On Monday, we had our annual trip to the Tchelet Factory in Kfar Adumim on the outskirts of Maaleh Adumim. It is really a fascinating visit, as it combines Torah study, fulfilling a mitzvah, biochemistry and physics. It was also a marvelous thing for our students to see people who dedicate their lives to the fulfillment of a mitzvah.

On Wednesday night, we were privileged to have Rav Aryeh Leibowitz, the author of a book called Hashgacha Pratis, who spoke to us about what it means to feel Hashem's guiding hand in our every day affairs. Rav Leibowitz's discussion was not only well received, but also stimulating for many of the students who have never thought about the little events in our daily lives as being divine.

Wednesday’s entire day of learning was generously dedicated by the Weintraub family in memory of Eric’s grandmother’s yahrtzeit. Eric told the students a few stories about her life and the hardships that she faced after living through the Holocaust, being saved by Russians, and finding her way to New York via Philadelphia. After his talk, Eric led us in Ma'ariv in her honor, and then provided us with a lovely snack from Pizza Hut.

Thursday night's Mishmar was very well attended by the Talmidim. Many stayed the whole night and didn't even come downstairs to eat! Talk about Torah Lishmah. There were a few, spearheaded by the Shana Bet guys, who closed up shop well after 1am - great job guys.

This Shabbat is an out Shabbat, with a few of the guys going together to visit Sderot. I'm sure they will have an amazing time, and will come back with great stories to share with the rest of us. We can only hope that more of our Talmidim will follow them in the coming months, and the heroic residents of that town will be strengthened by our presence there.

Shabbat Shalom