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Rambam alumni delight in annual Israeli reunion

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Seldom does a week go by without one of the Rambam alumni calling the mesivta to talk to Rabbi Friedman, Rabbi Eliach, Rabbi Haar, Mr. Goldman or one of the rebbeim or teachers. They call to schmooze, ask questions or simply to say good Shabbos.

While these phone calls are a pleasure, what the boys enjoy even more is the annual Reunion Shabbaton held in Israel with Rabbi Friedman. Over two decades it has become a tradition to spend an entire Shabbos together in Yerushalayim or at one of the yeshivot where the boys are learning. In years past, Rabbi Friedman has organized Shabbatonim in yeshivot Har Etzion, HaKotel, Torat Shraga and Ohr Yerushalyim. This year’s get-together was held in Migdal HaTorah. Talmidim from shana aleph and bet — and even shana gimmel — trekked to Modiin for a ruach- and learning-filled Shabbos.

The boys heard shiurim from guest Roshei Yeshiva, Rav Chaim Ozer Chait and Rabbi Dr. Ginsberg, a former Rambam Parsha Rebbe.

After Friday night’s seuda, Rabbi Friedman gave a shiur and conducted a lively three hour session on the topic “Bechira  and how to make right choices.” After midnight the discussions broke up, to continue the next day during the second seuda.

The meals were permeated with zmiros and divrei Torah, with virtually all of the boys piping in with some chiddush or vort on the parsha. After a short break, boys reassembled for another shiur with Rabbi Friedman followed by Mincha and a rousing session of singing during the third seuda. The singing, divrei Torah and camaraderie continued way past the twinkling of three stars. After Maariv and Havdalah, the boys got together for a group picture and headed back to their respective yeshivot, exhilarated by the experience. One of the talmidim, speaking on behalf of everyone, best summed it up by saying, “This truly was an amazing Shabbaton. I think it was the best one I’ve ever had. Thank you so much for organizing this and coming to see us.”

“I get so much nachas seeing how our boys continue to grow in Torah and midos as a result of the wonderful yeshivot they attend,” said Rabbi Friedman. “It is a special experience to spend a Shabbos together with the chevra, and I’m already looking forward to next year!"