Rambam alumni in Israel still part of the family

Last Shabbos, Rambam alumni learning in Israel joined together for the annual Alumni Shabbaton with Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, who travels to Israel specifically for this occasion. It is a much anticipated and joyous Shabbos as the talmidim reunite with each other and with Rabbi Friedman. Students who are currently in shana bet and older joined as well.

 Students were surprised to learn that the guest with the black, greying beard that Rabbi Friedman embraced was none other than Avraham Butel, who graduated Rambam 20 years ago, in its first graduating class, and subsequently made aliyah.

The Shabbos ruach was palpable as each meal was filled with divrei Torah and zemiros. Although, technically, high school is a thing of the past for them, the talmidim expressed a tremendous interest in getting updated on the latest events at Rambam.

They applauded when they heard that their alma mater was the only yeshiva in the country to be awarded National Blue Ribbon status, cheered when they learned of the upcoming plans to confront the NIF, listened intently as Rabbi Friedman discussed the current situation in Israel, and questioned and probed during the various shiurim and discussions Rabbi Friedman had with the group. While a number of the boys thanked Rabbi Friedman privately for their great high school experience, one talmid got up and publicly thanked the rosh mesivta for four great years and for organizing the Shabbaton.

This year’s Shabbaton was held at Yeshivas Migdal haTorah in Modiin. Students, coming from all parts of the country, took charge and led all aspects of the davening and layning. Virtually all students shared a dvar Torah with the group

“It truly was an amazing Shabbos, and I had such nachas seeing the achdus that exists between all the alumni and how beautifully they davened, sang and learned,” said Rabbi Friedman.