This week started off with a blast - a Shofar blast that is. Rosh HaShana here at the Yeshiva was wonderful. We were joined by Rav Reichel’s and Rav Blau’s families for the entire chag. The davening was profound and moving and an experience that we hope the boys will remember for a lifetime.

To add to the oneg of the chag, the Rebbetzins also did a lot of cooking and baking so the boys ate well. We thank the ladies for all their efforts. It was truly appreciated.

Rav Reichel spoke to the Talmidim twice during the chag and the boys chipped in with innumerable Divrei Torah. Kudos to Simcha Tamkin and Jacob Weiss for two very special presentations. All the boys, however, did us proud! Great job guys!

On Monday, Tzom Gedaliah, we had a regular morning of shiurim followed by a sicha on Teshuva from Rav Knapel. The boys then had a break in the afternoon until the fast was over. Following break fast, we returned to night seder.

Wednesday night was our first Va’ad of the year. Va’ad is a chance for the talmidim to visit with their Rabbeim at their homes and get to know them outside the walls of the Yeshiva. We try to do this about once a month. This month, the talmidim were broken up into three groups who then walked to the houses of three of the Rabanim who live in the neighborhood. Va’ad is always interesting, and enlightening (on both ends) and becomes one of the most anticipated events on the Yeshiva calendar.

Thursday night was our only mandatory Mishmar for the year. After the learning ended at 12am, Rav Reichel sponsored a Kiddush for what would have been the sheloshim of his beloved sister, Suri Reichel Granek, z’l. Mrs. Granek was a true Bat Torah whose life was consumed by family and doing chesed. She was, and we are sure will continue to be, proud of the work we do at the Yeshiva. The special learning in her memory was truly inspiring.

This week is an out Shabbat, with many of the guys continuing to explore Eretz Yisrael, though there are plenty of guys who decided to stay in and rest before Yom Kippur and to prepare for their explorations during Sukkot vacation.

Shana Tova and Shabbat Shalom,
Nate