The Jewish Learning Exchange

Rabbi Czapnik,

Thank you for the light you have shined into my life and the lives of so many others.  I can’t believe I really learned Hebrew! I never thought I would be able to learn a new language, but with your help, I’ve been able to achieve something that once seemed impossible.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Rachel

I was recommended to JLE by someone at an Orthodox Shul (Synagogue) and I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to attend classes there. The classes were exceptional, the Rabbis were warm and welcoming, and the building was beautiful. Rabbi Czapnik, led the inspiring services and made it easy for me to follow along. His speeches were not only moving but also filled with inspiration and heart. Rabbi Czapnik’s kindness and sensitivity made him stand out as the most compassionate Rabbi I have ever met. He was always open to answering my questions, scheduling meetings, and discussing new thoughts and ideas related to my practice of religion. He treated every individual with the utmost care, making sure no one felt unimportant or neglected. Rabbi Czapnik helped me with my personal struggles, and it led me to a healthier perspective on life. I will always be grateful for his spiritual guidance, which raised my level of observance. He was always there for me, making an effort to listen, provide advice, or simply remind me that he was there. Thanks to his hard work, it was an incredible journey.

I feel blessed to have found JLE and I am eager to send others to this amazing institution in the future.

Thank you so much!

Amanda

Avraham F.

Dear Rabbi Czapnik,

I just wanted to express my gratitude for all the help you have provided to me and so many others in studying Torah. Your teachings have been incredibly insightful and have helped me grow as a person and as a Jew. Your dedication to your students is truly inspiring, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from you.

Thank you for all that you do, and may you continue to have success in your important work.

Malka G.

Dear Rabbi Czapnik,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to you for all that you have done for me. You played a vital role in helping me get my life back in order, and I am forever grateful for that. I must admit that I have not stayed connected with you as much as I should have. I never really kept you in my family as you kept me in yours. You did not just bring me back to Yiddishkeit (Judaism); you gave me a family too – your family. I always felt so at home with you.

Thank you for all your guidance, support, and for being a positive influence in my life. I will never forget your kindness and generosity. May Hashem bless you and your family with continued success and happiness.

With heartfelt gratitude and blessings,

Estee

Thank you, Rabbi Czapnik, for your thoughtful words and your kindness in setting me on the path that has led me to where I stand today. Your guidance and mentorship have helped me grow and develop not just spiritually, but also as a person. I am grateful for the impact you have had on my life, and I hope to one day be able to pay it forward and help others in the same way you have helped me.

Diane

Dear Rabbi Czapnik,

I wanted to express my gratitude for the incredible resource that is the JLE library. Over the past couple of months, I have spent a lot of time there, delving into the Daily Dose of Torah volumes which have been truly terrific. The library is so rich and provides access to a wealth of knowledge that has helped me in my journey to learn more about Judaism.

Thank you for your vision in creating this valuable resource for the community. Your dedication to education and providing opportunities for people to deepen their understanding of Torah is truly inspiring. I feel fortunate to be a part of this community and to have access to such a wonderful library.

Barry

Dear Rabbi Czapnik and the JLE Team,

I just wanted to express my gratitude to all those who had a part in organizing the Friday night seuda (dinner). From those who suggested the idea to those who financed and made the arrangements, thank you. The evening was a tremendous success, and I’m sure everyone who attended – from young to old – enjoyed it. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the delicious and plentiful food was a true delight. The Divrei Torah added to the evening’s spiritual upliftment.

The seuda allowed all of us who enjoy davening together to share each other’s company in a relaxed way and get to know each other better. It was a wonderful opportunity to put the restrictions of the Covid days behind us and move forward together.

I hope that this Friday night seuda was the first of many, perhaps on a yearly basis. Once again, thank you to everyone involved in making it happen.

Best regards,

Shoshana H.

Dear Rabbi Czapnik,

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the wisdom and guidance you have imparted on me over the years. Your teachings have truly been transformative in my life, and I am so grateful for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to helping others.

From the many classes and lectures you have given to the personal conversations we’ve had; I have learned so much from you about Judaism, spirituality, and life in general. Your deep knowledge, thoughtful insights, and practical advice have helped me navigate difficult challenges, strengthen my faith, and become a better person.

Judy R.

Sam

Dear Rabbi Czapnik,

Thank you for your weekly Torah videos. Your insights and teachings are always presented with wisdom, kindness, and gentle strength. I look forward to watching each new video, and they never fail to provide me with guidance and inspiration in my own spiritual journey.

Thank you for your dedication to sharing the beauty and wisdom of Torah with all of us, and for the positive impact you have on so many lives.

With appreciation and blessings,

Rachel M.

Dear Rabbi and Mrs. Czapnik,

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for all the guidance and support you provided for our wedding and beyond. Your wisdom, experience, and caring touch helped us navigate the planning process with ease, and your presence at our wedding made it even more special.

The sheva brachos you hosted were a beautiful and meaningful way to begin our new life together, and your ongoing involvement and support has continued to shape our family in so many positive ways. As the Gemara teaches, it takes three partners to have a child, but in our case, we are blessed to have a fourth partner: you.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being such an integral part of our journey. We are grateful for all that you do.

Warmly,

Yoseph R.

Thank you very much, Rabbi Czapnik and the JLE community, for providing me and my wife with such a meaningful Yom Kippur experience. Baruch Hashem for JLE…. It is a truly special and holy place… so warm, so welcoming, and so giving. Your dedication to spreading Torah and creating a warm Jewish community is truly inspiring. I’m grateful to call JLE our home in La Brea!

Koby R.

Dear Rabbi Czapnik,

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the immeasurable impact you have had on my life and the lives of my children. Your teachings and guidance during our time in Hidden Hills were truly priceless. You inspired me to begin keeping a kosher home, and to embark on a journey of Torah learning that has brought so much joy and meaning into my life.

Your stories and wisdom continue to resonate with me to this day, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from you. You have played a significant role in shaping who I am today, and I will always cherish the memories of our time together.

Thank you for all the years of teaching and giving, and for the far-reaching and meaningful effect you have had on myself and my family. Whenever I think of you, a smile comes to my face, and I am reminded of the warmth and kindness that emanate from you. May Hashem continue to bless you with good health, happiness, and success in all your endeavors.

With deepest appreciation and respect,

Lauren P.

Dear Rabbi Czapnik,

Thank you for the gift you gave me this year on Chanukah (Hannukah). It was truly a miracle to be able to read the blessings in Hebrew and light candles in a menorah for the first time in my entire life.

I cannot thank Rabbi Czapnik enough for providing me with such a memorable and meaningful experience. I look forward to continuing my journey of Jewish learning and growth.

Rachel K.

Thank you Rabbi Czapnik and the JLE for another uplifting and inspiring High Holiday season. The services were warm and meaningful, and I felt truly connected to the community. Rabbi Czapnik’s words always resonate with me, and this year was no exception. I particularly appreciated the thought-provoking discussions and Dr. Goldman’s insightful contribution about focusing on one’s role in the present. Thank you for helping me grow and deepen my connection to our beautiful heritage.

Ted C.

Thank you Rabbi Czapnik for the beautiful and inspiring class today. The touching song about Mother Rochel touched my heart deeply. Your wisdom, guidance, and leadership are truly invaluable to so many of us. We are all so grateful to have you as our teacher and mentor. Your dedication and commitment to helping us grow in our Judaism is truly remarkable.

May Hashem continue to bless you with strength, health, and wisdom to continue your holy work.

Thank you again for all that you do!

Mar F.

Dear Rabbi Czapnik,

I wanted to thank you for the inspirational and practical drasha (sermon) you gave this morning. Your words really resonated with me, and I found myself applying the “I have a choice” mindset almost immediately. Later in the day, I got caught in the rain and instead of feeling frustrated or upset about my wet wig, I chose to enjoy the experience and not let it bother me. When other ladies saw me and expressed sympathy, I was able to make light of the situation and even make a joke about needing to have my wig done again soon.

I am grateful for the guidance and wisdom you provide, both through your sermons and in our conversations. You truly have a gift for connecting with people and helping them find meaning and purpose in their lives. Thank you for all that you do for our community, and for being such an important part of my own journey.

Leah H.

I have endless appreciation for Rabbi and Mrs. Czapnik; selfless, humble, caring leaders of JLE. They go beyond their job duties and ensure that I and all JLE members feel the warmth of Yiddishkeit (Judaism) and connection to Hashem (G-d). The weekly classes at JLE are not just informative but filled with life lessons that we can apply to our daily lives.

They truly embrace individuals from all walks of life and provide constant guidance, support, and nurture. Their deep understanding of humankind coupled with their unconditional love for all makes them approachable for all to reach out. Thank you for building a comfortable, supportive Shul that feels like a second home to many of us.

Michael R.

My humble beginnings were in the JLE at the older shul. I have tremendous hakarat hatov (gratitude) to those who assisted me in my journey towards Torah and Mitzvot. Rabbi and Mrs. Czapnik has been instrumental in my growth, providing me with spiritual guidance, wisdom, and support. I am so grateful to them for creating a welcoming and inclusive community that embraces all Jews, regardless of background. The JLE has become my second home, and I am blessed to be a part of this special family.

Rivka Y.

Dear Rabbi and Mrs. Czapnik,

JLE is an incredible community where everyone feels welcome and cherished. The programming is inclusive and caters to people from all backgrounds. Shabbos at JLE is a beautiful experience filled with song, togetherness, and uplifting meals at the Rabbi and Rebbetzin’s home. I feel proud to be a part of JLE, which is an oasis of growth, friendship, and kindness.

Thank you for everything you do for me and countless others. May the Almighty repay you for your devotion to His children.

Stacy G.