We started the week after an inspiring shabbat spent in the Old city. On Friday night we davened at the Kotel and got the opportunity to hear about the army from our teacher, Rav Yonaton. On shabbat morning, everyone chose which shul they wanted to daven in and afterwards we all went together to kever David. We were able to feel the holiness of the old city and really connect to our tefilot at his burial place. Later in the day we heard an amazing speaker from Aish HaTorah and then sang away the shabbat. Thank you to Sepha, Michal, Rav Yonaton, Dena and Hadar for joining us and making this shabbat extra special!

This week was the first full week of the second semester. We got to start new classes and continue the classes we loved from first semester. We were also privileged to hear two incredible speakers this week. On Tuesday afternoon we heard the powerful words of President Richard M. Joel from Yeshiva University. He spoke to us about how important it is to be involved in Jewish leadership and the Jewish community. On Tuesday night we were privileged to hear from another inspiring individual, Lavi Greenspan. Lavi spoke about his faith in HaShem during terrible times in life. Lavi is blind but his positivity and devotion to Hashem was really uplifting and inspired everyone to appreciate their surroundings. Lavi’s speech taught us not to take anything for granted.

It's so nice having the opportunity to start fresh for the second semester. We know that the second half of the year will be even better than the first and that we’ll get the chance to learn many new things.

Shabbat shalom.

Hannah Hasten and Esti Jehudaiov