Hundreds of people filled the bais medrash of Heichal HaTorah for its annual community-wide Simchas Beis HaShoeva. Attendees enjoyed heartfelt singing and dancing, led by singer Shauly Waldner, who has graced many of Heichal’s past Simchas Beis HaShoeva events. Waldner once again brought his unique chassidishe style and beautiful voice to the celebration.

Rav Aryeh Stechler, Heichal’s founding rosh yeshiva, opened the evening by addressing over 400 talmidim, rabbeim, parents and community members. He praised the diligence of the talmidim, highlighting their dedication to learning during the summer months and when yeshiva is not in session. Rav Stechler then introduced Rabbi Joey Haber, dean of religious studies at Magen David Yeshiva High School, and an internationally acclaimed inspirational speaker who has touched countless lives with his uplifting messages. Rabbi Haber inspired the crowd by discussing the importance of evaluating one’s self-worth based on intrinsic qualities rather than societal measures of success.

The highlight of the night was a siyum made by 40 talmidim, who dedicated their summer to reviewing the entire masechta they learned last year. In total, they completed over 3,000 pages of Gemara across several masechtas. The boys who made the siyum were seated at the head table alongside the rebbeim, in honor of their incredible achievement.

Guests of the yeshiva filled the risers behind the dais, watching the boys recite the Hadran, the traditional declaration used at the culmination of Torah study. The yeshiva’s sukkah was set up with hot cholent and kugel for all those joining in the festivities. All in all, it was a grand celebration of kavod haTorah and simcha.