The Yeshiva Fellowship at MTA is a unique and powerful program designed for talmidim who are eager to elevate their ruchniyus and push themselves beyond the standard curriculum. Whether through mastering additional perakim in the yeshiva’s masechta or joining the inspiring chaburas led regularly by Rav Hershel Schachter shlit”a, participants seize every opportunity to grow in Torah and avodas Hashem.
Last week, the Fellowship hosted a deeply meaningful end-of-year siyum, celebrating the tremendous dedication of talmidim who voluntarily learned extra perakim of Maseches Bava Metzia outside the regular sedarim. Many of these young men, through unwavering hasmadah and ameilus, are well on their way to completing the entire masechta — a feat that reflects immense discipline and passion for Torah.
The highlight of this year’s celebration was the extraordinary accomplishment of two ninth graders, Daniel Crystal and Shaul Sarway, who completed Bava Metzia not once—but four times—over the course of the school year. Their remarkable achievement came from a tireless commitment to utilize every spare moment, both in and out of yeshiva, for learning and chazarah.
Rabbi Axelrod addressed the gathering, underscoring the historic nature of this accomplishment. In MTA’s more than 100-year history, he noted, it is likely unprecedented for two freshmen to complete an entire masechta four times within one academic year. He urged all present to be inspired by their example, reminding us that in ruchniyus, we are all capable of achieving far more than we might imagine.
Rabbi Daniel Konigsberg, MTA’s Principal, expressed his deep pride in the cohort’s accomplishments:
“The nachas we feel from our talmidim is immeasurable. Their commitment to growth in learning and their excitement for Torah reflects the incredible culture of the Yeshiva Fellowship. I am equally proud of the Rebbeim who guide and inspire our students each day—their dedication is the foundation of this success.”
Adding to the simcha was a powerful address by Rav Yaakov Neuberger, one of MTA’s esteemed roshei yeshiva. Rav Neuberger expressed his personal joy, noting the unique nachas he feels as both a Rosh Yeshiva and the Rav of Daniel Crystal’s shul. He highlighted the tremendous impact of a siyum and praised the budding talmidei chachamim for their incredible accomplishment.
Rabbi Shimon Schenker, MTA’s Menahel, shared his admiration for the standout efforts of Crystal and Sarway:
“For two ninth graders to not only complete Bava Metzia, but to do so four times, is simply extraordinary. Their hasmadah, consistency, and drive to internalize what they’ve learned should serve as a model for all of us. This is the kind of geshmak for Torah that changes lives.”
Following the siyum and spirited dancing, the talmidim enjoyed a celebratory seuda generously sponsored by Smash Burger. They also heard uplifting divrei chizuk from 12th grader Isaac Kantowitz, who is himself nearing the completion of the entire masechta.
As a token to commemorate the milestone, each talmid received a personalized seforim stamp. The event concluded with a renewed sense of excitement and inspiration, as the talmidim looked ahead to even greater heights in their Torah journey.
