As the year of learning comes to an end, I reflect on the past two weeks of the zman and how the activities we participated in epitomize Shvilei Hatorah’s mission. The yeshiva’s name Shvilei Hatorah was chosen in order to highlight the fact that there are many paths (shvil) to be a Torah Jew. There is not just one cookie cutter model for all young men. In addition, our name is a reminder to heed the words of the Rambam who instructed us to follow the “shvil hazahav”, the golden mean in our character traits and way of life.

Al shlosha dvarim haolam omed – Al HaTorah veal HaAvodah Veal Gemilut Chasadim. These three are the cornerstones of all we hold dear at the Yeshiva and the last week exemplified what the boys have gained over the year. Siyum after siyum culminated in our tikun leil Shavuot where the boys learnt all night. Following the learning the boys walked to the kotel to participate in a vatikin minyan with tens of thousands of other Jews. The davening was true Avodat Hashem and it is something the boys will remember always. Chesed is an integral part of our program and of our lives here at the Yeshiva. This week, through the hard work of three of the guys, we raised over $3,500 for Emunah’s childrens’s home Beit Elazraki by performing a learn-a-thon. We were privileged to attend Beit Elazraki’s group bar/bat mitzvah celebration along with over 400 guests. We danced, sang and brought simcha to children who have not been blessed with the lives our children receive. It was a very special and moving evening.

It is our hope that these final experiences concretize these three key components in our students’ lives for many years to come.

Shabbat Shalom