Asarah B’Teves is widely regarded as the first step to the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash

On Asarah B’Teves, Tuesday, January 3, Yeshiva Shaarei Zion held a meaningful Yom Iyun with the third through eighth grades, where the girls were paired up as big sister-little sister. Delving into the different fast days throughout the year, the girls worked together to unravel the meaning behind each fast. The girls learned the difference between the two types of g’ulah we seek, recognizing that Hashem is in every aspect of our lives.

Chanukah came early in Queens as the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates celebrated al Kislev long! The festivities kicked off with YIJE’s monthly Family Mitzvah Morning. Parents and children came together in the spirit of Chanukah to create gift bags and Chanukah decorations for the residents for the residents at the Margaret Tietz Rehabilitation Center! The program was sponsored by Tammy and Hillel Bryk.

On Thursday night, January 5, MTA celebrated its Annual Dinner of Tribute at Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, New Jersey. The night was a celebration of the Meaningful Moments of the MTA experience for both the current talmidim and the tens of thousands of alumni who have benefited from all that MTA has to offer.

This year’s honorees included Eva (‘90) and Mordy Rothberg, the evening’s Guests of Honor, as well as Dr. Johnathan Halpert (‘62) and his son Rabbi Yehuda Halpert (‘93) as well Aryeh (‘17) and Ezra (‘23) Halpert - three generations of the Halpert family who were honored as the Legacy Family. Rabbi Chaim Axelrod was awarded the Faculty Award for his years of dedication to MTA. 

Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) students had the opportunity to spend the fourth day of Chanukah giving back to the community and doing chesed. While for many, Chanukah can often be a time of taking – receiving presents, eating doughnuts, grabbing all the gelt – YCQ students gave their time and effort to help bring joy to others.