This past Shushan Purim, 14 energetic and eager boys embarked on an unforgettable journey to Lakewood as a reward for their participation in the 10-week Metikut HaTorah program at Bet Midrash Tov, Rav Menashe Tzadka’s shul. Over the course of at least seven weeks, these dedicated boys immersed themselves in Torah learning, delving into the sugiyos of Chanukah from the Gemara in Shabbat and the Shulchan Aruch.
On Sunday afternoon, March 16, the talmidim boarded a minibus and set off for Lakewood, New Jersey - America’s capital of Torah learning. Their first destination was Beth Medrash Gavoah, BMG, founded by Rav Aharon Kotler ztk”l. Upon entering the makom Torah, the boys were awestruck by the sight of thousands of married b›nei Torah intensely engaged in studying Talmud Bavli—a powerful and inspiring experience for all. As the group made their way through the bustling beit hamedrash, they were privileged to receive a brachah from Rabbi Yisroel Neuman shlit”a, one of BMG’s four Roshei HaYeshivah, as the gadol entered. Rabbi Neuman, who dedicates nearly every moment of his day to limud haTorah, took a brief pause to offer his heartfelt blessings. The bachurim were given the opportunity to tour two of the eight buildings that make up BMG, gaining a firsthand appreciation for the vastness and vibrancy of Torah learning in Lakewood.
The next stop was the home of Rabbi Dovid Shustal shlit”a, another of the four Lakewood Roshei HaYeshivah. Seated around the rav’s dining room table, the boys listened intently as Rabbi Shustal recounted the inspiring history of how Rabbi Aharon Kotler ztk”l built the yeshivah with mesiras nefesh, beginning with just fourteen students. Today, that same yeshivah has grown to nearly 10,000 talmidim! Each bachur then received a personal brachah from the Rosh HaYeshivah, leaving them with words of encouragement and inspiration.
The group then traveled to Jackson, New Jersey, where they were warmly welcomed into the home of Rabbi Shalom Khaimov shlit”a. The boys enjoyed a delicious meal from Mike’s Chicken and listened attentively to an address from Rabbi Avi Krupnik shlit”a, a noted posek and talmid chacham in Jackson, who spoke about the dedication, work ethic, and simchah required to live a life of Torah. Afterward, the contingent played a lively game of Elimination in Rabbi Khaimov’s backyard, while others took the opportunity to bounce on the trampoline and unwind.
After an exciting and geshmake game of bowling, the boys returned to Queens, where the adventure concluded with a heartfelt kumzitz on the minibus.
This was truly a trip to remember for a lifetime! A warm thank you to all the arrangers, boys, parents, and everyone involved in making this tremendous z’chus haTorah and kiddush Hashem possible!
