From the moment the first buses pulled out, excitement filled the air. The entire yeshivah came together for a weekend that captured what MTA is all about: connection, growth, and genuine achdus.
The theme of unity ran through every part of the Shabbaton. Friday morning’s Achdus Seder set the tone, as talmidim from different grades learned b’chavrusa, forming new bonds through Torah. That spirit of togetherness continued throughout Shabbos in the inspiring divrei Torah of the menahel after Kabbalas Shabbos, the Rosh Yeshiva before Musaf, and the principal by Shalosh Seudos, each highlighting what it means to be a community both as a klal and as a yeshivah bifrat.
We had the tremendous z’chus of spending Shabbos with HaRav Hershel Schachter shlita, whose warmth and insight elevated the entire experience. In an engaging Q&A, talmidim had the chance to ask questions and connect with a gadol baTorah in a way that felt both personal and inspiring.
The ruach throughout Shabbos was electric. From spirited t’filos and heartfelt z’miros to the uplifting tishes, the energy was unstoppable. As Rabbi Sudwerts shared, “The ruach was igniting. The talmidim were on fire with a deep desire to connect and grow.” Everywhere you looked, rebbeim were learning and speaking with their talmidim, guiding them with genuine care and sincerity.
The freshman class enjoyed a special experience of their own. They traveled up early on Thursday for bowling and team-building before joining the rest of the yeshivah. Together with their senior “Lions,” they took part in a creative challenge, designing and building boats from scratch that became one of the weekend’s highlights.
The Shabbaton was filled with memorable moments, from the Aquatopia trip and barbecue to the hike at Hornbeck’s Creek, flag football, swimming, and time to enjoy the beautiful campus. Shabbos was filled with meaning through powerful t’filah, grade discussions, freshman chaburos with alumni, and a legendary tish that lasted late into the night.
After an uplifting Shabbos, the yeshivah joined together for a heartfelt musical Havdalah, followed by a melaveh malkah that closed out the weekend on a high note. A special highlight was the presence of 12 alumni who joined for Shabbos, learning with the boys and reminding everyone that the bonds built at MTA last long after graduation.
The MTA Shabbaton was more than a weekend away. It was a living expression of what makes our yeshivah so special: a place where Torah, achdus, and ruach come together to create something truly unforgettable.