MTA’s dorm talmidim enjoyed their first Dorm Shabbaton of the year this past weekend, featuring an all-star lineup of speakers, inspiring divrei Torah, spirited singing, and plenty of opportunities to strengthen the friendships that make dorm life so special.
The weekend kicked off Thursday night with a lively leil shishi kumsitz in the dorm basement, featuring a special violin solo by Mendel Crayk ’30, setting the tone for an exciting Shabbos together. Friday began with Shacharis, breakfast, and a shiur from a guest speaker, followed by basketball. As Shabbos approached, talmidim gathered for a dorm picture before preparing to welcome Shabbos together.
Friday night began with an uplifting Kabbalas Shabbos led by Reuven Shapiro, with words of inspiration by Rabbi Shua Pariser. The evening continued with a beautiful Shabbos seudah featuring divrei Torah by talmidim Abie Rosenberg and Yair Sebbag, along with a lively game of Human Guess Who that brought plenty of laughter and excitement to the meal. Following the seudah, talmidim participated in learning and chaburos before gathering for a spirited tish with dorm RAs and alumni, highlighted by divrei Torah by Yaakov Weinstock.
Shabbos morning offered several minyanim, followed by a special fleishig kiddush with Rabbi Simon shlita. Talmidim then enjoyed a Shabbos lunch with Elana Rosengard, featuring divrei Torah by Yitzchak Hagler and Shragi Lermer. The afternoon continued with an engaging Q&A session with Rabbi Dr. Strauch on Being a Ben Torah in the Workforce, offering talmidim valuable insights into maintaining a strong commitment to Torah values while navigating professional life.
The inspiration continued at shalosh seudos, followed by meaningful divrei Torah by Rabbi Reichman, YU rosh yeshivah and author of Reshimos Shiurim. After Maariv and Havdalah, the talmidim gathered once again for a dorm melaveh malkah and movie night, bringing a memorable weekend to a close.
More than just a Shabbaton, the weekend was an opportunity for dorm talmidim to connect with one another, their RAs, alumni, and members of the MTA community in a warm and relaxed setting. With a wonderful blend of Torah, ruach, laughter, and camaraderie, the first Dorm Shabbaton of the year was a celebration of the close-knit family atmosphere that makes the MTA dorm such a special place to call home.
