The MTA library reverberated with the sweet sounds of Torah learning on Monday, November 4, as talmidim in Rabbi Danto’s freshman shiur completed their final stretch of intense chazara, followed by a celebratory seuda and a bechina with Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Taubes. In shiur, talmidim focus on learning bekius b’retzifus—learning straight for as long as they can. In the beginning of the year, talmidim learn for one to one and a half hours straight and build up to three hours of uninterrupted learning by the end of the year. Talmidim just completed the first six dapim of Masechet Megilla. Each talmid has reviewed every daf at minimum four times, but more likely six to seven times and have now reviewed all of them from the beginning in one sitting.

Through chazara and learning for extended periods without interruption, talmidim gain a deep and clear understanding of the Gemara on their own and truly begin to appreciate the sweetness of Torah. Rabbi Taubes’ bechina, which talmidim passed with flying colors, showed each talmid how much he has learned and gained through this process. The talmidim were excited to dance together with Rabbi Danto in celebration of their accomplishments and were also joined by sophomores, juniors and seniors who were in Rabbi Danto’s Shiur and remember what it felt like to complete their first intense round of chazara. Mazel Tov to the talmidim on their incredible accomplishments!