Gush South African and Australian talmidim recently on a journey in Poland. Praying for the return of all.
Recordings can be viewed on the Torat Har Etzion website here >>
Recordings can be viewed on the Torat Har Etzion website here >>
Gush Talmidim from Australia and South Africa are in the middle of their year! They are in the Beit Midrash learning well and working hard.
Here they are together for Shabbat in The Old City of Yerushalayim.
BNOT MITZVA - THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING WITH US - THURSDAY MAY 30TH
The Bat Mitzva Day was held at the Beit Midrash for Women in Migdal Oz as well as at yeshiva, as per our best tradition, for the girls and granddaughters of the graduates who celebrated their bat mitzva this year.
The participants had the opportunity to hear a talk from Rav Meir Nahorai and a shiur from Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg, as well as tour the 'Russian Monastery' under the guidance of Rosh Yeshiva Harav Yaakov Medan.
2 weeks earlier, May 16th, a bar mitzva day was held in the yeshiva, for the children and grandchildren of bogrim who celebrated a bar mitzva this year (did you know that the first bar mitzva day took place 15 years ago!?). Unforunately, due to the war, these days had been postponed for six months. But we were blessed with many Bnei/Bnot Mitzva. It was very exciting to see you all and look forward to next year's celebrations...
Just before the holiday of Matan Torah:
A community of Torah Learners and Teachers
singing out their love of learning and respect for Torah
Shavua Tov from The Gush Zman Kayitz Shabbaton in Arad
(Click to view)
As difficult as it was to leave Eretz Yisrael during a war - this journey was particularly poignant - connecting us to hundreds of years of Jewish History, Jewish learning and study, and our proud Jewish Heritage - connecting us to the people - both unnamed and known whose burial places are both unnamed and known - who carried the ideas, values and scholarship forward.
Challenging us to examine who we are, our values, our spirit, our faith and what we stand for - as a group - and as individuals.
We hope that these photos and video convey the profundity and impact of this journey.
Singing in The Tykocin Shul
On the morning of 24 August 1941, the Germans announced that Jews in Tykocin should report the next day to the town square.
On 25 August the Jews were rounded up in the square by the Germans with help from Polish police. The Jewish community was marched to the pits in Łopuchowo forest, and murdered. Yehi zikram barukh.
(Click to view)
It's Nissan!
Gush Talmidim saying Birkat HaIlanot with the blossoming fruit trees - in The Gush Gardens!
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלֹקינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁלֹּא חִסֵּר בְּעוֹלָמוֹ כְּלוּם, וּבָרָא בוֹ בְּרִיוֹת טוֹבוֹת וְאִילָנוֹת טוֹבוֹת, לֵהָנוֹת בָּהֶם בְּנֵי אָדָם
Last Thursday, 8 Iyar, a bar mitzva day was held in the yeshiva, as is our tradition, for the children and grandchildren of the graduates who celebrated a bar mitzva this year (did you know that the first bar mitzva day took place 15 years ago!?). Unforunately, due to the war, the bar mitzva day was postponed for six months. But we were blessed with many Bnei Mitzva who came, it was very exciting to see you and look forward to the next Bar Mitzva day...
Gooooooooood Morning from Chizuk Tefilla Week
with a sicha from Rav Yair Kahn before davening
and from Rosh Yeshiva, Moreinu HaRav Baruch Gigi after davening
And then, strength and comfort were shared
(Click to view)
Lehavdil... At the site of the Nova Festival Massacre.
Gush Talmidim begin to sing their heart break with their Rabbeim.
People from all over the site gathered around them to join them.
אִ֥ישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵ֖הוּ יַעְזֹ֑רוּ וּלְאָחִ֖יו יֹאמַ֥ר חֲזָֽק׃
(Shabbat Mishpatim in Tzfat. Click to englarge)
MTA 2024 Talmidim -
The Gush's newest talmidim from Australia and South Africa -
Arrived in The Gush!
Gushing at YU Shabbat Beshalach 2024
ACHDUT IN THE TORAH WORLD
From time to time we are privileged to host leading rabbinic figures in the beit midrash.We were pleased to host the head of the "Penei Menachem" (Ger) yeshiva, Rabbi Shaul Alter Shlit"a. Rabbi Alter gave a talk on the subject of God's providence with reference to contemporary reality. He added words of eulogy for his student Eitan Rosenzweig HY"d, of Yishuv Alon Shevut, who fell in battle on November 22nd.
Rav Ezra Bick, who initiated the meeting, began by talking about the importance of unity and dialogue in the Torah world, especially these days. Rosh Hayeshiva Harav Ya'akov Medan, concluded with words of blessing, and praised Rabbi Alter who continues the tradition of Ger Hasidism for generations, which founded the spiritual world on the basis of scholarship and innovations in Shas.
To view the derasha, with translation into English, click here
In Dark and Troubled times - These Guys Showed Up!
Gush Alumni - It's almost seamless -
They arrive, they daven, they learn, they join shiur, they volunteer, they listen,
they learn some more, they showed up.
It's an unbelievable boost of Chizuk and Joy.
Thank you for returning to the Beit Midrash at this time.
The Gush Family stands with
Aharon and Miriam Haber, Talia Zehava Friedman Haber,
Sedael Elisheva, Yosef Yerachem-Shevet and Nachliel Zvi,
Netanel (Hesder 47) Haber,
and the entire Haber-Friedman family
on the passing of their son, husband, father and brother
Major (res.) Zecharia Pesach Haber (Hesder 42) HY"d
May Hashem send comfort to all those who mourn for Zion and Jerusalem.
The Gush Family stands with
Gush Alumnus and former Head Madrich, Josh (1993) and Chaya Hexter,
and the entire Hexter family on the passing of their son
Sergeant First Class (res.) Yakir Yamin Hexter (Hesder 48) HY"d
and with
Gush Hesder alumnus Yair (H17) and Sarah Schwartz
Meital Gitler Schwartz, Yisrael (H42) and Yosef (H53) Schwartz
and the entire Schwartz family on the passing of their son, husband, and brother
Sergeant First Class (res.) David Schwartz (Hesder 48) HY"d
Chevrutot in yeshiva, who fell in battle in Gaza.
May Hashem send comfort to all those who mourn for Zion and Jerusalem.
The Gush Family stands with
Gush Alumnus, Dr. Howard '82 and Marcy Oster,
current Gush Talmid, Yonatan Oster (fourth year talmid)
and the entire Oster family on the passing of their son and brother
Sergeant First Class (res.) Amichai Yisrael Yehoshua Oster HY"d
Battalion 7020 of the 5th Brigade
who fell in battle in Gaza.
May Hashem send comfort to all those who mourn for Zion and Jerusalem.
The Year has ended for Gush Talmidim from the Southern Hemisphere.
With profound respect for
their fierce dedication to Talmud Torah, Tefilla, Middot Tovot,
their powerful commitment to The Yeshiva and Am Yisrael
in the most trying times
Standing with Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Yaakov Medan, Gush Rebbe Rav Pini Cohen and Rav Natan Seidman
The yeshiva is filled with deep sorrow with the loss of our dear talmid
Sgt. First Class (res.) Shay Uriel Pizem (shiur vav) HY"d
in defense of our people and our country
Our condolences to his father Shimon (Hesder 23), mother Carmit (MO1),
his dear wife Maayan (MO23), and to the entire family.
And to his fellow talmidim in the yeshiva and to his students whom he so loved.
PLEASE NOTE: subtitles have been added in English, simply click on the CC on youtube.
Thank you so much for coming!
These sweet children are Gush Kollel Families whose fathers are currently serving.
May we be zocheh to bring a bit of light to the world.
Making the decision to have The Annual Gush Alumni Shabbaton was not easy. It was extremely difficult for Gush Staff to leave Eretz Yisrael at this time. Yet, so many Gush Alumni reached out and so many are under pressure that this Gush Shabbaton felt more important than ever.
We are a family.
Sometimes the Home Front is a distance away but being together for Shabbat in thought, prayer and Torah Study is a true blessing. Thanking all those who joined, those who planned and coordinated and Congregation Bnai Yeshurun for hosting.
This month, we had the zechut of opening another cycle in the Darkaynu program!
The Darkaynu program, in collaboration with Or Torah Stone, is a program that integrates Bnei Chul with special needs into everyday life. These are young men who come to Eretz Israel for a year of study and activity, similar to their peers in the Diaspora. They invest most of their time in study and Torah study in the yeshiva, and at the same time - also in life skills and volunteering and contributing to society. Welcome!
OUR MESSAGE TO THE PARENTS OF THE DR. WILLIAM MAJOR OVERSEAS PROGRAM 2023
OUR MESSAGE TO THE TALMIDOT BNOT CHUL LEARNING IN MIGDAL OZ FOR WOMEN 2023
Richard Kemp is a warrior on behalf of Israel on a regular Tuesday. But here he is Standing With Us at this difficult time for Israel. Colonel Richard Kemp CBE - Your Yeshiva Family welcomes you back to The Gush! Thank you for joining us in The Yeshiva at this time.
Col. Richard Kemp is a retired British Army officer who served from 1977 to 2006. Kemp was an infantry battalion Commanding Officer. Among his assignments were the command of Operation Fingal in Afghanistan from July to November 2003, and work for the Joint Intelligence Committee and COBR. Kemp has spoken on a range of social and political issues, including the British armed forces, the Middle East, and the European Union. Click here to listen to a special conversation on a previous visit to the yeshiva, back in February 2020: My Advocacy for Israel >>
Shiur Alef Israeli Talmidim Join
with Shana Alef Overseas Talmidim
The first Motzei Shabbat of Zman Elul
for a Melave Malka with Rabbi Shlomo Katz
Thanking Rabbi Shlomo Katz for encouraging and inspiring Deveikut and Chaverut
What opportunities are there for special-needs high school graduates who also want to have a year in Israel - and a fulfilling life after that?
Read about the remarkable Ohr Torah Stone’s Elaine & Norm Brodsky Darkaynu Program, whose male division takes place in Yeshivat Har Etzion.
Click on the picture above for details... Click here to register...
Shiur Alef Israeli Talmidim Join
with Shana Alef Overseas Talmidim
The first Motzei Shabbat of Zman Elul
for a Melave Malka with Rabbi Shlomo Katz
Thanking Rabbi Shlomo Katz for encouraging and inspiring Deveikut and Chaverut
And after Mincha, Hitorerut Chaburot!
Here is Rabbi Gidon Rothstein's chabura
Off to a good start!
Our newest talmidim have arrived
(joined by those returning for shana bet)! 
YEMEI IYUN BETANAKH 2023 - 32 YEARS STRONG!!
COULDN'T ATTEND THIS YEAR? NOT EVEN VIRTUALLY?
YOU'RE IN LUCK, THE VBM-TORAT HAR ETZION TEAM
HAS ASSEMBLED MANY YEARS WORTH OF FANTASTIC SHIURIM.
COME ENJOY AT YOUR LEISURE >>
Sunday the 27th of Tammuz (July 23, 2023), the thirteenth yahrzeit of Moreinu,
Rosh Hayeshiva Harav Yehuda Amital zt"l.
Rav Yoel Amital gave shiur at 12:15 p.m., followed after 3pm mincha
by limmud Mishnayot, and a sicha portraying the Rav by Rav Moshe Taragin.
Azkara at Har HaMenuchot cemetery at 6:30 p.m.
Starting next year, the "Orot Etzion" elementary school in Neve Daniel will be called "Neveh Haral", named after Moreinu veRabbeinu Harav Aharon Lichtenstein zt"l. It will join other educational institutions in Gush Etzion, Jerusalem and Petah Tikva named after our teacher Harav Yehuda Amital zt"l. May the school staff be successful in educating generations of students to follow HaRav Lichtenstein’s path in Torah and Avodat Hashem.
G'Day from Gush Rebbe, Rav Pini Cohen in Australia!
Thanking Gush Aussies for warmly welcoming and graciously hosting Rav Pini! Rav Pini visited schools including Kesser Torah College in Sydney.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ROSH HAYESHIVA
HARAV YAAKOV MEDAN
UPON RECEIVING AN HONORARY DOCTORATE
FROM BAR ILAN UNIVERSITY - ALEI VE-HATZLE'ACH!
The Gush Mission to Poland 2023!
Guided by Rabbi Dr. Shalom Berger (Gush alumnus 1977), the trip is divided between a celebration of the Jewish community, especially Torah Study, in Poland, as well as its tragic end. On the last day of the journey, the group learned about the story of the Miechow community, of which Rav Brin's father, the late R. Moshe Berin, and his ancestors were a part.
"'Behold, I am sending you Eliyahu the prophet and so on, and he will turn the heart of fathers to their children and the heart of children to their fathers.'
We will read these verses this coming Shabbat, Shabbat HaGadol. After a whole week that we have been in Poland, we pray to God for peace in the world. First, peace among us - the Jews. And also peace in the world, without cruelty, evil, killing and murder. We stand here, on the soil of Poland, and want to pray that the world will be more just, with more mercy, and that the evil that was here will evaporate from the world. And we will be blessed, that the coming of Elijah will restore the hearts of fathers to sons and the hearts of sons to their fathers."
From right to left: Above - Rabbi Zeev Schwartz (MTA 85), Michael Schwartz (MTA 2006), Rabbi Danny Mirvis (MTA 2003), Shaul Fenberg (MTA 2008), Aharon Posner (MTA 2009), Rabbi Shua Solomon (MTA 2007, class of MB ), Eitan Herman (9th grade)
Below - Rabbi David Blackman (MTA 85), Jonny Brull (Bnei Kho'al 2011, MH class), Ari Posner (MTA 2006).
HEARING THE BABY CRY - THE GUSH WAY!
MTA 2023 (Gush's newest talmidim from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa) arrived in a cold blast of sleet and hail. But, you know The Gush....its only cold on the outside!
CHAG KASHER VE-SAME'ACH!
The Gush Mission to Poland 2023!
Guided by Rabbi Dr. Shalom Berger (Gush alumnus 1977), the trip is divided between a celebration of the Jewish community, especially Torah Study, in Poland, as well as its tragic end. Wishing them a safe and meaningful journey.
MAY HAKADOSH BARUKH HU HAVE MERCY
UPON HIS PEOPLE AND UPON HIS LAND.
We hope you had a freilichen Purim. Amen.
FOR SHIURIM IN ENGLISH... FOR SHIURIM IN HEBREW...
"Shavu Vanim" invites alumni from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to return to the Yeshiva during their summer vacation to learn for two weeks. In the Gush Beit Midrash with Rav Pini Cohen
WHILE THE LEARNING BACK HOME STAYS STRONG...
SHEVAT IN THE BEIT MIDRASH
Rav Moshe Taragin will be the scholar in residence Shabbat Feb 17-18 at Adas Torah in LA. Click for more information >>
WHILE THE LEARNING BACK HOME CONTINUES...
SHEVAT BACK IN THE BEIT MIDRASH
It was an absolute delight and honor to have the gift of Rav Schachter's precious time. Rabbi Schachter is The Rosh Kollel in RIETS' Marcos and Adina Katz Kollel.
During this time of year we are graced by so many of our college-aged alumni joining us in Yeshiva, taking advantage of their mid-semester break to come recharge, thanks to a program dedicated in memory of Yoni Jesner Hy”d.
Yeshivat Darkaynu Program's Talmidim have arrived in The Gush!
We are so happy to see you here - feet on the ground in Eretz Yisrael!
Har Etzion is the proud home of The Ohr Torah Stone - Elaine and Norm Brodsky Yeshivat Darkaynu Program, which is the first and only program to fulfill the dreams of young men with special needs by giving them the same opportunity to spend a year learning and touring Israel. Welcome!!
HAR ETZION
IN THE USA!
Shabbat Parashat Yitro
Feb 10-11, 2023
Rav Moshe Taragin
Scholar in Residence at the Boca Raton Synagogue.
We'd love to see you there!
It was a beautiful Mishmar with Gush Overseas Alumni who have made Aliya and now live in Eretz Yisrael. We gathered together on Thursday Night Dec. 29th, 2022 for a Mishmar. Shiur by Rav Menachem Leibtag, Dinner, Q&A with HaRav Mosheh Lichtenstein, preparation for shiur in The Beit Midrash followed by a shiur by HaRav Baruch Gigi, and to complete the evening a Gush Tish!
Those Gush Alumni - They are totally still gushing!
HAR ETZION IN TH USA!
Come spend Shabbat Parashat Beshalach
Feb 3-4, 2023
at Yeshiva University
with
Rav Mordechai Friedman. For details >>
Shabbat Parashat Beshalach
Feb 3-4, 2023
Rav Dovid Gottlieb
Scholar at Residence at the Young Israel of Jamaica Heights, NY
For details >>
HAR ETZION IN TH USA!
Come spend Shabbat Parashat Beshalach
Feb 3-4, 2023
at Yeshiva University
with
Rav Mordechai Friedman. Sign up here >>
Greetings and Salutations from The Great Gush Alumni Shabbaton in the USAMotzaei Shabbat November 19, 2022 in Teaneck, NJ
HAR ETZION RABBANIM ON TOUR!
Shabbat Parashat Miketz / Chanuka 2022
Rav Ezra Bick - at the Lower Marion Synagogue, PA
Shabbat Parashat Vayeshev 2022
Rav Moshe Taragin - at the Riverdale Jewish Center, NY
Shabbat Parashat Vayishlach 2022
If you live in Maryland, in Washington or in Florida,
this is the week to catch a scholar in residence sharing our Torah!
Rav Menachem Leibtag - at the University of Maryland
Rav Dovid Gottlieb - at the Sephardic Bikkur Home in Seattle
Rav Moshe Taragin - at the YI of Hollywood-Ft. Lauderdale
WE HOPE YOU WERE ABLE TO JOIN US...
Chanukiya recently donated in honor of Moshe Moscovics (Moshko) z"l
Chanukiya recently donated in honor of Moshe Moscovics (Moshko) z"l
We have begun a new year of VBM series.
Don't forget to sign up!
This event was sponsored by the Landes Family in honor of the third yahrzeit of our alumnus Dr. David J. Landes zt"l.
Click here to view the discussion >>
AVAILABLE 365 DAYS A YEAR -
LET THE LEARNING CONTINUE!
WE HAD A WONDERFUL BAT MITZVA DAY
HERE AT YESHIVA!
24 Sivan - June 23, 2022. For additional pictures, click here >>
WE THANK OUR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF OUR INSTITUTIONS. CLICK TO SEE VIDEOS AIRED AT THE DINNER >>
COMING SOON!!
CHUTZNIKIM ARRIVE AT YESHIVA FOR 5783 SCHOOL YEAR...
WE THANK OUR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF OUR INSTITUTIONS. CLICK TO SEE VIDEOS AIRED AT THE DINNER >>
In the Beit Midrash
Click to expand the picture!
The GREAT Gush Tzfat Shabbaton - Shabbat Kitisa 5782
Breakfast with Yeshiva University President, Gush Alumnus Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman '87
"Moreinu HaRav Lichtenstein ztl told us that we are the leaders of tomorrow
and I believed him. That is why I am standing here today."
Thanking Rabbi Dr Berman for braving Snow and Sleet
and joining us for davening and breakfast.
The Newest Gush Talmidim from Australia and South Africa
arrive in The Gush after their week long seminar!
Our Talmidim came streaming out of The Beit Midrash
to welcome their new chaverim.
It was a beautiful warm welcome!
The Gush Legacy Workshops
Gush alumni who made Aliyah share their stories
and how Gush impacted their success
We were recently so happy to host Michael Eisenberg :
Venture Capitalist, Blogger and Author of three sefarim (so far...)
Click to expand the picture!
The Gush Alumni Shabbaton - Shabbat Vayishlach 5782
WHAT AN AMAZING SHABBATON!
Circumstances do not permit visiting the yeshiva?
We understand...
BUT, WHEREVER YOU FIND YOURSELF TODAY,
YOU CAN JOIN US VIRTUALLY. IT IS UP TO YOU!!
See our Torat Har Etzion website,
with our brand new curriculum - don't miss out!
BeChasdei Hashem,
A Big Welcome to The Ohr Torah Stone Elaine and Norm Brodsky
Yeshivat Darkaynu Program talmidim to The Gush!
We are so happy you are here - Beruchim HaBa'im!!
Choref Tov from These Guys
Gush Shana Alef 5782
We are pleased to announce the publication of the book 'Kol Yehuda' by Moreinu Harav Yehuda Amital, sichot on the weekly parashot. The book was edited by Rav Yaakov Fischer. "There was a simple and great truth in the things he told us, sobriety and wisdom of life. Things came out of the week's parasha, but they always touched our lives, were relevant and illuminating as a doctrine of life, and had full internal coverage. They were said as if to himself. In deep faith the conversations were said and with sincerity, and they fell lovingly on listening ears and thirsty hearts, arousing our trust and faith." (From the editor's introduction) To order>> 
Circumstances didn't permit joining
our Simchat Beit HaShoeva?
We understand...
BUT, WHEREVER YOU FIND YOURSELF TODAY,
YOU CAN JOIN US VIRTUALLY. IT IS UP TO YOU!!
See our Torat Har Etzion website,
with our brand new curriculum - classes start Sunday October 10th - don't miss out!
Choref Tov from These Guys
Gush Shana Alef 5782
Learning. Teshuva. A variety of lessons for Rosh Hashana and Asseret Yemei Teshuva. We invite you to enter our 'Torat Har Har Etzion' website and see the dedicated content that has been prepared in advance of the Yamim Noraim and Tishrei holidays. To enter, click>>
Rav Nechemya Raanan visiting talmidim on their army base.
We take this opportunity to wish Rav Nechemya much hatzlacha
as he leaves Har Etzion to become Rosh Yeshiva
@ Yeshivat HaHesder Shadmot Mechola.
In the Beit Midrash with Rav Yair Kahn
Photo credit: Gershon Ellinson
WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME!! CLICK TO VIEW>>
ETZION FOUNDATION VIRTUAL DINNER
Sunday Morning ET, June 6, 2021
GENERATION TO GENERATION
Honoring Yerachmiel and Gitta Koppel and Family
Moshe '74 & Channah Koppel, David '77 & Shira Koppel, David '87 & Bibsi Zuckerbrot
Communal Leadership Award, Dr. Ari '95 and Naomi Wiesen
Educational Leadership Award, Rabbi Dr. Avi and Dena '04MO Block
Marking 20th Anniversary of Gush '99/'00 and 10th Anniversary of Migdal Oz '09/'10
