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 iconic Liberty Bell. The sophomores then had the privilege of stopping at the vaunted Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia where the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Sholom Kamenetsky, addressed the students on taking ownership of their Torah learning and surpassing their expectations, echoing 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 landmarks within the heart of Philadelphia. The students found the final stop at the Eastern State Penitentiary especially fascinating, as they saw one of the first penitentiaries founded with modern goals in mind for the criminal justice system. The prison housed a shul where prisoners could daven and gather together. The talmidim boarded the buses back home after an enlightening and engaging experience bringing classroom learning to life.