While purchasing a book at a Judaica shop, I noticed a bookmark, which read “Find Your Place in Judaism” on the one side, and a “1-800” number on the other. Within days [after I called] I was contacted by Rabbi Lerer of Teaneck, NJ, a retired pulpit Rabbi, with whom I arranged to learn, by phone, once a week, for approximately 45 minutes. We have been learning Pirkei Avot, Maimonides Principles of Faith, The Hafetz Chayim’s Mitzvot, as well as the Parsha of the week. Over the last year I have been engaged in a journey to find spiritual meaning in Judaism. My wife and our family have always observed the Jewish Holidays; kept a kosher home, but had found ourselves increasingly dissatisfied with the diminishing connection we were experiencing in relation to the large Synagogue congregation where we were members. My contact with Rabbi Lerer is enjoyable and inspiring, and I have found him to be a warm spirited, and very giving teacher. His teaching is heartfelt, and “what comes from the heart goes to the heart.” I am most grateful for the help he has unstintingly offered, and, in my family he has become affectionately known as “the Teanecker Rebbe.” I am most grateful to Telepartners in Torah, which has been instrumental in nurturing, supporting, and strengthening my ties to my heritage. As my journey continues, I have had the opportunity to discover some of the gems and treasures of Judaism.

- - Dr. Arnold Rubenstein , Toronto, Canada

It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to study under Rabbi Shlomo Zaslow for the past year. Even when he moved from Philadelphia to Brooklyn with his family, and was looking for a new job, he faithfully called every week. There were many occasions I tried to give him a rain-check because I know about the pressures of trying to juggle wife, small kids, and a career, but my conclusion was that he had made our learning together a priority, and for that I am deeply humbled and grateful beyond any words or thoughts I could ever adequately express. This learning has had a very profound impact on me... Thank you Partners in Torah, and thank you, Rabbi Zaslow.

– Philip Avnet, Spokane, Washington

Thank you so much for my mezuzot. They are such a blessing for my home. You have put out so much kindness and energy in helping me on my path to Judaism. May G-d bless you and yours for ever. I have become a better person since you have been a part of my life. Even my sister Wendy and my mom are now calling Partners in Torah for help with their learning. Shabbat is a blessing beyond anything I have known and I’m sharing my experience and passion and it is reaching the hearts of my family.

– Sharon Millstein, Ranchos De, New Mexico

This has been an uplifting experience because I am gaining a new appreciation for learning Midrash. My partner is becoming more sensitive to me, as a reform Jew, as I am to her. This is our mission; one of interaction and respect for one another.

– Rebecca Wolff, Del Ray Beach, Florida

I have been studying for about three months with Partners in Torah and words cannot describe how much learning with Pincus Berman means to me. He is a terrific teacher and am sorry when the lesson is over. I live in rural New Mexico and must drive 100 miles to shul and to buy kosher food and the contact with a fellow Jew twice a week makes my day!

– Martin Holtzman, Deming, New Mexico

Thank you for helping me to set up my new kosher kitchen. I can’t thank you enough. It’s been something I’ve always wanted to do. With G-d’s help maybe I can return the favor to someone else, sooner than later.

– Diane Rojas, Arlington, Virginia

The most important thing I’ve learned with my partner is the importance of keeping Shabbat. She invited me into her home for Shabbat one weekend and helped me to learn different aspects of Shabbat. Until that Shabbat I had never known about Psalms. I have been going through a tough time and the Psalms of Kind David really helped. It is helpful to know I have a good friend to count on.

– Wendy S. Crane, Farmingdale, New York

My teacher Yochanan (he is more of a friend) teaches me Talmud twice a week for about an hour. I would say that besides learning Talmud we have learned a lot about each other. I felt very fortunate when Yochanan came to visit because from what I’ve heard, many telepartners don’t get to meet each other in person right away. I think that becoming part of this program has made me want to be a more religious Jew.

-- Jon Lessins, South Bend, Indiana

Thank you for changing my life, my spirit and adding the most important part of my belief in G-d... My “return” to Judaism has been the most treasured gift I have ever received. Special thanks to Rabbi Mayer Birnbaum, my teacher who has so inspirationally taught me and has the patience to answer all my questions. He diligently took his personal time and commitment to Torah to teach and guide me in the Pirkei Avot, the true meaning of prayer, and how to enjoy and keep the Shabbat.

 – Norman Weinstein, Irvine, California