With Chanukah approaching, MTA is ramping up the programming and infusing each day with meaningful Torah learning, placing a special focus on inyanei Chanukah. To that end, MTA hosted its annual Parent-Son Learning program this past Sunday and welcomed Rabbi Larry Rothwachs, rav of Congregation Beth Aaron in Teaneck, and director of Professional Rabbinics at RIETS to address the crowd.

Talmidim and parents davened together in Lamport Auditorium, and enjoyed a light breakfast, followed by Rabbi Rothwachs’ shiur. After opening with his own memories of being a talmid at MTA, Rabbi Rothwachs pointed out the irony that although the mitzvah of ner Chanukah is given special prominence as it accomplishes persumei nisa, one is not obligated to rekindle the lights if they were to blow out by accident. This demonstrates an important message in avodas Hashem, that we do all that we can and work hard to achieve, but ultimately the success that we have is from Hashem. This message was both timely and well-received.

Following the shiur, parents and talmidim went to learn with their respective Gemara rebbe. This time was also spent learning about Chanukah, and most shiurim learned in a combination of parent-son chavrusa and a short shiur.

MTA’s Parent-Son learning event is always a well-attended and enjoyable day. Bringing parents into the building to learn alongside their sons is a great way for them to see the high level of learning that MTA offers, and the ownership the talmidim have over their achievements in Gemara learning.