This past Shabbos, the MTA Class of 2027 experienced a Freshman retreat like no other. Themed “Shabbos Unites Us,” the entire program revolved around creating a greater sense of achdus within the grade, and a greater sense of connection to klal Yisrael in general. To that end, the MTA freshman, their senior Cubs2Lions mentors, and rebbeim joined together to share a special Shabbos at Camp Nageela.
Collectively, over the course of Shabbos, well over 16,800 minutes of learning were clocked, covering 1,000+ mishnayos, and completing Maseches Shabbos as a grade, as part of the “Our Siyum, Our Response” initiative in yeshivah. Many of the talmidim took advantage of the MTA360 learning incentive program and completed six hours of learning over the course of the Shabbaton – joining their rebbeim in the beis midrash for extra sedarim before Minchah each day.
The theme of “Shabbos Unites Us” extended well beyond the beis midrash and permeated the entire Shabbaton. From the amazing z’miros, inspiring divrei Torah, and achdus-filled activities, the entire Shabbaton allowed the talmidim to feel closer and more connected than ever before. A highlight for many was the tish on Friday night that had the talmidim locked arm in arm, singing songs expressing our love for am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael together with their rebbeim.
The Shabbaton included plenty of experiences that were both fun and meaningful for the talmidim. Together with their Cubs2Lions senior mentors, they were charged with building cardboard canoes that had to successfully traverse the pool, enjoyed time on the courts and on the fields Friday afternoon, and had a great time enjoying rounds of bowling at Cortland Lanes. Each activity was crafted to allow the talmidim to interact with each other and build up the strong bonds they have been developing since the start of yeshivah.
The Cubs2Lions mentors took center stage at shalosh seudos, as each senior shared a brief reflection on his own growth in yeshivah with the freshmen, interspersed with powerful z’miros. Shabbos concluded with a beautiful Havdalah and a delicious m’laveh malkah. As the talmidim boarded the buses, it was clear to everyone that the Class of 2027 emerged from Shabbos as a united grade, ready to make their mark at MTA.
