Dear Parents, Shey’
Now that we’ve completed our first full week, besides being thoroughly exhausted, I can say that I am very pleased. The boys are an amazing group of Bochurim with such energy, power, and potential. They all love being here, and many of them are working with tremendous motivation and enthusiasm.
There is a developing sense of Achdus among them and new friendships are forming. There are, of course, bumps along the way that need to be ironed out, but all as expected.
We’ve Farbrenged together and had the opportunity to discuss many questions they have, and debate topics they feel strongly about. Please ask your son to elaborate. Some of the topics are regarding the Yeshiva’s dress code, conduct and expectations of them. I feel it is very important to allow them the opportunity to ask questions and have their feelings expressed. At times our disucssions become heated, and their excitement and passion is encouraged.
Below are a few highlights of the learning that you can ask your son about to spark conversations with them. As always, it is strongly encouraged to be in close communication with your son, and focus on specifics about Yehsiva life, in addition to general questions about how they are doing. Be sure to ask if they are eating well and like the food, as well as how they are sleeping etc…
In Rabbi Backman’s Chassidus Shiur, the class begain with a Ma’amar from Likutei Torah – Tiku Bachodesh Shofar. The Ma’amar explores the difference between the renewal of the month of Tishrei and the renewal the rest of the months. They learned this concept in depth, comparing the Chayus-vitality the world recieves first on Rosh Hashono and then to the whole year, with the vitallity the person recieves first in the head, and then passing to the rest of his body.
In Rabbi Roth’s Gemara Shiur, he started with the basics. In addition to clear classroom procedures, he worked on note taking techniques, and other basic learning concepts, before diving into the Mishna. Following days continued with thorough explanations of the Mishna discussions, key terms, and reviews/exercises.
Rabbi Lotman’s Shiur has been a powerhouse of learning and passion for the Gemara, with the boys already diving into questions of the Rishonim up to Daf Daled.
Our first Shabbos was a beautiful experience, starting with Mivtzoyim in Suffern on Erev Shabbos, Leil Shabbos Davening that including spritited singing and dancing, followed by delicious Seudos, led by the Shluchim, including Seder Niggunim and stories of the Rebbe.
Shabbos afternoon, a few boys came to my house for a short Chassidus Shiur. Shabbos ended with a Farbrengen/Shalosh Seudos with Rabbi Soble, including Niggunim, stories of the Ba’al Shem Tov, and preparation for Chai Elul.
After Shabbos, the boys with courage took me up on a challenge to keep up with my fast paced intense 12 minute workout… Some of them made it 🙂
On schedule for this week is a Barbecue evening arranged by the Shluchim on Tuesday, followed by an inspiring Farbrengen Lekovod Chai Elul on Wednesday evening.
Click here for photos {photos removed from blog post}
Gut Yom Tov,
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Rabbi Gil Hami
Mesivta Lev Tmimim Lubavitch
Connecting with the Heart of the Tomim
T: 646.770.0001
www.mesivtamonsey.org