Day two of Yarchei Kallah is coming to a close, and the only thing going through my mind is how excited I am. I spent the entire day today learning topics which were completely new to me, talking with my close friends, listening to incredible speeches, and learning one-on-one with amazing people. I couldn’t be happier. Today started off great, with a powerful Shacharit service and the opportunity to put on my Tefillin, something I don’t always get the chance to do. Then I moved on to breakfast and an extremely meaningful Chabura (small learning session) meeting with the one and only Mordi Spero, where we explored the first chapter of the story of Jonah in depth. I was able to learn new things about the story that I never knew before. That was very special because I always love to learn new aspects of stories I’ve known since I was very young.
What I love most about Yarchei Kallah, so far, is that there is almost always a time to sit down and have a meaningful conversation with an advisor or a rabbi. I grow the most as a religious Jew from those conversations, where I can share my opinions of Judaism with them and they can share theirs with me. If Jews are not constantly questioning every aspect of Judaism, we are not achieving as much as we can, and therefore are not growing spiritually.
After lunch, we moved on to a segment I enjoyed very much. For about half an hour I walked around the hotel and chose books I was interested in learning, then there was a short introduction to each book. I was excited to receive The Way of God (Derech Hashem) because this book explores many questions I have about Judaism and God. I am extremely excited to dive in and study this book as soon as I get home.
To wrap up the night, NCSY put together an extravagant Siyum (concluding ceremony) to celebrate the end of NCSY’s long running Learn-a-thon. We heard inspiring words from Rabbi Mayer Twersky, the brother of Rabbi Moshe Twersky a”h, who was killed in the Jerusalem synagogue terrorist attack, and Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Weinberg. They both gave outstanding speeches. We then sang and danced. I personally had a great time.
But, before going up to write this blog and calling it a day, I learned Gemara with the amazing Rabbi Riesel. We were able to get into a very involved discussion on Brachot. I am extremely honored to be able to be on Yarchei Kallah. I can’t wait to experience the next three days and continue having a blast!
Ethan Dalva, 10th Grade – Winston Churchill High School