Lev Shomea

Lev Shomea (, lit. "A Listening Heart") is a Haredi educational organization in Israel dedicated to providing counseling, guidance, and assistance to Yeshiva students, Seminary (Beit Yaakov) students, parents, and educators. The organization operates counseling hotlines, training programs, and placement departments for educational frameworks. The organization is led by the head of Hebron Yeshiva, Rabbi David Cohen; the head of Yeshivas Orchos Torah, Rabbi Shraga Shteinman; and the head of Ponevezh Yeshiva, Rabbi Chaim Peretz Berman. The organization is managed by Rabbi Eliav Miller. 

History

The organization was established in 1999 (5759) with the encouragement of Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv and Rabbi Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman. Initially, it operated under the auspices of the "Lev L'Achim" organization. Over the years, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky and Rabbi Gershon Edelstein served in the organization's presidency. In 2017, the organization was registered as an independent non-profit association (Amuta), separate from Lev L'Achim, and in 2019 it began operating completely independently. Following its separation, various departments were established to address education, assistance for young adults, parents, and educators. 

 Activities 

The organization operates several departments providing solutions for various populations within the Haredi sector: 

 Counseling and Guidance 
 Telephone Hotline: The organization operates separate counseling lines for Yeshiva students and Seminary girls. The hotline is intended for teenagers needing advice, encouragement, or support in daily matters, and is not necessarily designated for dropout cases. The hotline operates in the evenings, with a 24-hour emergency response available on weekdays. During times of crisis, a special line is activated involving professionals and experts. Additionally, the hotline provides counseling for parents and teaching staff.
 Counseling Center: A center providing personal counseling for boys, girls, parents, and educators.
 Mentoring and Follow-up ("Mekadmim BaKehila"): A network of activists who personally accompany Yeshiva students in face-to-face meetings for set periods, as needed. 

 Placement and Enrollment 

The organization operates a placement center ("Shibbutz") assisting in finding educational frameworks:
 Yeshiva Placement: Assistance in finding Yeshivas and Seminaries for boys and girls who have difficulty being accepted into institutions or require a unique framework tailored to their needs.
 Therapeutic Guidance: Referrals to mental health professionals for parents and youth, including follow-up on the effectiveness of the treatment. 

 Training Center 

"Lev Shomea" holds courses and training for rabbis, parents, staff members, and community activists aimed at expanding professional-educational knowledge. Among other things, courses are held to train avreichim (married Torah students) for mentorship and youth assistance. Additionally, the organization runs the "Vehigadeta Levincha" program – community guidance meetings for parents and rabbis on topics of safety, abuse prevention ("Mugnut"), and preparation for adolescence. 

 Special Programs 
 "Libeinu" Center (For International Communities): A project designed for immigrant families (primarily from the United States) living in Israel. The project assists in bridging cultural gaps and educational challenges vis-à-vis Israeli institutions and children growing up in Israel. The response includes a counseling line for parents and teacher guidance in schools regarding absorption and openness toward this demographic.
 "Achrayut" Center: A program for strengthening personal capabilities among Yeshiva students through workshops for value development, operating in cooperation with the Yeshivas. The program includes guidance during the transition from Yeshiva Ketana (minor yeshiva) to Yeshiva Gedola (major yeshiva) and the operation of mentors in Talmud Torahs.
 Dropout Prevention: A professional hotline dedicated to treating dropout issues among Yeshiva boys and Seminary girls.
 Lev Shomea in the Community: Deploying mentors in neighborhoods to locate and treat youths in need of guidance. 

 Conferences and Publications 

The organization produces newsletters and pamphlets featuring articles and interviews on educational topics, intended for Yeshiva students, teaching staff, and rabbis. Each year, the organization holds conferences and seminars. The central event is the "World of Yeshivas Conference" (Veidat Olam HaYeshivot), held at the conclusion of Passover, with the participation of Rosh Yeshivas and rabbis. 

 References 

Category:1999 establishments in Asia
Category:1990s establishments in Israel
Category:Organizations based in Israel
Category:Education in Israel