Yehuda Goldberg is studying at Yeshivat Har Etzion (“the Gush”) in Alon Shvut. He grew up in Passaic, attended Yeshivat Noam for elementary school and MTA for high school. His family davens at Young Israel of Passaic-Clifton.

His next stop? Yeshiva University.

Why did you choose to study at the Gush?

I am in Yeshivat Har Etzion (Gush). I chose to study here because of the unique derech halimud and rebbeim I could be exposed to by learning at the Gush.

What kind of goals do you have for the year?

Coming into yeshiva, I was interested in gaining further proficiency in building sugyot in Gemara, gaining a greater breadth of yidiot, and growing in avodat Hashem in general.

What have been some of the highlights of your year so far?

The year has been filled with many highlights, particularly the Yamim Noraim in yeshiva. In addition to these more unique experiences, each day in yeshiva provides new excitement and opportunity. The highlight of every week is Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein’s shiur on Zevachim. Every week he unpacks complicated sugyot in Kadshim with depth, creativity and clarity. Because so little is written on Kadshim, he often builds entire sugyot with just a handful of Rishonim and Acharonim to guide the discussion. Watching him discuss each sugya gives me a greater appreciation for the process of talmud Torah and a renewed focus on my own growth in my learning.

What kind of challenges have you faced coming to Israel?

Something that is both a great difficulty as well as great strength of yeshiva is the extent to which the legacy of Rav Lichtenstein and Rav Amital permeates the yeshiva. This provides talmidim with the ability to be exposed to their Torah even after their passing, but also provides a greater recognition of the extent of the loss—as well as regret that we don’t have the ability to learn directly from them.

Where is your favorite place to go for weekends/Shabbat so far?

I enjoy visiting my aunt and uncle in Efrat. It has been great to see them this year and spend time with my cousins. I also really enjoy staying in yeshiva for Shabbat. It provides a chance for me to continue my learning in yeshiva while hearing sichot from roshei yeshiva and spending time with friends.

What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?

I am looking forward to a long choref and kayitz zman so I can continue to grow in learning.

By JLNJ Staff/Israel