Monday marked the day that the international Jewish community commemorated Yom Hazikaron—a day that was perhaps more solemn and meaningful than ever before. MTA talmidim can all relate to the current matzav in Eretz Yisrael. Many were in Eretz Yisrael on October 7, and since their return have heard many speakers who add to the talmidim’s understanding and appreciation of what is happening now. Everyone is living through the War of Iron Swords, and is acutely aware of the rise in antisemitism everywhere, including their own neighborhoods.
MTA began Monday with an incredibly powerful and moving tekes including the mishaberach l’chayalim. The most poignant part of the morning programming was hearing about Captain Ori Shani, who was killed on October 7 on Kibbutz Kissufim. Found among Captain Shani’s possessions was a list titled “Al Atzmi,” something one might write during the time of Aseres Yemei Teshuva, when one takes on kabbala towards self-improvement.
Rabbi Konigsberg delivered a powerful presentation to initiate a school-wide campaign to adopt one item from Captain Shani’s list. In an effort to continue his legacy and allow his neshama to live on, MTA talmidim and rebbeim will pick up where he was forced to leave off, by growing in their in personal avodas Hashem in his merit, in areas like learning mishnayos, strengthening their study and observance of halacha, self-reflection and working on middos.
Later, talmidim packed the library to hear from MTA alum, and current RA of the MTA dorm, Kovi Pahmer (‘20) who returned a few months ago from active duty, after being called up on Shemini Atzeres. Kovi told his own story of getting back to Eretz Yisrael to re-enlist, as well as the unfortunate losses he personally lived through. The packed room was silent as he spoke, and everyone left with a bit more of an understanding of what it has been like to be called up to serve in Gaza.
As MTA transitioned from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut, there was a much deeper feeling of appreciation for the role that Eretz Yisrael plays in everyone’s lives, and how important it truly is to every Jew, regardless of where he lives. It is the hope that all of the talmidim will take that feeling of belonging to something greater, and support acheinu Bnei Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael in every way possible.
