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Winter 5775/2015 etzionupdate from

Celebrating a Life of Vision

The 's founder, Moshe Moskovics chosen to head the local regional council (known affectionately as "Moshko"), is of Mercaz Shapira, a post which he held for turning 90 this year. It was Moshko who first many years, and where he played a pivotal SAVE THE DATE! envisioned as a community with role in the physical and spiritual absorption Etzion Foundation a yeshiva at its heart, and it was Moshko of the massive immigration to that area in who turned to HaRav Amital zt”l in 1967 the 80s and 90s. Annual New York Dinner and asked him if he would be willing to In 1967, following the liberation of Gush March 23, 2015 become the first of Yeshivat Etzion, Moshko was a major force in the Har Etzion. www.thegushdinner.org area’s rebirth and development. He created Moshko’s dramatic life story mirrors the history the concept of the communal settlement Distinguished Honorees of the State of . Born in Czechoslovakia ("yishuv kehilati"), of which Alon Shevut Mindy Kolatch and Diane Kolatch '04MO in 1925, when he was still a child his family is the prototype. Moshko also envisioned Dr. Aaron '92 and Tzipora Ross made aliya to Mandatory Palestine. In 1945, and founded the vibrant town of Efrat, and Donny '02 and Arielle Rosenberg Moshko became a founding member of served as its first mayor. Kibbutz Massuot Yitzchak, one of the first But of all his myriad accomplishments, settlements in Gush Etzion. In 1947, Moshko In appreciation of his vision and long-term Moshko’s pride and joy was the served as an emissary to Cyprus, where he leadership, the Yeshiva organized a day- establishment of Yeshivat Har Etzion, long tour of many of the major stations in aided clandestine immigration to Palestine. together with HaRav zt"l. "I Moshko's life – the Yeshiva, Kibbutz Massuot With the fall of Gush Etzion in 1948, the see in the Yeshiva a combination of all the Yitzchak, the educational institutions of surviving members of Massuot Yitzchak ideals for which our comrades fell in '48," Mercaz Shapira, Yisrael agricultural relocated to the Ashkelon area. Moshko was Moshko explains. school where Moshko studied, the site of the original Massuot Yitzchak, and Efrat. Moshko was accompanied on the tour by friends, family and Yeshiva staff.

Moshko said, "The tiyul reminded me of all the wonderful people I have worked with, and the important work that we were able to accomplish together." Yoni Holzer, CEO of Yeshivat Har Etzion, added, “Moshko is truly a unique individual, a builder of the Jewish land and Jewish people who is able to take an abstract vision and make it real.”

Still going strong at 90, Moshko continues to take an active role in the management of his beloved Yeshiva. May HaShem grant him good health and happiness ad meah Moshko at the Mikveh Yisrael Agricultural School, accompanied by friends and family v'esrim! ISRAEL NEWS

The Beit Midrash Report This year there are 460 students in the Beit Midrash, including 120 students in the Dr. William Major Overseas Students Program and 65 post- students. The incoming 47th has 78 students, one of the largest groups in recent years. The entire Beit Midrash is learning Masechet Shana Aleph Shabbaton in Chevron Tefilla at Me'arat haMachpela Ketubot this year.

Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon leads students on a pre-shmittah field trip to learn halacha lema'aseh in situ

Understanding the that when learning "it’s easy to understand how Torah relates to real life — forget (especially when using the Hebrew even, or perhaps especially, when it comes Masechet terms) that 'ones u-mefateh' are not just legal to painful issues like rape and sexual assault. To complement the study of Masechet categories, but traumatic events that affect If we don’t, how will the Torah truly be Torat Ketubot this year, some of which deals real people…[the lectures] reminded us, the chayim, a Torah of life?" students at Yeshivat Har Etzion, that Torah with violent sexual crimes, the Yeshiva Read more at: http://blogs.forward.com/ must not remain in the abstract. invited Yonina Fallenberg, Director of the forward-thinking/208361/its-time-for- must encourage students to connect our Rape Crisis Center for Religious Women in yeshivas-to-fight-rape-culture/ Tel Aviv, to speak at the Yeshiva. She was ancient Jewish texts to what’s actually moved by the invitation, noting that she going on around us. We must be able to normally speaks to communities after the fact, when there has been an incidence of sexual abuse. She was impressed that the Yeshiva understood that “the greatest Torah is that which is connected to reality.”

Rav Jonathan Ziring of the Kollel Gavoah, wrote up a description of Fallenberg's talk, and Rosh Yeshiva Rav 's follow-up discussion, in an article for The Forward. Rav Ziring wrote Talmidim talking to Yonina Fallenberg after her lecture

2 etzion update VBM Launches New books which were until now only available in print. Sefarim of Rosh Yeshiva HaRav Aharon Website Lichtenstein, Yeshiva Ram Rav Daniel The Israel Koschitzky Virtual Beit Midrash Wolf and Rosh Yeshiva HaRav Yehuda (VBM) of Yeshivat Har Etzion was one of Amital zt”l can now be viewed online and the earliest Torah presences on the web. downloaded from the site in their entirety – Established in 1994, the VBM has built a for free. Hundreds of audio cassettes of loyal following of thousands of subscribers the classes of HaRav who receive in-depth Torah classes via audio are being converted to digital format and and/or text. The VBM recently launched its will soon be uploaded to the site as well. new website, which provides an updated interface, more powerful search features The new search capacities of the site enable Special thanks are due to a small group of and new content. the user to search thousands of classes tech-savvy Yeshiva alumni and friends, who on the site by keyword, topic or lecturer. volunteered time and effort to help direct The new interface has a modern, up-to-date The new VBM has also become more the creation of the new site. look that is visually appealing and easy to interactive by enabling comments, and the use. Rav Ezra Bick, Rosh Yeshiva of the For veteran users and for those who have option to send the lecturer a question about Virtual Beit Midrash says: "The new VBM yet to try the Virtual Beit Midrash, now is the class. is the largest repository of quality Torah the time to enjoy this amazing resource, shiurim on the web. More than ever, it is a Perhaps the most exciting addition to the whether for a daily dvar Torah or an ongoing window for every Jew into the Beit Midrash." new VBM platform is the inclusion of entire course: http://etzion.org.il/en

Chanukah with Revava Loupher who heads the army's conversion the , I realized that indeed os he program, Professor Rami Rheiner '79H le'olam – Shabbat is an eternal sign that the Continuing its of Ben Gurion University, Professor Arye Jewish people have a permanent covenant tradition of holding Edrei of Tel Aviv University, and Professor with HaKadosh Baruch Hu." annual Chanukah "אחותנו את היי לאלפי רבבה" Benjamin Ish Shalom '71H, President of study days in memory of Riva Koschitzky Beit Morasha. Chuck Davidson, father of Yair '14H z"l, this year Revava dedicated the first and Akiva '10H, attended. He said, "As Ger tzedek Aharon Kalderon inspired two days of Chanukah to an in-depth a conversion activist for more than five listeners with the story of his spiritual examination of conversion in our time. years, I believe the discourse started during journey. Like a modern Avraham Avinu, the Revava Yemei Iyun is an important The lectures directly addressed the ongoing Aharon went looking for "the first cause". contribution to the development of a public debate in Israel around conversion, Born in a small town in Argentina devoid of practical approach towards stemming the especially as it relates to the integration of Jews, his journey took him to a monastery, non-Jewish immigrants from the former and then to Buenos Aires where he met his tenfold growth in Israel's intermarriage . Speakers represented a range first Jews. As he described the experience: rates since the fall of the Soviet Union. It of views and brought to the discussion a "I reached a point of tremendous inner is my hope that the Yeshiva will continue tremendous amount of scholarship and turmoil. I could not sleep at night. I used to to play an important role in advancing professional experience. The speakers, go on Shabbat to the shul and on Sunday to the halachic discourse surrounding this including who serve on conversion the cathedral. But when I saw Jews keeping challenging issue." courts in Israel and abroad, provided talmidim and guest listeners with much insight into the halachic, philosophic and societal aspects of modern conversion.

Some of the many notable guest speakers were Rav Oren Duvdevani '90H, Rav of Sde Ilan and Av Beit Din for conversion in Mexico, Rav Eliyahu Birnbaum '76, Head of "Amiel", Rav of "Shavai Yisrael" and a Dayan in conversion courts, Rav Moshe Rav Arye Stern, Chief Rabbi of , speaks at the Revava Chanukah Yom Iyun

Winter 5775/2015 3 Hesder in Action Serving in the IDF is a challenging experience in many ways. Students go from the supportive religious environment of their families and yeshivot to a 24/7 secular environment. In addition, the demands and responsibilities placed upon the soldiers can be heavy. The Yeshiva’s Ramim and Roshei Yeshiva visit the students regularly, providing support and encouragement, and maintaining the rav-talmid connection. The Yeshiva salutes the overseas talmidim who Motti Guttman, Coordinator of Hesder Students, have chosen to serve in the IDF alongside their (right) visits YHE naval soldiers Yuval Friedman '11H and Eitan Spitz '12H (son of Rabbi Ben-Tzion In November, Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yaakov Medan Israeli friends from the Beit Midrash. Pictured, left to right: Yosef Brander, Raffi Wiesen and Yoni Spitz, profiled on p.16). Motti was accompanied by visited Har Etzion students serving in the Itamar Shlissel '10H, Uri Sher '14H and Sam Glauber Lazarus '13, who is currently serving in field intelligence. Combat Intelligence Collection Corps, tasked with collecting combat-related intelligence and maintaining observation networks. All visits to soldiers are coordinated through IDF Command. Interestingly, when the commanding officer received a request from Rav Medan to visit the Yeshiva's students, he asked that the Rosh Yeshiva speak not only to the Hesder students but to the entire battalion. Rav Medan spoke about "Yaakov Avinu – Between Truth and Falsehood". Rav Medan commented, "When our students serve in the army, their brothers-in-arms Some YHE talmidim in the Golani brigade become our students as well."

Ram Rav Nechemia Ra'anan visited paratroopers from Har Etzion at Rav Medan with the Combat Intelligence Collection Corps their base in November

Daniel Gofine Daniel says, "The Yeshiva played an integral Doing my part to keep Israel’s civilians safe of Toronto came role in my decision to join the army, and was an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling to Yeshiva in continued to guide me as I served. While experience, and something that I look back 2011, returned studying in the Beit Midrash alongside on very fondly." for Shana Bet Israeli Hesder students, I was inspired by "The supportive environment of the Yeshiva, and then joined my peers and chavrutot who were serving including the encouragement, advice, and the IDF in March in the army, and made me feel responsible assistance of the faculty, made my army of his second to contribute to our State as well." experience rich and rewarding. I especially year, as a Machal "I had a really positive experience while want to thank my Aleph Ram, Rav Hesder soldier in the Givati Brigade. He I was in the army. I loved meeting people Mordechai Friedman, who helped me served in Yehuda, Shomron and on the from all over the world and feeling a deep come to a decision about enlisting, as well Gazan border. He is now continuing his sense of connection and commitment to as Rav Rhein and Eli Weber, who provided studies at Yeshiva University. the Jewish people and the State of Israel. support and guidance when I needed it.”

4 etzion update An Innovative New Hesder Track

Yeshivat Har Etzion continues to be among Hesder. Once a soldier dropped out of Rav Shlomo Brin, Yeshiva Chairman Elect, the most innovative Hesder Yeshivot, Hesder, there was no framework for the explains some of the thinking behind working with students to meet their Yeshiva to maintain contact and support this important change: "Our community changing needs without compromising on the former student during the course of his educates to serving our people. While the outstanding Torah education it offers. service. The new track offers a solution for the Yeshiva feels that the classic Hesder In this instance, the Yeshiva has created an students like this. The Yeshiva has formalized arrangement remains the best option for all-new Hesder track to fit the times. with the army a groundbreaking three-year most of our incoming students, we respect In today's dati leumi world, many yeshiva service option for Hesder students. the desire to serve even more time in the army. By creating a track for longer service, students are interested in serving in the In the new track, students will benefit from we have opened the door for a number army for a full three years, like the majority two full years of intensive , of dedicated students who might not of Israeli soldiers. In addition, a steadily together with their peers. Following the otherwise learn in Yeshiva and have the growing number of religious soldiers first two years of study, the entire class will opportunity to develop religiously. The would like to become officers, which enter the army together as a group. Those new track will enable them to benefit from requires a commitment to at least four who choose to remain in the army for a full at least two years in the intensive learning years of army service. three years will continue to be considered environment of Yeshivat Har Etzion, and In the past, a Hesder student who chose Hesder students by both the army and the from the support of our educational staff to extend his army service beyond the 16 Yeshiva. Following their service, extended throughout their army service." months mandated by the Hesder system service students will be invited to return to would have no choice but to drop out of the yeshiva for a final year of study.

VIP Visits

Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Rosh Yeshiva at Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein addressed Rabbi , the Rabbi Dr. Sol Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary students at Yeshiva on Motzei Shabbat Roth Professor of and Contemporary (RIETS), Yeshiva University gave a shiur to Chayei Sarah (Nov. 15). He spoke about Halacha at RIETS, Yeshiva University, visited Har Etzion talmidim on Sunday, Nov. 16 and current events and answered questions the Yeshiva in November. also spent Shabbat Parshat Toldot at the from the audience. Yeshiva.

Rabbi Shachter in conversation with CTL Dean Rav Doniel Schreiber Yuli Edelstein in the auditorium Rabbi Willig speaks to overseas students

Winter 5775/2015 5 Preserving History In anticipation of the Yeshiva's fiftieth anniversary in 2018, the Yeshiva is upgrading and expanding its archive of historic photos, documents etc. The plan is to make the archive available to the general public at a dedicated center on the Yeshiva’s campus, as well as via the Yeshiva’s website.

Chief Librarian Aharon Bejell '75, who has assumed the additional position of Director of the new archive, explains, "We want the content to be accessible for generations to come, so that they too will be aware of the Torah and spiritual energy which motivates our Beit Midrash and has made In the old beit midrash, circa 1975. In the foreground, Rav Daniel Gutenmacher '74 with Rav Shlomo Brin its mark on the State of Israel and on Jewish communities worldwide."

The Yeshiva invites alumni to donate relevant photos, videos, audio recordings, documents and other artifacts to the archive, as well as personal memories or testimonies. To donate materials, or to volunteer in collecting and organizing materials, please contact Aharon Bejell at [email protected]

Aharon Bejell, Director of the Har Etzion Archive Rav Amital zt"l with talmidim, Purim 1986

Culinary Capers The Darkaynu program for special needs country (such as Mexico, Italy or China) and students always includes cooking classes then teaches the students how to whip up as part of the students' training in life skills. some dishes from that country's heritage This year, though, the class is on fire! Chef or the day's theme. The American evening Hillel Wasserman, an American oleh who had a baseball theme. Hillel dressed up like works in the Yeshiva kitchen, is running the a catcher and the group made hotdogs and weekly class and has turned it into a theater french fries together. Needless to say, the Chef Hillel Wasserman, at left, teaches a festival. Each week, Chef Hillel dresses Darkaynu students love the class and can't class on making breakfast foods. On the menu: pancakes! according to a theme or in the costume of a wait to get cooking every week. Bon Appetit!

6 etzion update OVERSEAS EVENTS

Australia Rav Amnon Bazak was invited by the deepen the connection between the Yeshiva Mizrachi Organization of Melbourne to visit and its alumni in Australia and between Australia in November. Over the course of the Yeshiva and the Jewish communities the visit, Rav Bazak spoke in synagogues of Australia, and that, with God's help, the and other community frameworks in Perth, connection will continue to grow." Sydney and Melbourne. He met with many alumni, including Israeli students who are in Australia as participants in the Torah MiTzion Kollel. Rav Bazak was moved to see that alumni of the Yeshiva hold key roles throughout the community. He commented, Rav Bazak in Melbourne Rav Bazak in Sydney "I hope that this visit will help to further

England Rosh Yeshiva Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein Etzion alumni fundraising dinner, held in For Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein and Rav and Rav Mordechai Friedman spent honor of Rav Friedman, with guest speaker Mordechai Friedman the trip was a an intense few days in England on November Rabbi Chaim Kanterovitz '93H, Rabbi of wonderful opportunity to reconnect face- 27th-29th. In the short time they were in Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue. to-face with their talmidim in the UK. As Rav London, they spoke at 18 events, including Mordechai said, "It was very moving for me addressing the Jewish students' group at On Sunday morning Jacob and Vered Cambridge, the for Women at Schimmel, parents of Gush alumni Yoni ‘07, to see how strongly our students identify the London School of Jewish Studies, the Yishai ‘08, Itai ‘11 and Netanel ‘13, hosted a with the derech and mission of the Yeshiva. Hendon Beit Midrash and six different shuls. breakfast reception in their home in honor They demonstrated this commitment both The weekend was capped on Motzei of Rav Mosheh and Rav Mordechai’s visit to by attending shiurim and by showing their Shabbat by the first-ever Yeshivat Har London. financial support as well."

JJ Kimche ‘11 and Ben Thwaites ‘06 with Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein and Enthusiastic dancing at the first-ever Yeshiva Dinner in England Rav Mordechai Friedman

Rav Moshesh with Rabbi Chaim Kanterovitz, Jacob Schimmel welcoming reception Rav Mosheh dancing with Yeshiva alumni left, and Rabbi Dr. Alan Kimche, right guests to his home

Winter 5775/2015 7 North America ■■ On the first night of , Motzei Shabbat Sept 20th, Ma'ayanot HIgh School for Girls hosted the 6th Annual Erev Shira v'Hitorerut. The event was attended by about 180 women who came to reconnect, sing and infuse themselves with the spirit of the coming Yamim Nora'im.

The singing portion of the evening was followed by an inspirational shiur “The Place of Humility in Our Teshuva Process” given by Mrs. Shayna Goldberg, a former Ma’ayanot teacher and Bergen County who now teaches Tanach and Halacha at Migdal Oz. The beautiful recitation of Selichot that followed was led by Har Etzion Esti Rosenberg, Head of the Beit Midrash at Migdal Oz, speaks at the home of Connie and Alan Kadish alumnus Adin Goldstein '12.

Thank you to sponsors Rena and Jerry Barta, Penina and Jacob Bernstein, Shoshana and Ayol Samuels, Rivi and Avi Katz, Faye and David Landes, Rabbi Yaacov and Abby Lerner, Yocheved and Nathan Lindenbaum, Guita and Steven Wilf, and Gila Leiter and James Lavin (whose sponsorship was in honor of the yahrtzeit of Gila's mother, Esther Leiter z"l). Gail Novetsky, mother of Michal '07MO, Rikki '10MO, and Tamar '12MO, with Judy Chavel Racheli Schmell visits alumnae at Stern College Hochsztein, mother of Aliza '13MO, and Naomi Kadish '13MO

■■ Recent Migdal Oz alumnae greatly enjoyed at the Teaneck home of Dassi and Joey a Shabbaton at Congregation Rinat Yisrael Silverman, parents of Yonina '14MO. in Teaneck, NJ, which featured a Friday night Racheli Schmell summarizes, "Each year, tish at the home of Simcha and Barbara Esti Rosenberg and Racheli Schmell visit spending time with the bogrot in America alumnae at Columbia University Hochman, parents of Ayelet '11MO, and inspires me. The annual Shabbaton is a Seudah Shlishit at the home of Ora and Jay great opportunity to reconnect with our Forman, parents of Tamar '12MO. There ■■ Esti Rosenberg, Head of the Beit Midrash students and learn of all their incredible at Migdal Oz, was in the New York-New were about 45 girls at the meals and several accomplishments." Jersey area in late November, together more joined the tish and Seudah Shlishit. with Director of Overseas Students Racheli On Motzei Shabbat there was a get-together ■■ On December 7, Connie and Alan Kadish, Schmell. The trip included recruiting and with 26 post-collegiate bogrot at the Mt. parents of Naomi '13MO, hosted a dessert interviewing, but it was also an opportunity Sinai Jewish Center in Washington Heights. reception for Migdal Oz at their home, with to reconnect with alumnae, parents of On Sunday evening, Esti and Racheli met Beit Midrash Head Esti Rosenberg and Har current students and donors. with parents of current Migdal Oz students Etzion Rosh Yeshiva Rav .

8 etzion update ■■ The Yeshiva's Annual Shabbaton took place this year on Parshat VaYeshev (Dec. 12-13) at the Young Israel of Woodmere with Rav Baruch Gigi, Rav Danny Rhein and Head of Overseas Program Eli Weber. It was attended by over 50 alumni who welcomed the opportunity to reconnect with the Yeshiva. Rav Gigi quoted the parsha, in which Yehuda describes Yaakov's connection to Yoseph by saying, "nafsho keshura b'nafsho" – his soul was tied to his soul – and remarked that this phrase Lunch and Learn with Rav Baruch Gigi at the offices of Meir Nordlicht '86 in December perfectly expresses the relationship between the Yeshiva and its alumni.

■■ The Shabbaton was followed by a Motzei Shabbat meeting with current Gush parents at the home of Nathan '78 and Yocheved Lindenbaum.

■■ In September, Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein was in North America for a few days. He was asked to deliver the annual Yeshiva University Torah MiTzion Beit Midrash Zichron Dov lecture in memory of Dov Rubinstein z"l, grandfather of Ilan Rubinstein ‘96. Rav Mosheh spoke on the topic of "An Orthodox Approach to Biblical Criticism". Rabbi Dr. Grauer ‘97, Head Thursday night Chulent & Chizuk with Rav Rhein, in advance of the annual shabbaton of Bnei Akiva Schools in Toronto, described the event: " It was a true privilege for us to host Rav Lichtenstein, whose approach to biblical criticism was both fascinating and engaging."

Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein speaking in Toronto In December, Rav Gigi and Rav Rhein spoke to Jewish students at the University of Maryland

Winter 5775/2015 9 Migdal Oz

What’s New in the Beit Midrash Yonatan Grossman, Rav Yitzchak Levi, and halachic expert Malka Puterkovsky. The Zman culminated with , when the Beit Midrash hosted approximately 600 women (and 60 men) for a spiritual and inspirational tefilla.

■■ The morning after Yom Kippur, the overseas students set out on a trip to the Golan. They spent three days exploring the region, hiking by the Jilaboon stream, wading through Nachal Kibbutzim, and enjoying an evening in Teveriya. They returned to the Beit Midrash after This year's overseas students at the Kotel with renewed energy and enthusiasm. ■■ This year, the Beit Midrash proudly also took their seats in the Beit Midrash this welcomed its largest group of talmidot year. The group is comprised of nine women ever, 135 young women who have decided from across the country who are studying to dedicate their year to studying Torah Masechet Bava Metzia and Hilchot Shabbat, at the Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash under the guidance of YHE Rosh Yeshiva for Women Migdal Oz. Among these 135 Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein, Rav Dr. Judah women are 31 overseas students (bnot Goldberg, and Dr. Michal Tikochinsky. chul) from the US and Canada, who are Meanwhile, last year’s graduates are completely integrated with their Israeli already teaching in a number of prominent peers. This year, there are also 5 Shana Bet educational institutions across Israel, Bnot Chul, young women who are returning spreading the Har Etzion message as far as from abroad for a second year of study in Zichron Yaakov in the North and Yeruchum the Beit Midrash. Shana Aleph is learning in the South. Masechet Brachot this year, and Shana Bet is learning Bava Metzia.

Michal Sundy and Liad Arussy hiking the Golan Shabbat Kibbutz

Advanced Scholars Maytal Deitcher-Yafeh This year, the Beit Midrash planned a and Tehila Shdiel prepare for shiur joint Shabbat with Kibbutz Migdal Oz, which enabled the talmidot to get better ■■ Zman Elul in the Beit Midrash was Talmidot enjoy a chug at Esti Rosenberg's home acquainted with the community within jam-packed with exciting events and which they live and learn. They davened in inspirational learning. With the start of The Israeli students include young women the local shul and heard a shiur by Rav Ori selichot, hundreds of women descended both before and after National Service, as Samet, the kibbutz rabbi. The talmidot ate upon the Beit Midrash nightly, as the sounds well as a new group, called the Garin Tzva’i, Shabbat meals with kibbutz families, and of teshuva could be heard echoing from the that will be going to the army together – there was a tish in the Beit Midrash on leil building until 3 AM. Each night of selichot read more on that below. Shabbat in which Beit Midrash staff,talmidot was preceded by a guest speaker, and and kibbutz members shared songs and ■■ The second class of the Advanced the students heard from many wonderful words of Torah. Scholars Program in Talmud and Halacha teachers, including Rav Benny Lau, Rav Dr.

10 etzion update Welcoming Back Big Sister/Little Sister Chanukah Yemei Iyun Alumnae Program This year’s annual Chanukah seminar As the Beit Midrash welcomed in the new Each year, the number of overseas students focused on “Kedusha, Adama Ve’Makom” (On Sanctity, Land and Location). The topic was year, it also welcomed the start of a new who decide to declare aliya and make Israel chosen as a result of the current controversy learning program for alumnae. This new their home increases. Now that the total which surrounds Har HaBayit. The three program, spearheaded by Rav Avishai number of overseas alumnae in Israel is intensive days focused on the concept of Schreiber, Ram in the Beit Midrash, offers nearing 100, the Beit Midrash has decided kedusha from many different angles, asking two days of learning a week, focused on to implement a support system for the questions such as: What makes something Masechet Shabbat. This initiative provides new immigrants. The Big Sister/Little Sister holy? To what lengths is one willing to go an opportunity for our alumnae to remain a program pairs up young new olot with for something they believe is holy? Is Eretz part of the Beit Midrash and to successfully older, more experienced alumnae olot. The “big sister” is there to answer any questions Yisrael inherently holy? What is the place integrate Torah into their everyday lives. her “little sister” might have about the of the Beit HaMikdash in our daily lives? With seventeen alumnae registered, it is a absorption process (or the bureaucracy), to The diverse group of speakers, including pleasure to see so many familiar faces in the host her for shabbatot, and to simply be a Rav Yehuda Gilad '75H of Yeshivat Maaleh Beit Midrash. friendly face who’s there to help the young Gilboa, Rav '75H of Yeshivat Talya Neuman '08MO, who spent three olah feel at home. Orot Shaul, and Rav Yisrael Ariel, Director of the Temple Institute, each presented his years in the Beit Midrash and is now a social The program was founded by Tikva Shore own unique perspective. worker and mother, enthusiastically returns ‘09MO, Madricha and Director of English to the Beit Midrash twice a week. She says, Communications and Social Media at Migdal "To integrate Torah and life, to come back Oz. She says, “We hope that this program to the Beit Midrash and learn Torah from will help forge meaningful bonds and an older, more mature perspective, coming friendships, and create a lasting connection from the outside world of work and family to the Beit Midrash, both for older and – is like coming home." younger alumnae.”

Rav Yisrael Ariel, Director of the Temple Institute

Esti Rosenberg said, "It is amazing to see such a large group of women sitting for three days and delving into such a large, important topic, willing to learn and asking such meaningful questions." Yom Iyun on Tzuk Eitan and Current Conflicts in Israel On November 24, the Beit Midrash sponsored a seminar day offering perspectives on the past summer’s battles in Gaza and subsequent acts of violence and terror. The distinguished list of speakers

Rav Avishai Schreiber with the bogrot included Racheli Shprecher-Fraenkel, the mother of Naftali hy”d, who was abducted

Winter 5775/2015 11 and murdered prior to Operation Protective Hesder yeshiva system supports its talmidim. and is focused on Masechet Sanhedrin. Edge, Rav RafiP erez, Chief Rabbi of the IDF, The young women are visited regularly by The women have approximately nine and Rav Dov Zinger, Rosh Yeshiva at Mekor members of the Beit Midrash staff, and they extra hours of intensive study throughout Chaim Yeshiva High School, where Naftali spend several shabbatot together in the the week. Fraenkel hy”d and Gil-ad Sha’er hy”d were Beit Midrash, comparing experiences and Shana Bet student Penina Warburg ‘13MO students. supporting each other in their respective explains, “ The combination of long chevruta fields of service. The incoming second Garin periods and thought-provoking shiurim is Tzva'i has 28 talmidot and, because it fills an allowing me to truly hone my iyun skills, important need, the program is expected to particularly when it comes to reading continue growing in the future. Rishonim thoroughly and examining Hadar '13MO, currently serving in the IDF how their explanations compare to each Education Corps, relates, "The transition from other and to the plain meaning (pshat) of Racheli Shprecher-Fraenkel the Beit Midrash to the army is extremely the text.” difficult. You have just experienced something that is so different, so special… Volunteering in Memory and then suddenly you need to work, to of Barkai Shor focus on the job in front of you. When the Barkai Shor z”l of Jerusalem was killed this Ramim from Migdal Oz visit, it jogs your past summer while fighting in Tzuk Eitan memory, and reminds you of who you are (Operation Protective Edge). To honor and where you came from--it keeps you his memory, his friends and community Rav Rafi Perez, Chief Rabbi of the IDF connected to the learning, to the amazing ־ initiated a project, named Mivtza Abu Yoyo experience that is the Beit Midrash is." Garin Tzva’i a week in which everyone would do A New Gemara Shiur small acts of chesed in Barkai’s memory. Last year, the Beit Midrash founded its first Barkai was known in his community for Army Garin, a group made up of 21 women This year, the Beit Midrash is excited to his constant kindness, never hesitating to who decided to spend a year learning announce a new, challenging iyun Gemara help out a friend in need. As part of this Torah before joining the IDF. Thanks to the shiur for talmidot interested in learning initiative, the entire Beit Midrash spent a Beit Midrash, these women were able to go more intensively. The shiur, which is in morning volunteering in various places, through the conscription process together, addition to regular morning seder, is taught including an old age home, a center for and many of them joined the same units. by Har Etzion Rosh Yeshiva Rav Mosheh packaging food for the needy, memorial The garin acts as a religious support system Lichtenstein and by Rav Koby Gigi (son of site Givat Oz Ve’Gaon, and a hospital. Yehi throughout their army service, much like the Har Etzion Rosh Yeshiva Rav Baruch Gigi), zichro baruch.

From left: Hodaya Cohen-Adiv, Shani Migdal Oz students pack food for the needy in memory of Barkai Shor z"l. Junger, and Yael Greenfeld (all ‘13MO) At right, Ram Rav Netanel Buchs

12 etzion update STAFF IN THE SPOTLIGHT

There’s a long waiting list to get into Malka funds. Malka recently published Mehalechet Puterkovsky’s Gemara shiur in Migdal Oz. beDarcah, a sefer of pesikot halacha on a No one in the class, which has been going wide range of topics related to modern life, strong for four years now, is leaving. Who is based on questions that have been posed Malka and why is her shiur so popular? to her.

Malka Puterkovsky was one of the first None of these impressive biographical facts women to teach halacha and Gemara at convey what a lively, engaging and down- an advanced level in Israel. As a child, her to-earth teacher Malka is. She has a pure, father learned Gemara with her and it was enthusiastic love of learning that one cannot her favorite subject in Pelech High School. remain indifferent to. Later on, she got a BA in Talmud from Bar- Malka's class is unique in Migdal Oz in that Ilan University and an MA from Tel Aviv it’s specifically geared to women who are University. She taught in her alma mater, not part of the Beit Midrash. Malka credits Pelech, for many years, headed the Beit Head of the Beit Midrash Esti Rosenberg Midrash in for 11 with inviting her to teach in the Beit Midrash years, and for the past few years has been and giving her the freedom to design her teaching Torah across Israel, in institutions Malka Puterkovsky ideal framework. The class of 37 women of women’s learning as well as numerous includes doctors, lawyers, psychologists forums for secular Jews. She is on the morning, 8 am to 1 pm, to Torah study every and other professionals. Some are bogrot, boards and steering committees of various week. Dr. Naomi Shapira, for example, gets others are women in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s influential organizations such as Forum up at 5 am in Karnei Shomron to make it on who wanted to learn Gemara in a serious Takana, Mavoi Satum, Ma’agalei Tzedek time. way for the first time in their lives. The and the Ma’ale Film School, as well as a students' dedication is especially impressive Dr. Naomi Baum of Efrat, a senior member of the Ministry of Health’s "Health because despite the fact that they are busy, psychologist who specializes in the Basket" committee which determines professional women, often with large treatment of trauma, recently underwent which treatments and medications will be families, they devote an entire Wednesday her own trauma but didn't miss a class. available to Israeli citizens via their health "When I had cancer two years ago," she relates, "I came to class every week, often the day after my chemo treatment. It kept me going. Malka is a fabulous teacher. She's funny, enthusiastic, deeply caring and very organized – she always knows where she's headed. She's an extraordinary font of knowledge, and really unpacked the halachic process for me."

"And she's deeply human. At one point, I wanted to talk to her about the meaning of illness in , how the rabbis understood notions of suffering and punishment. Malka actually came to my house and learned with me for an hour and a half, and that was deeply helpful and Some of Malka's students studying in chevruta. Right to left: Esti Mashlouf '99, course coordinator at Tzohar and couples therapist, Penina de Hartuch, psychodrama expert, and Tehilla Malka '99, researcher at Ben healing for me." Gurion University.

Winter 5775/2015 13 Malka's enthusiasm for learning has clearly infected her class. "It's amazing to me how quickly this class became a unified group that just wants to learn more and more. Sometimes I have to beg them to take a break and eat something!" Malka laughs. "We started easy with Masechet Ta’anit, which the women approached with both intellectual and spiritual vigor. We were learning this during a drought year, and an ongoing conversation soon developed about the drought, what it might be saying to us, and what they might do to improve Israeli society in light of this divine message. We then moved on to

Sanhedrin, Gittin, and now Bava Kama. Malka Puterkovsky teaching her popular Gemara class It's an ever-deepening experience, which I look forward to every week." combined with commitment to Torah. I feel that is derech eretz, that takes into account Malka adds, "I see these women as very connected here to the Torah of HaRav raising a family, being part of a couple, emissaries of the Har Etzion message of Lichtenstein shlit”a and HaRav Amital zt”l caring for elderly parents, and generally openness and engagement with the world, – it's not Torah with derech eretz, but Torah being ‘meurav im habriot'.”

Alumnae News & Achievements

Marriages Births Aliya Lisa Dredze '03MO and Yuval Hava Livia Levine ‘02MO and Noah Moline, Ricki (Notis) Dardashti ‘08MO Mindy Feldman ‘04MO and Eric Hecht Netzach Yisrael Sara Sofer ‘09MO Alana Ebin ‘05MO and Jonah Waissman Talia Stechler ‘03MO and Isaac Dayan, Michal Fromowitz ‘12MO Mordechai Aharon Sarit Bendavid '07MO and Jared Anstandig Tehilah Fruchter ‘12MO Dena Katz ‘04 MO and Avi Block, Ayala Penina Twersky ‘07MO and Rafi Ellis '05 Michal Weissberg ‘13MO Shalva Sara Aviva Goldstein ‘08MO and Ben Wallick Fran Tanner ‘07MO and Rafi Miller, Tehillah Achievements Ilana Barta ‘09MO and Akiva Fund ‘09H Hannah Reina Potaznik ‘03MO was honored with the Zehava Gale ‘09MO and Binyamin Treister Dani Lent ‘07MO and Yoni ‘05 Halpern, Eshel Herbert Harwitt Community Builder Award Kelila Kahane ‘09MO and Tuvia Tendler Maayan at the Mt. Sinai Jewish Center's annual Talia Allen ‘10MO and Reuven Kirshner Leah Greenstein ‘08MO and Avi Grumet, Noa dinner this past June. In September she Esther Klapholz ‘10MO and Yehuda Cohn '08 Hadar began a new position as the dance educator Chaya Kanarfogel ‘11MO and Adin Rayman ‘11 at East Village Community School, a pre-K through 5th grade NYC public school. Rachel Weintraub ‘12MO and Eli Rappaport

14 etzion update HERZOG COLLEGE

Rav Dr. Yehuda Brandes School in Jerusalem shapes his vision as a and his love for his students. "When I first teacher of teachers. Appointed Dean came to the school, the students organized "The students of today, and even more a protest against me. They saw my kippa and Herzog College so those of tomorrow, are flooded by reacted with fear and even a bit of hostility. welcomes new information, images and ideas on many Today, many of those same students ask me dean Rav Yehuda varying levels. They are exposed to an open to officiate at their weddings." Brandes, PhD. Rav market of ideas and values. In this chaos, it "I aim to create a space for the students Brandes Is an alumni is even more important that we help our to engage in real dialogue about human of the College students to develop themselves as Jews values and Jewish values. The children and and has taught who are grounded in values, in commitment Rav Dr. Yehuda Brandes the teachers are hungry for this. We have for many years to Torah, and to the Jewish people and have created a beit midrash room in the school, in the College’s Talmud, Philosophy and the ability to engage in genuine dialogue complete with . The room has Education Departments. "I come to this with the culture around us. " new position with tremendous respect for tables at which students face each other, as the accomplishments of the institution. Gevanim opposed to the regular classroom desks that One of the most extraordinary things about only face front. The message that students the college has been its ability to continue Herzog College is famous for producing receive from this arrangement is that Torah to grow and change while maintaining high-quality teachers for religious schools. is not about being lectured to. Rather, Torah a caring, warm atmosphere. Both as a A less-known program at Herzog, called opens up space for dialogue, for meaningful student and as a lecturer, Herzog College Gevanim, trains Jewish Studies teachers discussion about things that matter. We give is simply a wonderful place to be, to learn for Israel's secular schools with the ability each class time in the beit midrash and they and to teach." to teach Torah in an open, non-coercive look forward to it with anticipation. The manner. goal is not only to teach Judaism, but to get "My first goal as dean is to preserve the character of this special institution. As The Gevanim Program is a two-year the teachers and students talking Judaism HaKadosh Baruch Hu said to Adam upon program for qualifying third and fourth year together." placing him in the world, 'be careful not to education students at Herzog. Interested "Everything I am doing now grows out do any harm.' At the same time, it is my job, applicants must undergo an additional of my time at Herzog College. First of all, together with the rest of the staff, to continue admissions process, and do field work in being able to study and discuss issues with to 'work and protect it', to continue to both religious and non-religious schools. a group of peers who share similar goals develop the College in the upcoming years." Yuval Olivestone is a graduate of Gevanim helped develop my educational thinking Indeed, Herzog College is in a constant who teaches Tanach and Jewish Thought in a deep way. From my teachers I learned process of growth, both in terms of the at the ORT school in Holon, and recently many things, and perhaps most important -- number of students and the breadth of became the middle school principal. not to be afraid to open up large or difficult departments and subjects. In recent years, Olivestone, who has 650 students under his issues in the classroom." Herzog is even attracting students from care, speaks with passion about his mission outside its natural national-religious base, such as from the haredi sector.

Rav Brandes is an accomplished academic and scholar who lectured in the Talmud Department of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem before taking a teaching post at Herzog College. Although he has published six books and numerous academic articles, he sees himself primarily as an educator. His extensive experience as a high-school teacher and principal at Himmelfarb High Yuval Olivestone with students

Winter 5775/2015 15 ALUMNI FEATURE

Hola Rabino! inspiring for me. At Har Etzion there is a shiur to women in Alon Shevut via Skype. fundamental value of respect for the other Alumnus Rabbi Ben-Tzion Spitz recently The older three Spitz children remained in person, regardless of his ideology and left Alon Shevut to become Chief Rabbi of Israel, including their son Eitan who is in the beliefs, that is unfortunately not always Uruguay. He mediates disputes and acts Hesder program at Har Etzion (see photo present in community affairs. Also, after an arbitrator if necessary. He is the public on p. 4, top right), while their four younger living in Alon Shevut, in proximity to the face of the Jewish community, and is children have jumped into a new language Yeshiva for for 17 years, I think I managed interviewed on radio and TV whenever the and culture. Living and going to school in the to hear and learn from almost all of the press is looking for the Jewish perspective "Orthodox but not observant" community of rabbe'im and to hear a broad spectrum of on current events. Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, has certainly views, sometimes contradictory, but always been a new experience after growing up in With a community of some 20,000 Jews respectful. The gamut of personalities and Alon Shevut. under his care, one would think that the combined knowledge of the rabbe'im is keeping these institutional wheels turning beyond encyclopedic and runs into so many The family plans to return to Israel in 2015 would occupy all of Rabbi Spitz's focus. Yet different areas that just having had exposure and Rabbi Spitz is already concerned about Rabbi Spitz endeavors to take the wider to so many different entry points into Jewish the long-term future of his flock. As the communal view. When asked to describe the knowledge has given me a large tool kit to most recent in a long chain of temporary main goal of his three-year stint in the post, interact with a wide range of people." Chief Rabbis, he believes strongly in the he speaks of working for a greater sense need to develop local religious leadership. The Spitz family sees the challenging move of cooperation and respect between the In response to this need Rabbi Spitz has to Uruguay as an adventure. Rabbi Spitz is disparate groups that make up the Uruguay begun to train a group of 10 future leaders fluent in Spanish from his early childhood Jewish community. in the in-depth study of halacha. Thinking years in Rio de Janeiro, but his wife Tamara far beyond the end of his term, Rabbi Spitz Rabbi Spitz emphasizes the ways in which learned Spanish from scratch and is now an hopes that he is training the future Chief his training at Yeshivat Har Etzion shaped active teacher and community leader. While Rabbi of Uruguay. his perspective and prepared him for his directing Jewish Studies for one of the two current role: "I think that the Har Etzion Jewish schools in Montevideo, training the example and the model of having rabbis Hebrew Studies teachers, giving shiurim in and a leadership that had different political the community, teaching taharat mishpacha and ideological views, but still managed to to brides, and acting as the driving force work together to create a vibrant, energetic behind a host of communal activities, she and positive community was profoundly still continues to give her weekly Daf Yomi

At a communal havdala ceremony concluding a community-wide Shabbat. Rabbi Spitz providing kosher Tamara Spitz and children are in the right foreground. supervision at a local pasta factory

16 etzion update ALUMNI EVENTS IN ISRAEL

Shiurim of shmittah from both a philosophical and a practical halachic perspective. Some 150 ■■ Rav Ezra Bick and Rav Mosheh alumni took time off from work to take part Lichtenstein spoke at a pre-selichot event in this special day of learning. at Beit Knesset Ohel Yonah Menachem in Beit Shemesh. Eli Clark ‘84 said, "The Yom Limud brought together all of the best aspects of the Gush experience – old friends, stellar shiurim, and contemporary relevance. It is inspiring to see how the Yeshiva has grown and changed, Dancing on Hoshana Rabba but at the same time has preserved so many of the things that define and distinguish it." Rav Ezra Bick in Beit Shemesh ■■ In November, Beit Knesset Niggunei Chaim in Petach Tikva held a book launch for Torat Etzion (the Hebrew version of Torah ■■ Also in preparation for selichot and the MiEtzion) and Rav Yaakov Medan's new Yamim Nora'im, Rav Moshe Taragin and book Ki Karov Eilecha. The evening featured Rav Yaakov Medan spoke in Modiin, while a panel discussion on family life in Sefer Rav Baruch Gigi and Rosh Beit Midrash Esti Bereishit with Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein, Rosenberg spoke in Ra'anana. Rav Yaakov Medan and Rav Benny ■■ Har Etzion co-sponsored an evening of Lehman, moderated by Rav Ezra Bick. Hoshana Rabba learning at Heichal Shlomo in conjunction with Yeshiva University, Herzog College, Heichal Shlomo and the Ma'ale Center of . The event, in downtown Jerusalem, attracted Bar Mitzvah Day many visitors from abroad as well as locals. About 50 bar-mitzvah aged boys came to Speakers included Rav David Stav, Rav the Yeshiva with their fathers for the recent Panel discussion in Petach Tikva Meir Goldvicht, Rav Assaf Bednarsh, Rav Yom Bar Mitzvah. Moshe Taragin, Reut Giat, Brachi Elitzur, Rav Amnon Bazak, and many more. ■■ Rav Shlomo Brin and Rav Hillel Rachmani spoke at a pre-Chanukah event at Beit Knesset Choshen Modiin, in the city of Modiin. Rav Brin spoke about "Lights and Wars" and Rav Rachmani's topic was "Al ha-Nisim".

■■ Before Chanukah, Rav Moshe Taragin Rav David Stav in Renanim Synagogue of spoke at Beit Knesset Ohel Ari in Ra'anana Heichal Shlomo on Hoshana Rabba on "The Gift of Chanuka to Am Yisrael".

Pictured: Oren Katz '88H with his thirteen- Yom Bogrim year-old son Dvir and older son Nadav, For the third year, the Yeshiva sponsored a who is currently studying in Yeshiva. day of learning for alumni during the Aseret Nadav recalls that he decided he wanted Yemei Teshuva. In addition to the usual topics to learn in the Yeshiva when he first visited Rav Bazak speaks to a capacity audience at of Teshuva and Sukkot, this year the alumni on a Bar Mitzvah Day with his father some Heichal Shlomo on Hoshana Rabba had the opportunity to delve into the topic six years ago.

Winter 5775/2015 17 ALUMNI NEWS

Marriages Zev ’00 and Na’amit Nagel, Leela Bracha Zalman ‘84 and Gila Levine, bat mitzvah of Leeby Monty Steckler '96 and Ionit Cohen Rabbi Jay '00 and Sharon Weinstein, Talia Esther Jonathan Frank ‘02 and Rachel Schultz Alex ‘01 and Jennifer Chester, Yaakov Lawrence ‘85 and Nehama Teitelman, bat mitzvah of Atara Menachem Freedman ‘04 and Elana Wenner (Koby) Zidan Dorron '86 and Cindy Kline, bat mitzvah of Rafi Ellis '05 and Penina Twersky ‘07MO Yitzi '01 and Rahel Ehrenberg, Aderet Liat Hallel David Isser ’05 and Pola Blitz Chaim ’01 and Lisa Schramm, David Eliezer David '87 and Bibsi Zuckerbrot, bar David Fried ‘06 and Molly Katancik Ez ’01 and Sorah Shaffren, Temima Devora mitzvah of Moshe Shmuel David Gordon '07 and Liora Snape Simon ’01 and Gabrielle Stern, Netanel David '89 and Tunie Schorr, bat mitzvah of Yitzchak Eliezer Raanan Loew ‘07 and Nava Karol Rika Ariel Daniel Rabin ‘07 and Gila Honigsberg Avi ’01 and Daniella Ziskind, Hannah Rose (Chana Reizel) Jacob ’91 and Tanya Safier, bar mitzvah of Yehuda Cohn '08 and Esther Klapholz ‘10MO Yonatan Micha'el Mordechai '02H and Yardanna Koppel, Ron Nahshon ‘08 and Sara Schild Ariel Pinchas Rabbi Nasanayl ’92 and Tamar Braun, bar Akiva Fund ‘09H and Ilana Barta ‘09MO mitzvah of Ariel Noam ’02 and Aviva Lockshin, Abigail Celia Adin Rayman ‘11 and Chaya Kanarfogel ‘11MO David ’92 and Shira Greenstone, bat Donny ‘02 and Arielle Rosenberg, Adiva Rivka Mazal tov to Rav Yair and Hadassa Kahn mitzvah of Leora Simeon ’02 and Elana Siegel, Asher Herbert upon the marriage of their daughter Shani Avi ‘92 and Shira Shmidman, bar mitzvah to Ido Sofer Aaron ’03 and Abi Djanogly, Yoni of Immanuel Mazal tov to Rav Menachem and Thea Noam '04 and Yael Horowitz, Ziva Eric ’93PC and Erica Halivni (Weisberg), bar Leibtag upon the marriage of their Rabbi Benji ’04 and Renana Levy, Yehuda Leib mitzvah of Nachshon daughter Aviva to Adiel Weitz Akiva ‘05 and Talia Fleischmann, Adriel Yisrael Dov ’94 and Shoshana Glickman, bar Births Yoni ‘05 and Dani Lent '07MO Halpern, mitzvah of Idan Dani '89 and Shifra Bendheim, Sophie Eshel Maayan Doni ’94 and Ayelet-Chen Wadler, bat Bracha Tal ‘05 and Alana Kohn, Efraim Yedidya mitzvah of Achinoam Hadas David '89 and Tunie Schorr, Tamar Esther Meir '05 Lindenbaum and Shani Gordon, Menachem ’95 and Devora Linzer, bat Doni ’94 and Ayelet-Chen Wadler, Tamah Noa Chana Shifra mitzvah of Meira Aharon ’95 and Avigail Charnov, Daphna Ariel ’06 and Rivky Diamond, Menucha Elie ‘96 and Avital Weissman, bat mitzvah Nechama Nechama of Tiferet Rachel Michael ’95 and Rena Siev, Hillel Yitzi '06 and Aviva Matanky, Yaakov Levi Mazal Tov to Rav Pini and Michal Cohen Samuel ‘96 and Liat Jackman, Rivka Hodaya Netanel ’07 and Yael Block, Shlomo Simcha upon the bat mitzvah of their daughter Ilana Rabbi Elie ‘96 and Avital Weissman, Yair Zion Ezra ‘08 and Ma'ayan Seligsohn, Ronen Shalom Yakov ’97 and Estee Fleischmann, Avner Ryan ‘12 and Yael Levin, Adira Chana Aliya Mordechai Gershon Zack Abramowitz '00, Modiin Avidan ’97 and Devorah Freedman, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs Jacob ‘01 and Maxine Levy, Modiin Amihud Tzvi Netzach Nathaniel ’76 and Julie Berman, bat Aviyoel ‘99 and Pirchit Sokol, Hadas Bracha mitzvah of Kaia Batsheva Eli Lopian '02, Ra'anana Adam '99 and Miriam Steiner, Jonah Howard ’82 and Marcy Oster, bar mitzvah Jeremy '03 and Suri Katz, Maaleh Adumim (Alexander Yona) of Yonatan Yosi Hanstater '04, Modiin

H = Hesder MO = Migdal Oz PC=post-college • The year indicates the commencement of study Got news? Update us online at www.haretzion.org

18 etzion update Alumni Achievements Rafi Ellis '05

Michi Hayman ’07, Givat Shmuel Nathaniel Berman ’76 received a will focus on "turning Israel into Doron Luder '07, Jerusalem PhD in Jewish Studies from University your kehillah". Meir Dardashti '08 College London. His dissertation was Benjy elaborates, "Social media and Yishai Katsch '08, Givat Shmuel titled "Improper Twins": The Ambivalent "Other Side" in the Zohar and Kabbalistic the internet have revolutionized Torah Josh Nehrer ‘09, Rechovot Tradition. learning and Jewish identity. But now, Alex Huberman '11 more than ever, having a sense of Michael Eisenberg '89 was named by Arie Schwartz ’12, community, belonging and connection Popular Mechanics one of the "Twelve is key to maintaining and developing Condolences Most Influential People in Technology You've Never Heard Of" for his role in one's Avodat Hashem and Bein Adam To Rav Aaron Adler '72 on the loss of his high tech development. Read more Le’Chavero. I work professionally in father, David Adler z”l about it at www.popularmechanics.com blogging, social media and marketing, so Michael Kosofsky ‘82 on the loss of his IsraelK and My Shteiblech are a natural mother, Billie (Rachel) Kosofsky z"l Benjy Singer ’95, who made aliya from London in 2005, runs a social media extension of my work, as well as an To Roger ‘83 and Daniel ‘89 Spitzer on the portal called My Shteiblech that brings enjoyable hobby." For more information, loss of their father, Zwi Spitzer z”l together Facebook Pages and Groups, write to [email protected]. To Justin Goldberg ’99 on the loss of his Twitter (@myshteiblech) and a weekly mother, Joyce Goldberg z”l Asher Orkaby ‘02 recently received a newsletter (http://eepurl.com/CcIAH) PhD from Harvard University in We are deeply saddened by the passing of to inform both Anglos and Israelis of alumnus Yitz Kurtz ‘78 z”l. Condolences to shiurim and social events going on in International and Middle East History. his wife Debbie and the entire family. the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv areas. He He is currently pursuing a postdoctoral The Yeshiva joins in the mourning of the is also in the process of launching a fellowship at the Crown Center for Middle Soloveitchik, Lichtenstein,Twersky, and new website called israelk.org, which East Studies at Brandeis University. Rosenblatt families on the horrific murder of Rav Moshe Twersky hy”d

Alumni Shabbaton On Shabbat Parshat VaYetzei, the Yeshiva comes together for a reunion Shabbat in the the Roshei Yeshiva and enjoy the special hosted alumni who began learning in Yeshiva once every five years. Yeshivat Har Etzion atmosphere. Yeshiva in the years 1998-2000. The Shabbat gave the alumni a chance to During the current reunion cycle, each class catch up with each other, hear shiurim from

Machzor 31 Machzor 32 Machzor 33

Winter 5775/2015 19 PUBLICATIONS

Medieval Commentary in the Modern Era: Ki Karov Eilecha (Hebrew), Yediot Aharonot The Enduring Value of Classical Parshanut Press

By Rabbi Yaakov Blau By Rav Yaakov Medan

Rabbi Yaakov Blau ’88 advocates for Tanach Rav Medan leads the reader on a fascinating study to be an integral component of journey into Sefer Bereishit, often drawing on serious Talmud Torah, and demonstrates his encyclopedic knowledge of both Tanach the sugya approach for reviving the classical and rabbinic writings to reveal a surprising commentaries of Ramban, Ibn Ezra, Targum, back story that illuminates the familiar events and Radak. of Sefer Bereishit.

Torat Etzion – Bereishit (Hebrew), YHE Press A Guide to the Complex: Contemporary and Maggid Press Halakhic Debates, Maggid Press

By Har Etzion Staff By Rav Shlomo M. Brody

This Hebrew volume, which parallels the Rav Brody ‘01 presents over 130 of the most English-language Torah MiEtzion, is an controversial topics in Jewish law today. Based anthology of essays on parshat hashavua by on the author’s “Ask the Rabbi” column in The a distinguished group of Har Etzion scholars Jerusalem Post, the book’s essays cite sources who collectively demonstrate the distinctive and scholars from across the ideological Har Etzion approach of creative pshat. spectrum in an effort to increase respect for the diversity of voices that comprise authentic halachic dialogue. Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution, Yale University Press Hilchot Tefilla (Hebrew), Mossad Harav Kook Publishing By Yehudah Mirsky By Rav David Brofsky A powerfully original thinker, Rav Kook combined strict traditionalism and an embrace This book, based on a VBM course on tefilla of modernity, Orthodoxy and tolerance, piety given by Rav Brofsky '90, offers a complete and audacity, scholasticism and ecstasy, and overview of the laws of prayer, developing passionate nationalism with profound universalism. This biography each topic from the sources in the Talmud by Mirsky '78 is the first to appear in English in more than half a through the Rishonim, Achronim, and modern century. It clears away widespread misunderstandings of Rav halachic decisors. The sefer traces the laws of prayer as they apply Kook’s ideas and provides fresh insights into his personality and throughout the day, from the netilat yadayim of the morning to the worldview. keriat shema of bedtime.

To make your tax-exempt donation, please contact any of our offices: Israel Office | Yeshivat Har Etzion Alon Shevut, Gush Etzion, ISRAEL 90433, Tel. 02-993-7300, [email protected] Yeshivat Har Etzion: United States Office | The Etzion Foundation Immersed in Torah, 111 Galway Place, Suite 203, Teaneck NJ 07666 USA Engaged with the World Tel. 212-732- GUSH (4874) Fax. 201-833-0833, [email protected] Canada Office | Attn: Inika Blackman editing & production: Pollack, Kravitz Teitelbaum, 2000 McGill College Avenue, Suite 1460, Montreal, PQ H3A3H3 CANADA Channah Koppel Tel. 514-905-1373, [email protected] Reporting: Avrom Suslovich, Tikva Shore & Yeshiva staff England Office Graphic Design: Stephanie & Ruti Design 25 Broughton Avenue, London N3 3ES, ENGLAND, Tel. 020-8346-0201, [email protected] Printed in Jerusalem www.haretzion.org | www.vbm.etzion.org.il/en | www.kimitzion.org | www.skamigdaloz.org