INFORMATION GUIDE

YESHIVAT HAKOTEL A UNIQUE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

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בסד

ברכת ראש הישיבה בחור יקר, ישיבת הכותל, בסמוך למקום בית המקדש בצל הכותל, מגדלת בנים לתורה. בצוותא גדלים בני אי עם בני חול בחיבור נפשי עמוק. מתחנכים הם באי לתורת אי כדי להשפיע תורה לעם ישראל בכל מקום בו הם נמצאים. נשמח לראותך שותף בדבר הגדול הזה. בברכת התורה מירושלים, הרב ךברוך וידר

Dear Student, At Yeshivat Hakotel, overlooking the site of the Beit Hamikdash, we help overseas students develop as Talmidei Chachamim together with Israelis with whom they forge a deep personal relationship. We teach Torat Eretz Yisrael with the intention of having it influence Am Yisrael all over the world. I look forward to welcoming you to this great mission. Bevirkat Hatorah MiYerushalayim, Rav Baruch Wieder

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GAVRIEL MICHAEL (CHICAGO) AND EITAN REDLICH (CHICAGO) LEARNING WITH YOSSI YEHUDA () ISR AELI INTEGR ATION & OVERSEAS CARE

Some Yeshivot offer an Israel experience while others cater to the needs of overseas talmidim. Yeshivat Hakotel offers the best of both worlds, by enabling and encouraging afully integrated Israel experience while also offering a staff of overseas Rabbanim andEnglish shiurim uniquely suited to overseas talmidim. Yeshivat Hakotel offers a genuine Israel experience by fully integrating talmidim into the Israeli program. Dorming together with Israelis, an accelerated Ulpan, and daily chavrutot with Israelis facilitate integration. Unique educational tiyulim connect each talmid to Eretz Yisrael.

COMPARISON TO OTHER YESHIVOT

There are three models of hesder yeshivot that accept overseas talmidim. • One model is the which consists of two separate programs — one for Israelis and one for overseas talmidim. • A second model is where the yeshiva consists of just an Israeli program into which overseas talmidim are fully incorporated. • Hakotel is unique in that it balances between these two models by integrating overseas talmidim with Israelis while offering them the additional shiurim and guidance generally offered to overseas talmidim in separate programs. Hakotel also proudly offers a broad curriculum (over sixty weekly shiurim in Tanach, Machshava, Mussar), a unique location, and meaningful personal relationships with rebbeim and other staff members.

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RAV JESSE HORN (RAM) INTENSIVE GEMAR A LEARNING & BROAD CURRICULUM

GEMAR A

Integration into the Israeli framework (of seven years of talmidim) means that talmidim have access to shiurim on multiple levels. Boys are encouraged to attend Israeli shiurim and have the opportunity to learn with Israeli chavrutot. In addition, three levels of English shiurim are offered for those not yet Hebrew proficient. Our ulpan and other programs prepare talmidim for entry into Hebrew shiurim.

IYUN

Shiurim aim to develop learning skills. Rebbeim and shiur assistants are present and actively involved in guiding talmidim throughout each seder. The Yeshiva also offers different styles of shiurim to allow each talmid to find RAV REUVEN TARAGIN (DEAN/RAM) the approach best suited to him. BROAD CURRICULUM Together with supplementary night seder chaburot, most talmidim develop the ability to prepare and deliver a Gemara sugya within the first few Yeshivat Hakotel teaches not only the knowledge, but also the skills necessary months in Yeshiva. As part of our ‘Chabura Initiative’ Program, staff guide to learn Tanach, Jewish Philosophy, Hashkafa, Mussar, and Halacha. talmidim one-on-one in their independent preparation of six chaburot in the Shiurim in these areas are offeredsix times over the course of the day with course of the year. multiple choices in each slot. In addition to the Yeshiva’s Hebrew shiurim, we offer a comprehensive BEKIUT curriculum of over sixty weekly English shiurim, many of which are accompa- nied by guided independent study. The array of shiurim helps talmidim Rebbeim and other staff learn with small groups of talmidim in the afternoons meaningfully pursue other areas of learning. to help them solidify their reading skills. A number of other opportunities are available to cover the mesechta being learned, daf yomi, and other mesechtot. (See schedule of shiurim on page 6-7)

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GLOBAL VISION & PERSONAL ATTENTION

Both the roster of students in the Yeshiva and its philosophy reflect the central concept ofkibbutz galuyot (ingathering of exiles). Yeshivat Hakotel’s student body consists of talmidim from more than 12 countries on six continents. All learn with and from one another as a unified Klal Yisrael in the in Yerushalayim.

TRADITION

Yeshivat Hakotel’s forty-year tradition makes it a special place to spend a year. The renowned Rebbeim, close Rebbe-student relationships, and dancing to the Kotel Friday night are all part of our unique Yeshiva. Our thousands of alumni attest to the extraordinary experience that continues today. Yeshivat Hakotel offers the kind of individual attention and personal relationships generally found in small yeshivot.

PERSONAL KESHER

Hakotel’s rebbe/talmid ratio (1/3) facilitates close relationships between talmi- dim and rebbeim who devote themselves to personal time with each talmid. Most of the staff lives in the Old City with homes regularly open to talmidim. OLD CITY / HAR HABAYIT Each talmid has at least three older chavrutot in the course of each day.

Being only yards away from the site of the Beit Hamikdash certainly INDIVIDUALITY enhances one’s year in Israel. The unparalleled experience of learning in the Ir Ha’atika (Old City) connects each student to three thousand years of ’s Hakotel believes in diverse paths of Avodat Hashem. We seek to help each talmid past, present and future in Yerushalayim. develop his own unique relationship with Hashem. In recognition of Chazal’s dictum that “Just like their faces are different, so too are their de’ot (knowledge/ AREIVUT opinions)” Hakotel offers a variety of shiurim. Different talmidim are interested in diverse areas of Torah or in alternate methods of studying the same area. Yeshivat Hakotel not only encourages a sense of areivut (mutual responsibility), Our broad array of shiurim in each area of ensures that each talmid but also teaches the skills necessary to successfully reach out and affect finds a sufficient selection in whatever area(s) he chooses to focus on. Thus, the others. We educate to give, not only to receive. Hakotel believes that Hashem program consists of a basic core curriculum in each of the five areas of Torah intends for us to engage the world and its people in the hope that we can affect study (Gemara, Tanach, Machshava/Hashkafa, Mussar and Halacha) buttressed and learn from them. We believe that such a lifestyle can only be lived by additional elective options. properly if it is rooted in scrupulous observance and a genuine commitment to Torah and the pursuit of Hashem’s Will.

RAV ARI HELLER (RAM) LEARNING WITH DAVID MANDELBAUM (NEW JERSEY), NOAH ABRAMOWITZ (BALTIMORE), AND RONI SUGARMAN (CHICAGO)

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FOR WHOM IS YESHIVAT HAKOTEL DESIGNED?

Yeshivat Hakotel’s program is designed for dedicated Yeshiva High School graduates who wish to focus on serious, advanced Torah study coupled with religious and personal growth.

HAKOTEL NOURISHES THE INTELLECT AND THE SOUL

Unique uplifting tisches, shabbatonim in special locations (for example- Tzfat,Chevron, B’nei Brak, Latrun), kumzitzes in special Old City locations (the Kotel, the Kotel HaKatan, overlooking the Har Habayit, ancient shuls) weekly nights with each rebbe, niggun of the week, and other programs supplement the daily learning schedule.

HAKOTEL DEVELOPS INDIVIDUALITY WHILE PROMOTING UNITY.

We firmly believe that each talmid should develop his unique derech in avodat Hashem. We work with individual talmidim on helping them accomplish this. Hakotel fosters the skills and desire necessary for continued Torah learning after Yeshiva and encourages each talmid to examine and enhance his personal identity as a Yiray Shamayim and Eved Hashem.

RAV ARI CUTLER (RAM) WITH SAMMY BECKERMAN (SILVER SPRING) AND BEN YOUNGER (CINCINNATI)

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PHILOSOPHY OF THE YESHIVA

Yeshivat Hakotel was founded as a Hesder Yeshiva over 40 years ago. The Yeshiva’s underlying goal is to cultivate talmidim who are intimately connected to:

TOR AH, AM YISR AEL & ERETZ YISR AEL

There is no better place to accomplish this three-fold goal than at Yeshivat Hakotel in the Old City of Yerushalayim.

TOR AT YISR AEL ERETZ YISR AEL

Love of Learning – Developing love for and ability to learn is the Yeshiva’s Hakotel sees learning in Israel as a means of connecting to Am Yisrael’s return to primary objective. Although concentrated in gemara, Yeshivat Hakotel’s multi- Eretz Yisrael. faceted learning program includes significant opportunities to study Tanach, Being at Hakotel is not just learning about our history, but experiencing and Halacha, Emunah, Machshava, and Mussar in a meaningful way. becoming part of it. Talmidim connect to the history of Eretz Yisrael as well as the modern miracle of the State of Israel. Yeshiva tiyulim (tours) are more than just sightseeing events. The tiyulim connect what talmidim are seeing to what they are learning in the Beit Midrash. Preparatory study in Tanach prior to each tiyul helps talmidim associate sites with their religious and historical significance.

AM YISRAEL

Achdut (Unity) – Yeshivat Hakotel fosters Achdut amongst its students by breaking down cultural barriers that often divide Jews of different countries of origin. This feeling of brotherhood permeates all aspects of Yeshiva life including classes, dormitory residence, and leisure time. Communal Responsibility – We educate towards being part of the larger Jewish community, which includes the Jews of Yerushalayim, the State of Israel, and around the globe. Although the Yeshiva focuses on Torah learning and personal growth, it also imbues students with a sense of communal responsi- bility. Yeshivat Hakotel teaches the importance of reaching out to uninformed and assimilated Jews, and imparts the tools necessary to do so. Chesed – Yeshivat Hakotel inspires communal responsibility by providing time for, arranging, and encouraging various chesed opportunities. The opportunities include visiting and helping the elderly and the sick, volunteering in a local soup kitchen, and packaging food for the needy. In addition, chesed Shabbatonim are held throughout the country.

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DAILY SCHEDULE

A unique aspect of Yeshivat Hakotel is its emphasis on Tanach, Jewish Philosophy, Mussar, and Halacha. This emphasis is reflected in our extensive Hebrew and English programs which consist of classes complemented by scheduled time for guided independent study. Our program offers talmidim both a carefully balanced core curriculum as well as shiurim in more specified topics of interest to individual talmidim. 7:00 Shacharit 1:10 Mincha 8:15 Arvit Halacha Seder Lunch Break 8:30 Night Seder Breakfast 3:30 Afternoon Seder Chavruta with an older 9:00 Morning Seder/Shiur Tanach/Machshava/ talmid 12:50 Shmirat HaLashon/ Halacha Shiurim 10:30 Tanach/Machshava/ Limud Yomi 4:15 Gemara Bekiut Halacha Shiurim 6:15 Mussar Seder (Optional) 6:45 Ulpan/Israeli Chavrutot/ Hebrew Tanach/ Machshava/Halacha Shiurim 7:30 Supper

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The following charts are samples of the Hebrew/English Supplementary Shiurim schedules: AFTERNOON SHIURIM 3:30 PM

TOPIC SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY TANACH PARSHA NEVI’IM NEVI’IM MISHLEI KEPSHUTA RISHONIM ACHRONIM RAV LIFSHITZ RAV BERLIN RAV TARAGIN RAV HELLER RAV SELAVAN

MACHSHAVA CLASSICAL CONTEMPOR ARY 13 IK ARIM OF PHILOSOPHY OF PHILOSOPHY JEWISH JEWISH THE RAMBAM RAV KOOK OF R AV PHILOSOPHY PHILOSOPHY RAV STEINBERGER RAV SHVAT SOLOVEITCHIK RAV HORN RAV BRODY DR. HOCHHAUSER

HALACHA CONTEMPOR ARY BASIC HILCHOT BASIC HISTORY OF HALACHIC TOPICS PR ACTICAL SHABBAT PR ACTICAL HALACHA RAV BRODY HALACHA RAV KATZ HALACHA RAV FISCHER RAV HORN RAV CUTLER

HASHKAFA/ MESILAT KUZARI CHASSIDUT YESODEI CHOVAT MUSSAR YESHARIM RAV CHABSHUSH RAV HELLER HAYAHADUT HATALMIDIM RAV MILSTON RAV BERGER RAV HELLER

LATE AFTERNOON SHIURIM (HEBREW) 6:30 PM נושא ראשון שני שלישי רביעי חמישי תנ"ך שיחות פרשת נביאים ראשונים נביאים אחרונים ספר ירמיהו תהילים שבוע הרב טוביה ליפשיץ הרב ארי הלר הרב ישעיהו הדר הרב טוביה ליפשיץ הרב אביגדור נבנצל מחשבה סוגיות במחשבת כוזרי רמב"ם- יסודי בין חסידים עיון תפילה ישראל לדורותיה הרב גדי שלוין התורה למתנגדים הרב ישעיהו הדרי ר’ בועז דהן הרב ציקי ברלין הרב ראובן זכריה הלכה הלכות שבת מדרשי הלכה סוגיות אקטואליות אורח חיים רמב"ם - הלכות הרב אביגדור נבנצל ואגדה בהלכה הרב אהרן מורה בית הבחירה הרב רוני קלופשטוק הרב ישעיהו שטיינברגר הרב אביגדור נבנצל מוסר/ בנין אמונה דרך ה' שמונה פרקים מאמר הדור - אורות התחיה השקפה הרב גדי שלוין הרב שלמה טובול לרמב"ם הרב קוק הרב אבנר ששר הרב יהודה עובדיה הרב ברוך וידר

NIGHT SHIURIM 10:30 PM

TOPIC SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY TANACH 5 MEGILOT TREI ASAR TEHILIM TANACH DIVREI AND IYOV RAV FLEISHER BAKOTEL PERSONALITIES HAYOMIM RAV TARAGIN RAV CUTLER RAV HORN RAV HERSCHLER

MACHSHAVA 30 TOPICS IN MACHSEVET MACHSHEVET MOREH INTRO TO YAD MACHSHAVA HARAMBAM HAMAHARAL NEVUCHIM HACHAZAKA RAV HORN RAV STEINBERGER RAV SCHWEDEL RAV BRODY RAV STEINBERGER

HALACHA SEPHARDIC BUSINESS ETHICS BASIC PRACTICAL HILCHOT WORKPLACE HALACHA RAV HERSCHLER HALACHA KASHRUT HALACHA RAV MOREH RAV FISCHER RAV KRAKOWSKI DR. HOCHHAUSER

HASHKAFA/ AVODAT LEARNING FROM TOR AT ERETZ MICHTAV MACHSHEVET MUSSAR HAMIDOT OUR GEDOLIM YISRAEL MEI’ELIYAHU HARAV HUTNER RAV CUTLER RAV TELLER RAV KATZ RAV EZEKIEL DR. HARRIS

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YESHIVAT HAKOTEL FACULTY

HANHALA

Rav Baruch Wieder, ROSH HAYESHIVA – has Semicha Rav Tuvya Lifshitz, MASHGIACH RUCHANI – studied from the Israeli Rabbinate. He studied at Yeshivat Mercaz at Yeshivat Hakotel and has both Semicha from the Israeli HaRav under Rav Zvi Yehuda HaKohen Kook Zt”l and in the Rabbanite and a Teachers Degree from Michlelet Lifshitz. halacha of Yeshivat Hakotel over which he later served He is well known for his Tanach and Machshava shiurim and as Rosh Kollel. During his army service he fought in a number for maintaining the yeshiva’s unique atmosphere. He gives a of crucial tank battles in the Lebanon War. In addition to yeshiva- wide sichot, weekly sicha for overseas talmidim and hosts talmidim at his home in the Rav Wieder gives a weekly sicha for overseas talmidim and often hosts talmidim Old City which includes a breathtaking view of the Har HaBayit. at his home in the Old City. Moti Jerbi, DIRECTOR – has a BA in Education and in Rav Chaim Yeshayahu Hadari, EMERITUS Communications and Media and is a Lieutenant Colonel – founded Yeshivat Hakotel in 1967. He learned for many in the Israel Army (Reserves) responsible for protecting years in the famed Chevron yeshiva and learned from/ Israel’s southern borders. In addition to his administrative with many of the greats of the past generation including responsibilities, Mr. Jerbi builds personal relationships Prof. Yehuda Even- Shmuel Z”L, Rav Dovid HaCohen (the with many talmidim. Nazir) Zt”l, Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook Zt”l, and Rav Yechezkel Sarna Zt”l. He is world Rav Gedalia Peterseil, OVERSEAS DIRECTOR – renowned as an expert in Jewish Philosophy (and the thought of Rav Kook Zt”l completed Semicha and a BA in Psychology and Education in particular) and has published hundreds of books and articles. after serving as a Hesder Paratrooper. Rav Peterseil has Rav Reuven Taragin, DEAN OF OVERSEAS STUDENTS – many years experience in education and educational is a Wexner Fellow and Musmach of the Israeli Chief administration including four years of shlichut in the United Rabbinate completed a BA in Science and Philosophy at States. He is also the Rav of Kehillat Shorashim in Katamon and the author of the Yeshiva University and an MA in Jewish History and “Tell it From the Torah” series on the Parsha. Education at Touro College (Israel). While in America Rav Taragin ran shabbatonim for NCSY and created the YUSSR summer program. Rav Taragin is responsible for the quality and message of the overall program and the welfare of each of its students with whom he develops deep personal kesharim. He is well-known for his shiurim in Gemara, Tanach and Machshava, his inspiring talks, signature tisches, and the personal advice he offers to talmidim.

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RAMIM Rav Dovi Fischer, NIGHT SEDER COORDINATOR – is a Graduate and Musmach of YU/RIETS, is a close student and Rav Shlomo Brody received his BA from Harvard former Shiur Assistant of Rav Zvi Sobolofsky and completed University, his Semicha from the Israeli Rabbinate, and is an MA in . In addition to night seder, Rav pursuing a doctorate in Jewish philosophy at the Hebrew Dovi organizes the Chaburot Initiative enabling all talmidim University. He is the online editor of Tradition and a columnist to prepare and deliver their own chaburot, gives shiurim in Practical Halacha, for The Post. In addition to his gemara shiur, and teaches a “Niggun Of The Week”. He is known for being very easy to relate which teaches the careful reading of rishonim that allows for critical analysis and to and for making talmidim feel comfortable in Yeshiva. conceptual understanding, Rav Brody also teaches a number of shiurim in Jewish philosophy and contemporary halachic issues. Rav Dan Katz, SHANA BET/ALUMNI COORDINATOR – completed a BA in Psychology from Columbia University and Rav Ari Cutler Rav Ari Cutler completed Semicha and an Semicha and an MA in Education from Yeshiva University. MA in Social Work from Yeshiva University. Rav Cutler gives Rav Katz coordinates the shana bet program, and alumni an interactive in depth gemara shiur rooted in the daf with affairs. The various responsibilities allow him to interact a special focus on the careful reading and analysis of the with talmidim and alumni in differentsettings and contexts. His down-to-earth Rishonim. He is also known for the close relationships that demeanor makes him very approachable. He also gives a number of shiurim on he develops with talmidim and his passionate sichot. Rav Cutler also teaches the topics of Halacha, Parshat Hashavua and Religious-Zionism. Machshavah, Tanach, Iyun Tefillah, and special shiurim at the Kotel. Dr. Carl Hochhauser, STAFF PSYCHOLOGIST – received Rav Ari Heller has Semicha from the Israeli Rabbinate, a his doctorate in Psychology from Yeshiva University and BA in Education from Herzog Teacher’s College, and a worked for several years in the United States as a clinical and Master’s Degree in Judaic Studies from Israel’s Ministry of health/pediatric psychologist. Dr. Hochhauser meets with Education. Rav Heller’s gemara shiur is unique in that it each talmid individually and is available to speak with them provides talmidim with solid foundations in both the textual regarding matters large and small. In addition, he organizes a special series that and conceptual aspects of learning. He is also known for learning b’chavruta helps talmidim deal with the psychological pressures of the year in Israel and a with each of his talmidim. special shana bet seminar on “Dating and Marriage”. Rav Jesse Horn completed a BA in Judaic Studies and MA in Jewish Education and Semicha at Yeshiva University. Rav Horn is known for teaching a methodological Brisker REBBEIM approach to learning. He helps boys develop their own skills by preparing shiur with them during morning seder. Rav Chanoch Teller, TEACHER – is an award-winning His warm personality and deep understanding of talmidim help him forge internationally renowned author, producer, lecturer, and particularly close relationships. globe-trotting Maggid. His scholarship on Holocaust related material has made him the premier docent in Yad Vashem for religious, English-speaking groups. Rav Teller delivers a HASHGACHA STAFF popular weekly sicha about Gedolei Yisrael. In addition he is the perennial guide for the yeshiva’s visits to Bnei Brak and Mea Shearim. Rav Yigal Chabshush, MASHGIACH – has semicha Rav Dovid Milston, TEACHER – earned a BA in Judaic from the Israeli Rabbinate, a B.Ed. from Herzog College, Studies from Jews College and Semicha from the Israeli and a MA in Talmud from Bar Ilan University. Rav Yigal has Rabbinate. In addition to serving as Director of the Overseas over twenty years of experience in teaching in multiple Program at Midreshet HaRova, Rav Milston gives popular educational institutions around the country, including ten shiurim at Hakotel in Mesilat Yesharim and Parashat Hashavua. years as Rosh Yeshiva of Or Torah Stone Yerushalayim Yeshiva High School. In his spare time Rav Yigal serves as combat officer in the Paratroopers Brigade Rav Motty Berger, TEACHER – completed a BA at Loyola where he is known nationally as one of the most popular and successful University and Semicha at Ner Yisrael and is a world famous chaplains. Rav Yigal’s tremendously rich personality and unique approach makes teacher of Contemporary Jewish Philosophy and Jewish an immediate impact and lasting impression on everyone he encounters. Principles. He gives very popular weekly shiurim at Hakotel.

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LIFE IN THE OLD CITY!

Learning and Living in the Old City of Yerushalayim is an unparalleled experience. The beit midrash windows give talmidim a view of the Har Habayit, Har Hazeitim, and the Yerushalayim landscape as they learn and daven. Talmidim develop a true sense of being l’fnei Hashem (in the presence of G-d).

SHIMMY STEINMETZ (WOODMERE) WITH JUSTIN GAGE (MERRICK, NY) RAV YIGAL CHABSHUSH WITH LEOR RAPPS (TEANECK), DOVIE LEVINSON (CHICAGO), AND ALEX KATZ (NEW ROCHELLE)

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CHANAN KUPIETSKY (ROSH MADRICHIM) GIVING A TOUR OF IR DAVID

ROSH YESHIVA HOSTING TALMIDIM AT HIS HOME RAV DAN KATZ WITH JOSH MEISEL (LOS ANGELES) AND EFRONI SCHLESINGER (MEMPHIS)

THE OLD CITY EXPERIENCE and English) as well as a computerized shiur library that includes thousands of recorded shiurim, a large dining room, a computer room, and a workout room – Visits to Old City excavations (including under the yeshiva building) that reveal all under one roof. In addition, the roof of our Yeshiva provides a breath- Jewish life thousands of years old connect talmidim to Yerushalayim’s history. taking view of both the new and Old City and the Har HaBayit. The large seven Looking at, living in, and taking part in contemporary events (like the Yom floor complex compromises 10% of the Jewish Quarter. Hazikaron, Yom Haatzmaut, and soldier swearing in ceremonies) connect talmidim to the process of the renewal of Judaism’s future in Israel. NEIGHBORHOOD HOSPITALITY Davening and spending time in the Old City shuls, dancing down to the Kotel on Friday nights, and spending chagim opposite the Kotel and Har Habayit are just a The Yeshiva connects talmidim with Old City families who are tremendous few examples of the special moments Yeshivat Hakotel talmidim experience. assets for overseas talmidim. These families are carefully chosen for their understanding of talmidim raised abroad and their ability to make talmidim feel at home. THE CAMPUS Additionally most of our staff lives on campus or in the Old City. Their homes Yeshivat Hakotel enjoys a spacious campus (24,000 square yards) which includes are constantly open to students. the Beit Midrash, 6 newly renovated dormitories, 2 extensive libraries (Hebrew

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EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND RECREATION

FITNESS

Talmidim have a daily two-hour afternoon break. In addition to opportunities for relaxation outside the Yeshiva, we offer daily use of our fully equipped exercise/ weight room. A certified personal trainer is available on the premises to ensure students a safe and healthy work-out. Sports facilities are available within close walking distance of the Yeshiva. Talmidim participate in intra- and inter- Yeshiva leagues in a variety of sports.

TIYULIM

Hakotel sees Yedi‘at Ha ‘aretz (familiarity with the Land of Israel) as a basic part of the Israel Yeshiva experience. Our tiyulim include several multiple-day trips (ex: Midbar Yehuda before Sukkot, four days in Negev and Eilat over Chanukah break, a week in the Golan before Pesach), over ten Shabbaton weekends (which generally include a trip on Friday) in communities around Israel, and approximately twenty other sightseeing days/afternoon. Hakotel‘s trips are unique in that they teach talmidim about the history of our connection to Eretz Yisrael — from Tanach (many with Tanach in hand) through the establishment of Medinat Yisrael until the present. In addition to the tiyulim within Israel, Hakotel runs a unique Poland trip after Sukkot. Members of our staff accompany talmidim on this unique trip and help them internalize the implications of the Holocaust and the founding of the State of Israel. The trip’s timing helps enhance the continued year long experience.

CHESED

Hakotel sees chesed as a basic part of being a Ben Torah. Although time in yeshiva should naturally focus on , it is essential that some time be devoted to doing chesed. We encourage each talmid to be involved in at least one of the number of chesed opportunities we offer during the week and on Shabbatot. These opportunities generally include, amongst other things, visiting hospitals, packaging for the poor, volunteering in soup kitchens, helping elderly and/or boys from weaker socio-economic backgrounds.

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YHK05_A4_Bro_141013.indd 13 10/14/13 10:33 PM WWW.HAKOTEL.ORG.IL • [email protected]

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