MAY’s Annual Immanuel Warshawsky, a”h, Spring Shabbaton

HAFTR Middle School came alive with vibrant colors, cultural displays, and enthusiastic students on Monday, May 15, as the Country Fair took place. The fair served as the culmination of a year-long project undertaken by the school’s sixth-grade students, who delved into the geography, government, religion, culture, and history of various countries around the world.

Months of meticulous research and exploration paved the way for an educational and entertaining event, where students proudly showcased their findings and shared their newfound knowledge with fellow students, teachers, and parents. The fair provided a platform for students to bring their countries to life through engaging presentations and eye-catching displays.

The students’ dedication and hard work were evident in the beautifully crafted brochures that accompanied each display. These informative brochures offered visitors a glimpse into the unique aspects of each country.

One of the best aspects of the fair was the personal touch brought by the students. Many of them chose to dress up in traditional attire of their country. Some even brought cherished items passed down through their families.

For some students, the choice of country was deeply rooted in their family background, allowing them to forge a stronger connection with their heritage. Others embraced the opportunity to explore countries purely out of curiosity.

HAFTR Middle School’s Country Fair was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on students, teachers, and visitors alike. The event showcased the boundless potential of young minds and emphasized the importance of fostering a global perspective from an early age. Through projects like these, HAFTR Middle School continues to inspire a generation of lifelong learners, fostering curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world we all share.

Last Shabbos was particularly noteworthy for the talmidim of Mesivta Ateres Yaakov. The Mesivta held its annual Spring Shabbaton at the beautiful campus of Camp Romimu in Monticello, NY. The Shabbaton was a resounding success, full of tremendous growth in ruchniyus, achdus, ahavas Hashem and ahavas haTorah.

From start to finish, the Shabbaton was an inspiring and exciting weekend. Following Shacharis on Friday morning it was off to the buses for a fun-filled, inspirational, action-packed Shabbos!

Before Kabbolas Shabbos, the Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, set the tone for Shabbos, illustrating the ko’ach of Shabbos and imploring talmidim to open their minds and their hearts to what this special Shabbos had to offer. The lively Kabbalas Shabbos, with enthusiastic singing and dancing, was a fitting hakdamah to what would end up being an incredible Shabbaton.

The Mesivta invited Rabbi Yisroel Shteinwurtzel, RA”M at Yeshivas Sh’or Yoshuv. Rabbi Shteinwurtzel, who addressed the talmidim multiple times throughout the Shabbos, captivated them with his signature style, spreading warmth, positivity and ideas for growth and development, into his drashos.

As per MAY tradition, Shabbos kib - budim were auctioned off for hours of voluntary learning over the course of the long weekend. This learning program is dedicated l’ilui nishmas Immanuel Warshawsky, A”H, an alumnus of the Yeshiva. All-in-all, students committed to over 250 hours of independent learning and honored their rabbeim with the kibbudim. The sheer amount learning throughout the Shabbos, both formally and informally, was a testament to the talmidim’s growh this z’man.

Motzei Shabbos included the annual varsity vs. junior varsity softball game and a beautiful Melava Malka BBQ. The achdus and comradery among the talmidim and their rabbeim was incredible!

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