This is more of an overall reflection on my baal teshuva yeshiva period in Jerusalem (2007-2010). So that it is still recorded somewhere online:
I am happy that I left Judaism because of many different reasons; socially, intellectually, theologically, and physically. However, I do look positively back at the times where we as young adults had some great times at yeshiva Ohr Somayach. Yes, the food was really bad and the dorms were horrendous, but it was a way to connect to so many different people from all around the world while learning more about THEIR Charedi Judaism. A bunch of us never fitted in and we were never going to fit in. I have many negative stories about how Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem was actively pushing people to become Charedi instead of merely “good Jews”. But I won't discuss that here. I am so happy that I didn't go out on shidduchim while in yeshiva because almost all of the people I knew back than who did get married at a young age did also get divorced very quickly. It felt like a trap: You go into Ohr Somayach > become more frum > try to find someone “on your level” > have kids > live in Israel for X amount of years > and then ........ depending on the specific outcome/situation they would often have a very difficult life. With the latter I mean working working multiple jobs in Israel, or a 50-60 hour work week just to make ends meet.
Anyway, That was a long time ago because its 2026 already , Now I have a decent job, finished a good university, acquired different professional skills while still improving them. Focusing on Python, Excel, learning a different language. SQL, Linux. I really enjoy it all. Sometimes I still miss my “brothers in arms” who I studied with during the day, and partied with at night. We had some great Thursday evenings in town. Sometimes I miss being able to discuss Judaism with friends because I do still find it interesting. And no I cant discuss that with my current friends/acquaintances because non of them are Jewish.
I think we were part of the last “Baal Teshuva movement” era. There was still money for trips to the Golan Heights and Tsfat (Safed) including staying over at a hotel. I experienced the 2007-2010 years in retrospect as the final “golden Baal Teshuva movement years” before internet became more easily available on your smartphone. Don't get me wrong, we where trying to pick up free WiFi connection in the neighborhood and surprisingly the password was often “Admin”. At one point i managed to download so many secular books on my laptop that I was having my own curriculum during the break.
I know that Ohr Somayach changed a lot. they removed the courtyard where we used to sit underneath the fig tree. And they are catering towards high income families. this makes sense financially because back in 2007-2010 Ohr Somayach was in a financial crisis because of how much money they were spending. However, I guess they always managed to be somewhat successful at fund raising in the US. Otherwise, we could never have such amazing trips and events.
Times change I wonder if classical kiruv will still be a thing in 10 years from now. What I do know is that the younger generations have easy access to knowledge. therefore, my advice is the following to the upcoming yeshiva generation:
1# Remain critical and verify sources. 2# Look for academy sources and theories on the topic as well. 3# NEVER take a sabbatical from University to join a yeshiva. (Chances are high that you will stay longer) 4# Do not go to yeshiva after age 25. (Your focus should be towards your future > study/work) 5# Never cut your secular family and friends out of your life. 6# Set goal/s what you want to achieve in X amount of time.
Related post: https://write.as/derechacher/file-001-baal-teshuva-yeshivas-jerusalem
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