At Bais Medrash of Prospect Vines in Lakewood, under the leadership of Rabbi Miller, approximately 100 boys have been participating in a weekly Erev Shabbos program centered around Shir Hashirim. The initiative, led by Rabbi Shea Feinzeig, a veteran rebbi at Yeshiva Toras Aron, focuses on teaching the boys to read and layn Shir Hashirim with proper trop.
Each Friday afternoon, participants gather in shul to read along from specially prepared binders containing the text and trop. The program incorporates audio guidance, allowing the boys to follow a recorded baal koreh, and over time, many have developed notable proficiency. To further support their growth, participants receive recordings of Shir Hashirim and Megillas Esther for continued practice.
The initiative was established as a zechus lilui nishmas Genendel bas R’ Pesach (Nagel) Feinzeig a”h, who was niftar in 2023 after a prolonged illness. Mrs. Feinzeig was known for her strong connection to Shir Hashirim, and the program was inspired in part by her dedication to it. Guidance for the project was provided by Rabbi Yaakov Birnhack of Nachlei Torah, who has been involved in similar efforts throughout the Lakewood area.
In addition to the structured learning, the program includes refreshments, weekly prizes, and incentive-based milestones. Boys also receive collectible gedolim picture cards, fostering both engagement and a sense of accomplishment.
Following a full winter of consistent participation, boys who demonstrated proficiency in Shir Hashirim were treated to a bowling trip, marking the successful completion of the program’s initial phase.
The initiative is open to expansion and are encouraging both sponsorship and replication in other shuls. Those interested in sponsoring the program—whether for refreshments, materials, prizes, or in honor or memory of a loved one—or in bringing the Shir Hashirim initiative to their own kehilla, can contact Rabbi Shea Feinzeig at 917-589-0320 or via email at ysfeinzeig@gmail.com
Rabbi Shea Feinzeig I hope this is open to all nationallities both my sons would like to see what is offered to us.We are a Spanish family here in Lakewood.It would be Anti-American if it was not opened to non Jewish families’
There’s another Kehillah that has started this initiative in Lakewood Commons led by Rabbi Chanoch Krohn LMSW.
To sponsor a Shabbos and join him, please contact Rabbi Krohn at 848-525-1995.
Please join this and change your Shabbos!