(Courtesy of MTA) More than 400 talmidim, rebbeim, parents and friends joined MTA on Wednesday, June 6, for its Yeshiva-Wide Seudas Preidah and Siyum, celebrating the Torah learning accomplishments of all talmidim and the culmination of its inaugural scholarship campaign, honoring Rabbi Hyman Arbesfeld (‘49). The program was sponsored by MTA alumni Eytan (‘06), Noam (‘08) and Ezra (‘12) Mishkoff, in memory of their father, Meir Mishkoff (BTA ‘75).
The evening was a true celebration of both Torah learning and the entire educational experience, as more than 50% of MTA families participated in the scholarship campaign, highlighting the importance of supporting Jewish education.
“We need to ensure that all of our children are entitled to a Jewish education,” said Campaign Co-Chair Mordy Rothberg. “I’m passionate about the need to support our scholarship campaign because every child should have access to the exceptional educational experience provided by MTA.”
The campaign began with a $1 million gift from Rabbi Arbesfeld, given last year, in appreciation of the scholarships he received as a student. “I was fortunate to have my entire Yeshiva University education, from high school at MTA to college, to semicha at RIETS, supported by scholarships,” said Rabbi Arbesfeld. “I gave this gift in memory of my father. It was his inspiration and love that motivated me to pursue a life of Torah and Maddah. I hope this gift will inspire many others to support this exceptional high school, and that parents will send their sons here, knowing that tuition assistance is available.”
The Yeshiva-Wide Seudas Preidah and Siyum was a fitting way to celebrate the success of the scholarship campaign, as the event itself demonstrated the tremendous impact a Jewish education has on students. More than 125 talmidim made a siyum, celebrating the completion of a masechta they learned this year.
“The energy felt throughout the evening, as talmidim danced with their rebbeim, parents and friends, was amazing and a true tribute to the relationships that have grown throughout the year,” said Head of School Rabbi Joshua Kahn. “The excitement and pure joy on the faces of our talmidim and rebbeim as they celebrated a year of incredible Torah learning accomplishments together, was inspiring and a strong indication of the influence our educational experience has on their lives.”
The program also included opening remarks from Rabbi Kahn; divrei bracha from Yeshiva University President and MTA alum Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman; a special presentation to Rabbi Arbesfeld, who shared his personal story as the recipient of a full scholarship to MTA and the importance of paying it forward to ensure that every child has access to the yeshiva’s educational experience; and divrei Torah from Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Michael Taubes and RIETS Rosh Yeshiva Rav Mordechai Willig.
