Today we went on one of the only water hikes in all of Israel. We got to, and I mean this quite literally; walk through over 2 kilometers of water in our bathers! Following which we had scrumptious sandwiches under a beautiful Israeli bridge. We then went to an extraordinary viewpoint, located on a former army base, which fascinatingly enough the Iron Dome is there every so often. On the way back to Tzvas Ir HaKodesh we stopped at the holy resting place of the Rebbes brother; Yisrael Aryre Leib.
Simcha Friedman LIVE!!!
Mivtza Torah is one of the many ongoing programs we have at YKTH, aside for the special grand trip those that do the Mivtza receive, we also get uniquw events such as the one we had tonight, and delicious Israeli style Laffas filled with Shnizel and salads. After the event the world renowned performer and singer Simcha Friedman with the popular Yosef Chaim band, joined us above the central Sta’’m center for a truly unbelievable concert. They had set up a huge stage, powerful speakers and incredible lights. Some of our very own talented bochurim joined Simcha on stage, singing together. The energy was electric, over 100 chevra strong dancing together with a tremendous amount of chayus.
kumzitz
This past Wednesday night, we had a moving and hartzike band meet us on the Safrus center rooftop. We started with delicious subway bouget salami, turkey, hummus and all the good stuff stuffed in our sandwiches together with some solid refreshing cold drinks. Afterward we crowded around these professional Chassidishe kumzizters, and sang the night away, it was another memorable evening in YKTH
Color War!!!
It all started in the middle of our second sports activity, a
massive Israeli tractor with an even more Israeli driver rolled right up, into the
center of our football field. All the bochurim gathered around asking him to leave,
but he said he had strict orders to be here, even the director came out to help but
to no avail. Suddenly we got showered by a plethora of water balloons,
we looked up and saw the staff all on the roof of the 4 story yeshiva complex,
shouting and singing color war. The generals and captains were chosen, teams divided, and the fun began. First were these hilarious skits, followed by team time
with loads if farbaisen. The jobs were split up and a select group from each team
spent the night up preparing the song and play– or at least trying to prepare. When we awoke on the morning we found the zal plastered with signs
containing information of great importence and intelligence. Throughout the day
we had a whole array of deiffrent competions such as basketball, hockey, baking,
photography, game show, acting and singing.
Visting day, Midrachov outing and swimmming
The Midrachov, home to the famous Naot shoe store, and some of Israel’s finest cafes, delis and shops. This Sunday YKTH walked down there and spent a solid 4 hours buying, eating and touring. The store owners were extremely accommodating by even offering special discounted prices for the bochurim. We then had YKTH time, follwed by a geshmake swim in the newly built state-of-the-art swimming pool.
Motzei Shabbos, Melava Malka,
It was Motzei Shabbos, which meant that it is finally time for the long awaited grand staff vs. camper All-star Basketball game. The top 10 bochurim were voted in by the rest of camp, along with the other esteemed positions such as coach, referee, janitor and even game magnet. Right at the start the bochurim were in the lead, however as the game progressed the staff caught up, eventually even surpassing the bochurim, ultimately winning the game 23 to 9! Melava Malka was then served, freshly baked steaming pizza with mouthwatering chocolate pudding, what a treat. The head counselor showed a video of the week in review, followed by benching and a gute voch.
Israeli naval base, Winery, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai
At YKTH we are sometimes privy to places and things that are normally off limits for the general public. Fortunately for us today was one of those times; the second in command in the Israeli navy, personally invited us to the central Naval operations base for Israel, located right off the Chaifa shores. We got to see humongous battleships, where at any given time is home to 60 officers ready to defend us - their dear brothers and sisters. Israel’s submarines were then shown to us, along with special permission to walk atop its conning tower. It was then off to the well-known Galil Winery, beginning with the opportunity to taste 3 unique types of dry wine, followed by a grand tour of the Galils impressive wine production, from the vineyard all the way to the bottle. As memorabilia, we were given a glass wine cup with the Galil logo. On the way back to Yeshiva we stopped in Meron and visted the holy resting place of the Rashbi, we davend mincha and said Tehillim at the Kever. Back at Yeshiva we went to Mikva, called home, got into our bikdei Shabos and had some delicious hot Kugel, all ready in unison to greet the Shabbos Malka.
Tubing,biking...
What an action packed day we had at YKTH. Bait Hillel biking was just totally exhilarating, we biked through the hot Israel terrain, reaching a romantic forest with a gorgeous stream flowing right through. As well as, lovely natural overgrowth, which formed incredible tunnel like paths that we got to bike on. 4 miles later and all shivitzed up, we headed for water tubing. Prepared for us were these massive flotation mattress tubs, 8 jumped on at a time, connected to a speed boat, we practically flew across the Kinnert waters. We then went to an Olympic size swimming pool followed by a delicious BBQ.
Tisha B'Av in YKTH
It was a very sad and mournful 24 hours in YKTH. Being that we are in Eretz Yisroel, the very land that the Beis Hamikdash stood for hundreds of years, our Tisha B'Av took on a whole new light and meaning. With tears streaming down the eyes of many bochurim we sat down on the cold tiled floor, for bread & eggs dipped in ashes. We then convened in the central multi-purpose room for Marriv and Eicha, led by HaRav Meir Shlomo Gordon - distinguished Baal Koireh at 770 Eastern Pkwy A.K.A Chabad Headquarters. The next morning we Davend a heartfelt Shachris followed by Kinus and Eicha, then watched highly educational historical documentaries on Israel and the Holocaust. After a good nap and plenty of YKTH time, we put on Tefflin for Mincha, watched a Video of the Rebbe then davend Marriv. And so after much davening we were certain Hashem accepted all our Teffilos, and we’re finnaly ready for a serious Break-fast. We filled our hungry stomaches with Bagels, lox, cream cheese, salads, pastas, delicious gourmet home fries, tuna without tartare and yummy egg salad. After our WHOLESOME AND HEARTY meal, we said Kiddush Levana and danced through the night in great celebration.
Grand C-Bochur lunch event
Throughout the entire summer, staff at YKTH run a Mivtza called C-Bocher, encouraging the Bochurim to add in their Chasidishkeit and Hiskashrus to the Rebbe. As an incentive we receive personalized memorabilia as well as grand events. This past Monday we had one of the events, lunch atop a gorgeous rooftop overlooking the beautiful Tzfas landscape, we enjoyed crepes, salads, pasta and ice cream. Thank you dedicated YKTH staff!
Amuka and Hike
Sunday late afternoon as the sun began to set, YKTH set out on what was going to be a memorable hike. Rabbi Menachem Benshimon an esteemed Teacher at Yeshivas Tzeirei Hashluchim throughout the year, guided us on the infamous path to Amuka. Climbing over fences and wires we finally reached the holy resting site of the great Rabbi Yonasan ben Uziel. Many come there daily to daven for all types of brochos primarily shidduchim. It was such a wonderful zechus that we made it there.
Mivtzoim and Kever Arizal
This past Friday morning YKTH split up into 5 groups, each going to a different part of the Holy Land, from Kirat Shemone to chatzar, with Teffilin in our hands we conqured the roads, shops and kiosks of Israel. All together we were able to lay Tefflin with over 40 Yidden!! Afterwards we gathered at the famous Tzvas cemetery, went to the Arizals Mikva and then davend at his Kever. What was so special and unique was the thousends of yidden we got to see, all there in honor of the Yartzeit of the Arizal. At camp we got ready for Shabbos with some fabulous hot farbeisen followed by Mincha, Seder niggunim, Kabbolas Shabbos and a delicous Friday night Shabbos meal and Farbrengens.
Former Arab Muslim- terrorist hunter speaks
Tonight Hay Av, we had a jaw dropping, stomach churning, emotional and life altering evening, where we all experienced a complete paradigm shift. Rabbi Avraham Sinai came and spoke to us about his incredible childhood and young adult life. Born in Lebanon to a religious Shia Muslim family, his brothers being in the Lebanese army created a great quarrel between them and their fellow Muslims, leading to the 13 brothers defending continuous attacks from the newly established Hezbollah terrorist organization. He then befriended an Israeli soldier-after the soldier delivered his child thereby making a deep bond with Israel in general, to the extent that he informed the Israelis before every Hezbollah attack. Eventually he was captured, terrible things then happened including them doing horrible and unimaginable torture sessions as well as killing his baby with boiling hot gasoline. One year later they let him go, he then became one of Israel’s top Arab spies, himself killing numerous threats to Israel including planting a bomb right outside the home of Hassan Nasrallah. In 2000 he moved to Tzfas and after a few years become a Ger Tzedek, all in all the bochurim were impacted tremendously and very inspired.
Exploring the old city of Tzfas
This past Wednesday we put on our hiking gear and ran through the gorgeous and scenic city of
Tzfas, making our way to the famous and historical old city. Rabbi Marzel, Shilach to the Tzemach Tzedek shul greeted us warmly and shared the incredible background of the shul. Next was Glass blowing, we got to see how they make beautiful glass Mezuzos and L'chaim cups. Then tour guide Areye guided us through the nooks and crannies of the mountains, hills and valleys. He showed the spectacular Tzfas Art Gallery, displaying thousands of painting, portraits and photos. Finally it was Dinner time we platzed onto a spacious plaza located in the heart of the old city, scrumptious hot pizza was then served.
Safrus Night!!
High up in the Tzfas hills stands a magnificent gold stone structure, housing a state of the art Safrus facility. Tuesday night YKTH made it there. The first thing we did was climb atop a technologically advanced transitory bleachers, traveling around an incredible 4-D presentation. Afterwards the chief Sofer gave us the unique opportunity to write our own names on real authentic parchment with kosher ink and quill! Lastly we had a spectacular game show, testing our knowledge in what we had just learnt regarding Teffiln, Sefer Torah and Mezuzos. It was an educational experience par excellence, A groisen dank YKTH!!
Grand Yerushalaim Shabbaton Day #3/4 5777
After a very uplifting and rousing Shabbos we davend Marriv at the Kosel Hama'aravi, followed by a gorgeous YKTH group photo right in front of the Kosel. Gili our tour guide then took us on a jaw-dropping tour atop the walls of the old city of Yerushalaim, ending at Shaar Tzion. For Melava Malka; it was hot, tasty and fresh pizza on the Diaspra rooftop, after benching and Krias shema we retired for the night.
Bright and early Sunday morning after davening Shachris, we got to go into the tunnels beneath the Kosel and Arab quarter, together with our brilliant tour guide Shlomo we had the great zechus of saying Tehillim at the closest possible place to the Kodesh Hakodoshim, followed by mouthwatering and delectable pita falafel sandwiches. With Gili on board we headed to Ammunition Hill, beginning with an awe inspiring presentation on its rich and moving history. Outside we were then able to go through the actual trenches and bunkers, where the Israelis fought the Jordanians! The next place we went really shook us to the core - Pantry Packers. We learnt what it meant to help those that are less fortunate than us, for 2 hours straight we filled, sealed and packed food for the poor and needy of Eretz Yisroel. After Mincha it was time for another culture shock; the Geula neighborhood. Jews of all shapes and sizes bustling about its hectic streets, - it is an amazing sight. For dinner we each got to go to the eatery of our choice, and then went shopping for gifts for family and friends ;).
Marriv was davend in the beautiful 770 replica in Ramat Shlomo. Our magnificent 4 day journey was coming to an end, as we got onto to the busses and headed back to camp. 2 hours later a symphony of snoring bochurim pulled up to Hagdud Hashlishi 5, Tzvas Israel, miraculously we all made it up to bed and immediately fell into a deep deep sleep. Thank you YKTH for an unforgettable and memorable trip!
Grand Yerushalaim Shabbaton Day #2 5777
Early morning on Erev Shabbos Kodesh, YKTH is ready to rumble. After trekking down to the old city of Yerushalim for Mikva, we davend Shacharis and ate a delicious breakfast. The excitement was palpable as we walked down the steep and windy road to Ir Dovid. When we arrived we were graciously greeted by our tour guide Yehuda, who so eloquently explained the rich history of the old Davidic city. He also told us about the fascinating excavations and archeological findings that were taking place right in front of our eyes. The most awesome part of it all was when we entered the incredible water tunnels of Chizkiyahu HaMelech. While holding flashlights and getting soaked in the tunnel waters we sang and danced our way through. We then hiked back up to the Diaspora Yeshiva, dried off and to the Machene Yehuda shuk we went. It was a total blast bargaining with the Israeli shopkeepers followed by a real shuk style lunch. Back down Yaffa street we went while demonstrating to all, the real YKTH spirit. After preparing for Shabbos it was time for the extreme highlight of our trip, Friday night at the Kosel HaMaravi. Dressed in our Shabbos clothes, we walked down the streets of the old city until we reached the Kosel, one can definitely feel the intense energy and emotion gushing through the veins, as many of the bochrim kissed the Kosel for the first time, as the Freediker Rebbe famously did in 1929. It was now time for Seder Niggunim, all 103 members of YKTH sat around, right in the center of the Kosel plaza. As thousands of yidden of all types looked on, we began singing Tzama lecha nafshi, slowly but surely the others joined in until YKTH lit the divine flames in which all were engulfed, it was truly a unprecedented site to behold.
At the Shabbos seuda that night in the Diaspora hall, Rabbi Chaim Kaplan head shliach to Tzvas spoke to us on how as Chabad chassidim we ought to view the Kosel. It was an inspiring and meaningful Friday night, chassidishe Farbrengens followed the seuda as many took on special hachlotos in honour of the occasion. We then said krias shema, lied down and went to sleep, good shabbos YKTH.
Grand Yerushalaim Shabbaton Day #1 5777
It was Wednesday night when we found out that we will be going on a 4 day trip to the holy city of Yerushalaim. That night we could barely fall asleep, for many of us it is going be our first time at the Kosel Hamahravi.
At 7 A.M we woke up went to mikva, davend Shacharis and ate breakfast. And so with Choku Besakit and danishes in our hands we jumped onto the busses and off we went.
Stop one day one; the armored corps museum and Memorial site at laturn, it is the largest tank museum in Israel, boasting 110 tanks, including the Merkava and T-74 tanks as well as a M4 Sherman tank mounted atop a former British water tower. We then watched a heart wrenching film about our dear brothers that we lost at war. Our tour guide Yoram then told us how when he was in the army they were using old Israeli tanks from the 1980's which made him a bit nervous. However when he saw that his friend's tank was being shelled from all sides and yet no one was injured he calmed down, demonstrating to us how from Israel's inception they're primary concern was the safety and protection of its soldiers. After feasting on a scrumptious lunch we boarded the busses heading to the famous Bar Kochba caves. Gili our new tour guide took us through some facanating tunnels, crawling on our stomaches in the dark we really felt like we were reliving the lives of our ancesters. Afterwards we finally headed to our beloved Mamma Rochel in Beis Lechem. At Kever Rachel we all davend a heartfelt Mincha, and then said Tehilim for the dire situation in Eretz Yisroel in general and Har Habayis in particular. We then arrived at the Diaspora Yeshiva and unpacked into our deluxe and splendid accommodation's. Our rooms were a moments walk from Shaar Tzion and Kever Dovid also overlooking the glorious and holy city of Yerushalaim.
An elaborate and elegant rooftop buffet dinner was then served, we had laffas stuffed with salad and shwarma. Afterwards we went down to the Diaspora hall and we're greeted by the well known shliach and illusionist Rabbi Victor Atiyah, entertaing us with his unbelievable tricks and great sense of humor. He then shared with an emotional story of how his daughter died in a fire just for wanting to be tzinus. After Marriv and Krias shema, we were more than ready for a good night sleep. It was an awesome start to our grand Yerushalim Shabbaton!!!
Trip #2 5777
What a geshmake day in YKTH! Beginning as always with chassidus, shacharis and a delicious breakfast. However during learning class today we began learning something new; the historical backdrop to some of the major cities in Eretz Yisroel. Afterwards we filled up our water backpacks, davend Mincha and leaped right onto the buses. Our first stop; Dishon Traktarinim, at first we ate a good hearty lunch followed by benching. Then, we went on some heavy duty jeeps, and cruised through the rocky hills of keren naftali. We then went on an adventurous hike deep in the zemer mountains. We then all packed back onto the buses and got to go on our second Israeli shopping experience. After loading up all of our purchases, we headed straight to the center of Ramalla where we thoroughly enjoyed the blue waters of an enormous swimming pool. When we were done getting dressed, we were then treated to an amazing BBQ dinner, hamburgers, chicken, hot dogs, salad and tons more!! We then benched and cleaned up and headed back to camp. At camp we davend marriv and said Krias shema, making our way to our rooms for a much needed nights rest. It was just another one of those extraordinary days for the bochurim at YKTH.
First Shabbos 5777, Melave Malka, Sports draft.
We had an incredibly uplifting Shabbos, from the singing and dancing Friday night to Shabbos afternoon clubs. The bochurim had the opportunity to choose from a full array of different clubs be it chess tournaments, Farbrangens, crossfire's, tour Tzfas and much much more! Shabbos concluded with an inspiring Seder Niggunim and a most beautiful Havdala service, Motzoei Shabbos we had a delicious pizza and pudding Melava Malka. After we ate, it was finally time for the long-awaited grand Sports Draft. The eight captains were called up followed by the next few hours of meticulously choosing their team. It was another truly exhilarating evening in YKTH.