This year, the Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA), held their yeshiva-wide shabbaton in Elul, and it turned out to be a perfect choice. The theme, “מי כעמך ישראל—One People. One Family. Together,” resonated deeply as the talmidim gathered to daven, learn and sing together. The timing, during the month of Elul, added a special layer of meaning, with students embracing the spirit of achdus and connection that the theme inspired.
The shabbaton became a powerful and uplifting experience, strengthening the bonds between students and fostering a sense of togetherness that will carry through the year. MTA had the distinct privilege of hosting Moreinu Harav Schachter shlita, along with his rebbetzin, as well as Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Taubes, and the yeshiva’s rebbeim and many faculty
members.
In addition to competitive roller hockey, basketball and flag football tournaments, one of the most memorable highlights was the leil shishi midnight mishmar and farbrengen led by Rabbi Moshe Auslander of #TYH fame. For over two and a half hours, talmidim and rebbeim sang and bonded together, united in song and tefillah, creating a beautiful and inspiring atmosphere that no one wanted to end.
Throughout the shabbaton, there were meaningful opportunities for talmidim to learn with their rebbeim as well as their respective grade dean/mashgiach. At this time of year, it is especially meaningful to increase limud haTorah and deveikus to Hashem, and this past Shabbos provided the MTA family with the chance to experience something truly special and unique.
One of the most anticipated moments of Shabbos was the Q&A held by Rav Schachter shlita and moderated by his son-in-law, Rabbi Tanchum Cohen, MTA’s rebbe of the senior BMK shiur. Talmidim submitted questions ahead of time, ranging from whether we can/should celebrate when enemies of the Jews are defeated, to finding a balance between Torah learning and healthy hobbies. The talmidim sat in rapt attention, fully aware they were in the presence of greatness. The opportunity to engage directly with a gadol hador was a profound and unique experience, and MTA is privileged to consistently offer such opportunities to its talmidim.
At the conclusion of Shabbos, Rav and Rebbetzin Schachter remained for melave malka, joining the talmidim in enjoying the ruach and food. It was a Shabbos filled with inspiration, profound learning and uplifting davening—but most importantly, it was a Shabbos of achdus among the talmidim of the yeshiva. It will, b’ezras Hashem, set the tone for a powerful year of growth and learning at Yeshiva University High School for Boys.
