Week of 23-39 Iyar / May 21-27
Shabbat Bamidbar

Yom Yerushalayim: Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Mordechai Greenberg shlita gave a sicha on the evening of Yom Yerushalayim (audio MP3), which was followed by a Tefillah chagigit. This was followed by a festive seuda in the Dining Hall for the talmidim and the community. At the seuda, Mr. Chaim Hoisman, who grew up in Yerushalayim and was commander of the religious forces in the War of Independence, related stories of old about Yerushalayim. At 4:00 AM, a bus of talmidim, Ramim, and avreichim set out to daven Shacharit at the Kotel, in a minyan with other Yeshivot.

Mazal Tov to R. Aviram and Tzurit Litvack upon the birth of a daugther, Reut.

Week of 16-22 Iyar / May 14-20
Shabbat Behar-Bechukotai

Lag Ba'omer: After ma'ariv, the families gathered around a large bonfire for singing and dancing in honor of R. Shimon b. Yochai. Afterwards, children enthusiastically held medurot for each of the age groups. Similarly, the various Israeli shiurim held medurot and barbecues with their Ramim, while the overseas talmidim gathered in Beit Brainin for a kumsitz and barbecue, at which many of them shared inspirational divrei Torah. Rav Rivlin gave a sicha on the topic: "The Meaning of the Omer" (available audio MP3 online).

Wecome to our overseas alumni from England and the United States who are returning to Yeshiva for Kayitz zman as they conclude their university school-year and finals abroad.

Week of 9-15 Iyar / May 7-13
Shabbat Emor

Afula Shabbaton: Twenty KBY talmidim, mostly overseas, ran a Shabbaton in Afula for the local children there, mostly impoverished immigrants with little religious background. The Shabbaton was an outgrowth of the Galil Tiyul after Pesach, when they stopped off in Afula and met Rabbi Gold, who had established a religious school there (Beit Sefer Orot) a few years ago. With tremendous enthusiasm and dedication, and equipped with an ample supply of food and lots of candy, the madrichim were able to provide the children with the Shabbat experience of their lifetime! They ran activities, served Shabbat meals, manned educational booths about Shabbat and Yom Tov, taught Shabbat zemirot, and walked the children home, as many live in unsafe neighborhoods. As they left, many children poignantly asked: "Will you be coming back tomorrow?"

Tremendous credit goes to Aryeh Young who mostly arranged and led the Shabbaton, and to the KBY administration and Mr. Eli Klein, who provided food and financial support for the activity, which was also sponsored by the "Ohev Shalom V'Rodef Shalom" Program. Click for full write-up of this inspiring event, PDF photo collage, and 60 photos from before and after Shabbat at the photogallery.

Week of 2-8 Iyar / April 30 - May 6
Shabbat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim

Yom Ha'atzmaut: At night, following a festive prayer and dancing, the entire Yeshiva ate together in the Dining Hall. The Rosh Hayeshiva shlita spoke about the importance of the State of Israel as a step towards redemption, even if the religious situation is still far from ideal. Rav Dovid Kav shlita related stories of his experiences as a child in the War of Independence.

In the morning of Yom Ha'atzmaut, the overseas talmidim visited the air base at Tel Nof, where they observed the annual air show, while most Israelis joined their families. Shiurim were given for those who remained in Yeshiva, including a shiur in the evening by Rav Zalman Nechemiah Goldberg shlita.

Mazal Tov to R. Victor and Yael Buchanik upon the birth of a son.

Week of 25 Nisan - 1 Iyar / April 23-29
Shabbat Tazria-Metzora

Overseas Galil Tiyul: The overseas students went on their annual after-Pesach tiyul up north. On the way, they stopped in Afula, where they heard a  very interesting briefing from Rabbi Gold about the very hard socio-economic situation in the development town. He told about the incredible "kiruv" work that is doing there, with the religious school that he established growing very quickly. They also visited in the school, and were very impressed. As a result, some of the boys are planning to run a Shabbaton with the children over there. (This will take place IY"H this week, Parshat Emor.)

They continued to Rosh Hanikra (the northern border of Israel on the coast, which has tunnels and caves carved out by the waves), where plenty of them got soaked by the stormy sea. They then drove to an ancient shul near Chispin, where they then spent the night. Some Gush Katif families are still staying there, and the talmidim joined them that evening for their Yom Hashoa ceremony.

On Tuesday, they hiked the Jilabun in pouring rain, and were full of mud to show for it. After the weather cleared, they visited the Talmudic village in Katzrin, and then to Keshet for an activity called O.D.T. , which consists of a series of challenges, which all promote teamwork.

On Wednesday morning the talmidim went to a very important site connected to the Yom Kippur war, called Tel Saki, where the boys heard one of the many remarkable stories about the war. They concluded the tiyul in the afternoon with a fun rafting ride down the Jordan, and returned to the Yeshiva in the evening. Photos are available at the photogallery.

Zman Kayitz 5766: Zman Kayitz began on Thurs., 29 Nisan. The Yeshiva will be learning Masechet Pesachim, first chapters in Bekiut, and Arvei Pesachim in Iyun. The Rosh Hayeshiva shlita gave the opening shiur on the the sugya (3a), "Eating Sacrifices and the Lechem Hapanim." Available in MP3 audio

Mazal Tov to R. Aharon and Avishag Friedman upon the birth of a son.

Week of Nisan 18-24 / April 16-22
Shabbat Shemini

Families of the Givat Shmuel community, who participate in a weekly shiur there by Dayan Be'eri shlita on Fri. mornings, held a Shabbat together at the Yeshiva.

Mazal Tov to R. Aharon and Avishag Friedman upon the birth of a son.

Week of Nisan 11-17 / April 9-15
Shabbat Pesach

Pesach Charity: In a major undertaking, Gmach Yad Yissachar v'Yitzchak, which is run on a volunteer basis by KBY alumni, distributed 800 special Pesach food packages in Ashdod and the surrounding area. They were assisted in the distribution by vehicles and staff of Magen David Adom and the National Guard. In addition, many KBY families donated their unopened packages of chametz to be sold before Pesach and distributed to needy families immediately after Pesach through the Gmach. Used clothes were also collected and are brought to a distribution center in nearby Gedera.

Pesach Hotel: For the twenty-first year, the Yeshiva ran a "Pesach Hotel" for almost 300 guests, including a number of KBY alumni, their parents and families. The extensive program includes daily shiurim, trips, and entertainment; activities and youth groups for the children; and, above all, a great sense of congenial togetherness of the guests, many of whom return annually.

Week of Nisan 4-10 / April 2-8
Parshat Tzav

Pesach Preparations: The days before Pesach involved extensive preparations for the "Pesach Hotel," already in its 21^st year: kashering the kitchen, painting the rooms, cleaning the Batei Midrash and classrooms, and organizing the program of activities, led by Rav Aryeh Stern. In addition, Rav Rubinstein led two groups of avreichim to the nearby matzah factory at Yad Binyamin to bake hand and machine matzot for use over Pesach.

Tzurba Pesach Convention: Tazurba Me'Rabanan - an adult learning program throughout Israel, which focuses on practical halacha learned from the sources: Gemara, Rishonim, Shulchan Aruch and Poskim - held its annual convention, focused on the laws of the Seder night. Among the speakers at the convention, which was attended by 450 participants, were Hagaon Rav Mordechai Eliyahu, Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Mordechai Greenberg, and Rav Benzion Algaz shlita, who pioneered and directs the program. Photos are available at the photogallery, and a (Hebrew) video clip about the conference is available at Arutz-7 TV.

Heritage Tour: Close to twenty talmidim went on the Heritage Tour to Poland. The trip combined the heritage of Polish Jewry - synogogues, gedolim, and Jewish life there - with the Holocaust era - the concentration camps, ghettos, etc. They were accompanied by Rav Ari Katz and historian Avraham Krieger, a KBY alumnus. Most of the group also visited Prague. The trip was inspiring, meaningful, and memorable.

Week of Adar 26 - Nisan 3/ March 26 - April 1
Parshat Vayikra

Pesach Shiurim: The Yeshiva concluded the zman with a special program of Pesach shiurim in Iyun, Halacha, and Machshava. Many are available online in MP3 format. (Click on the shiurim in the program above, or visit the Pesach audio page.)

Israeli Elections: The Yeshiva took an active role in the "panim el panim" campaign on behalf of the religious Zionist parties, heeding the call of leading rabbis of the Zionist community. They visited households in the nearby cities of Ashdod, Gedera, and Yavneh, explaining the national and religious significance of the elections, and encouraging to vote for the "right." On election day, staff and talmidim campaigned outside polling stations in Ashdod.

Solar Eclipse: A solar eclipse occurred midday on Wed., March 29, and reached up to 83% in Israel. People at the Yeshiva were able to view it with special dark eye-guards.

Week of Adar 19-25 / March 19-25
Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei (Parah)

UK Delegation: Kerem B'Yavneh was honored by the visit of UK Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, along with a delegation of UK Rabbonim. They were greeted by the Yeshiva Ramim, administration, and overseas UK talmidim. Rabbi Sacks addressed the assembly, and the Rabbonim heard from the Rosh Hayeshiva and Mashgiach shlita and Director Eli Klein. Yishar Koach to Rabbi Dr. Julian Shindler, father of two KBY alumni and current KBY talmid, for his help in arranging the visit. (Photos of the visit are available at the photogallery.)

London Shabbaton: The second London KBY Alumni Shabbaton was held in Ner Yisroel Shul. Special guest was Rav Moshe Dimantman shlita, along with Rav Stav, Rav Friedman, Eli Klein, and Urie Lieberman. Rav Friedman gave a shiur at Hasmonean High School on Fri. morning, and the Ramim also spoke at shuls throughout the community on Shabbat. In addition, Rav Dimantman gave a shiur to high school students and alumni on Thurs. night at Ner Yisroel (photos available). A special thank you to Mr. Ari Levy for his invaluable efforts in helping organize the Shabbaton, well assisted by other KBY alumni.

Parah Adumah Seminar: A special seminar was held at the Yeshiva, in conjuction with Machon Hamikdash, on the topic of parah adumah. The seminar was the initiative of R. Shai Walter, director of KBY's Institute for Kiddush Hachodesh Studies, with the hope of expanding to the study of various futuristic halachot, including those of tumah and tahara. Among the speakers was Rav Yisrael Ariel shlita, director of Machon Hamikdash, who addressed the halachic process and possibility of renewing the mitzvah of parah adumah. (Photo below of parah adumah ceremony from Machon Hamikdash.)

Melave Malka with Rav Kook: The overseas talmidim, accompanied by Rav Katz and Rav Orlian, were privileged to have a Melave Malka at the home of Rav Simcha Hakohen Kook shlita in Rechovot. Rav Kook spoke warmly of the special holiness of Eretz Yisrael, and of the special gates of prayer via the Holy of Holies. The evening concluded with dancing and a personal "Shalom" with each talmid. (Photos available at photogallery.)

Week of Adar 12-18 / March 12-18
Parshat Ki-Tisa

Purim: Hamashgiach Rav Rivlin shlita gave a sicha on Ta'anit Esther, Yom Ki-Purim, focusing on the ideas of goral and "lavo el haMelech" - available online (MP3). After Megillah reading, the Israeli talmidim went to the houses of their Ramim, while the overseas talmidim held a special "Purim shpiel." A special touching moment occured when the skit mentioned Eli Klein's help to the talmidim, which earned him a minute-long round of applause. Everyone then gathered in the Dining Hall for the Purim Chagiga, which featured music, lively singing and dancing, a short movie prepared by the shana dalet Israeli talmidim, and a performance by Guy Doron. (Photos are available at the photogallery.) As usual, Rav Friedman led a group of talmidim at night to the Harzfeld Geriatric Hospital in the nearby city of Gedera to sing and dance with the patients.

On Purim morning, Rav Friedman took a large group to Kaplan Hospital, and others went back to Harzfeld. Joint Mishloach Manot were arranged for the Kerem B'Yavneh families through the G'mach Yad Yissachar & Yitzchak. This project raised a significant sum for the organization, which distributes food packages to some 600 families weekly. The Israeli talmidim returned to their families for the seuda, while the overseas talmidim ate together in the Dining Hall. After Purim, many of the overseas talmidim went to Yerushalayim, where their Ramim hosted them for a seuda at night.

Gush Katif Shabbaton: Rav Ari Katz shlita invited families formerly from Gush Katif to the Yeshiva for Shabbat. This is yet another link in the Yeshiva's commitment to help the former Gush Katif community. Rav Shlomo Cohen Duras, founder and former Rosh Hayeshiva of Yeshivat Katif gave a shiur to the talmidim Shabbat morning.

Week of Adar 5-11 / March 5-11
Parshat Tetzaveh

11^th Yahrzeit of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva zt"l: The Yeshiva commemorated 7 Adar, the eleventh Yahrzeit of founding Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht zt"l. In the evening, KBY alumnus Rav Uri Bin-Nun, recently appointed as CEO of Israel's Electric Company, gave a shiur on palginan dibura. In the morning, a bus of Ramim, avreichim and talmidim traveled to say Tehillim at the gravesite at Har Hamenuchot in Yerushalayim.

Throughout the day, shiurim and sichot were given at the Yeshiva as part of a Yom Shekulo Torah & Atzeret Zikaron . The Yeshiva was honored with guest speakers: Cheif Rabbi of Israel, Rav Yona Metzger, who delivered divrei Aggadah and reminisced about the Rosh Hayeshiva zt"l, and Rav Moshe Meyernick shlita, son-in-law of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva zt"l, who gave a shiur.

Family of Yehuda Katz: The family of Yehuda Katz, a KBY talmid who has been MIA since the Lebanon War over twenty years ago, visited the Yeshiva. A special section of the library has been dedicated in his honor, containing seforim of Yehuda and works on Chasidut.

Melave Malka with Admor of Pittsburgh (Ashdod): The Yeshiva was priviliged to have a Melave Malka with the Admor of Pittsburgh, whose father founded the Chasidic area of Ashdod decades ago. He shared many divrei Torah and "vort"s, in both Hebrew and English, and expressed admiration at the ruach of KBY talmidim. He then led the entire assembly talmidim in spirited song and dancing. In the spirit of Purim, he "loaned" shtreimels to the Rosh Hayeshiva and Hamashgiach shlita. (Click for video clip  - 8MB.) At the end he shook hands and distributed oranges and apples to each talmid. Photos are available at the photogallery. A special yishar koach to Rav Kalman Ber for arranging the special event.

Mazal Tov to Mordechai Siegelbaum upon his marriage to Naama Magzimo.

Week of Shevat 28 - Adar 4 / Feb. 26 - March 4
Parshat Teruma

After Seudat Leil Shabbat they heard a fascinating lecture by Dr. Steinberg (author of Medical Halacha Encyclopedia) on the halachic criterion of death, and then walked to Me'ah Shearim for "tish hopping." On Shabbat afternoon, Rav Katz led them on a tour of the neighborhoods around the Old City, and for Seudah Shlishit they were joined by Rav Benny Eisner. On Motzei Shabbat they joined with some former Gush Katif families at the Jerusalem Gold Hotel for a meanigful Melave Malka.

Parents' Shabbat: The parents of the second year Israeli students, who will begin their active service in the IDF in the coming month, were guests of the Yeshiva for Shabbat. (This group represents the largest class of Israeli talmidim in KBY's history.) They were joined by the Ramim at the Shabbat meals, where the parents spoke, and at a special tish, and they heard a shiur by the Rosh Hayeshiva shlita.

Israeli Alumni Melave Malka: KBY alumni from all over central Israel gathered at a melave malka held in Givat Shmuel. This special event concluded the events and ceremonies commemorating the tenth yahrzeit of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva Harav Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht zt"l. Speakers included Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Mordechai Greenberg, Rav Yisrael Lau (former Chief Rabbi of Israel), and Rav Chanan Porat (former MK). In addition, a multimedia presentation of the Rosh Hayeshiva zt"l was screened. Photos are available at the photogallery.

 Mazal Tov to Avi and Dikla Levi upon the birth of a son, Netanel.

Weeks of 18-27 Shevat / Feb. 12-25
Parshat Yitro & Mishpatim

KBY Talmidim participated in an atzeret tefillah at the Kotel.

MP3 Conversion: Most of the website's audio shiurim and sichot have been converted from Real to MP3 format. They can be listened to and downloaded from the Torah audio page. We have begun uploading current audio shiurim, sichot and chugim. Check the "New this month" box on the main Torah page for updates.

Week of 7-13 Shevat / Feb. 5-11
Parshat Beshalach

Shabbat Gibush: About seventy of next year's prospective Israeli students gathered together for a "Shabbat Gibush" at the Yeshiva. This was already the second group of Israeli high school talmidim to spend Shabbat at Yeshiva this year. On Leil Shabbat they had a panel discussion with the Rosh Hayeshiva and Ramim about learning at KBY and the current situation of Eretz Yisrael, and on Shabbat morning they had kiddush at the houses of the avreichim. During the course of Shabbat they heard shiurim and sichot from the Rosh Hayeshiva, Hamashgiach, and the first year Israeli Ramim: Rabbis Benzion Algazi, Moshe Amsalem, and Yitzchak Levi shlita – all KBY graduates and dedicated educators.

Bekiut Tosfot Lists: The lists of "recommended" Tosfot for Bekiut that Rav Meir Orlian has been distributing to talmidim in afternoon seder during the past four years are now posted online. Currently available are Masechtot: Succah, Ketuvot, Gittin, Bava Kama, and Makkot. (Bava Batra should be available next week.)

Alumnus Rabbi Yeshua Rabenstein: Rabbi Rabenstein, who was critically injured in a traffic accident, is now out of his coma. According to his parents, he is moving limbs on command and even moved his lips in response to his mother's voice, although he can not speak yet. He still needs our tefilos, as the road to recovery can still be long.

Mr. Klein visited him at his rehabilitation facility in New Jersey, and also reported: "I found him sitting in a chair, moving his legs freely, his eyes open part of the time (although I'm not sure how focused they were), and he responded to a strong handshake. I believe that he understood most of what I said to him, but unfortunately, was unable to reply.  I left him with one of our Tu B'Shevat pamphlets, which he looked over and then put inside his shirt. Let us pray that he will continue to improve." His Hebrew name is: Avraham Yeshua ben Yochana Margolit. His friends are arranging for people to go and learn in his room on Tues. evening. Details are available online, or contact Reuven Brand (rebrand@gmail.com).

Mazal Tov to Shalom and Ortal Begayev, upon the birth of a son.

Rabbi Wagner zt"l: Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh bereaves the tragic loss of Rabbi Shraga Feivel Wagner zt"l, of the Young Israel of Forest Hills. Rabbi Wagner was foremost alumnus of KBY and beloved by all who knew him. Our sincerest condolences to Rabbniot Esther and Bina and to the entire Wagner family on this most tragic loss.

Week of 29 Tevet - 6 Shevat / Jan. 29 - Feb. 4
Parshat Bo

5th Annual Shabbaton and Melave Malka: This year's Shabbaton and Melave Malka was held at DRS High School and Congregation Aish Kodesh in Lawrence. From there, the Rosh Hayeshiva, escorted by Mr. Urie Leiberman, Director of Public Relations, visited Baltimore for two days, where he gave shiurim and they met alumni. Mr. Leiberman also met in Manhattan with alumni representing the various decades of KBY, with the goal of establishing a network of KBY alumni and planning the Eli Klein Farewell Tribute Dinner. A full write-up of these events is included below:

Mazal Tov to Hamashgiach Rav and Rabbanit Avraham Rivlin, upon the birth of a grandson.
Mazal Tov to Yosi Shmueli upon his marriage to Reut Cohen.

5th Annual Shabbaton and Melave Malka

Over 130 alumni participated in this year's Shabbaton and Melave Malka, held at DRS High School in Lawrence. They were housed in homes throughout the community, with the help of the Housing Committee: Omer Antman (chairman), Ezra Blumenthal, Asher Dworetsky, Benjamin Rubin, Alan Stein, and David Zirkind. The Rosh Hayeshiva shlita, Director Eli Klein, and Mr. Urie Lieberman flew in from Israel for the Shabbaton, along with Rav Mendel Blachman and Rav Ari Katz who are conducting interviews for the coming year. The strong alumni participation and inspiring Divrei Torah and shiurim generated a beautiful atmosphere that permeated the entire Shabbat.

Rav Blachman held a tish Fri. night that went late into the night, which was attended also by members of the community and graced with the presence of Rabbi Haar of Rambam Yeshiva. In addition to his shiurim to the alumni, the Rosh Hayeshiva also delivered a shiur at the Young Israel of Woodmere on Shabbat between mincha and ma'ariv. Rabbi Ari Katz delivered a sermon at Congregation Beit Tefila Fri. night, while Rav Blachman presented a shiur at the Island shul on Shabbat afternoon. KBY alumnus Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky, Principal of DRS, delivered a very moving sicha at Seuda Shlishit which touched everyone present. Chaburot were held on Shabbat for high school students considering KBY for the coming years. (We thank alumni: Eli Ausubel, Etan Eisen, Mickey Ellman, David Hellman, and Dovid Preil for their efforts.)

The Melave Malka was held at Congregation Aish Kodesh. Rav Blachman delivered the Sol Scheiner Memorial Shiur to the alumni and guests, while Rav Ari Katz and alumnus Zev Karpel held a special Q&A program for the high school students and their parents. KBY alumni Rabbi Basil Herring, Executive Vice President of the RCA, and Rabbi Shalom Axelrod, Assistant Rabbi of Great Neck Synogogue and Coordinator of Kesharim (which sponsors Torah classes at college campuses), spoke about their years at KBY, bringing back many special memories of their times at KBY. Special ruach was added by the Rosh Hayeshiva's warm words, a special multimedia presentation of photos from the various eras of KBY history, dancing and fine cuisine.

Much of the success of event is attributed to the Shabbaton Committe: Rabbi Warren Cinamon, Eli Dworetsky, Josh Farkas, Lance Hirt, Menachem Kagan, Steven Landau, Reuven Levine, Menachem Lewin, Allan Liberman, Dovid Meisels, Adir Posy, Rabbi David Saltzman, and Joshua Schneider. A big Yishar Koach to them, and to Rabbi Marc S. Volk, Executive Director of American Friends of KBY, Mr. Urie Lieberman, Director of Public Relations, Mrs. Rivka Kornreich of the New York office, and all others involved in organizing this wonderful event. Many photos of the event are available at KBY's photogallery.

Baltimore Visit of the Rosh Hayeshiva

Rosh Yeshiva Rav Mordechai Greenberg shlita, escorted by Mr. Urie Lieberman, visited the city of Baltimore, reaching out to KBY alumi, parents, and prospective students. The Rosh Hayeshiva gave back-to-back shiurim on Sun. afternoon. The first was held at the home of former KBY Kollel member Rabbi Ze'ev Friedlander, who is serving as shaliach through Kollel Torah MiTzion. Over twenty-five KBY alumni studying at Ner Yisrael enjoyed very much the reunion with the Rosh Hayeshiva and hearing his divrei Torah. (Photos available at photogallery.)

Another shiur was held immediately afterwards at the home of KBY alumnus Dr. Michoel and Marcy Langbaum, also nicely attended by an older group of KBY alumni, including current and former parents of KBY students. In the evening, the Rosh Hayeshiva and Urie Lieberman met and were hosted by KBY alumni Rabbi Eliyahu and Dr. Rifka Shloush, who heads the Rambam High School, as well as by KBY alumnus, Etzion and Faye Brand, whose two sons Reuven and Yitzchak also studied at KBY.

On Monday morning, the Rosh Hayeshiva and Urie Lieberman were guests at the Rambam High School, where the Rosh Hayeshiva spoke after davening. A special KBY reunion was held at Rambam with four members of its staff: Rabbis Ira Kosovsky – Israel liaison, Kovi Wagner, Ari Weiss – both administrators at different levels, and Ze'ev Friedlander – Rebbie. Dr. Shloush, the principal, whose husband and sons Gideon are KBY graduates, also joined in the moving get together. Incidentally, Rabbi Gideon Shloush will be one of a group of KBY alumni awardees at the Annual Dinner.

Eli Klein Farewell Tribute Dinner Alumni Committee

Eighteen KBY alumni met in Midtown Manhattan at the offices of Manny Adler at Blank & Rome together with Rabbi Volk and Mr. Urie Lieberman to begin the planning of the historic and moving Farewell Tribute Dinner to be held in honor of Eli Klein June 14 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York.

A new agenda was set at the Meeting to build of a network of KBY alumni, both in conjunction with the event, and mainly to strengthen and create further ties between KBY alumni and the Yeshiva for years ahead.

Attending were: Manny Adler ('72); Azriel Chelst ('96); Jay Fenster ('72-'73); Tom Furst ('63-'64); Simcha Goldstein ('97-'98); Daniel Gordon ('96); Israel Polack ('68); Zev Karpel ('98); Josh Kramer ('98-'99); Carl Lerner ('69-'70); Ari Listowsky ('90-'91); Levi Mostofsky ('95-'96); Yiztchak Motechin ('86); Joe Septimus ('69-'70); Rabbi Gideon Shloush ('90-'91); Rabbi Rodney Weiss ('87).

All of those who attended the meeting agreed to act as "captains" for their respective years and to play a proactive rolein contacting their fellow alumni.

Rabbi Rodney Weiss has agreed to play a special role in coordinating this effort. A special multimedia show of alumni photos from all the different eras will be screened at the Dinner, and all KBY alumni will be asked through a "save the date" card to send their photos to the Yeshiva. We have begun assembling these photos as a special photogallery: Alumni Photos Through The Decades.

It was also proclaimed that the overseas KBY alumni will take upon themselves to underwrite the Overseas Student Study Program in honor of Eli Klein, to be known as the Eli Klein KBY Overseas study Program, with the goal of raising $750,000.

Week of 22-29 Tevet / Jan. 22-29
Parshat Va'era

Mazal Tov to Rav and Rabbanit Mendel Blachman shlita upon the bar-mitzvah of their son, Yitzchak.

Week of 15-21 Tevet / Jan. 15-21
Parshat Shemot

New SA and Australian Talmidim: Kerem B'Yavneh welcomes the new South African and Australian talmidim who recently joined the Yeshiva, as they concluded their school year in the southern hemisphere. Photos are available at the photogallery.

YU Roshei Yeshiva: The Yeshiva was honored by additional visiting YU Roshei Yeshiva. Rav Meir Goldvicht spoke to a mixed audience of Israeli and overseas talmidim on the topic, "Exile and Redemption from Egypt." (Available in audio .WMA format.) Rav Yitzchok Cohen and Rav Michael Rosensweig also spoke to the overseas talmidim.

Daf Yomi Siyum: The Daf Yomi made a siyum on Masechet Eruvin. Rav Zevi Roness, who has led the shiur for the past two years, recently assumed a position with the IDF Rabbinate as Rav of the Shivta Artillery base. The shiur on Masechet Pesachim will be carried on by Rav Kalman Ber.

Aloh Na'aleh Melave Malka: Talmidim from KBY joined hundreds of other Yeshiva students at the Annual Aloh Na'aleh Melave Malka at the Renaissance Hotel in Yerushalayim. The main speaker of the evening was Rav Shalom Gold shlita. (Aloh Na'aleh is an organization aimed towards strengthening the importance of Israel and aliya.)

Week of 8-14 Tevet / Jan. 8-14
Parshat Vayechi

Chanukah photos are now available online.

YU Roshei Yeshiva: The Yeshiva was honored by visiting YU Roshei Yeshiva. Rav Mordechai Willig spoke on 10 Tevet to the entire Yeshiva (available online in audio .wma format), and again to the overseas students. Rav Hershel Schachter spent Shabbat at Yeshiva, and delivered numerous shiurim and sichot during the course of Shabbat.

MASA Lecture: Gil Hoffman, a political analyst with the Jerusalem Post, delivered a lecture to the overseas talmidim in which he surveyed the Israeli political system and parties. The lecture was part of the Jewish Agency's MASA scholarship program, and in conjuction with Yavneh Olami.

Mazal Tov to Guy and Eliraz Roitman upon the birth of a daughter, Avigail.

Week of 1 -7 Tevet/ Jan. 1-7
Parshat Vayigash

Rabbi Sinai Adler shlita: In commemoration of 10 Tevet, which is observed in Israel as Yom Hakadish Haklali - for those who perished in the Holocaust and their yahrzeit is not known - the Yeshiva was privileged to host Rav Sinai Adler shlita. Rav Adler was a survivor of Auschwitz and served as the first Ram of Kerem B'Yavneh. At the tish he recounted some of his experiences and related them to lessons of our parsha, amongst them reciting the Pesach seder in the camps, and the strong sense of faith that it provided. On Shabbat morning he gave a shiur on a halachic topic that arose in the camps - making kiddush in the dark.

Mazal Tov to R. Shai and Vered Valter upon the birth of their son.

Week of 24-30 Kislev/ Dec. 25-31
Parshat Miketz - Chanukah

Chanukah: Once again, the Yeshiva celebrated Chanukah with a rich and varied program of shiurim, sichot, dancing, mesibot, jelly doughnuts, and activities. Amongst the guest speakers, in addition the Rosh Hayeshiva and Mashgiach shlita, was Rav Zvi Schwartz shlita, formerly of Neveh Dekalim in Gush Katif, and currently Rosh Hayeshiva of Yeshivat Hesder Aish Hatorah. (Click here for sichot online.) A group of talmidim visited the nearby Neveh Oranim old-age home in Gedera, and brought the joy and light of Chanukah to them.

On the Wed. night, awards were distributed to talmidim who succeeded in tests on all of Masechet Bava Batra (which was learned last year). This was part of the Mifal Bekiut B'Shas Program, in memory of KBY's twenty-eight kedoshim and endowed in memory of Moshe Hagar z"l. This was followed by the Chanukah Mesibah, full of music, dancing, and plenty of sufganiyot. On Thurs. morning after shiur, the talmidim left for a few days of Chanukah vacation to celebrate with their family and friends.

Week of 30 Av -6 Elul / Sep. 4-10
Parshat Shoftim

Yahrzeit of Rav Kook: 3 Elul was the 70th yahrziet of Rav Avraham Isaac Hakohen Kook zt"l. Rav Beni Eisner shlita, who gives a weekly shiur on the thought of Rav Kook, delivered a shiur to the entire Beit Midrash addresing some of the unique characteristics of this gadol, whose vision of Eretz Yisrael had a profound impact on the religious development of the State of Israel.