Dear Talmidim,
It was wonderful to welcome you back to campus this week for a full week of learning and shiurim. Every time I walk into the Beis Medrash or peek into a classroom I am inspired by each of you, especially late at night….deep into the night! We had our first week of DINK (Deep Into the Night Kollel) last night. May it continue to grow מחיל אל חיל!
Yeshayahu HaNavi describes the flood as “mei Noach,” the waters of Noach. This description casts a negative light upon Noach in the context of the flood. The Zohar castigates Noach for not praying on behalf of the world, to do whatever he could to stop the impending flood from taking place. Sure, Noach was able to save himself and his family; but did he do enough to save the rest of society? As such it is called mei Noach.
We each have a responsibility, morally and halachically, to look beyond ourselves. We are the lucky recipients of a top-notch education and the blessings of being surrounded by Rebbeim, friends, and mentors; but do we ever stop to consider how we can use our talents to help those that are not as fortunate as us?
A few examples to consider (think about what would happen if we would each choose just one of these options!):
1) Pick up a weekly chavrusa (30 minutes) with someone in a different morning program. Together with SOY we hope to launch an initiative to match up talmidim interested in this idea, who need help finding a learning partner.
2) Invite a guest home for Shabbos. Do you live in the NY/NJ area? How about next time you go home, you bring a guest who isn’t able to be home with family for shabbos as often as you are? We hope to also launch a program to help facilitate this idea.
3) Most of us have friends who may currently be on a college campus that is not as conducive to Torah and religious growth and expression. Wouldn’t it be worthwhile to check in once in a while and see how they are doing? Maybe arrange a short weekly chavrusa over Zoom?
-Thank you to the many rebbeim who hosted alumni shiurim over Sukkos, both in-person and online, with the participation of close to 200 alumni!
-Condolences to Rabbi & Dr. Michael Rosensweig and Rabbi Itamar Rosensweig on the passing of their father-in-law and grandfather, Rabbi Dr. David Eliach z"l.
-Condolences to Adam Auerbach on the loss of his father.
-Mazel tov Rabbi & Mrs. Yonason Shippel on the birth of a grandson!
-Mazel tov to R' Ari Brandspiegel on his engagement!
-Mazel tov to Eli Hyman on his engagement!
-Mazel tov to Rafi Jacobs on his upcoming wedding!
-Mazel tov to Dovie Marcus on his engagement!
-Mazel tov to Charly Schaechter on his engagement!
Have a great Shabbos,
