• In the large thriving community of Toronto, there are now numerous Kollelim, all offering wonderful shiurim to a wide array of people. The arrival of the YU Kollel MiTzion has added a new dimension of Torah learning under the flag of Torah U'Madah, in Toronto, and certainly in the Thornhill community and within the BAYT kehillah. Under the vibrant leadership of Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner, Rabbi Azarya Berzon and the Avreichim, the YU Kollel has brought a vibrancy and a broader perspective of Torah in all aspects of our daily lives. Individuals of all stripes come to hear the various classes and shiurim and walk away both inspired and challenged. Thank you-Todah Rabbah YU
- Perry Romberg, M.S.W., R.S.W. Director, Financial Resource Development & Regional Community Services UIA Federations Canada
• The presence of the YU Beit Midrash in our community has influenced all our collective synagogues to enhance our Torah learning. The shiurim given by the members of the Beit Midrash at Shaarei Tefillal Cong. have been of high caliber, well prepared and spiritually uplifting. On a personal note, I want to give a special yasher koach to Rav Mordechai Torczyner for his wisdom, leadership and guidance, and to those who made this all possible, we extend our deepest appreciation.
- Rabbi Moshe Stern, Shaarei Tefillah Cong.
• We are immensely happy with the Beit Midrash and all the Scholars in Residence that we have been privileged to have as guest speakers. We commend Rabbi Torczyner for his willingness to accommodate our needs. We have been most satisfied with the Shiur that Rabbi Itamar Zolberg has given on a weekly basis in Ivrit. It has added a wonderful dimension, enhancing the quality of Torah and Zionism in our Shul.
- Rabbi Charles Grysman, Zichron Yisroel
• The YU Beit Midrash is a great resource for Toronto. The quality of shiurim and the warmth of the avreichim have raised the profile of Torah learning in our community. Rabbi Torczyner and Rabbi Berzon teach Torah with a love and erudition that communicates the core values of Yeshiva University. I am blessed to call them my partners.
- Rabbi Chaim Strauchler, Shaarei Shomayim
• The YU Beit Midrash has had a profound impact on the Toronto Jewish Community. Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner has transformed our community through his erudition, vision and energy. They are committed to achieving excellence in Jewish education and to reaching out to all segments of our community. This initiative must be supported. Rabbi Torczyner is to be congratulated for his impressive achievements and encouraged to realize his vision for Jewish Toronto.
- Prof. Hindy Najman, Director, Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Toronto
• The shiurim offered in the last two years by avreichim of the YU Kollel were of high quality and attracted a dedicated following. I believe each series was extended by popular request. The maggidei shiur delivered profound and subtle ideas, while holding the attention of learners with varied and diverse backgrounds. They always handled questions with aplomb and skill. Our shul benefited a tremendous amount from having the avreichim as part of our weekly menu of learning. Thank you!
- Rabbi Joseph Kanofsky, Kehillat Shaarei Torah
• Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner has been a tremendous asset to the Miles Nadal JCC over the last year. Through his unique and inventive courses, we've been able to expand our range of Jewish enrichment opportunities and diversify the Jewish voices of our centre. We've really appreciated the opportunity that the YU Beit Midrash of Toronto has given us to work with him.
- Sharoni Sibony, Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
We appreciate and deeply value our relationship with YU Beit Midrash. Whether we are are interested in relevant learning about the Halachic implication of our children with special neshamot or requests of hashgacha for our COR kitchen, Rabbi Torczyner has instantly responded with support and enthusiasm.
- Susie Sokol, Kathy Laszlo, D.A.N.I. developing and nurturing independence of our young adults with special needs
• Unquestionably, one of the causes for the dramatic success of our Shul & community over the past years has been the involvement of the YU Beit Midrash of Toronto. Regardless of which of the Beit Midrash members honours us with a class, lecture or seminar, my community is always amazed by the professional, clear, deeply interesting and well organized presentations. They have been a true asset to us and are, without exception, a pleasure to work with. The YU Beit Midrash has proven to be an exceptional addition to the Jewish & Torah community of Toronto.
- Rabbi Avram Rothman, Thornhill Community Shul
• The YU Beit Midrash Zichron Dov, through its multiple initiatives, has raised the profile of YU in Toronto. In particular, the series on Jewish Medical Ethics, envisioned by Dr. Lazer Friedman, and presented so expertly by Rav Mordechai Torczyner, has brought together physicians to learn about complex, day-to-day issues in providing halachically appropriate care to patients of all stripes. As for me, the opportunity to sit down with both colleagues and Rav Torczyner, has helped me better reflect on my activities as a religious physician in a secular environment; building, for me, on initial learning with Harav Gedalia Felder, z'l, the Yesodei Yeshurun.
- Dr. Albert J. Kirshen, MD, MSc, FRCPC, FACP
• Toronto has benefited immensely from the scholarship and the integrity of the members of the YU Beit Midrash. Each and every one of the members of the Beit Midrash is an inspiration and indeed a magnetic draw into Jewish thought and the four cubits of halachah.
- Rabbi Yirmiya Milevsky, Bnai Torah Congregation
• Rabbi Mordechai Torczyner and Rabbi Azarya Berzon and the אברכים of Yeshiva University's בית מדרש זכרון דוב have somehow melded extraordinary scholarship with refined character, new horizons with old standards,סין אדם למקום with בין אדם לחבירו. The בית מדרש has brought these talents to all of Toronto, in general, but to my קהילה, the Clanton Park community, in particular. May I add that I have the luxury of a daily סדר with one of their אברכים , Itamar Zolberg, a young man who continues to inspire me with his broad knowledge, his profundity and his ability to navigate the most labyrinthine of סוגיות. May they go from strength to strength and may they continue being a positive force in our city, in our community and in our hearts.
- Rabbi Y. Weber, Clanton Park Synagogue
• The YU Kollel has shown our participants both the sweetness of Torah and her depth. The Kollel serves as a great resource to our community which through their shiurim has raised the level of study to new heights.
- Rabbi Elie Karfunkel, Forest Hill Jewish Centre
• The YU Torah Mitzion Beit Midrash Zichron Dov has been an invaluable resource to the Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC). They have always answered the call to partner with us in a plethora of programs, doing so with much warmth energy. More than just being a guest speaker on a Shabbaton, or shlepping up to York or down to U of T on a regular basis, or even coming all the way to the BAYT for a regular series, students feel that their avreichim and in particular the Roshei BM, Rabbi Berzon and Torczyner, genuinely care about students, and are continually inspired by their vast knowledge of Torah. The BM is a true friend (and relative) and we have tremendous hakarat hatov for such a relationship. I have benefited so much from the entire BM team both professionally and personally. As a city we are blessed to have such a gem in our own backyard.
- Rabbi Aaron Greenberg, Director, Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC)
• Yeshivat Or Chaim has been very happy with our association with the YU Torah MiTzion Beit Midrash. Avreichim have integrated twice weekly into our classes, as well as ad hoc learning chaburot at breakfast and lunch, engaging our students in Torah Lishma. We have drawn upon the Rabbanim and avreichim numerous times to give shiurim and chaburot to our students. We look forward to our ongoing relationship with the YU Beit Midrash and value the impact they are making in our schools and in our community.
- Rabbi Scot A. Berman, Headmaster, Bnei Akiva Schools
• Beit Midrash Zichron Dov shows the wonderful synergy between our worldwide Mizrachi Kollel Torah Mitzion and Yeshiva University. The growth of Torah in our community and individual kehillot, through our relationship with the refined Torah scholars of this program, has been immeasurable. May Hashem continue to bless all of our efforts.
- Rabbi Meir Rosenberg, National Executive Director, Mizrachi Canada
• As a young professional, with a very busy and erratic schedule, it so refreshing to have a Beit Midrash where I can always feel comfortable being who I am, and always having someone learn with. Thank you for coming to town!
- Mikey Stopnicki, proud father of 3 under 3.
• Leaving Yeshiva, I was worried that when I came back to Toronto, there wasn’t going to be any place that I’d feel comfortable learning. Thankfully, that same year, the YU Kollel opened up its first branch in Toronto. Being surrounded by Rabbeim who not only know unbelievable amounts of information, but also are willing to answer all our questions, has given me and my chavrusa a proper Bais Medrash in which to enhance our learning. Toronto is blessed to have a Makom Torah such as this.
- Zac Grodzinski, University of Toronto, Bachelors of Science, Materials Science Engineering.
