Heichal HaTorah’s junior class headed to Washington, D.C. this past month to take advantage of the many learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Their first stop began on the Washington Mall, where they had the option to visit one of the many nearby museums. Following this, the talmidim visited the Spy Museum, where they learned about the history of espionage and had a blast in the process. Later that day, the boys met at Rose Park for outdoor activities and a delicious barbeque dinner. They then embarked on an exciting two-hour personalized Segway tour of the whole downtown area led by experienced tour guides, passing by the monuments and landmarks of Washington D.C. The day concluded with davening and an evening farbrengen with Mashgiach Ruchani Rav Schwechter.

Day two began with davening and a trip back to D.C. to meet with Rav Yehuda Neuberger, a graduate of Ner Israel and a Harvard-trained lawyer, who spends his days interfacing with federations, AIPAC and local schools. Rav Neuberger and his wife started the amazing organization, Sister to Sister, for which so many talmidim volunteer. Rav Neuberger addressed the talmidim, encouraging them about the importance of stepping up to help our nation. The talmidim then continued with a powerful visit to the Holocaust Museum, and finally a visit to Congress, where the juniors witnessed the inner workings of government and gained insight into the legislative process. It was a meaningful, inspiring and educational experience for the students at Heichal.