This past Motzaei Shabbos, MTA talmidim and parents converged on Washington Heights to enjoy an evening together with the MTA family. With delicious food provided by the local eateries, the night began with the opportunity to reconnect with friends from across the tri-state area. Then the crowd headed to the gym for dancing to the music of Baruch Levine. Rebbeim, talmidim, and their fathers danced around in exuberance to the songs of Adar and Purim, expressing their love and appreciation for a yeshiva that is and has been home to so many. The families then took seats as divrei Torah were shared by Menahel Rabbi Shimon Schenker and Senior Avi Cohen. After the inspirational words of Torah had been shared, the lights were shut and a heartfelt kumzits ensued. The room was filled with the beautiful sound of sincere song, as talmidim, parents, and rebbeim joined together in harmony. The night concluded with one last round of dancing, as the talmidim and their fathers kept the ruach going after the kumzits had officially come to a close. The Melave Malka was an unforgettable event highlighting the signature ruach for which MTA is known.

Ezra Boys spent last Shabbos shteiging with the Traveling Chasidim in Monsey. Organized by Rabbi Eli Geller, Mashgiach Ruchani of Ezra Academy, Shabbos Shekalim counted in many significant ways for the Ezra Senior boys. The senior boys also members of the Kollel, contemplating spending a year in Israel were invited to Monsey, along with alumni, to really spend time pondering the benefits of taking a gap year in yeshiva. The Shabbaton was attended by a mix of current senior boys, recent alumni back from their years of learning in Israel, and married alumni beginning their own families. The warmth of the experience was a truly perfect environment to reflect on the numerous advantages of spending post-high-schools year(s) learning in Israel. The beauty of Shabbos with the traveling Chasidim only enhanced the idea that developing a frum household of their own, should be their priority.

On Monday, February 13, Central seniors in the “From the Ashes” Holocaust education program had the privilege of visiting Washington, DC, for an educational and memorable trip. Participants in the program had been working diligently, meeting once a week with faculty advisor and Holocaust educator Rabbi Dr. Joshua Strulowitz, for both history of the Holocaust sessions and lessons on interview techniques.

Students arrived at the beautiful Bushkill Inn early Friday afternoon. After lunch, students enjoyed swimming in the indoor pool and playing sports. Before t’filah, students participated in exciting “pre-Shabbos ruach” and welcomed Shabbos with singing and dancing. The energy continued throughout davening and a musical Kabbalas Shabbos.

On Monday, February 27, Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion celebrated 100 days of school, as grades kindergarten through fifth grade had exciting and challenging activities in their respective classrooms. Every teacher invested time, effort, and creativity, as students worked beautifully on the various challenges. Students enjoyed every minute as they laughed, learned, and engaged in the 100-day challenge! Not only did every class have a theme, but each also truly dived into the challenge with positive attitudes and a love for learning. Teachers and students took 100 days of celebration to the next level, as every class presented authenticity, dedication, and pure joy.