Below are testimonials from individuals who have participated in First Seder
1. Having participated in First Seder's Gemara program has given me the opportunity to learn "b'iyun" for the first time. Though a bit intimidating at first after a short time and with Rabbi Greenspan's support I have been able to successfully work through the Tosofos and the Rishonim. The environment is welcoming and not judgemental. I highly recommend it to men of all ages and backgrounds. Herb Rosin – Cherry Hill
2. The First Seder program at the Philadelphia Community Kollel is a priceless gift. Rabbi Greenspan and the other instructors are learned, wise, funny and able to explain the texts insightfully to many students of various ages and "levels." They make it seem effortless and this is a testimonial to their years of unstinting, hard, persistent Ameilus BaTorah. Rabbi Greenspan especially is a true tzaddik, and one can feel his delight in imparting the Torah and his desire, having done so much, to do ever more. I regret not attending shiurim more often! But that which I have learned, I am enjoying going over, and I hope to learn much more B"H. Much Hatzlacha to the First Seder Program, which never ceases to inspire and amaze. Michael Kittel
3. I can't express in words how much I appreciate the opportunity to benefit from First Seder. I have participated live and through skype and look forward to real time broadcasting soon. Ted Kosloff - Merion
4. It is fantastic to have an organized chabura for ba'alei batim for learning gemara b'chavrusa right here in Philly. Moreh makores, weekly shiur or chabura, a Rebe to go to and other chavrusashafts with which to discuss the sugia. Kol hakavod First Seder. Sid Laytin - Merion Station
5. For those of us whose background, in Gemora, Mishnayis, Mishna Brurah and other Torah subjects, is minimal, the opportunity to attend daily shiurim on these topics, from Kollel and guest rabbis, is perfect. A novice doesn't have the pressure of one-on-one debating issues (unless that is what he wants) or the obligation to verbalize insightful questions (although answered when they do arise), while the constant dialog among the rabbaim and the more knowledgeable students give everyone greater insights into understanding these texts.
Inevitably among the retirees in the group, unavoidable medical appointments and other obligations necessitate missing part or all of a morning's shiurim - yet this doesn't involve excuses or apologies - but one can, if desired, make-up later via on-line recordings of the missed class.
To satisfy the noshing needs, snacks and coffee are provided during breaks - and to complete the culinary aspects, monthly Rosh Chodesh luncheons, usually replete with in-house or guest speakers, add to the enjoyment. Attendees often share sponsoring the expenses, dedicated as they wish.
FirstSeder provides the kollel "feeling" to those who missed that experience in their lives, at a time when filling that void can be most appreciated. Len Small - Wynnewood
6. "As a student looking to do some learning while working over the summer, the First Seder Bais Medrash provided an amazing opportunity to do so in a structured environment. With its variable programming and the support of Rabbi Greenspan and others, I saw my skills improve and my passion for learning increase. I now find myself poring over seforim that were unbeknownst to me just two months ago! I would recommend First Seder to anyone looking to start his day with Torah learning and to grow in it." Yaakov Kaufman - U of P Philadelphia
7. First Seder presents a unique opportunity to learn in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere along with other like-minded individuals. The lecturers are excellent and the environment is stimulating. Regardless of whether you, like me, are new to a Bais Medrosh environment or have an extensive background in Judaic studies, I'm sure you will find First Seder to be an extremely rewarding experience. Give it a try. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I do. Tzemach Samuels - Bryn Mawr
8. When a friend suggested that I try the First Seder program, I was at first skeptical. I said to myself, '"I'm already doing Daf Yomi, and learning with my son at home on a daily basis. Do I need this too?"
I was very wrong. First Seder program is like a life-line to me now. Its classes offer an alternative to the Chavrusah learning that I was familiar with. These were classes that were formal, and yet friendly. The attendees were from the whole spectrum of learning levels, and many of them had good kashes that were expertly dealt with, or honestly answered. Rabbi Greenspan and the other Rabbaim are knowledgeable and personable. Nobody is just "mailing it in"; they are always engaging.
A great feature of the program is that it is available on-line. On days when I was snowed-in, or otherwise feeling under the weather, I could always tune in, turn on, and drop in. I guess this sounds like it's addictive, and I suppose it is. I need my daily dose of Halachah. It makes me happy, and I like the Chavarim I find there. Hope you decide to come and join the class. Aryeh Wood - Philadelphia
9. IMAGINE BEING OFFERED THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE IN A LAND AND OBTAIN UNLIMITED WEALTH. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER PRESENTATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF THAT LAND. YOUR ONLY HANDICAP IS NOT KNOWING THE LANGUAGE OF THAT COUNTRY. MANY OBSERVANT JEWS TODAY HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN TORAH THROUGH A RIGOUROUS TORAH EDUCATION. THE FIRST SEDER PROGRAM HAS ENABLING ME TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE OF TORAH AND BECOME INFORMED IN HALACHIC ISSUES AS WELL AS DEVELOP ADVANCED SKILLS IN MISHNAH BERUAH, MISHNAH AND GEMARAH. THE REBEIM ARE TORAH SCHOLARS WHO AMICABLY TRANSMIT THEIR SUBJECT MANNER AND ADDRESS OUR SPECIFIC NEEDS. THERE IS A TREMENDOUS JOY IN LEARNING IS THIS CORDIAL SETTING. MORE PROGRANS LIKE THIS ARE NEEDED IN THE ORTHODOX WORLD. NO MATTER WHAT LEVEL ONE IS ON IN HIS LEARNING I CAN GUARANTEE THAT HE WILL FEEL COMFORTABLE IN THIS PROGRAM. RABBI URI GREENSPAN AND ALL THE FIRST SEDER REBEIM HAVE DONE AN OUTSTADING JOB. MY WISH IS THAT MORE PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM BY WHIICH ONE WILL PENETRATE THE INNER SANCTUM OF OBSERVANT JUDAISM, NAMELY LEARNING TORAH. THE JOY THAT THIS ENDEAVOR GUARANTEES IS BEYOND WORDS. Drew Dorman - Bala Cynwyd
10. I have been learning b’iyun in the Gemora Track for a little over a year. This has been tremendously exciting for me.
I had never learned b’iyun before. With the guidance of Rabbi Greenspan, the Rosh Yeshiva, I have learned how to dissect a suygia in depth with the mforshim. Rabbi Greenspan provides the necessary direction and assistance in understanding pshat in a m’forsh or a sugyia or in providing different sources to help us reach an understanding on our own.
I love it! Michoel Klein - Elkins Park
1. Having participated in First Seder's Gemara program has given me the opportunity to learn "b'iyun" for the first time. Though a bit intimidating at first after a short time and with Rabbi Greenspan's support I have been able to successfully work through the Tosofos and the Rishonim. The environment is welcoming and not judgemental. I highly recommend it to men of all ages and backgrounds. Herb Rosin – Cherry Hill
2. The First Seder program at the Philadelphia Community Kollel is a priceless gift. Rabbi Greenspan and the other instructors are learned, wise, funny and able to explain the texts insightfully to many students of various ages and "levels." They make it seem effortless and this is a testimonial to their years of unstinting, hard, persistent Ameilus BaTorah. Rabbi Greenspan especially is a true tzaddik, and one can feel his delight in imparting the Torah and his desire, having done so much, to do ever more. I regret not attending shiurim more often! But that which I have learned, I am enjoying going over, and I hope to learn much more B"H. Much Hatzlacha to the First Seder Program, which never ceases to inspire and amaze. Michael Kittel
3. I can't express in words how much I appreciate the opportunity to benefit from First Seder. I have participated live and through skype and look forward to real time broadcasting soon. Ted Kosloff - Merion
4. It is fantastic to have an organized chabura for ba'alei batim for learning gemara b'chavrusa right here in Philly. Moreh makores, weekly shiur or chabura, a Rebe to go to and other chavrusashafts with which to discuss the sugia. Kol hakavod First Seder. Sid Laytin - Merion Station
5. For those of us whose background, in Gemora, Mishnayis, Mishna Brurah and other Torah subjects, is minimal, the opportunity to attend daily shiurim on these topics, from Kollel and guest rabbis, is perfect. A novice doesn't have the pressure of one-on-one debating issues (unless that is what he wants) or the obligation to verbalize insightful questions (although answered when they do arise), while the constant dialog among the rabbaim and the more knowledgeable students give everyone greater insights into understanding these texts.
Inevitably among the retirees in the group, unavoidable medical appointments and other obligations necessitate missing part or all of a morning's shiurim - yet this doesn't involve excuses or apologies - but one can, if desired, make-up later via on-line recordings of the missed class.
To satisfy the noshing needs, snacks and coffee are provided during breaks - and to complete the culinary aspects, monthly Rosh Chodesh luncheons, usually replete with in-house or guest speakers, add to the enjoyment. Attendees often share sponsoring the expenses, dedicated as they wish.
FirstSeder provides the kollel "feeling" to those who missed that experience in their lives, at a time when filling that void can be most appreciated. Len Small - Wynnewood
6. "As a student looking to do some learning while working over the summer, the First Seder Bais Medrash provided an amazing opportunity to do so in a structured environment. With its variable programming and the support of Rabbi Greenspan and others, I saw my skills improve and my passion for learning increase. I now find myself poring over seforim that were unbeknownst to me just two months ago! I would recommend First Seder to anyone looking to start his day with Torah learning and to grow in it." Yaakov Kaufman - U of P Philadelphia
7. First Seder presents a unique opportunity to learn in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere along with other like-minded individuals. The lecturers are excellent and the environment is stimulating. Regardless of whether you, like me, are new to a Bais Medrosh environment or have an extensive background in Judaic studies, I'm sure you will find First Seder to be an extremely rewarding experience. Give it a try. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I do. Tzemach Samuels - Bryn Mawr
8. When a friend suggested that I try the First Seder program, I was at first skeptical. I said to myself, '"I'm already doing Daf Yomi, and learning with my son at home on a daily basis. Do I need this too?"
I was very wrong. First Seder program is like a life-line to me now. Its classes offer an alternative to the Chavrusah learning that I was familiar with. These were classes that were formal, and yet friendly. The attendees were from the whole spectrum of learning levels, and many of them had good kashes that were expertly dealt with, or honestly answered. Rabbi Greenspan and the other Rabbaim are knowledgeable and personable. Nobody is just "mailing it in"; they are always engaging.
A great feature of the program is that it is available on-line. On days when I was snowed-in, or otherwise feeling under the weather, I could always tune in, turn on, and drop in. I guess this sounds like it's addictive, and I suppose it is. I need my daily dose of Halachah. It makes me happy, and I like the Chavarim I find there. Hope you decide to come and join the class. Aryeh Wood - Philadelphia
9. IMAGINE BEING OFFERED THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE IN A LAND AND OBTAIN UNLIMITED WEALTH. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER PRESENTATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF THAT LAND. YOUR ONLY HANDICAP IS NOT KNOWING THE LANGUAGE OF THAT COUNTRY. MANY OBSERVANT JEWS TODAY HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN TORAH THROUGH A RIGOUROUS TORAH EDUCATION. THE FIRST SEDER PROGRAM HAS ENABLING ME TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE OF TORAH AND BECOME INFORMED IN HALACHIC ISSUES AS WELL AS DEVELOP ADVANCED SKILLS IN MISHNAH BERUAH, MISHNAH AND GEMARAH. THE REBEIM ARE TORAH SCHOLARS WHO AMICABLY TRANSMIT THEIR SUBJECT MANNER AND ADDRESS OUR SPECIFIC NEEDS. THERE IS A TREMENDOUS JOY IN LEARNING IS THIS CORDIAL SETTING. MORE PROGRANS LIKE THIS ARE NEEDED IN THE ORTHODOX WORLD. NO MATTER WHAT LEVEL ONE IS ON IN HIS LEARNING I CAN GUARANTEE THAT HE WILL FEEL COMFORTABLE IN THIS PROGRAM. RABBI URI GREENSPAN AND ALL THE FIRST SEDER REBEIM HAVE DONE AN OUTSTADING JOB. MY WISH IS THAT MORE PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM BY WHIICH ONE WILL PENETRATE THE INNER SANCTUM OF OBSERVANT JUDAISM, NAMELY LEARNING TORAH. THE JOY THAT THIS ENDEAVOR GUARANTEES IS BEYOND WORDS. Drew Dorman - Bala Cynwyd
10. I have been learning b’iyun in the Gemora Track for a little over a year. This has been tremendously exciting for me.
I had never learned b’iyun before. With the guidance of Rabbi Greenspan, the Rosh Yeshiva, I have learned how to dissect a suygia in depth with the mforshim. Rabbi Greenspan provides the necessary direction and assistance in understanding pshat in a m’forsh or a sugyia or in providing different sources to help us reach an understanding on our own.
I love it! Michoel Klein - Elkins Park
