Yeshivas Mordechai HaTzaddik
The cherry on the pie of the entire Avos U’banim programming is undoubtedly Yeshivas Mordechai HaTzaddik – a concept that has literally transformed Purim for Jewish families across the globe.
Here's the story behind it:
When the Jews faced annihilation, Mordechai HaTzaddik turned to the pure prayers and learning of Jewish children, which helped overturn the decree.
Ironically, Purim, a day of "Kimu V’Kiblu" and salvation, lacked Torah learning for years.
The idea of a father-son learning program on Purim morning was first introduced in Gateshead by Rav Matisyahu Solomon zt”l and was highly successful.z
When Rav Falk initiated a Purim learning program in Yerushalayim’s Ezras Torah shul, many doubted its success. Yet, on Purim day, 400 boys filled the Beis Medrash. Rav Tzvi Meir Zilberburg, witnessing the sight, was so moved that he wept for 15 minutes, declaring the immense nachas it brought to Hashem. One 51-year-old participant emotionally shared that it was his first time opening a sefer on Purim. Encouraged by success, Rav Falk expanded the program nationwide the following year, reaching 14,000 boys. It has continued to grow ever since. Today, over 60,000 boys learn in Yeshivas Mordechai HaTzaddik on Purim in 1,300 locations across Eretz Yisrael—joined by their fathers, over 100,000 participants in total. The excitement is immense, as boys eagerly pull their fathers to the Beis Medrash!
From 400 to 60,000 Children!!!
Shake Heaven & Earth
A key to the program’s success is the highly anticipated prizes, kept secret to build excitement. Past rewards have included a tabletop shtender and a Seder night pillowcase. With each prize costing 50–60 shekels per child, Yeshivas Mordechai HaTzaddik is a costly yet invaluable initiative—both for Klal Yisrael and its supporters. Many have experienced remarkable yeshuos after donating, tapping into the powerful merit of children's Torah learning on Purim.
