Refusing to settle, Moshe Levin pushes past his preconceived biases at Yeshivat Migdal HaTorah. He lives in Teaneck and graduated from Frisch. Following his year in Israel, he plans to continue to challenge himself at Rutgers University. His family davens at Congregation Arzei Darom in Teaneck.

Why were you drawn to Migdal HaTorah and what makes it different from the other yeshivot you were considering?

When Rabbi Ginsberg, the rosh yeshiva, presented at Frisch, he spoke with a specific intellect that I was instantly drawn to. He almost exclusively talked about the hashkafa of the yeshiva, which was very appealing to me. Migdal has a way of approaching Judaism that no other yeshiva came close to.

Other yeshiva presentations tended to talk about the Israel year in general terms, which isn’t bad, but I didn’t need to be convinced to come to Israel. I needed to be convinced to further my Judaism, and only Migdal was able to do that.

What were your expectations coming into Migdal HaTorah and how did they differ from reality?

I thought Yeshiva would be a continuation of high school—almost like a more advanced 13th grade.

Instead, what happened was sort of a relearning experience. It’s not more of the same. You’re really strengthening your fundamentals here. Sure, I’m learning a lot, but I’m also gaining life skills. Everyday life at Migdal constitutes critical thinking in an atmosphere that demands the truth—in Judaism, God or anything else. It’s not what I was expecting, but I love it.

What was one goal you had coming into Migdal HaTorah?

A specific goal of mine was improving my tefillah. Davening is usually an archaic and almost alien experience. So, I wanted to understand what I was saying and why I was saying it. Learning about the concepts and history has really helped improve my tefillah.

Outside of tefillah, what else do you enjoy studying?

I like learning about the Mesorah. We have a Mesorah shiur every Wednesday, and it’s super-interesting. Rav Herschberg hands out sources explaining a certain part of the Mesorah or how the Gemara was made. Different questions arise and we use various perushim to try and answer them.

For example, the Gemara never references a set book of Mishnayot. What’s the reason? Was there really a book of Mishnayot? How was it compiled and what did Rebbe Yehuda HaNasi actually do?

Is there any particular rabbi you personally connect with?

They’re all great, but I’d have to single out Rabbi Ziring. In deference to my parents and all my previous rebbeim, I’ve never met a genius like him. I’m always learning something new in our discussions—about Judaism or even myself. He pressures you to overcome any preconceived notions and to think in a clearer, more coherent way. The conversations can get difficult, but I’m always grateful for having them.

What’s your favorite shiur?

I love Gemara Iyun with Rabbi Sklar. It can get static only looking at the Gemara, so we go through different perushim to analyze the logical implications of the text and how it could affect other topics not explicitly mentioned.

Most days we open with a general Q&A and I usually ask a tefillah question to get the ball rolling. The discussions are interesting and they all end up tying back to the actual shiur. This collaborative energy helps create a more-engaging learning environment.

What’s something unique about the learning at Migdal HaTorah?

In the afternoon there are four tracks you can choose to learn: Nach, Chumash, philosophy or Halacha. Having the freedom to pick the track we learn is very cool. Last semester, I did Halacha. Right now I’m doing philosophy.

There are two rebbeim dedicated to each track, enabling them to cater to each student. The tracks are small enough so everyone gets individual attention, yet large enough for a lot of voices to still contribute to the discussion. Everyone learns from one another, which allows for greater intellectual growth. It’s a unique learning experience I haven’t seen offered in any other yeshiva.

What was your favorite place to go for Shabbat?

The yeshiva took us on a remarkable shabbaton to Tzfat. We were all in a huge house together and it really felt like we were a family.

I had a great time, especially Friday night. We got to talk with different people and discuss different perspectives on Judaism. It was a truly uplifting experience.

What do you do to unwind after a long day of learning?

I like hanging out with the guys. We have a ping-pong table in the apartment and it’s a great way to bond with everyone. Like I said, we’re basically a family at this point. I feel I can really open up to them.

What has been the highlight of your year so far?

Masada was incredible. We had a great tour guide who painted the whole site in a new light. It’s not only a nice hike with a pretty sunset or a tourist attraction to celebrate bar mitzvahs. The remnant serves as a metaphor for the state of Israel. Just like Masada was a last stand for the persecuted Jews back then, modern-day Israel is the last bastion for klal Yisrael.

How do you think Migdal HaTorah fits your own outlook and personality?

It’s difficult to say. People ask me all the time, “How is Migdal?” and I respond with something different every time. The reality is I’m learning something new every day. My self-image and view of Migdal are always changing and expanding.

That being said, I want to be challenged. I’m comfortable with uncomfortable conversations. I’m not settling for the status quo. I’m striving for a higher attainment in Judaism. In that regard, Migdal fits like a glove.

How do you think this year will prepare you for the rest of your life?

It’s not just making me a more knowledgeable man. It’s giving me the tools to train myself to think critically and present my views clearly. I’m developing a real, solid foundation, especially relating to my Judaism.

How has Migdal HaTorahcontributed to your personal growth this year?

The rebbeim have so much to offer. I’m obviously thankful to my rebbeim in America, but there’s something about Migdal.

I’m scared to think who I would’ve been if I hadn’t come here. I don’t think the growth I’ve had can be obtained anywhere else.

What are you learning right now?

I’m going through Mesechet Sofrim. It’s one of the earliest sources for some of the different tefilot we say in davening. Its layout can be hard to grapple with and understand, but I’m learning a lot.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

The environment is a bit on the rigorous side, but Migdal has given me enough tools and freedom to grow at my own pace. I know I’m heading in the direction I want to be heading in.

Also, make sure to label all your laundry.

David Deutsch of Woodmere, New York, is a Shana Bet student currently studying at Migdal HaTorah in Modi’in.