KBY.org

Week of 23-29 Adar / March 19-25
Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei (Shabbat Hachodesh)

Pesach Shiurim: During the final week of choref zman, in addition to the regular shiurim, a special series of shiurim and sichot on Pesach was given. The Rosh Hayeshiva shlita gave a shiur klali on Eating Matzoh on Erev Pesach, as well as a concluding sicha on, "Hachodesh, Slavery and Geulah." Hamashgiach Rav Rivlin shlita gave a shiur on, The Parable of Shir Hashirim, and Rav Rubinstein shlita gave two shiurim on Hilchot Pesach. These shiurim are all available here in audio format.

Yeshivat Yamit: KBY hosted Yeshivat Hesder Yamit (currently situated in Neve Dekalim) for Shabbat. At a joint tish, talmidim had the opportunity to hear Divrei Torah from the Roshei Yeshiva and Ramim of both Yeshivot. In addition, a number of talmidim who learn with the Rosh Hayeshiva shlita on a daily basis made a siyum on Masechet Sanhedrin. On Shabbat morning, KBY talmidim heard a shiur from Rav Gavrieli and Rav Ochana of Yeshivat Yamit, while the Yamit talmidim heard a shiur from Dayan Be'eri of KBY. In the afternoon Hamashgiach Rav Rivlin shlita gave a Tanach shiur to all of the talmidim. The atmosphere of togetherness that characterized the Shabbat strengthened and inspired guests and hosts alike.

Tape Library: The recently established Irving and Marian Lerner Torah Audio Library Center has been well received by talmidim, alumni and friends of the Yeshiva. During the course of the year, close to five-hundred shiurim, sichot, and chugim given at the Yeshiva have been taped, many of which are available in audio format on the KBY website. Future plans include cataloging the tapes to enable alumni and friends to order copies of them. In addition, we are seeking old tapes of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva Harav Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht zt"l for this tape library. Anyone who has such tapes please send them to the Yeshiva so that we may copy them for use by the wide public. (All original material will be returned after a copy is made.)

Mazal Tov to Rav M.M. and Suzanne Blachman upon the marriage of their son, Aryeh Zvi, to Tova Diblisky.

Week of 16-22 Adar / March 12-18
Parshat Ki Tisa (Shabbat Parah)

Following Purim, the Yeshiva experienced a relatively uneventful week. A large number of British talmidim from Yeshivat Har Etzion, Yeshivat Hakotel, and other Yeshivot came to Kerem B'Yavneh for Shabbat to join their friends learning here, adding extra spirit to an already packed Shabbat.

Week of 9-15 Adar / March 5-11
Parshat Tetzaveh (Shushan Purim)

Purim: The Yeshiva was in high spirits for Purim. The Rosh Hayshiva shlita gave a sicha, Casting Lots: The Essence of Purim, earlier in the week, and a shiur klali on Ta'anit Esther. After Megillah reading, the entire Yeshiva sat down to a seuda in the Dining Hall, followed by singing and dancing in the houses of the Ramim. The overseas talmidim held a special "Purim shpiel," followed by the Purim Chagiga, which featured music by the Shalhevet Orchestra, lively singing and dancing, and a video prepared by the shana dalet Israeli talmidim. Unfortunately, the Rosh Hayeshiva shlita was not able to participate personally in the festivities because he his observing aveilut for his mother, who passed away in the summer. As usual, Rav Friedman led a group of talmidim at night and in the morning to a geriatric facility in the nearby city of Gedeira to read the Megillah for the patients and to sing and dance with them.
Since Purim was Erev Shabbat, Shacharit was earlier than usual, and the Seuda for the Talmidim was held in the late morning. After an early Mincha on Erev Shabbat many talmidim traveled to Yerushalayim, where a "Purim Meshulash" was celebrated.

Condolences to R. Moshe Amsalem of the Kollel Dayanut upon the loss of his mother.

Week of 2-8 Adar / February 26 - March 4
Parshat Terumah (Shabbat Zachor)

On 5 Adar, a memorial service was held for KBY alumnus and soldier Gavriel Kraus hy"d, who was killed in a bus bombing five years ago. Rav Aryeh Stern delivered a shiur in his memory.
Hamashgiach Rav Avraham Rivlin shlita delivered a shiur in the house of Yehuda Katz, who is missing-in-action since the Shalom Hagalil war in Lebanon.

Yahrzeit of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva zt"l: In commemoration of the sixth Yahrzeit of Maran Hagaon Rav Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht zt"l on 7 Adar, shiurim for alumni were given throughout Israel. A special memorial program was held at the Yeshiva, which was highlighted by a "tekes hasmacha," in which certificates of Semicha were distributed to the recent avreichim in the presence of the Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rav Meir Lau shlita and the Rishon L'Zion Rav Bakshi Doron shlita, both of whom spoke (hear their shiurim in Real Audio). Five avreichim and Ramim earned the title of Yadin Yadin (Dayanut) and twenty-eight the title of Yoreh Yoreh (Rabbanut). The Rosh Hayeshiva shlita also delivered a sicha. At a seudat mitzvah for the entire assembly, Rav Moshe Mayernik, son-in-law of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva zt"l spoke.
On Friday morning a busload of Ramim, avreichim and talmidim traveled to Har Hamenuchot for a memorial service at the gravesite of Maran Rosh Hayeshiva zt"l. The learning of the Kollel Yom Shishi was dedicated to his memory.

Shabbat Zachor: As usual, the Yeshiva was filled to capacity for Shabbat Zachor. Kabbalat Shabbat was extremely "leibedik", in Carlebach tradition. Parshat Zachor was read numerous times, according the pronunciations of the various Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions. On Motzei Shabbat the overseas talmidim had a Melaveh Malka in the house of Rav Simcha Kook in Rechovot.

Congratulations to two KBY talmidim who completed officers' training courses in the IDF, Yishai Kablan in the paratroopers and Avi Schlessinger in the armored corps.

Condolences to (Moshe and) Rachel Amsalem of the Kollel upon the loss of her father.

Week of 25 Shevat - 1 Adar / February 19-25
Parshat Mishpatim (Shabbat Shekalim)

Talmidim of the Yeshiva who were comrades of Gilad Shneur, who was killed at Har Dov on the Lebanese border, led shiurim and delivered Divrei Torah at the shiva tent near his house in Ashdod.
Avreichim and talmidim of the Yeshiva went to console the families of Alexander Mendevitz and Kochava Polansky, who were killed in the terrorist bus attack in Azur.

This Shabbat was one filled with special KBY Shabbatonim:

Overseas Shabbaton in Mevasseret: The overseas talmidim had a tiyul on Fri. to the "Yad L'shiryon" museum in Latrun. They learned about the historical significance of Latrun through the ages, saw the Merkavah tank and a movie about it, and looked at the silver and black memorial wall for the casualties of the armored corps. They spent Shabbat in Mevasseret together with Rav Silver, who led a tish and also gave a shiur about Safek Chiyuv on Purim. On Motzei Shabbat they had a Melaveh Malka (with pizza) at the house of the Rosh Hayeshiva shlita.

Shabbaton for Families of Shana Bet Talmidim: The families of the shana bet Israeli talmidim, who will begin their army service in a month, came to spend Shabbat together at the Yeshiva. They were joined for the Shabbat meals in the Dining Hall by the Rosh Hayeshiva, Mashgiach and Ramim, and heard divrei Torah from talmidim and their parents. At the tish a number of talmidim made siyumim on Masechet Sanhedrin and received words of encouragement and advice regarding their tour of active duty. The meaningful Shabbat was permeated by a strong sense of achdut and camaraderie!

KBY Alumni Shabbaton at YU: Rav M.M. Blachman and Rav Ari Katz spent Shabbat in Yeshiva University together with more than four years of Kerem B'Yavneh alumni. The crowd heard from Rav Blachman at the Friday night tish, and from Rav Katz at Seudah Shlishit. Lively nigunim accompanied the tish and all meals, including the "KBY Medley" for Seudah Shlishit. The spiritually uplifting Shabbat brought with it a fresh taste of KBY.

Mazal tov to the Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Mordechai and Rabbanit Greenberg upon the birth of a granddaughter.
Mazal tov to Yisrael Spiro of the Kollel upon the birth of a daughter.

Week of 18-24 Shevat / February 12-18
Parshat Yitro

Visit to Hesder Talmidim: Rav Ephraim Rubinstein and Mr. Yaakov Yoskovitz, Director of Facilities, visited the Hesder talmidim-soldiers who are currently serving on the northern border of Israel. The totchanim (artillery unit) completed training maneuvers in the Golan Heights, and, after a short break, will assume a position on the Lebanese border. Their commander praised the Hesder soldiers for their great dedication. The Givati (infantry) finished a tour of duty in the western sector of border, and will go out for a brief break and then further training.

Best wishes to our dear avreich, Avi Chermon, who made Aliya a year and a half ago and now began his basic training in the IDF. He expects to serve in the army Rabbinate, and to contribute greatly to the religious life of his fellow soldiers. May Hashem look after his safety, along with the rest of the soldiers.

Tiyul in the Footsteps of David and Goliath: The Mashgiach, Rav Avraham Rivlin shlita, accompanied a group of talmidim on a Friday morning tiyul to the scene of the fight between David and Goliath in Emek Azeika (near Beit Shemesh). The tour guide first explained to them the history of the Philistines, who migrated to the coastal region from an area near Greece. From the vantage point on the hills he showed them the terrain of the fight -- a group of hills facing each other with a valley in the middle, where Goliath stood and mocked the Israeli forces, ultimately falling before David. Rav Rivlin shlita gave a shiur on the story of David and Goliath, explaining that the main point of the chapter is not so much the fight between the two, but to show the weakening of Shaul and the rise of David.

About fifty incoming Israeli talmidim came to the Yeshiva for Shabbat for an important "Shabbat Gibbush" (get-together). The program included a tish and panel discussion with the Rosh Hayeshiva shlita and Ramim, Kiddush in the houses of the avreichim, and special shiurim by the Mashgiach and Ramim, in addition to the regular Shabbat sichot. The enthusiastic and lively spirit of the Shabbat bodes well for next year.

Week of 11-17 Shevat / February 5-11
Parshat Beshalach

Rav M.M. Blachman is currently in the United States to give entrance bechinot for next year's prospective talmidim. Details are available from the New York office.

Elections for Prime Minister: The Yeshiva had two polling stations on campus, one for the local residents and one for the older Hesder students who are already registered in the army ("shalat"). Amongst the 180 residents, former residents, and younger talmidim whose official residence is in the Yeshiva, there was 95% voter participation (way above the national average), 100% of whom voted for Ariel Sharon. We pray that Hashem will guide him well on behalf of Am Yisrael. Another 130 talmidim voted in the army ballot.

Rav Simcha Cohen, author of the sefer "Habayit Hayehudi," spoke to the shana dalet and hei talmidim on the topic of shidduchim.

Bekiut B'Shas Awards: Cash awards were given out to 15 talmidim and avreichim who excelled on a test of all Masechet Gittin, which was studied last year. This test is the most prestigious one of the Bekiut Incentive Program, endowed by Mordechai and David Hager in memory of their father, Moshe ben Yosef Dovid z"l.

Siyum Masechet Sotah: The Daf Yomi shiur, led by Rav Benzion Algazi, made a siyum on Masechet Sotah. They had a special seudat mitzvah in the Dining Hall, in which the Rosh Hayeshiva and Mashgiach shlita participated, and each talmid received a sefer. The Daf Yomi shiur meets in the Beit Midrash nightly 10:30-11:00 and serves as an vibrant example of joyful dedication to learning.

Mazal Tov to Chaim Gottlieb of the Kollel upon the birth of a son.
Mazal Tov to Rav Moshe Amsalem of the Kollel Dayanut upon the birth of a daughter.

Week of 4-10 Shevat / January 28 - February 4
Parshat Bo

Overseas Shabbaton in Old City: The overseas talmidim, accompanied by Rav Ari Katz, enjoyed another inspiring Shabbaton in the holiest of cities, the Old City of Yerushalayim. They began the tiyul Friday morning with a choice of either the Kotel Tunnels or the Machon Hamikdash Museum, and in the afternoon they settled in at the Sephardic Center where they slept and ate. A leibedick Kabbalat Shabbat davening was held at the Kotel, followed by Seudat Leil Shabbat and a tish with Rav Nevenzahl shlita, Rav of the Old City. Shacharit was also davened at the Kotel, and after the Seuda the talmidim went up to the top of Yeshivat Hakotel for a scenic view of the Temple Mount. They relaxed in the afternoon, and at Seuda Shlishit they heard a sicha from Rav Beni Eisner. The Shabbaton concluded with a most interesting guided tour of the Old City on Motzei Shabbat.

Shabbat in Neveh Zuf: Carrying on with our efforts to give chizuk and express solidarity with our brethren in Yesha, Rav Benzion Algazi led a group of Israeli talmidim for Shabbat to the settlement of Neveh Zuf (near Bet-El), which has suffered casualties in the recent months of Palestinian violence. On Leil Shabbat, after eating with the various families, the talmidim ran activities for about forty of the children of the yishuv, and afterwards held a tish for the community. Finally, at about 11:00 PM, they walked to a nearby army base and danced with the soldiers. In the day, Rav Elgazi gave a shiur and a sicha to the adults of the community, while one of the talmidim gave a shiur to the children and the others led Bnei Akiva groups. A community Seuda Shlishit, which about 150 people attended, was held in the shul with the Rav of the community.

In what has become an annual tradition, the Rosh Hayeshiva shlita spent Shabbat in Belgium as a guest of the Antwerp community. He gave many shiurim and sichot before Shabbat and on Shabbat, and also at a well attended Melave Malka. In addition, he met with the talmidim of the Yavne Yeshiva of Antwerp, headed by Rav Kalman Ber, who is there on shlichut for the year. The Rosh Hayeshiva shlita was accompanied by the Director, Mr. Eli Klein, who continued on to London to meat with next year's talmidim and their parents.

Mazal tov to Rav Shlomo and Henna Friedman upon the birth of a son.
Mazal Tov to Yehuda Lapian (shana vav) upon his marriage.

Condolences to the cook, Yosi Goldenberg, upon the loss of his mother, Rosa.

Week of 26 Tevet - 3 Shevat / January 21-27
Parshat Va'era

Visit of Chief Rabbi of IDF: Rav Yisrael Weiss, who was recently appointed Chief Rabbi of the IDF, visited the Yeshiva as part of an effort to strengthen the relationship with the various Yeshivot Hesder. He first met with the Rosh Hayeshiva, Ramim and administration of the Yeshiva to discuss the needs of the Hesder students. He then spoke to the talmidim, sharing with them his vision of the "new," revitalized IDF Rabbinate and encouraging those who are qualified and motivated to contribute their share in reinvigorating the Rabbinate. Afterwards he held a Q&A session with the Kollel and also spoke with the Israeli shana bet talmidim, who will be entering active military service in about two months. Rav Erez Madmon, a recent KBY alumnus who is now serving as a full-time chaplain in the IDF, joined the visit and helped prepare the enlisting talmidim towards their stint of army service.

Shabbat in Ma'aleh Levona: The Rosh Hayeshiva shlita and talmidim from shana dalet and hei spent the Shabbat at Ma'aleh Levona, a small yishuv near Shilo, in the Shomron. They ate together with the families, and held a tish for the community on Leil Shabbat in conjunction with the local Rav. The Rosh Hayeshiva gave a number of shiurim and sichot over the course of Shabbat. Other talmidim helped complete a minyan at the nearby hilltop settlement of Achiya, which consists of a number of caravans. On Motzei Shabbat they all participated in a Melave Malka at Yeshivot Shilo, along with its Rosh Hayeshiva, Rav Michoel Brum (a KBY alumnus). These talmidim helped strengthen and show solidarity with the people of Yesha, and, conversely, learned and were inspired from the idealistic Zionism of these dedicated settlers.

Members of Yad L'Achim, an anti-missionary organization, spoke at the Melave Malka and showed a film about the efforts and achievements of Yad L'Achim in combating missionaries. Afterwards, a former missionary who become a Ba'al Teshuva and is now involved in the organization spoke about his experiences.

Welcome to Rabbi Abba Bronspigel shlita, Rosh Hayeshiva of Lander's College for Men, who gave a shiur.

Week of 19-25 Tevet / January 14-20
Parshat Shemot

Solidarity with settlers of Gaza Strip: Rav Tubi, Rav Stern, Rav Algazi and Rav Katz, along with members of the Kollel, joined Rabbanim from around the country in a day of solidarity with the settlers of the Gaza Strip, under the initiative of Rav Yisrael Ariel, head of Machon Hamikdash. Part of the group went to Kfar Darom (at the northern end of the region), where they met with the local Rav and the settlers, heard from them about the current situation, and gave them encouragement. Rav Tubi gave a shiur to the community. Others went to Gush Katif and Morag (at the southern end), where they heard shiurim from various Rabbanim who had come. Afterwards, all met for an assemby of the settlements in Neve Dekalim. Those who went to strengthen returned strengthened themselves.
In addition, a number of talmidim spent the week learning in Morag together with a group from Yeshivat Ohr Etzion.

Welcome to the YU Roshei Yeshiva who came to give shiurim and sichot.
Eli Birbaum, the Jewish Agency "maven" on Aliya, also came to speak about aliya related issues and "zechuyot."

Mazal Tov to Moshe Yeshurun of the Kollel upon the birth of a son.

Week of 12-18 Tevet / January 7-13
Parshat Vayechi

Three busloads of talmidim, avreichim and families traveled to Yerushalayim to participate in a massive rally outside of Jaffa Gate in support of the unity of Yerushalayim and of Israeli rule over the Temple Mount. The rally was amongst the largest in the country's history, drawing over two hundred thousand people.

Israeli Shabbaton in Zefat: The first-year Israeli talmidim spent Shabbat in the holy city of Zefat, accompanied by the Rosh Hayeshiva shlita and their Ramim, Rav Moshe Stav and Rav Benzion Elgazi. The talmidim left the Yeshiva very early Fri. morning, and davened Shacharit in Meiron at the kever of R. Shimon b. Yochai. Afterwards they traveled to Amuka and various holy sites in Zefat, included the kever and mikveh of the Ari Hakadosh.
On Leil Shabbat they davened at the shul of Chasidei Kosov, which was lively and full of inspiration. Following the meal, they had a tish with the Rebbe, Rav Noach Chefetz, which was similarly very leibidik and enjoyable. To cap off the long and tiring day, they took out their Gemarot for the nightly daf yomi shiur with Rav Elgazi, with the joy of learning shining in their eyes.
Shabbat morning they davened vatikin at the shul of Mahari Abuhav (the author of Menorat Hamaor), and afterwards had a guided tour of the city of Zefat. In the afternoon they had a panel discussion with the Rosh Hayeshiva shlita and the Ramim on the topic of how to succeed in learning in the Yeshiva. They returned to the Yeshiva late Motzei Shabbat in uplifted spirits.

Welcome back to the young American alumni who returned to Yeshiva for intersession.

Week of 5-11 Tevet / December 30 - January 6
Parshat Vayigash

The Yeshiva was privileged to have Rav Eizenthal shlita, the Av Beit Din of London, visit the Yeshiva. He gave a sicha to the overseas students and a shiur klali to all the talmidim about the mention of Brit and Torah in Bentching.

A full bus plus a van of talmidim and avreichim went to the Kotel to participate in an Atzeret Tefilla on behalf of the unity and security of Yerushalayim and Har Habayit. We hope and pray that our tefilot will be answered.

Asarah B'Tevet (Yom Hakaddish Haklali): The Rosh Hayeshiva gave a sicha about the Translation of the Torah into Greek, which, according to tradition, occurred on 8 Tevet, and is one of the tragedies for which we fast. Rav Friedman gave a sicha to the overseas students on 10 Tevet, and Rav Tubi gave a shiur klali on the status of a fast on Erev Shabbat. In Israel, 10 Tevet is also commemorated as Yom Hakaddish Haklali, for those Holocaust victims whose Yahrzeit is not known. As such, the Kollel Yom Shishi for the local adults held its shiurim in the Beit Edut Holocaust Museum in the nearby Nir Galim.

For Shabbat, the Yeshiva hosted Rav Sinai Adler shlita (one of the first Ramim in KBY and now Rosh Kollel Meretz), who survived the war as a teenage worker in Auschwitz. He spoke Fir. night at the tish about his experiences, amongst them learning and putting on tefillin during this nightmarish period. He encouraged all to appreciate the Chasdei Hashem of being able to learn with all the facilities and conveniences that the Yeshiva provides. He also gave a shiur about the heartwrentching question posed to Rav Meizlish zt"l in Auschwitz whether one is allowed to redeem his son from death if another child will be seized in his place.

Week of 27 Kislev - 4 Tevet / December 23-29
Parshat Miketz

Kerem B'Yavneh, in conjunction with the local council of Chevel Yavneh, hosted forty children from Otniel (near Hevron) for two days of fun and activities. Following a day of sports, crafts, and a movie, the children slept overnight at the various families of the Yeshiva. The following day they went on a trip to Neot Kedumim, a national park dedicated to the natural habitat of Eretz Yisrael in the times of the Tanach and Mishna, for a special Chanukah exhibit about olives and oil.

The Chanukah Mesibah took place Tues. night, featuring the Invei Hagefen orchestra, with singing, dancing, and, of course, sufganiyot. In addition, two talmidim made siyumim. The overseas talmidim left the next day to Yerushalayim for a two day program at the Aish Hatorah Discovery Seminar. Shabbat was quiet, with almost all the talmidim and many of the families away for Chanukah.

Mazal Tov to Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Mordechai and Rabbanit Greenberg shlita upon the birth of a grandson, Yinon.

Week of 20-26 Kislev / December 16-22
Parshat Vayeishev (Shabbat Chanukah)

The Yeshiva commemorated the 40th Yahrtzeit of Rav Zvi Pesach Frank zt"l, who was appointed Chief Rabbi of Yerushalayim in '36, with a special program of shiurim. Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Mordechai Greenberg shlita gave a shiur on the topic of one who forgets to say Ya'aleh Veyavo or Vetain Tal U'matar in Shemoneh Esrei, based on a Teshuva in Shut Har Zvi. Rav Frank's son was scheduled to speak about his father, but was unable to make it because of the rainy weather. Instead, R. Ofer Unger of the Kollel, a grandson of Rav Frank, spoke of his grandfather's legacy.

Chanukah: Once again, the Yeshiva provided a varied program of speakers for Chanukah. In addition to sichot by the Rosh Hayeshiva and the Mashgiach, the guest speakers included Rav Shlomo Fisher, Rav Beni Eisner, and Rav Sheinin, the Chief Rabbi of Ashdod. In addition, Rav Asher Weiss of Kollel Chasam Sofer gave a shiur klali on "The Definitions of Mehadrin."

Rav Shlomo Fisher shlita was scholar-in-residence for Shabbat, and gave numerous shiurim and sichot, attended by Ramim, avreichim and talmidim alike. He excited and inspired them all with his vast and accurate knowledge. On Motzei Shabbat Rav Moshe Yaakov spoke of his experiences going down into the caves of Me'arat Hamachpela one night during Slichot a few years ago. He also spoke at length about the significance and sanctity of the place based on the Zohar and other sources.

Bruchim Habaim to the young British alumni who returned to Yeshiva for their "holiday" (=vacation) from University.

Mazal Tov to Gil Gilad of the Kollel upon the birth of a son, Yinon.

Week of 13-19 Kislev / December 10-16
Parshat Vayishlach

On Motzei Shabbat, Rav Bistovsky of Kfar Chabad led a Melaveh Malka commemorating 19 Kislev, the day of the miraculous redemption of the Lubavitcher Rebbe from prison in Russia. He began with singing a number of Chassidic nigunim and then spoke about some fundamentals of Chassidut, such as doing mitzvot with enthusiasm (hitlahavut), internalizing the lessons of the Torah (pnimiut), and reaching out and impacting those with whom we come in contact, even casually.

A basketball and tennis court for the use of the Yeshiva community and families is nearly completed. Undoubtedly, talmidim will also be regular users of this welcome facility (after Seder hours, of course!).

Mazal Tov to Hamashgiach Rav Avraham and Ruth Rivlin upon the birth of a granddaughter.
Refuah Sheleimah to Rav Moshe Chaim Dimantman who suffered a mild heart attack.

Week of 6-12 Kislev / December 3-9
Parshat Vayeitzei

Although this Shabbat was officially an "out" Shabbat for the overseas talmidim, many elected to stay in Yeshiva and were "treated" to a Tish with Dayan Beeri. In addition, the Yeshiva hosted a group of Israeli High School students who are considering the Yeshiva for the coming year.

Mazal Tov to Gil Gilad of the Kollel upon the birth of a son, Elyashiv.
Mazal Tov to Ofer Akiva of the Kollel upon the birth of a son, Yinon.

Week of 28 Cheshvan - 5 Kislev / November 26 - December 2
Parshat Toldot

KBY Alumni Shabbaton: Over 100 Kerem B'Yavneh alumni and over 30 High School juniors and seniors gathered together for a Shabbat full of Divrei Torah and tremendous ruach at Teaneck's Congregation Bnai Yeshurun. Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Mordechai Greenberg shlita, Rav Ahron Silver, and Rav Moshe Stav traveled to the States for the occasion, and were joined by Rav Shaul Feldman, who is currently serving on shlichut. The Rosh Hayeshiva shlita addressed the group numerous times throughout the Shabbat, in addition to two shiurim that he delivered to the community on Friday night and Shabbat afternoon. Rav Silver, as well, gave two shiurim to the general community, at the Youth Minyan and between Mincha and Maariv. In light of the recent events in Israel, the community was invited to take part in the limud and tefilla to show their solidarity with their brethren in the State of Israel. Guest speakers at the Shabbat meals and "tish" included Teaneck Rabbanim -- KBY alumnus Rabbi Yosef Adler of Rinat Yisrael Congregation, Rabbi Steve Pruzansky of Bnai Yeshurun, and Rabbi Michael Taubes of Tzemach Dovid Congregation.
Over two hundred people, among them alumni who could not make it for Shabbat and parents of current and prospective KBY talmidim, joined the group Motzei Shabbat for a Melave Malka, where Rosh Hayeshiva addressed the audience once again. He was followed by the distinguished alumni, Rabbi Mordechai Willig and Lavi Greenspan, each of whom told of their experiences at Kerem B'Yavneh. In attendance was KBY alumnus Rabbi Phillip Weinberger of the Young Israel of Teaneck. An especially moving Kumsitz topped off the Melave Malka, which ended at 1:00 am with Yitz Weinberger of the Rabbi's Sons who sang with the accompaniment of Yossi Chait (son of Rav Baruch Chait). The Shabbat was an uplifting experience and enjoyed by all who attended, who expressed their anticipation that this KBY alumni Shabbaton become an annual event. In addition to the Shabbaton, the Rosh Hayeshiva shlita delivered a shiur as part of a Mishmar program Thursday night at Yeshiva University, and Rav Stav and Rav Silver delivered shiurim at YU on Sunday.

Overseas Tiyul: The overseas talmidim spent Shabbat on a tiyul to Yeroham, a development town in the Negev. On Fri. they hiked through the Machtesh, the "Grand Canyon" of Israel. Madrichim from the Yeshivat Hesder in Yeroham led an educational and emotional program on Shabbat, and explained to the talmidim the situation in the town. Impeccably kept roads lined with palm trees, and areas of modern art, hide the reality of the harsh plight of the town. New Sephardi immigrants who were brought there found their dreams of a "good life" in the Land of their fathers quickly evaporated. High unemployment, along with poor education and religious services, led to the breakdown of the family unit. This led to the breakdown of religious Sephardi culture, and left Yeroham in a pitiful state. Recently, the Israeli government has invested a lot of money in the city, and many good people have come to the town and are beginning to turn things around. The talmidim were joined By Rav Birnbaum and Rav Katz, who both gave interesting and stirring sichot at various times over Shabbat.

Mazal Tov to Rav Zvi Tzarfati, upon the birth of a son, and upon his recent appointment as Rosh Kollel at Yeshivat Ohr Hadarom in Rechovot, where his family recently moved.

Week of 14-20 Cheshvan / November 12-18
Parshat Vayeira

Israel Night: Over the last two weeks, Yeshiva representatives have met with over 65 students at various high schools throughout the NY metropolitan area. It was the first official exposure that prospective students have had to the Yeshiva. Many of them have shown a serious interest in the Yeshiva, and are greatly looking forward to meeting the Rosh Hayeshiva shlita and the Rebbeim at the upcoming Shabbaton on Parshat Toldot and at their interviews.
Ari Zahtz and Yehuda Willig have been named as KBY's enrollment representatives in New York.

This Shabbat was the first "out" Shabbat of the zman, termed "Shabbat Kibbud Horim" (for the Israeli talmidim who were going home). To allow people to set out earlier on Friday morning, shiur was held at 11:00 Thursday night instead of Friday morning, and was followed by an all-night mishmar. At 9:30 AM the Yeshiva arranged a bus for those who were going to Yerushalayim.

Mazal Tov to Rav Dovid and Mrs. Bracha Kav upon the birth of a granddaughter.
Mazal Tov to Dayan and Mrs. Binyamin Beeri upon the birth of a granddaughter.

Week of 6-12 Cheshvan / November 5-11
Parshat Lech Lecha

Ta'anit BH"B: Under the initiative of two avreichim, Aharon Friedman and Etan Zanbar, a group of talmidim and avreichim fasted the Monday of BH"B, as the Rambam writes (Hilchot Taaniyot 2:3) that when non-Jews come to attack Israel the community should fast. The Yeshiva said the usual BH"B selichot and added some Sephardi piyutim, which lent a very moving sense of unity. At Mincha, the Kriat Hatorah and Haftorah of a Ta'anit Tzibbur were read, and the Chazan said "Aneinu." The Rosh Hayeshiva shlita encouraged those who did not fast to accept either a partial taanit or a ta'anit dibur and to intensify their learning and davening.

The women of Kerem B'Yavneh gathered together in the Moadon on Wednesday night, the traditional "yahrzeit" of Rachel Imainu, to say Tehillim and other tefillot, and to hear a sicha. On Thursday afternoon a bus of talmidim went to the Kotel to participate in an Atzeret Tefilla led by Maran Rishon Lezion Harav Mordechai Eliyahu and HaRav Avraham Shapira shlita.

Week of 30 Tishrei - 5 Cheshvan / October 29 - November 4
Parshat Noach

Choref Zman: The vibrant sound of Torah returned to the Beit Midrash as the Yeshiva reopened for Choref Zman on Sun., the first day of Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan. The Rosh Hayeshiva shlita delivered the opening sicha, The Tree of Knowledge and Free Choice, and concluded with the importance of viewing oneself as a part of the klal of the Yeshiva. The Yeshiva is continuing to learn the first perek of Masechet Sanhedrin in the morning, and the Rosh Hayeshiva shlita gave a shiur klali, Ruling in the Locale of One's Rav, during the course of the week.
Shabbat was, of course, an "in" Shabbat, and Rav Blachman was present. On Motzei Shabbat, Rav Beeri led an inspiring and uplifting Melave Malka. View the schedule of Shabbatot for the Choref 5761 zman online.

On Leil Shabbat, the families of the Yeshiva gathered for an Oneg Shabbat and Seudat Hodaya in honor of Avi and Nomi Chermon, who were attacked on their way to Ir David by a Palestinian mob on Erev Rosh Hashana, at the beginning of the Palestinian riots. Avi was hit in the head by a stone and was knocked unconscious, and Nomi's elbow was broken as she tried to protect him from further beating and abuse by the incited mob. They were miraculously saved from the lynch when a Magen David Adom ambulance arrived at the scene and scared off the attackers. Avi related the story of the incident, and reflected upon the hashgacha pratit evident in their being saved and on the significance of Seudat Hodaya. The Rosh Hayeshiva and other Ramim said Divrei Torah and offered words of praise and encouragement.

Mazal Tov to Etan Roitman (shana dalet) upon his marriage to Rivka Kidron.
Mazal Tov to Rav and Rabbanit Ephraim Rubinstein upon the birth of a granddaughter, Avital.

Condolences to Rav Yitzchak Levi, head of the Mafdal and one of Kerem B'Yavneh's foremost alumni, upon the tragic murder of his daughter, Ayelet Hashachar hy"d, in the car bombing near Machaneh Yehuda.