The following is a letter I wrote and submitted to the Yated as a reaction to R' Teitelbaum's article. I do not know if the Yated will publish this, but I felt that it was a good read for all:

GC

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I was very pleased to read R’ Eli Teitelbaum’s article regarding the need to provide kids with constructive extracurricular activities. As a former camper (3 years) of S’dei Chemed under R’ Teitelbaum’s leadership, I have a great respect for R’ Teitelbaum and the passion with which he was able to run this outstanding summer success; I have Hakaras Hatov for all he did for my fellow campers and me.

Over the past few years, my experience with teen-centered extracurricular programs has expanded and deepened from my own S’dei Chemed years. It is clear that we are in an era with more distractions and with what seems to be more neglect for “regular” frum kids. In his article, R’ Teitelbaum mentions that these kids are “at-risk.” That is true to some extent, but I believe that the bulk of the kids to whom he refers are “potentially” at-risk.

The frum community at large has been asleep at the wheel ignoring the needs of these kids under the premise that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It has incorrectly presumed that these good, “trouble-free” kids are always occupied with only wholesome and enriching activities; this is NOT SO!

While meaning well, the frum community has not provided healthy outlets where our children can “blow off steam” after a jam packed schedule filled with learning, chazara, b’chinos, and, oh yes, a few hours of homework and night Seder.

That is why, four years ago, my good friend & chavrusa, Moshe Starkman, and I, created an organization for “frum” kids called Torah Youth Association (TYA). Torah Youth was created with the purpose of creating positive environments for Middle & High School students. The opportunities we create allow these teens to experience Torah, play sports, do chesed, perform community service activities, and build lasting friendships within a positive, growth oriented culture.

We provide our students with an environment that promotes religious exploration, responsible social interaction, and leadership development within the framework of Halacha. The values of our schools are not being reinforced within the confines of society and, therefore, can not be sustained in a real-world environment that bombards our students with numerous challenges.

We stand, in support of the Orthodox Jewish day school system, as an organization dedicated to bringing "real life" Judaism to our students in a way that is engaging and meaningful. If even one Jewish student feels Torah is oppressive and inhibits self-growth, that is one student too many! Unfortunately, in today’s society and “free” culture, too many of our children have become disenchanted with the Torah lifestyle resulting in devastating consequences.

Torah Youth Association consists of parents, teachers, students, and supporters working together to empower our children and students. Through developing stronger decision makers grounded in a Torah education fortified through real-world experiences, our children are better prepared to succeed both personally and morally. Some of our “kosher” supervised outlets include working with local chesed organizations, Motzai Shabbos activities, weekend Flag Football, BBQ’s, and many other exciting events and programs.

Notable gedolim are in support of this program, and are very excited that action is being taken to provide activities and a support system for these kids. As one Rosh HaYeshiva noted, “Kids have to have fun.”

TYA is a national program which currently operates in Baltimore and Silver Spring, MD as well as Philadelphia, PA. All programs are gender specific and each city has a different strength. For example, Baltimore has a tremendous program for High School boys and a more recent program for High School girls. The Torah Youth program in Philadelphia for middle school boys has replaced the local Pirchei.

Our motto is “Learning Life, Living Torah and Loving It.” Our goal is to develop kids who live Torah while engaging in other activities outside of seder or the classroom. We provide a focus on “Derech Eretz Kadma LaTorah.”

It is important to express the concern as R’ Teitelbaum has done and even more important to take action. If you would like to be involved in fighting the tide of losing our children to drugs, violence and other inappropriate behavior chas v’shalom, step up today. Become an active member of the Torah Youth Association and help us protect the Jewish tomorrow. Please contact me at 443-857-4304 or gcohn@torahyouth.org. Be a part of this great mitzvah. Save a Life – Save a world!

Rabbi Teitelbaum, thank you for doing your part in providing a unique outlet for thousands of youth. I am just one of many, but feel I speak for all. Our Torah Youth thank you as well!