About Our Program
Our Youth Directors
A native of Chicago, Rabbi Aryeh Czarka studied in Israel for two years after which he attended Yeshiva University and graduated with a BA in Psychology. R’ Aryeh then studied in Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) at the Gruss Center in Yerushalayim. During that year he received his Rabbinical Ordination from Rav Zalman Nechemiah Goldberg. That following summer R' Aryeh worked as a Camp Rebbe in Yeshivas HaKayitz in Chicago. Returning to New York, R' Aryeh continued to study at RIETS and served as a Rabbinic intern for the Puah Institute. R’ Aryeh is currently working at the Beth Din of America and completing his studies.
Brooke Czarka grew up in Springfield, New Jersey. Brooke studied in Israel for two years after which she began her BA in Education at the University of Phoenix. Brooke worked as youth leader growing up in our community. While her husband was studying at the Gruss Kollel in Israel, Brooke planned the Shabbatons, trips, and women’s shiurim. After their stay in Israel, the Czarka family moved back to the states and lived in Washington Heights, where Brooke ran her own playgroup from home. Brooke is currently an assistant in our Shul's nursery program.
R’ Aryeh and Brooke will be running youth groups every Shabbos as well as planning holiday and Sunday programming. They are happy to be a part of the Springfield family and hope to enhance the excitement of Torah in the lives of the youth.
Our Programing for 5772/ 2011-2012 is as follows:
- · Shabbos youth groups for all ages:
o Ages 0-2: Parent supervised playrooms
o Ages 3-6: Davening, story time, structured play, and interactive games
o Ages 7-12: Davening, parsha story or dvar torah, and interactive/ educational games
- Chamudim: A scheduled monthly program for children ages 3-6. The program is usually an arts and craft project geared towards upcoming holidays. This program is for children and parents, providing them with a great opportunity to bond and learn together.
- For the 7-12 year olds there are: monthly programming and trips, including but not limited to, pizza party in the sukkah, sukkah hopping, monster mini golf, olive oil press, indoor sports night, football in the park, and movie night at the Czarka’s.
- Holiday Programming: Some examples of fun holiday programming: Thanksgiving football game, Chanukah Extravaganza, Purim Carnival, and Lag B’Omer bonfire.
And much, much more!!
The Czarka’s are open to new ideas and thoughts. Feedback plays a role in the successful implementation of youth programs. Please feel free to contact them at 646- 392-6237 (Brooke) or at 646-392-6227 (R' Aryeh). E-mail: abtczarka@gmail.com.