This past Thursday, Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) welcomed the incoming freshman class of 2020 for their annual Pre-Summer Freshman Orientation. The orientation program provided the students with an opportunity to meet their new classmates who come from over 10 different communities from the New York-New Jersey area and beyond.
Upon arriving at MTA, the boys were welcomed by Director of Admissions Avi Matanky in the historic Joseph Alexander Library and then had the opportunity to hear from a range of faculty and administrators from the yeshiva high school. Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Michael Taubes addressed the students with a d’var Torah and related it to the unique opportunity that MTA provides its students from so many different communities to become a united group over their high school careers. The students then had the opportunity to formally meet MTA’s new Head of School, Rabbi Josh Kahn. Rabbi Kahn spoke to the freshman about parshat Beha’alotcha and connected the message to the transition to high school and the new opportunities and responsibilities that the boys will encounter. Finally, the students had a chance to hear a short shiur from rebbe and freshman grade dean, Rabbi Eli Cohn. Rabbi Cohn’s shiur explored one’s halachic obligation to stand up to help someone who is being taken advantage of. Rabbi Cohn quoted an idea developed by Rav Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l that we are held accountable for our potential and for helping those around us reach their potential as well.
After hearing from faculty and administrators, the class of 2020 was treated to a day of fun activities and sports. The boys were split into two groups and had the chance to play both Bubble Soccer and Archery Tag. The two games provided the incoming students with a chance to team together with and get to know their new classmates. When the games concluded, the boys walked over to Yeshiva University’s Tenzer Gardens for a Carlos and Gabby’s lunch. With the sun shining and music playing, the boys were able to continue bonding with their new classmates, with many throwing around footballs and frisbees. After lunch, the boys had the option of continuing to play frisbee or football in Tenzer Gardens or to play open sports in the MAX, the NCAA basketball court of Yeshiva University.
The boys then headed back to the MTA building for the conclusion of the orientation. After davening mincha, the students heard from longtime teacher Mrs. Harriet Levitt, the chair of the English Department. Mrs. Levitt spoke to the students about taking advantage of their high school years and especially of all of the extracurricular opportunities that MTA has to offer. Finally, Mr. Matanky concluded the program by handing out a freshman directory to the boys with contact information and pictures for all of their new classmates and encouraging them to keep in touch over the summer. Before dismissing the boys to their busses home, the boys received their very own MTA kippahs made especially for the class of 2020. All in all, it was a great day for the incoming class of 2020 and a fantastic way to jumpstart their high school careers.
