The Impact of Rabbi Avrumi and Rebbetzin Michal Schonbrun in SCW

Talmud Torah and halakhic practice require role models. On multiple levels, I can’t think of better religious role models for the student body of SCW than Rabbi Avrumi and Rebbetzin Michal Schonbrun. Both Rabbi and Rebbetzin Schonbrun have dedicated years of their lives to serious talmud Torah and speak endearingly about those choices. Despite their vast Torah knowledge, one may not be immediately aware of the Schonbruns’ expertise, due to their humility. They are more than comfortable admitting when they don’t know something, and they invite students to disagree with them on whatever topic is being discussed. Moreover, they each juggle multiple responsibilities, and despite the stress that comes along with their different priorities, the Schonbruns have always exhibited patience, kindness and care for each student, which is personal in nature. It’s a lesson in middos for all of us watching.

Though it is not immediately relevant for most of the women at SCW, the Schonbruns are role models in parenting as well. Anyone who has seen Yocheved Schonbrun with one of her parents knows what it means to give a child loving attention, even if, at times, it is at the expense of the Torah learning of the parent. I have seen Rebbetzin Schonbrun step out of the beit midrash to watch Yocheved elsewhere for long stretches of time, momentarily disrupting her own learning, for the sake of not disturbing the other women who are learning in the beit midrash. I have seen Rabbi Schonbrun spend Shabbos afternoons reading to Yocheved when he could have been engrossed in alternative activities. Their hasmada and the time they dedicate to other major priorities are not contradictory; rather, it is all rooted in a seamlessly constructed Torah lifestyle. It’s one thing to know someone who learns a lot of Torah, and it’s another thing to know someone who is dedicated to Torah in a way that palpably influences the way that they act and live.

Talmud Torah and halakhic practice require guidance. It is widely known in the Stern Beit Midrash that if someone needs to talk out an issue or discuss a sugya, the Schonbruns are both available to help and good at helping. I remember multiple occasions when I was frustrated or confused about something, and the Schonbruns took the time to talk out sensitive and morally balanced approaches to the issue at hand. The same goes for navigating the sea of Torah Sheba’al Peh. Both Schonbruns tirelessly assist the women of the Stern Beit Midrash in their Torah learning, whether it be by guiding them through seemingly contradictory clauses in the Mishneh Torah, or by offering perspectives on and aiding with a limud for a class that is not even their own.

Talmud Torah and halakhic practice require support. Both Rebbetzin Schonbrun and Rabbi Schonbrun have been endlessly supportive of the Torah learning and personal development of the SCW students. Rebbetzin Schonbrun herself is very knowledgeable in Torah and is a more obvious source of support for other female Torah learners, but the same can be said for Rabbi Schonbrun. Both Schonbruns dedicate their time and effort to chaburot, conversations and personal assistance in Torah learning, and I’ve only felt encouraged by both of them to keep pushing myself in my avodas Hashem. 

And, once again, talmud Torah and halakhic practice require role models. As impactful as the Schonbruns were in their years in SCW, their new chinuch role in the Philadelphia area doubles their impact by its very nature. Both Schonbruns are deeply rooted in YU’s Torah, with Rabbi Schonbrun spending a decade in the yeshiva, mainly under the tutelage of Rav Michael Rosensweig, and Rebbetzin Schonbrun spending years in GPATS, learning under Rabbi David Nachbar. Seeing people who are so dedicated to, engrossed with and comfortable in YU transplant themselves to an entirely new community, not primarily for the sake of learning Torah, but for teaching Torah, is just as — if not more — impactful as their work in SCW. When I first heard of the Schonbrun’s decision to move on from their position as campus Rabbi and Rebbetzin, I was disappointed, but that disappointment was soon replaced with deep respect and gratitude; I, along with the other students at SCW, am privileged to have Torah role models in my life whose pursuit of Torah is not a selfish one, and who feel the weight of Am Yisrael’s needs on their shoulders.

Thank you, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Schonbrun, for everything you have done for the SCW student body, both in SCW and, most importantly, in your honorable decision to leave.

Photo caption: The Fines presenting a parting gift to the Schonbruns at “A Night of Recognition” in honor of the Schonbruns

Photo credit: Tamara Yeshurun