As part of Moriah’s commitment to maximize learning as a zechut for our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael and for chayalei Tzahal, the middle school held a special Family Mishmar Tuesday evening. The evening started with student-led Tehillim and the Misheberach for Tzhal. Everyone in attendance was treated to fruit and to delicious cookies baked by the kitchen staff as they listened to a shiur on ”Meitav haAretz, The Best of the Land,” by popular middle school rebbe, Rabbi Shlomo Eisenberger.
Drawing from Chumash and Gemara sources, Rabbi E offered numerous examples of a rabbinic tradition that went to great lengths to emphasize and highlight the beauty of Eretz Yisrael and to avoid, at all costs and even personal sacrifice, any negativity that might be associated with the land. Rabbi E told a story about Moriah’s own Rav Adiel Mhazri who, while on his army base in Israel, facing the prospect of war, was concerned about the money he owed a vendor of aravot who had inadvertently given Rav Adiel more aravot than he had paid for. Rabbi E helped track down the vendor who was instantly mochel the few dollars he was owed and who expressed his concern for the safety of Rav Adiel. Neither Rav Adiel nor the vendor focused on themselves, only on the well-being of the other. These two individuals are a further expression of the goodness that Israel embodies.
Following the shiur, everyone sang “Acheinu” together and then enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner catered by Moriah’s very own Daniel Yager of Five Star Caterers. Everyone sat together to process the beautiful messages shared by Rabbi E. while listening to Benny Friedman’s new “Am Yisroel Chai” release.
