T H E J E W I S H H O M E n O C T O B E R 7 , 2014
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Shlugging kapparos at the White Shul on Tzom Gedaliah
PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
Mesivta Yam Hatorah – Off to a Great Start By Lorey Friedman The important lesson that Mesivta Yam HaTorah teaches its talmidim about always striving to improve and never being complacent with where one is was put into action by the Mesivta this year as it made many significant changes that highlight its goal of striving to be the best they can be. In fact, the administration spent their summer putting together a program that offers opportunities both spiritually and academically. The yeshiva is dedicated to their students becoming true Ben Torah in every way. The Mesivta welcomes Rabbi Nachum Dinowitz as their new secular principal. Rabbi Dinowitz has had an impressive career of being the science chair
in Yeshiva Darchei Torah for the past 18 years. He was the advisor to the Gildor international science competition. He holds a BA in psychology and a Master’s in Education. His dedication, vison, expertise and unstoppable energy will undoubtedly uplift the secular department. The Hebrew Department welcomes Rabbi Yonah Stern to their staff. While he continues his important role of program director, this year (by popular demand) he has agreed to be a full time rebbe as well. Rabbi Stern, with his great ambition and dedication, will also be working with students in helping them improve their reading skills in both Gemara and Tanach as well as guiding the staff in proper teaching methodology of
reading. Under the superb leadership of the Menahel Rabbi Eli Zoldan, the staff easily catches Rabbi Zoldan’s contagious drive to bring out the best in each and every talmid and focus on their strengths while remedying their weaknesses. Together, Rabbi Zoldan and Rosh Mesivta, Rabbi Avram Pollak, have created a mesivta with a positive environment towards growth, learning and success. While so much goes on in the humble yeshiva currently housed in the Young Israel of Bayswater, MYHT places great emphasis on the importance of learning “outside” the classroom as well. The back to school barbeque brought tremendous achdus between the four grades.
Hot dogs and hamburgers satisfied the hungry teenage boys’ appetites while the intense volleyball tournament allowed for their athletic abilities to take over. The winning team was treated to refreshing Slurpee’s at 7-Eleven. Speaking of athletic ability, this year, in addition to the mesivta’s basketball team called the Wave, MYHT recently had try-outs for its new MYHT football team. Coach Akiva Goldschein of Kew Gardens Hills and his team, consisting of fourteen determined and motivated players, hope to have a great season. Just last week, the whole yeshiva went on a super kayaking trip. Rebbes and students enjoyed the boating, water and all the fun of a day spent outdoors with friends and mentors. Sometimes the greatest lessons occur outside of the classroom. Clubs and workshops are in formation. Sushi making, intro to guitar, and many other areas of interest to the boys will offer diversity in the boys’ schedules. Students will also be involved in the planning of carnivals, breakfasts, melava malkas, and other school and community events, together with the newly formed Parents Association. Already in just a short time, Mesivta Yam HaTorah has shown that it is completely dedicated to their goal of producing Bnai Torah of the highest caliber. They are in the process of making boys who learn because they want to learn, not because they have to learn. The relationships already established between rebbes/teachers and students encourage the boys to strive to be the best they can be. This is only the beginning of what’s in store for the students at Mesivta Yam HaTorah for the new year ahead.