MTA was privileged to host four students from Israel’s well-known high school, Makor Chaim, for the past two and a half weeks. The four students, often referred to as the MC4, brought their signature ruach and spirituality to the yeshiva, which made their visit especially impactful.

The MC4 hosted Likrat Shabbat on Thursday evenings leading up to Mishmar, which included singing and words of inspiration, all with music accompaniment. The group spent a meaningful shabbos in Brooklyn, as part of Rabbi Mendelson’s annual shiur shabbaton. Their presence helped enhance an already meaningful experience for Talmidim in that shiur.

They also hosted several “blitzim” with Talmidim in all four grades, which were educational as well as bonding experiences. In addition, they led a festive musical Hallel for Rosh Chodesh Adar and uplifted the spirit of MTA all month long with singing, dancing and divrei chizuk, leading up to their departure shortly before Purim.

It was so much more meaningful to welcome these special students this year, in light of the situation in Eretz Yisrael. The boys each have close family members currently in Tzahal, and are living through the war in a way that is very different from MTA talmidim’s view here in yeshiva. It is our most sincere hope that their family members return safely, swiftly and successfully to their families in good health.