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One of the unique features of the yeshiva’s off premises activities is its Chesed program. Over the year we have the opportunity to really roll up our sleeves and make a difference to families across the country.

Just last week was one of those special days. Came Tuesday afternoon and instead of our regular Tiyul schedule we were brought to the warehouse of one of the largest if not the largest Chesed organization in Israel: Yad Eliezer. From here hundreds if not thousands of families receive boxes of food that literally make the difference as to whether they will have food that month. After seeing a presentation of some of Yad Eliezer’s activities, the fun started. Boxes and boxes were packed, full of the basics; oil, canned foods, dry goods, sugar etc.

As the items were passed down the assembly line, quicker and quicker, as we got the hang of it, we could just think of those families who unfortunately do not have the means to feed their families. “Watch out here comes the beans”, came the warning as bags of beans came flying down to be packed.

We certainly look forward to our next opportunity to help out.

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Raffle 2011- 2012

Once again the yeshiva is in the middle of one of its major fundraising drives. Building on last year’s success where we topped of $50,000, this year we are aiming at $75,000. These fundraisers is what it makes possible the yeshiva fulfilling its vision of “No Jew will be left behind” especially because of financial need.

And the excitement mounted as the Talmidim got ready for an evening of calls, reaching out to the former Talmidim and friends of the yeshiva. Call after call, the response was strong with our alumni coming through time and time again. As the Talmidim enjoyed the sushi! They were recharged.

At one point Rabbi Langsam who is heading the drive this year had to say enough “I can’t keep my eyes open anymore”

Yet the boys said, leave the call sheets with us and we will continue.

Came the next Sunday night and once again the boys came through with call after call while the grill was on and the steaks were cooking!

And then the week after were Alumni gathered at the house of the Rosh Hayeshiva, Rav Granofsky shlit”a they themselves calling on there friends and others.

B’h the momentum is building and the boys want more.

And what about you…..?

Click http://ohrdavid.org/buy-raffle-tickets-now-2/ and become a partner in the Chinuch of the yeshiva, building generations on and on.

It is only with your help that we do continue.

Thank you in advance.

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Let it Shyne!
Shuki Weinstein

As Tuesday came and went, the absence of the weekly trip had the boys disappointed, but little did they know the Rabbeim had another surprise up their sleeves. This Thursday, at 4:54 p.m., a school text blast went out saying “Shyne is in the House!” For those of you that are not familiar with ‘Shyne’ (a.k.a. Moshe Levi), let me break it down for you. Shyne was raised on the streets of Brooklyn, low on dough and mixed with the wrong crowds. With a rough background and a passion for music, he began to pursue his rap career. What started out as a rhyme or two on the streets of Flatbush turned into top hit singles that featured the hottest artist of the time.
Having all the materialistic pleasures at his fingertips, Shyne’s Jewish soul yearned for truth. Both of his parents, although Jewish by law, had no affiliation with Judaism. Shyne, however, remembers his grandmother telling him stories of great Jews such as Avraham Avinu, Moshe Rabbeinu, and Dovid HaMelech. Shyne told us that all his life, before making any major decision, he made sure to pray to The One Above, the same One that Avraham, Moshe and Dovid prayed to. Due to unfortunate incidents, Shyne was incarcerated for about a decade. Unlike many who spend their time behind bars counting the cracks in the wall, Shyne used his time to get close to HaKadosh BaruchHu. “For eight years straight,” said Shyne, “I davened Shaharit at sunrise.” He said that he knew that if he started his day with tefilah and tefillin, it will protect him from danger that surrounds him. After being released, he continued on to Jerusalem where he now learns in the Bellz Yeshiva, in addition to keeping up his rap career.
Shyne opened up his vort by telling the boys that they cannot go through life thinking that someone owes them something, especially G-d. He said each of you is here for yourself. You have great Rabbeim, but they can’t do stuff for you, they can just help. He told over the story of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons that ‘got smoked’ on Rosh Chodesh Nissan. He said that although they were great Tzadikim they went in to do the avodah ‘like they own the place,’ without first consulting Moshe or Aaron. Had they asked for help and guidance, they would have avoided a deadly mistake.
Afterward Shyne opened up the floor for questions. Jake asked about how Shyne manages to keep his mind on Torah when he is out doing concerts. Shyne said that we shouldn’t think that he doesn’t have temptations, but “I know that there is a G-d above and that I’m going to have to answer to him.” Also he said that is why he is in Israel, learning and giving himself strength to survive in the world of tumah. Eli asked about his performances, and how a show today differs from fifteen years ago. Shyne said that the differences are minute: “I don’t use profanity and I just have a different conversation now. I rap about people who stand idly by while others need help. I always prayed to G-d before shows and I never had girls or drugs on stage.” Other questions followed along the lines of Shyne’s approach to G-d, to what he answered “I was always the person that I am today, trying to be the best man that I can be, except now I have a Gemora in my pocket instead of a gun.”
After Shyne was finished speaking, it wasn’t hard to tell that the guys were moved. I am sure that Shyne’s words will stay in everyone’s minds and hearts. After taking a couple of pictures with Shyne, he was on his way (with his Hasidish entourage) back to yeshiva. The boys thanked the Rabbeim for such a special afternoon and then went on to afternoon seder.

video of the shiur

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Bikur Cholim

Yisrael Meir Brown

In Parshat Vayeira, Hashem appeared to Abraham while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent, just three days after his circumcision. Abraham lifted his eyes and saw three strangers approaching his tent. Abraham greeted these men, washed their feet and fed them. These three strangers, according to our tradition, were none other than three angels: Michael, Gabriel and Rafael. Each of these angels had a specific mission that he was sent on, and Rafael’s mission was to heal Abraham.
A question then arises: if Abraham needed refuah (healing), why didn’t Hashem heal him when he had appeared to him earlier that morning? Was there really a need to do the healing through an angel? Our sages taught us that the reason why Hashem appeared to Abraham is to visit him while he was in pain, and show us that when someone is sick we should pay them a visit. So why didn’t he heal him during his visit? To show us that Bikur Cholim (Visiting the Sick) should be done whether or not you think you can improve their health. Let’s just say that Ohr David Boys took this lesson to heart when they went to visit Bikur Cholim Hospital this Tuesday.
Equipped with three guitars, one ukulele, a drum, a flute, a juggler (our own Shaya G.), and a whole lot of funny hats, glasses and toys (thanks to Benjy and Henry), our OD musicians, vocalists, entertainers, and just plain old good hearted boys were set out to visit the sick. Under the guidance of our Rabbis; R’ Katz, R’ Ritholtz and R’Rocky, the boys split up into several groups. Some had the opportunity to visit the elderly, others were singing to those who just got out of surgery, and some got the joys of putting smiles on the faces of sick children.
Our boys sung songs ranging from ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ all the way to ‘L.O.V.E.’, with tons of variations in between. Some of them even had the enthusiasm to do the ‘Hokey Pokey’ with the kids — that sure made them laugh. There was one lady who said she was too weak to enjoy our visit and asked us not to even bother, but our boys didn’t give up too easy. After twenty minutes of singing and dancing in her room, she was sitting up in her bed with a big smile on her face.
Towards the end of our visit, the boys got to meet an old man with a great story. He said he was from Tel Aviv and was visiting Jerusalem for a short time. While he was at the city hall square, he had a heart attack and collapsed onto the floor. The shortest amount of time it takes for an ambulance to arrive from it’s base to his location was 13 minutes, during which every second would reduce the chance of his survival. It happened to be that Hadassah Hospital, four minutes prior to his heart attack, sent out an ambulance to his area to perform a maintenance check. When the emergency call went through, the ambulance was able to be by his side in under a minute. With every second on the line the EMT used a defibrillator to administer an electric shock to his chest to get the heart pumping—and nothing. “He told me later that he said a short prayer and then shocked me again,” said the old man, “and then my heart started pumping and I began to breathe.” The boys were amazed. “No matter what you call him; ‘Hashem,’ G-d,’ or ‘Elokim’,” he said “just know that he runs the world!”
With that great experience the boys packed up their stuff and left the hospital. “It is always a great experience doing Bikur Cholim,” said Rabbi Katz, “not only do the sick know that we care about them but we also gain a greater appreciation for our own health.” As the boys were getting on the bus back to Yeshiva, they began discussing future plans involving the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim.

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First Annual West Coast Reunion Dinner

A first for the yeshiva, Alumni and friends gathered this December at the beautiful Shaari Zedek Shul for a reunion dinner.

The brainstorm of parents David and Peggy Ash, it was an evening of really showing what Yeshivat Ohr David is all about. As the alumni came in, the feelings of warmth and simcha just washed over us. Here we saw how the lessons taught at the yeshiva were being applied in the “real” world. Whether sitting and learning, in chinuch or in the business place, those lessons were being put into good use. Torah and teffilah was their motto.

Both Rabbi Granofsky and Rabbi Langsam flew in especially for this event and it was a true pleasure for them. [Rabbi Berry who had booked a flight was delayed in Eretz Yisroel by his grandson’s Bris that morning – Mazel Tov! His gain was our loss.]

It is difficult to be able to thank our hosts David and Debby Ash who went all out in making this event a success. To say that they were on top of each and every detail would be an understatement. It started with save the date cards, on to the actual invitation, follow up calls, record keeping, the hall, and caterer, photographer and even to the gift for all that joined us. Thank you and much Nachas.

The evening’s schedule was opened by Mr. Ash, Master of Ceremony for the evening. To start he introduced Harav Jonathan Rosenberg, Morah D’asrah, to say words of Bracha.

Rav Rosenberg shared with us an insight by Harav Hagoan Rav Shimon Schwab Zt”l. In Parshas Vayichi the Torah recaps the Birchas Yaakov by saying that he blessed each tribe with their bracha. Asks Rabbi Schwab “Not all of the tribes received brachos? Shimon and Levi were rebuked!”

Furthermore, when one looks into the future we see Levi and Shimon on two separate paths. While Shevet Levi goes on to become one of the outstanding tribes, producing Kohanim and Leviyim, the tribe of Shimon gives forth Zimri and challenge Moshe Rabbeinu!

What happened?

With terrific insight he explains, the greatest blessing that one can have is to know himself; his strengths and yes even his weaknesses’. To be able to define oneself is the first step in all growth.

Levi “heard” Yaakov and grew from his words; Shimon did not.

Rav Rosenberg said that this is what makes Yeshivat Ohr David special. The yeshiva is a place that helps the talmid define himself through the eye glasses of Torah.

He wished the yeshiva continued successes in what they are doing so well.

His words were followed by a short Dvar Torah from the Rosh Hayeshiva.

He expressed the feeling of conflict that he feels at this part of the year. On one hand we celebrate Chanukah, the rededication of the Bais Hamikdash and the just a few days later we are fasting Asarah B’teves, the first step of destruction.

Rav Granofsky expressed an important point. Chanukah is not over after the eight days. Chanukah continues on and on through all the generations.

He shared an insight of Harav Hagoan Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurbach zt”l who pointed out that while in the Al Hanissim prayer of Purim there is a description of  the total destruction of the enemy, yet by Chanukah the emphasis is more on the miracle. Harav Aurbach explains that the battle of Chanukah in fact, is still on going. We are still battling the outside influences.

Rav Granofsky pointed out, that this is what is going on the yeshiva. The Talmidim are given the tools necessary to go out there to the world and continue the “fight” of the Maccabbees.

The guest speaker an old time friend, Rabbi Avrohom Stulberger Rosh Hayeshiva of Yeshiva Valley Torah, kept us captivated by his divrei torah and its timely message.

He spoke about his relationship with the yeshiva which spans 25 years. He said an investment in the yeshiva is an investment in Klal Yisroel.

“Just look at the products sitting in this room!”

He retold the story of Rav Shimon Schwab yet a young student and his meeting with the saintly Chofetz Chaim. The Chofetz Chaim asked him “Are you a kohen? Why?” The answer is that 3000 years ago when Moshe called out to Klal Yisroel “Mi Lahashem Alay?” the tribe of Levi stepped forward. My “father” stepped forward and “yours” didn’t.

The Chofetz Chaim was telling him, that the ramifications of your actions are not just now, but can continue on for thousand of years.

When you deal with an issue, don’t look at it as an isolated moment in time, rather look into the future and see its ramifications.

The investment in this unique yeshiva is an investment into the future.

He went on to make another point based on the Seforno who explains Moshe Rabbeinu’s statement “Did I give birth to them?”

Moshe was saying a father can lead even a diverse group of children and the reason for this is that they are convinced of his unconditional love. Moshe was saying, I have not yet earned that level of confidence from the Jews and therefore am not capable to give them what they need.

Yeshivat Ohr David has that trust. The relationship that is built between the Rabbeim and Talmidim is felt at he moment that you step into the yeshiva.

This is Ohr David.

As an unexpected speaker Rabbi Langsam first read a letter sent by Rabbi Berry thanking the Ashes and expressing his regret that he was not able to be there with us. He expressed the feeling that Ohr David is a family – “Keep in touch with Torah, Keep in touch with your Rabbeim”.

Rabbi Langsam then expressed the Ash’s dedication to Torah, firstly by sending their own son to yeshiva and then by all the support they extend to the yeshiva. He called on Rabbi Granofsky to present a token of the Yeshiva’s appreciation, a beautiful silver mezuzah case to grace their new home. May they enjoy many years together there, in good health and nachas.

Of course we can not forget to thank all the friends and Rabbeim that joined us that night, a true sign of the support that the community has for the yeshiva.  It is these people and their support that makes it possible for the yeshiva to continue in its work Thank you!

All in all a successful evening enjoyed by all.

Click here to see pictures



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Eilat South Trip

A Three Day Adventure

With months of living in freezing Ramot, the good men of Yeshivat Ohr David were looking for a relief from it all. And they got it, in the form of a three-day trip to the South. With plans for boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, Imax-watching, hiking, barbequing, and paintballing, what could possibly go wrong? Indeed, a good time was had by all.

The first activity was paintball, and, to be honest, this writer never played before. I’ll probably never play again; not that it wasn’t fun, but it certainly made me nervous. Still, there’s something exhilarating about getting hit with a ball of paint travelling at 85 MPH. Following that was a muddy hike. When we came back, we were all covered in, well, mud. Good times.

The next day we spent our time on a boat. While not everyone was able to enjoy scuba diving, to compensate snorkeling was permitted. The ocean floor, if you haven’t seen it up close, is stunning! The coral and multi-colored fish certainly added to the scenery. Dancing and partying and good times were had, but alas, the boat ride came to a close. Afterwards, we enjoyed visiting the Imax/wax museum. While the wax sculptures did leave something to be desired (particularly Obama’s hairstyle), there’s something quite fun about posing with Albert Einstein.

The last day of the trip came, and the good times came to a close. But not before we went on a hike, that is. The original plan was to go on a six-hour hike. However, the rain cancelled that plan, so a one-hour hike was had instead. Nevertheless, the view at sunset could bring a man to tears. Or a wolf, for that matter. We also visited a large crater area, which was definitely a sight to behold. Finally, we arrived back to our home in Ramot, cold climate and all. Eilat certainly is beautiful, and I’d recommend it to tourists and Israeli residents alike.

To see pictures, click on the links below:

Paintball

Bar Kochva Caves

Keturah

Boat Ride/Water Sports

Imax

Machtesh Rimon (the crater)

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Chanukah Mesiba 2010

What a night! The air was charged and without warning before we had a chance to settle in, the Yediyot Klaliyot contest was on. Devised to broaden the Talmid’s general Torah Knowledge and teach them things they need to learn things like: The seven laws of Noach, The different parshos, all the mesechtot of Shas and on and on. Rabbi Ackerman threw the questions at the guys and one by one he received the answers.

Oops! Wait a minute “Was that an acceptable answer Rabbi Granofsky”, asked Rabbi Ackerman? One down and twenty nine talmidim to go. As the questions got harder and harder more and more guys fell out.

And now time for a break with the Battle of the Bands. The battle of the bands, instituted in the Chanukah Mesiba last year, took off with a bang. Group after group came forward to play their original songs. Here’s who performed:

1. Nacho, Shuki, Henry, Michael Johnson, Nachman

2. Tzvi Ney, Dovid Mittel, Michael Johnson

3. Eli Friedman, Duv Polansky, Pertez

4.Ezzy Astor, Ehrenpreis, Rabbi Roberg

Judged by the panel: R Ritholtz, R Calek, R Birnbaum, R Katz and R Roberg.

It was quite an impressive performance with quality songs and music.

And then back to the Yediyot Klaliyot.

Along the way the delicious seuda was served with the guys having a great time.

We were down to four guys (Peretz Eisenberg, Jake Frankel, Mordy Kravetsky and Shloimy Nemtzov) and Rabbi Ackerman took them into the English library to see if he could narrow down the players. First went Peretz and as he fielded question after question Rabbi Ackerman found it hard to shake him.

But… suddenly it got quiet! And he was out.

Then came the turn of the rest and there was no shaking them. The tension was obvious on their faces as they strained to give acceptable answers. Saying complete Sedorim backwards and forwards they were unshakable and finally they were all declared winners!

Congratulations Mordy Jake and Shloimy!!

And back to the bands…

Congratulations Zvi Ney, Dovid Mittel and Michael Johnson! Battle of the Bands champions!

By that time it was so late that the traditional dancing and Kumzitz had to be cancelled.

This was one more successful Yeshiva function with the talmidim having shown that yes there can be a lot of “kosher” fun.

Click here to see pictures of the Mesiba

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Kumzitz with The Statchiner Rebbe shlit”a, The Rebbe “Reb Lazer”

With an eye on inspiring the talmidim at the yeshiva, Rabbi Berry called upon his old friend, today a respected Rebbe in Boro Park who has inspired many with his wisdom, and ability to understand and connect to our generation.

Arriving with many of his followers we were treated to a rare experience this past Motzei Shabbos, with uplifting words enveloped in heartfelt singing.

Accompanied by Rabbi Berry on the keyboard, Reb Lazer playing the guitar, sang song after song, lifting us all higher and higher.

It was easy to get caught up in the singing, eyes closed and connecting to the words.

How difficult it is to leave Shabbos he cried out. Yet so much easier, to the accompaniment of such words of Chizuk and music.

He left with a heartfelt hug and much hope for the coming week.

We look forward to spending more time with him on his next visit to Eretz Yisroel.

Yiyasher Kochacha!

Click here to see pictures

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Yad Ve’Shem The Holocaust Museum

With Special Guest, Hanoch Teller

The holocaust is both an easy and difficult subject to discuss. It’s easy, since there are still people living (BLA”H, if that’s how to abbreviate “Bili Ayin Hara” in English) who have experienced this catastrophe, but it’s difficult since, well… it’s the holocaust! It’s probably the most uncomfortable thing to discuss in conversation in the world—nay, the Universe! Yes, even Venusians feel uncomfortable discussing it! I, myself, am petrified of the whole concept of the holocaust. ONE GUY managed to change the world for the worse and kill MILLIONS of people! That’s scary, and I can’t bear to think of it. I didn’t really want to go to the holocaust museum, but I did since a) it’s important to learn one of the most horrifying events of Jewish history, and b) Rabbi Hanoch Teller was leading the tour. That part really got me going, and I’m glad I did. Onto the experience.

Rabbi Teller met us at the museum while we all put on headphones and walkie-talkie like boxes to hear him better. Nice device. When you walk into the front of the museum, you have carpet under your feet. Once you enter the actual exhibit, the floor is stone cold… well, stone. Very symbolic. We saw many interesting details not commonly discussed about the holocaust, such as the despicable board game where the object is to get all the Jews to leave Germany. Candyland it ain’t. There were some posters depicting Jews as big-nosed parasites, big-nosed scrawny humans, and big-nosed… well, just about anything with a big nose. I know plenty of big-nosed non-Jews. Besides, I’ve always been more recognizable with big ears. Anyway, one particularly interesting quote was from a German pastor, and it went as such:

“They came for the communists, and I did not complain since I was not a communist. Then they came for the socialists, and I did not complain since I was not a socialist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not complain since I was not a Jew. Then they came for me, but there was no one else to protest.”

Powerful stuff. Stand up for your brothers and sisters, and your fellow communists and socialists! Allies are a good thing! Moving on, Rabbi Teller taught us many details of the holocaust that I found fascinating. Jew’s hair were made into mattresses (or something like that) and other horrible things. I’ll never look at a mattress the same. A Jew was seen no different than a roach. But like a roach, we’re pretty difficult to destroy, we have many children in one lifespan, and we can survive an atomic explosion, although I don’t recommend testing this out.

Finally, the most powerful thing that really changed my outlook of the holocaust. There’s a room where, should you look up, you see hundreds of people who lost their lives in the holocaust. Should you look down, you’ll see a giant crater. I mean, GIIIIAAAANT. And should you look at the walls, you’ll see thousands of binders containing information of the people who died in the holocaust. That got to me. All three aspects.

Overall, I found the holocaust museum to be an eye-opening experience. Definitely recommend it. Let’s try to prevent this kind of thing from ever happening again!

By Benjy Abramowitz