Yogaiti Umatzasi Ta’amin!

SHAWNEE DELAWARE, PA [CHI] — Onlookers at Shawnee Mountain watched Yisroel sit at the Moshiach Shiur surrounded by teacher Rabbi Eli Sandhaus and classmates. Even away from the classroom, these boys chose to attend this voluntary class. Following the class, fellow skiers watched Yisroel ski with finesse, in a seemingly-effortless glide down the mountain.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

Had they been watching earlier in the day, they would have seen the same boy struggling to put on his skis. After a few frustrating moments, a staff member approached him, showed him how to stand in the skis, get on and off the lift, and finally soar down the mountain. Throughout the day, he progressed from the bunny hill to more and more difficult trails.

Yisroel enjoyed his day in the Pennsylvania Mountains together with many of his classmates from Yeshiva Darchai Menachem. Students merited the trip after earning a specified amount of points over a few-month period. Points were accrued based on good behavior, effort, scholastic achievements, and the like. This incentive is one example of the Yeshiva’s methods of motivating boys to study and achieve through positive reinforcement. Weekly charts denoting progress, allow for parents, children, and teachers to have consistent weekly communication.

Yisroel entered the yeshiva at the beginning of the scholastic year. At the time, his skills were not up to grade level. The same frustration he displayed on the slopes was apparent in the classroom. A teacher took him under his wing and taught him to read and learn. Slowly but surely, Yisroel succeeded.

While Yisroel’s story is special, it is not unique for Yeshiva Darchei Menachem. Through careful, loving, guidance each boy is being directed to meet his potential. Exciting trips, like skiing and bowling, rejuvenate the boys and give them a gentle push to achieve.

As the bus pulled into Crown Heights late Thursday evening, the boys and staff members tumbled out—energized and ready to meet the next challenge. Check out the pictures from their thrilling trip—and stay tuned as they scale higher and higher peaks!

Although this article is true the first name of the student was changed due to privacy.