Netanel Shedlo is studying in Yeshivat Lev Hatorah in Ramat Bet Shemesh. He is from Teaneck, and attended Yeshivat Noam for elementary school and Torah Academy of Bergen County for high school. His family davens at Congregation Beth Aaron.
His next stop? Civil Engineering at Rutgers University.
Why did you choose to Lev Hatorah?
I chose to go to Lev Hatorah because I wanted to learn Torah in the unique warm environment that it provides. Nearly all the rabbeim live within walking distance of the yeshiva and I felt that by surrounding myself by these role models, I would be able to spiritually grow to my full potential.
What kind of goals do you have for your year?
Going into the year, my goals were very general. I knew that by the end of the year I would like to know how and ideally love to learn Torah on my own. I knew that I would understand better what I enjoyed to learn the most by exploring all types of learning throughout the year.
What has been the biggest highlight of your year so far?
My highlight of the year so far has definitely been the pre-selichot kumzitz with Chaim Dovid in the Old City. There was so much simcha and dancing and it brought us right into selichot at the Kotel.
What kind of challenges have you faced coming to Israel?
My biggest difficulty was at the beginning of the year, feeling a little homesick. However, the yeshiva did such a great job of welcoming us and keeping us comfortable that I felt like Lev Hatorah was my home soon after I arrived.
How has being here been different from your expectations? Did you feel prepared for your experience or did you have culture shock, and how so?
For the most part, I feel like I was very prepared for my experience in yeshiva. One thing which was somewhat new to me was how to spend the free time. Free time in yeshiva is very different from free time at home, but thankfully all of the great guys at Lev Hatorah keep me busy and entertained.
Where is your favorite place to go for weekends/Shabbat so far?
I love going to my mom’s aunt and uncle and their son’s family in Giv’at Ze’ev, which is a small community North of Jerusalem. It’s great being with family and spending time with them.
What kind of activities do you participate in outside of yeshiva?
Some of the extra-curricular activities I take part in outside of yeshiva are playing piano; playing sports such as basketball, baseball and ping pong; and just hanging out with friends.
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?
I am very much looking forward to future tiyulim around the country as well as spending Yom Ha’atzmaut in Israel. More generally though, I hope to continue growing in Torah and building many more strong relationships.
By Tzvi Silver/JLNJ Israel
