Last weekend, nearly the entire Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) student and faculty body joined together for what turned out to be a thrilling experience for all. The fourth annual MTA Yeshiva-wide shabbaton—sponsored by the Class of 2006 in memory of David Rottenstreich ‘06 (Dovid Chaim ben Tzvi Akiva, a’h)—started with two separate programs. The lower classmen jumped over to Bounce for hours of fun, and the upper classmen attended the Jets-Bills game on Thursday night at Met Life Stadium.
Following these events, both groups arrived at the Raleigh Hotel in upstate New York for a barbecue dinner that lasted late into the night. After a good night’s sleep, Rosh Chodesh davening and breakfast, the students were at it again, partaking in various activities including football, hiking, bowling and mini-hockey at or near the hotel. By the time the sun had set, everyone from ninth grade to 12th grade had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. But the real fun had not yet even begun.
Upon the arrival of Shabbos, and the “official” start of the shabbaton, the entire yeshiva was addressed by Rabbi Taubes who discussed what it meant to join together in unison with one’s yeshiva. Rabbi Tanchum Cohen, then gave a d’var Torah which complemented the point. Throughout Shabbos, students, teachers and rebbeim had the opportunity to bond over matters both spiritual and recreational. There were so many experiences; divrei Torah and zemiros at the Shabbos meals, led by Rabbi Soniker and MTA seniors; the hilarious MTA Newlywed Game on Friday night; the Oneg Shabbos with Rabbi Mendelson’s presentation; the late night “Ask the Rabbis” session with Rabbis Schiller and Taubes; the various informal sessions and shiurim with rebbeim and grade deans; the annual game of “Assassin;” and the inspiring shalosh seudos stories told by Rabbi Schenker. All encounters on the list contributed to the outstanding bonding experience. For the entire Shabbos, the Raleigh Hotel was filled with a sense of ruach emanating from the MTA crowd. The Shabbos culminated with Havdalah, the humorous senior video and spirited dancing.
Rabbi Green and Elie Hirt of the Student Activities Office put in tremendous hard work to make the weekend a success.
By Shimmy Mandelbaum ‘16
