This past week, sophomores at Heichal HaTorah had a meaningful grade-wide trip filled with inspiration, education and a bit of leisure time too. Talmidim traveled to Philadelphia, where they began a day of reliving American history, starting with a self-guided tour of the United States Mint, followed by a visit to the Liberty Bell. The sophomores then had the privilege of stopping at the vaunted Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia where one of its esteemed rabbeim, Rav Hoberman, addressed the students about taking ownership of their Torah learning and exceeding their expectations, a theme of their experience at Heichal. Students then returned to the historical district for some free time and a chance to visit many of the historical sites including the American Revolution Museum, Independence Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, and other historic district sites in the center of Philadelphia.

The students found the final stop at the Eastern State Penitentiary especially fascinating, as they saw one of the first penitentiaries founded on the modern goals of the criminal justice system. The prison also included a shul where the prisoners could daven and gather together. The talmidim boarded the buses back home after an enlightening and engaging experience bringing classroom learning to life.