For over 50 years Rabbi Brovender has taught thousands of students from all around the world. This week we introduce you to Beth Ben-Avraham.
Beth and her husband made Aliyah to Be’er Sheva in 2015 from Lower Merion, just outside Philadelphia. She has an MSc and a BSc in Physics from MIT and until recently worked as a medical writer. She is now retired and spends most of her time learning Torah, including a chevruta with Rabbi Brovender.
When did you first meet Rabbi Brovender?
I met Rabbi Brovender when WebYeshiva started in November 2007. I had joined his Gemara shiur and since then, with the exception of the 3 years I spent doing the Halacha Mastery Program, I have continued to study Gemara with Rabbi Brovender in one form or another.
What do you find most important or striking about the “Brovender Method” -his unique way of teaching?
When it comes to Torah learning, what were you most drawn to after learning with Rabbi Brovender?
I’m most drawn to Gemara, with Rashi, which I have really learned to appreciate and to enjoy learning.
Review, review, review, and then review some more.
But there is more. There is a great lesson just being in the presence of a Talmid Chacham like him. I find Rabbi Brovender to be a very special person and a true anav. He never makes me feel badly in class, even if I am having trouble; he explains what needs to be explained and then moves on. When I miss a class, or he knows something difficult is happening in my life, he will check in with me to see that everything is ok. He also has a great sense of humor.
And all of that combined is a great lesson for life that I carry with me every day.