Event celebrated the Torah of YU/RIETS by bringing together hundreds of community members for a day of Torah study.

(Courtesy of YU) On Sunday, May 15, Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Issac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) held its first annual Day of Learning, bringing together roshei yeshiva, talmidim and hundreds of community members for an unprecedented event.

Gathering at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, 25 roshei yeshiva and scholars led intensive Torah study sessions on topics incorporating Talmud, Tanakh and Jewish philosophy. The Day of Learning started with Rav Hershel Schachter’s opening remarks. Participants were then able to choose between 25 shiurim over four sessions or simply learn b’chavrusa in the beis medrash. It was an amazing opportunity to have multiple shiurim taking place simultaneously along with the kol Torah happening in the beis medrash with the help of silent headphone technology.

The event was attended by about 500 people and spanned numerous time zones with satellite locations in Jerusalem, Chicago and Los Angeles. The crowdfunding campaign leading up to the Day of Learning raised over $1.3 million from more than 1,400 donors.

“It was a truly magical day with so many roshei yeshiva in one place, connecting to their students and teaching Torah at a high level,” said Rabbi Menachem Penner, the Max and Marion Grill dean of RIETS. “Our alumni and members of the public were able to connect with RIETS, and to feel the amazing power of the beis medrash. This event allowed them to engage in the same inspiring Torah learning that our rabbinical students experience each day.”

The Day of Learning is an event that the yeshiva plans to host annually, taking the place of the traditional RIETS dinner.

“Our yeshiva is proud of its leadership role in the Jewish community,” Rabbi Penner said. In North America, 80% of all major Modern Orthodox congregations are led by RIETS graduates. “The Day of Learning exemplifies our ideals and our commitment, bringing Torah learning to the community at large. This was a truly unprecedented event, and we thank the YU community for making it happen.”

For more information, visit: https://www.yu.edu/riets