Shabbat and Chag Atmosphere
Our Shabbat and Chag Experience
Shabbatot, chagim and the accompanying tefilot and seudot are a fundamental part of the Yeshiva experience and the Yeshiva’s model for avodat Hashem. Two out of every three Shabbatot are designated as “Shabbat Yeshiva,” and students spend a number of the chagim in Yeshiva as well.
The tefillot on these special days are highlighted by uplifting, lively singing and dancing, which attracts many outsiders to the Yeshiva as well. The seudot on Shabbat and chagim are also accompanied by beautiful zemirot as well as dancing. Students will occasionally be invited as well to eat with English speaking families in the yishuv. On Friday night following the seudah, students gather for a tish with one of the rebbeim, which combines the singing of nigunim with inspiring divrei Torah. Additionally, throughout the year, there are also off-campus Shabbatonim that are part of our extracurricular programing.
Before chagim, the Yeshiva offers special shiurim that examine both the relevant halachot and the deeper meanings of the holiday. In addition, a pre-chag hitva’adut is held, where the rebbeim share timely Torah thoughts and special nigunim of the chag are sung. This helps us enter the chag with the proper frame of mind, tuning us into the unique kedusha present at that time of year. This preparation is especially important before the Yamim Noraim of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which are a truly transformative experience that inspire students for the entire year.
Another special element of Shabbatot and chagim in the Yeshiva is the unique combination of diverse traditions and cultures brought together by kibbutz galuyot. As a result, students experience both Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions within the Yeshiva. To strike the proper balance and gain the most from this special blend, we arrange a number of “preparation tishes” throughout the year to learn and familiarize ourselves with the tunes and tefilot from the different traditions. This unique blend opens new opportunities for refreshing and deepening one’s connections to tefilah, Judaism and Hashem.
The preparation and general atmosphere of kedusha felt in the Yeshiva during these special times enables students to internalize the Torah learning and values that have been studied, which are transformed from being merely “al levavecha,” “on your heart,” to being “within your heart” and part of your essence.