Mesivta Lev Tmimim Lubavitch – Erev Rosh Hashana

Dear Parents,

The last couple of weeks have had so much going on that I dont know where to begin.  It’s Erev Yom Hadin, and I’ve only got a few minutes, but I know that you all look forard to knowing what is new with your sons so I’ll try to put down a few thoughts.

We continue to focus on basic Inyonim that are fundamental to the success of the Talmidim, including Shmiras Hasedarim (coming on time to all classes, and Tefillos), maintaining the proper atmosphere and decorum (not speaking during Tefillos, tucked in shirts, hats and jackets, etc.), and caring for the cleanliness and order of the Yeshiva grounds.  I spend quite a long time discussing these matters with the boys, answering their questions and giving them the opportunity to express their feelings about it.

My approach is that they deserve to know why we make these demands of them, and if explained with caring and sincerity, many will do so willingly.  At the same time, I am very clear with them that certain matters are not open to negotiation.  Their desire to understand is valid, but in the meantime, their lack of understanding does not absolve them of follwoing the Yehsiva’s policies.

I have discussed this with a number of you over the last few weeks, and I know that some of you have expressed concern that I may be too strict on the boys, especially in this day and age.  I respect those opinons, and yet I feel very strongly that maintaining this standard in our Yeshiva is crucial for their success, and the boys will eventually be Mekabel and raise themselves to these expectations.  My desire is to see each and every one of our Talmidim grow in his Avodah and Chassidishkeit through clear guidlines, and inspiration via learning, Farbrengens, and opportunities to question and understand.

In my email next week, I will elaborate, IY”H, more on this point, and what this means in regards to expectations from parents, for only if the parents are completly supportive will we see true success and Nachas from our Talmidim.

Please take advantage of the Yom Tov to ask your son, in detail, about his Yeshiva life.  Here are a few points to use in starting the conversation:

• Last week, before the Shabbaton at the Poconos, for Chai Elul, we had the Zchus of having Rabbi Aharon Dovid Gancz, well known Mechanech and Mashpia come Farbrengen with the Bochurim.  The inspiriation was felt for quite a while afterwards…
• In Rabbi Roth’s Shiur, the boys reached Daf 3a.  They focused on identifying prefixes and suffixes of the vocabulary introduced in the Mishna and Gemara.  Rabbi Roth uses various exercises and techniques to ensure maximum engagement among the class, such as collaborative drawing and association exercises.
• In Rabbi Lotman’s Shiur, they conducted and intense review up to the Mishna on 4b, including reading proficiency and vocabulary.
• In Rabbi Geisinsky’s Shiur, the boys focused on putting the Shakla V’Taria of the Sugya into clear written notes and flow charts.  The class benefited tremendously from the visual depiction of the flow of the Sugya, and a few of them wrote up their notes for printing and use as study sheets for the rest of the class.
• In Rabbi Backman’s Chassidus Shiur, they continued to learn about the Avoda of Elul, and the need to reveal the Pnimiyus of the Heart in the Avoda of Teshuva and Hachona for Rosh Hashona.
• All classes concluded the week with comprehensive tests on all the material until now.  Results wil be reported next week to the parents, IY”H.
• Rabbi Soble spent the daily Halacha Shiur learning Hilchos Elul, Rosh Hashona, and Hilchos Shofar.
• In Extra Curricular peroids, among other activites, we worked on various team building exercises.  Please ask your son about the ropes, and knots.  We also had our first public speaking session where one of the Bochurim prepared a story to give over in front of the entire Yeshiva and afterwards we analyzed his strengths and pointed out suggestions for engaging the listeners.  We also spoke about the idea of stage fright and techniques to ease that fear when needed.
• Thursday was Rabbi Lotman’s birthday, and the Bochurim arranged a surprise Farbrengen for him in which he shared his words of inspiration before the Yomim Noraim.
• Rabbi Lotman has started getting the boys into shape with PE class twice a week.  They alternated between aerobic and strength workouts, as well a lively football game.  The optional early moring Jogging started this week as well, with those boys energetic enough to run, joining me for a 20 minute run at 6:40am before Mikvah and Chassidus.