This past week, Heichal commemorated the first yahrzeit of the October 7 Simchas Torah attack on Israel with two meaningful events. First, in the morning, the yeshiva joined with the entire student body of two other area yeshivos—MTA and TABC—to collectively learn the entire Shas Mishnayos in memory of those who were tragically murdered on that day. The learning was also dedicated to the safe return of the hostages and as a zchus for the chayalim and others who have fallen during the ensuing war. Rav Daniel Kalish of the Waterbury Mesivta delivered divrei chizuk to the 800 talmidim in attendance, followed by an uplifting kumzitz with Simcha Leiner.

Later that evening, Heichal held its annual Aseres Yemei Teshuvah Tehillim-a-thon, during which the yeshiva completed several group recitations of Sefer Tehillim. This year’s Tehillim-a-thon held special significance, as Rav Dani Staum reflected on the events of October 7, commemorating those lost, and praying for the safety of our brethren in Israel, especially the soldiers engaged in battle in Gaza, Lebanon, and even in the skies of Iran. The evening began with a powerful kumzitz led by Eitan Katz, after which each talmid was assigned a perek of Tehillim, and together with their rebbeim, they recited the entire sefer. Parents joined in this special tribute and tefilla gathering.