance to their study.
when our discussions get enthusiastic.
"It's the rabbi," claims Dianne
It shows they're involved. I give the
Werthheimer, a study group member
Orthodox approach, but I welcome all
who belongs to Congregation Beth
their views. We are all on a ladder of
Shalom. "He teaches with such gentle-
growth,
no matter what level we're at.
ness."
The main thing is that we should go
Adds Marlene Slutzky, another
away wanting to learn more and to
group member, "He's willing to talk
grow and better ourselves." El
about anything."