From the Heart of Jerusalem: Seasoning our growth
This past Shabbat marked the end of the Choref Zman, the Yeshiva Winter Block. It was a Shabbat filled with feelings of accomplishment but also sadness that such a marvelous chapter in our lives was coming to an end. We sat in our Beit Midrash for Seudat Shlishit as the sun made its way slowly behind the horizon and darkness rippled out across the sky.
We looked around the table at our friends’ faces. Together we had done so much. Finally our voices fell to silence as our Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Binny, spoke. But instead of launching into a Dvar Torah, Rav Binny did something very different. He posed a question: What have you gotten out of Choref Zman? Here were some of our answers.
Our minds had accumulated a wide array of knowledge after covering so much study material. But far more significantly we had exposed ourselves to learning in such a way that bred a newfound appreciation for how much more there is to be learned. Through greater awareness of how much beauty is contained in the riches of Jewish study we came to realize how little we know. The greatest minds in human history have grappled with the same questions we grapple with today. Every topic has been explored. It is exciting and comforting to know that I can turn to the wisdom of my ancestors when I face my challenges.
Learning for five months straight and becoming immersed in the world of Torah study gave us a new lens through which to see the world. A superficial world became colored by meaning. After learning about the Rabbis’ visions and the underlying principles captured in the halachic system, we’ve felt our ideals readjusted. Life turns out to be about a lot more than money and honor. Halacha instead promises a powerful family dynamic, an elevated self-image, and a lifelong purpose. We have come to understand more closely what it is we actually want.
Before this year davening was a mystery. Torah study was a mystery. Few of us could connect to the siddur or the gemara in a way that was even remotely meaningful. And still, at the end of Choref Zman, davening remains a mystery and Torah study is a mystery. But something fundamental has changed. Now, after just barely tasting the riches offered by Judaism we see how much Judaism promises. And now we have enough faith in the system to push us over the edge and commit to lives of exploring these mysteries rather than sweeping them under the carpet. Even if we’ll never understand, what we do know is that Judaism is for us.
Living in Israel, in the Old City of Jerusalem, the nub of the Jewish world, gives rise to a deep attachment to the land of Israel. The State of Israel represents the fulfillment of a dream, the unification of a dispersed people. The Old City represents the historic place of worship. Looking out from the Orayta rooftop onto Har HaBayit, we can picture the Bait Hamikdash standing in all its glory and our own fathers gathering to offer the Korbanot. And we can’t help but feel a strong connection to the Judaism that was and to the Judaism that is.
Part of what makes the Yeshiva mode of study so special is the chavrusa (study-partner) structure. We have learned together this year, helping and challenging one another every single day. We have come to see that everyone has something unique to offer a chavrusa. Along with this realization comes a deep respect for those around us. But even more than respect, we’ve come to experience power in numbers—a sense of oneness with those around us through shared values. From constant contact with our peers and the many late-night philosophy discussions, we have learned the power of conversation, how much one can gain just from talking to a friend.
We’ve learned to appreciate our families in far more profound ways. Before this year, family members were always such a regular aspect of our daily routines that we started to take them for granted. But now talking to a brother has become very special. Once oceans away, we have finally come to appreciate the constant love that our parents shower on us, the knowledge that at any given moment we are their priority and passion. At last we have felt the true warmth of the family.
Living by ourselves in a foreign country certainly has had an impact. It has forced greater independence onto us. We’ve learned how to be efficient with our time, how to stay on top of errands, how to travel in a foreign country, and how to manage a budget. Of course we now appreciate the comforts of home and all the effort that goes into our family’s nest. But in short, we’ve started to grow up.
It was wonderful to hear all of our friends describe how we’ve changed so far this year. But time and again we reminded each other—this year is still not over. After so much progress over the winter, we look forward to a yet more promising spring session powered by the energy and momentum of this Holy City.
