The RPRY community is mourning the loss of Rabbi Elisha Loewenstern, a former RPRY student, who heroically fell in battle last month. Rabbi Loewenstern’s love and מסירות נפש for Israel was not only evident in his final moments but throughout his life. When asked how RPRY should honor Rabbi Loewenstern, z”l the family responded that they wanted RPRY students to have a fun and meaningful program that will infuse a love of Eretz Yisrael. On Rosh Chodesh Shevat, bnot sherut ran a day of appreciation for Eretz Yisrael and Rabbi Loewenstern’s life.

The gym was decorated to symbolize different regions of Eretz Yisrael and students rotated through various meaningful and fun activities. Students experienced the snow on the Chermon, went rock climbing in the Golan, participated in a salt art project at the Yam Hamelach, wrote letters to soldiers, made bracelets to express solidarity with the hostages, visited a Tzahal exhibit, offered ברכות for Eretz Yisrael which they fixed on a map of Eretz Yisrael, all while learning about Rabbi Leowenstern’s life and the many lessons he taught.

The day was a meaningful educational experience for students reinforcing the value of loving Eretz Yisrael and was a real tribute to the memory of an RPRY community hero. It is the hope that the lessons students learned will be an עלוי נשמה.