testimonials

I cannot adequately express my deep appreciation to you and your family for having me as a guest in your home over Shabbos and Yom Tov. Being able to experience those sacred days with you, your most amazing family and the Jewish community gave me a greater understanding of the meaning of Shabbos and Yom Tov. It is truly a gift from the Almighty to the Jewish people, as are you, your family and everyone at TORCH.

Dan K.

You picked a wonderful partner for me; I thank you sooooo much for that. My Partner in Torah is so kind and wise. I consider her a friend, not just a study partner now. 

Tania S.

Thanks for providing such inspiring classes. You are the real deal and it is absolutely positively contagious!

Don L.

GREAT article!

This will be a wonderful discussion at our Pesach Seder. I learned a lot from this article (as I do every Friday from you). Thanks and have a wonderful Seder.

Ed H.

Please accept my deepest appreciation for Rabbi Masri's presentations on Tuesday evenings and Thursday noons. He is thoughtful and thought provoking. I'm grateful for his guidance and his patience and look forward to the next course. Many Thanks.

Tina C.

Dear Rabbi and Rebbetzin: Thank you both so much for hosting such a wonderful event Friday night. The sense of community and unity for Jews and Judaism was absolutely beautiful. Thank you both so much. I look forward to the next Torch event and any event involving the two of you personally. Please let me know how I can help assist for the next one. Thanks again! Be well.

Josh U.

Dear Rabbetzin and Rabbi Wolbe, Thank you so much for helping organize the Rosh Hashanah Retreat. I enjoyed very much spending Rosh Hashanah with you and the rest of the TORCH Family. I found the retreat to be insightful, thought-provoking and very inspirational. I look forward to continuing my studies in Judaism and applying more of the lessons learned to my daily life. Thank you once again for a magnificent Holiday. I look forward to talking with you soon. Sincerely,

Adam R.

Dear Rabbi, I am currently taking Breakneck Thru the Bible with Rabbi Masri. The class has truly made a difference in my life. I find the information facsinating and I think Rabbi Masri is outstanding. I would have to say that my desire to learn more and my recent spiritual growth are directly because of Rabbi Masri. I think TORCH is providing a much needed service to our Jewish community. Thank you and your staff for everything you are doing! Sincerely,

Bonnie Z.

I'm feeling so blessed to have met such wonderful people. The consideration, kindness, and acceptance you have all extended to me is truly heartfelt. Your efforts are truly appreciated and transforming the landscape of Judaism in an entire city. I tend to be self consumed most of the time and don't express my appreciation often enough. From the bottom of my heart I thank you each individually, Yossi, Faige, Aryeh, Zehava, Sruli, Shalva, Danny, Nomi, Yakov, and Sari for the wonderful people you truly are. With deep love and appreciation,

Daniel S.

Rabbi Sruli, I truly enjoyed the class last night and am looking forward to the additional classes in the near future. Thank you for telling me aobut the T.A.L.K. series! Additionally, I am very much looking forward to Shabbat dinner at your home this Friday night. ... Thank you again for the many inclusions and introductions, as I believe that Torch is exactly what I have been looking for, both in spirituality and friendship. B'Shalom,

Rachel S.

I have to tell you, I had such a wonderful, WONDERFUL time at dinner on shabbos. Thank you both so much for your kindness and hospitality. All my insights are positive...from the introductions to the singing, I could go on and on. It is nice to meet such great people in Houston. Thanks and I will try and make it this Wednesday!

Yoela B.

Just wanted to drop you a line to reiterate how awesome the trip was for me. I really had a spectacular time! Further, the time I got to spend with some of the other guys (both New Yorkers and Houstonians) really effected my outlook on a lot things as they relate to Judaism, and life in general. In fact, this trip was even more moving and spiritual in many ways than my Birthright Israel trip (which is partially due to the fact that I'm at a different place in my life now than I was when I was a junior in college and on Birthright, but also largely due to the fascinating people I had the opportunity to meet and visit with).

Mostly though, I want to thank you for all you've done. I know this trip took a tremedous amount of planning and organizing on your part and I'm deeply grateful for your selflessness, sacrifice and dedication to the group. It truly means a lot to me and is not something I'll soon forget (or ever, for that matter).

I'm definitely ready to start a schedule where I spend more time studying Torah and other aspects of Jewish religion. Our classes will certainly be a big part of that, but in addition I want to spend more individual time learning.

Hope all else is well and let me just reiterate, the trip was very special to me and I'm extremely grateful for all that you did to put it together and ensure everyone in the group had the most enjoyable trip, both spiritually and emotionally, possible.

Judd M.

TORCH is one of the Houston Jewish community’s greatest assets. It is simply invaluable. But what makes TORCH so uniquely special is the people who make it up. These wonderful people’s commitment to everything Jewish really makes a difference in the lives of those of us who want to learn more and get closer to our Jewish roots. The people of TORCH have made it possible for me to understand, live and appreciate my heritage more than ever before, while allowing me to go “at my own pace,” every step of the way. Also, the ASCENT division provides terrific opportunities for women who want to learn with other women. I have enjoyed my learning with Shalva Weinreb and Faige Grossman very much and look forward to continuing it in the future.

A great big THANK YOU to Faige and Rabbi Yossi Grossman, Rabbi Yaakov and Sari Nagel, Rabbi Sruli and Shalva Weinreb, Frumie Polatsek and Rabbi Danny and Nomi Masri.

You are all an inspiration. Your spirit, warmth and hospitality are much appreciated and will be remembered for a long time. Keep up the great work!

With much gratitude,

Paulina L.

Rabbi, I truly enjoyed the class last night and am looking forward to the additional classes in the near future. Thank you for telling me aobut the T.A.L.K. series! Additionally, I am very much looking forward to Shabbat dinner at your home this Friday night ... I will be there.

Thank you again for the many inclusions and introductions, as I believe that Torch is exactly what I have been looking for, both in spirituality and friendship. B'Shalom,

Rachel S.