Shalom u’vracha,

After this past weekend’s unfortunate events in Mumbai – where even in a culture as distant as India, they find frum Jews to kill - we’ve all been re-evaluating our approach to learning and realizing just how lucky we are to have the opportunity to spend a year in Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. Rav Knapel, in his weekly sicha, explained to us how we should process events like these and use them to advance ourselves further in our Avodat HaShem, so we don’t become comfortably numb to the world and will eventually not need these hurtful events to wake us up (the Pink Floyd reference, as well as a Nine Inch Nails one, was intentional).

In preparation for their week in Tzahal next week, on Monday we had a special Yom Iyun on Halacha and Warfare. We are currently working on posting a couple of these outstanding shiurim on the website – we will keep you posted. Rav Aharon Wexler started off the day with his story about Aliyah and joining the army here. His was a passionate story that resonated with many of the boys and raised some thought provoking issues. Rav Knapel gave a shiur on Pidyon Shivuim (redeeming captives), which was very timely since a group of the guys went to the Gilad Shalit rally last Thursday. Rav Reichel spoke about the ethics of war and making difficult decisions when confronted with adversity.

Without trying to toot my own horn, many of the guys enjoyed a skit the madrichim put on to get them to understand a few of the Israeli opinions regarding the army. The discussion took place at a “coffee shop” between a Haredi, a Secular Israeli, a Hesder guy, and a disillusioned Hesder guy. The madrichim were able to present their characters in a fun, entertaining, and (hopefully) enlightening manner.

Our Wednesday night sicha featured Rabbi Chaim Tabasky, who came to talk to the guys about the hidden meaning of Tefillin and the manner in which the letters are arranged and shaped. About a dozen of the guys asked him to check their own Tefillin . On Wednesday night, we set a new record for NaB ‘eM of 54 extra hours of learning this week. Kain Yirbu!

This week, we shared some sad moments as well at the Yeshiva. One day of learning was dedicated to the yahrtzeit of Steven Justin, z’l, the brother of one of the founders of our Yeshiva , Mr. David Justin. On Wednesday, we heard of the passing of Steve Sosnick’s grandfather, Mr. Robert Sosnick. Special tehillim were recited and the entire day of learning was dedicated to his memory. May we only share smachot in the future!

Thursday night, at Mishmar, saw an unprecedented event. The Justin family, in memory of Steven Justin z”l, sponsored a KFC dinner for those lucky enough to choose to spend their time learning in the Beit Midrash. Kosher KFC is just another one of those Israeli perks!

Next week the boys are army bound!

Shabbat Shalom,
Nate