Of all the weeks we celebrate at the Yeshiva, perhaps this week is the most special. One cannot understand the range of emotions that the nation goes through on Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut unless he has participated in these commemorations. One cannot appreciate what the nation has become until he realizes the ultimate sacrifice that has been made by the 22,684 soldiers who have given their lives so that Israel may be born and may survive.

Dr. Morris Mann, as he did last year, presented a slideshow of soldiers that he knew (either personally or by reputation) who were killed while serving in the Tzahal. It is crucial that we understand that each of these heroes was an individual with families and concerns, likes and dislikes and differing ways of life.

On Monday morning, Yom HaZikaron itself, the Yeshiva traveled to Har Herzl to the National Military Cemetery to take part in the ceremony led by Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. Rav Knapel gave each of our students the name, biography, and the location of a soldier's grave. Each talmid found that soldier’s grave, read his personal story and formed a connection with each of these true heroes.

On Tuesday, we celebrated the founding of the nation on Yom HaAtzmaut. After a very special davening at the Yeshiva, we walked to Rav Reichel's house for a BBQ. The talmidim had the rest of the night off to enjoy the festivities and watch the fireworks over the city. The next morning, after another festive davening, the Yeshiva took its annual tiyul to Wadi Kelt near Yericho. This fantastic hike is full of water, lots of places to swim and enjoy the weather as summer temperatures arrived in Israel.

Our Wednesday night Sicha was led by Jeff Haar, Izzy's father, who spoke about his conversion to Judaism. Mr. Haar grew up with intention of becoming a Lutheran minister. During his time at seminary, he began to question his faith and its teachings and to embrace Judaism. This sicha was very movingand thought provoking.

This Shabbat is an out Shabbat with every Talmid experiencing the land of Israel as our time in Yeshiva wanes.

Shabbat Shalom