College Students Get Taste of Yeshiva at Winter Retreat

Rich B. came from Texas. Shlomo G. came from Montreal. Jack B. arrived all the way from Johannesburg, South Africa. They joined more than a dozen others in Hadar Hatorah’s recent Winter ‘Yeshivaction.’

“It was amazing. I gained so many learning tools. The lectures were great. I deeply enjoyed the Yeshivacation Program. I got a great impression of the Crown Heights community,” – a participant.

For more than twenty-five years, three times a year, this truly special event takes place. Yeshivacation is a ten-day “taste of yeshiva” program for college students and mekuravim from all over the world. Participants spend the first half of their day in a vigorous learning seder on one of four customized levels.

“The teachers were professional and passionate. I learned enough to enhance my appetite to find out much more,” – a participant.

Each afternoon was filled with workshops and trips, while every evening featured a different lecture or farbrengen. Among the speakers were scholar Rabbi Levi Garelik, shluchim and renowned authors Rabbis Aharon Raskin and Simcha Weinstein, and cult-buster Rabbi Shea Hecht. Hands-on workshops included: “Inside the Making of Tefillin and Torah Scrolls” with Rabbi Tzvi Barnett, “What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?” with graphologist Yaakov Rosenthal and “Make Your Own Tzitzis” with Rabbi Mendel Feldman.

Yeshivacationers also had the opportunity to visit the extensive Library of Agudas Chasidei Chabad, the always busy but fascinating matzah bakery and a full tour and explanation of the women’s mikvah. Two unique highlights that provided an extraordinary dose of inspiration were an introspective trip to the Ohel and, this year, because it was Chanukah, participating in outreach activities on Hadar Hatorah’s mitzvah tank!

After ten very filled days (“It was an exhausting but sweet vacation.”), Yeshivacationers began to leave.

“Now that I have returned home, I am seeing the impact of my week with you. I have so much more energy for Mitzvos and learning Torah! Thank you! Thank you!” – a participant.

For more information about future yeshivacations or Hadar Hatorah in general, please call us at 718-735-0250 or email info@hadarhatorah.org.