Eli Seidman is studying at Yeshivat Har Etzion (“The Gush”) in Alon Shevut. He grew up in Bergenfield, attended Moriah for elementary school and Frisch for high school. His family davens at Keter Torah.
His next stop? Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business
Why did you choose to study at The Gush?
I chose to learn here because Yeshivat Har Etzion has one of the highest levels of Torah learning in the world, and I felt that there was so much I could gain from all of the amazing rebbeim here.
What kind of goals do you have for the year?
Going into the year, some of my goals were to really improve my textual skills for learning Gemara and to improve my Hebrew language skills.
What have been some of the highlights of your year so far?
One of the most exciting moments I’ve experienced so far was a few weeks ago on a tiyul to the Galil. All of the shana aleph and shana bet guys went rafting together on the Jordan River, and everyone had a really great time.
What kind of challenges have you faced coming to Israel?
My biggest difficulty going into this year was being away from my family for such a long time. Spending Shabbat and chagim in a totally different country without my family was a big shock for me. Compared to many other people, I don’t have so many family members in Israel, which makes it harder to make plans for Shabbat and chagim.
How has your year been different from your expectations?
Initially, I was very nervous to come to Yeshivat Har Etzion and be able to sit and learn in the beit midrash for 12 hours a day. I know this was something that many people were facing. For me, it has been a smooth transition and now the days just fly by.
Where is your favorite place to go for weekends/Shabbat so far?
My favorite place to go away for Shabbat so far has been to Kibbutz Masu’ot Yitzchak. I enjoy going to places that have more of an Israeli culture, and where not many people speak English, and it was a very beautiful weekend there.
Who is a teacher at The Gush you connect to especially well?
A teacher whom I connect to especially well is Rav Rhein. He is always looking out for everyone to see how they are doing, and he is an easy person to connect to.
Which is one of your favorite classes at The Gush?
One of my favorite classes is Rav Mordechai Friedman’s shiur on Halacha. Rav Mordechai gives us a clear picture of all the halachic facts, opinions and considerations necessary to come to a halachic decision.
What is a favorite personal learning project you’ve taken on this year?
A personal learning project I have taken on this year is to complete shnayim mikra v’echad targum for the Torah portion each week. This is a task that is not so easy to keep on top of because if I miss a day I have to do double the next day to make up for it.
What has been a favorite out-of-school activity for you?
A favorite out-of-school activity that I enjoy is going to the shuk on Erev Shabbat. I love walking around to see all the different things that are there. It’s amazing to see how many people can fit in such a small place and be able to get through and buy things they need.
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year?
I am looking forward to continuing my Torah learning, and forming relationships with friends for a lifetime.
By JLNJ Staff
