Shabbat Shalom and Chanukah Sameach!

A short week leading up to Chanukah – not much happening right? Wrong.! We had a jam packed week of learning, Chanukah preparations, a tiyul, va'ad, an in-Shabbat, and a special Siyum which kept us all busy and in great anticipation of the chag.

Throughout the week the Rabbis, in their own shiurim, and Rav Mann, in a shiur klali, helped the talmidim get into the spirit of the chag. For many of the talmidim, this is their first opportunity to spend chanuka in Yerushalayim. It is a scene neither to be missed nor to be forgotten. In addition to learning more about the importance of the chag, a few halachic questions needed to be addressed: Should a family member that is still part of the household light for himself? With or without a beracha? Inside – as usual – or outside? Where outside? Candles or olive oil? All these questions, and more, helped gear us up for this amazing holidaythat is near at hand.

Monday afternoon the Yeshiva, was forced (baruch Hashem) to cancel its scheduled tiyul to Nachal Og because of the heavy rain. Instead, we took a short trip into the history of the modern State of Israel as we traveled to the Menachem Begin Center at the top of Emek Refaim to experience their interactive museum exibit on his life. Few other Prime Ministers have left such a lasting impact on Israeli society as Begin, and the museum is a fantastic place to spend an hour or two.

On Wednesday night, the Yeshiva had another installment of its Va'ad program, this time with Rav Blau and Rav Jacobson in Alon Shevut and Neve Daniel respectively.It was a fascinating evening for both Rebbe and talmid alike. Va'ad is always a great time, filled with food, stories, and experiences that cannotbe reproduced in any other setting.

On Thursday night, at Mishmar, Simcha Tamkin made a siyum in honor of his Grandfather's yartzheit on Mishnayot Seder Moed. For those of us who have never accomplished this feat - and especially those who have - we know just how much time and work Simcha has put into the effort.

This Shabbat, the first Shabbat Chanukah, is an in-Shabbat with Reb Norman and his wife Cheryl as well other special guests. It should be a splendid Shabbat, filled with light and song.


Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach