“We should do this once a month!” “I loved it!” “Thank you for making this happen!”
These were just some of the heartfelt expressions shared by the grateful and inspired fathers of YTT bachurim after attending the annual father and son learning event.
This beautiful and uplifting gathering took place on New Year’s Day, which coincided with the seventh day of Chanukah, at the yeshivah. Fathers began arriving shortly before 11:00 a.m. to a serene beis midrash, where they warmly greeted each other over coffee and cake. Meanwhile, their sons prepared their learning packets upstairs. Within minutes, the room filled to capacity, and the sweet melody of Torah learning between fathers and sons filled the air.
The event commenced with approximately 45 minutes of chavrusa learning, followed by a captivating shiur delivered by noted YTT rebbi Rabbi Yehoshua Rappaport. The shiur, based on the topic studied, was further enriched by thoughtful questions, insights, and observations from both fathers and sons.
Adding to the inspiration, Rabbi Ilan Meirov, Beth Gavriel Youth Minyan rabbi and m’chabeir s’farim, shared meaningful divrei chizuk. The Rabbi spoke about the midah of simchah, emphasizing that while social media may portray fleeting moments of happiness, true simchah (joy) is rooted in Torah learning and emunah in Hashem. Rabbi Meirov’s words deeply resonated, as they always do, and the YTT community was honored by his presence.
Following the shiur, everyone gathered in the main shul for a delicious lunch, expertly catered by YTT alumnus Yosef Yakubov and his talented team. During the meal, fathers and sons had the opportunity to take photos, which were printed on-site by Picture Perfect, creating lasting memories of the day.
As lunch continued, Rabbi Binyomin Privalsky, the 11th Grade rebbi, shared additional divrei chizuk, quoting Rav Yitzchok Hutner zt”l, who spoke about the importance of creating a separation between the world around us and with the world within us. The inspiration continued with two bachurim making a siyum masechet in the presence of their proud parents.
David Mastov, a tenth grader, completed Maseches Taanis, while his brother, Malkiel Mastov, a 12th grader, made a siyum on Maseches Sotah. The celebration was truly joyous, as the entire yeshivah joined in spirited dancing, celebrating the simchah of y’giah baTorah demonstrated by the m’saymim and all YTT bachurim as they continue their ascent in Yiddishkeit. Music for the dancing was provided by another YTT alumnus, Reuven Dan, adding to the lively atmosphere.
The event concluded with Birkas HaMazon and Minchah, as fathers and sons left the yeshivah with their hearts full and deeply connected. It was a true fulfillment of the pasuk: “V’heishiv lev avos al banim, v’lev banim al avosam.”