While every week at Shvilei is special, this week had special significance as we celebrated the miraculous events of the past 50 years.

On Monday, after two attempts that were cancelled by rain, we finally were able to take our tiyul to Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea. After a beautiful, invigorating and a very tiring hike and a dip in the Dead Sea the guys returned to the Yeshiva . Needless to say, they were hungry – so we broke out the BBQ and the boys ate to their hearts content.

Tuesday morning, Erev Yom Yerushalayim, we were treated to a special sicha from Rav Wexler. This presentation, on the miracles of the Six-Day War, was very eye opening. Rav Wexler spoke about the events, that even a rationalist could not deny were miraculous, that took place during the war. A unified Yerushalayim is , therefore, a gift from Hashem that we must celebrate and be truly grateful for on a daily basis.

As Yom Yerushalayim started, Tuesday night, Rav Shimon showed us how in Divrei haYamim the Tanakh chronicles the selection of Yerushalayim as the spiritual capital of the Jewish people. We have other places in the land where we offered sacrifices, but only in Jerusalem did David HaMelech find tshuva for his past sins. It is only in Yerushalayim that we can fulfill our relationship, in spite of our inequities and weaknesses, with Hashem.
On Wednesday, we were treated to a sicha from Rav Reichel on the spiritual importance of Yom Yerushalayim followed by a walk to the center of town to join in the festivities. The Rikud HaDegalim is a major tradition in Jerusalem where all traffic is closed on King George for thousands of people to dance and celebrate. This was followed by a very meaningful walk to the Kotel through the Old City for davening a concert and more festivities.

On Wednesday, we also commemorated a Parnes Hayom where all the learning in the Yeshiva was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Nisim cohen,z’l the paternal grandfather of our dear alumnus, Joseph Cohe. We want to thank the cohen for all their help and support.
This Shabbat we continue to relive the miracles of the Six-Day War as we head to Chevron to spend Shabbat with the Hesder Yeshiva. We will be visiting Maarat haMachpelah and touring the ancient city as well as the current Jewish community.

Shabbat Shalom