The American bochurim from the Bais Yeshaya/Bais Shalom battei medrash had the zchus of spending Shabbos Parshas Vayigash with the Rosh Hayeshiva on a spacious retreat site in Beit Shemesh.

The bochurim were served an exclusive brunch on Friday before their departure; upon arriving, they spent some recreation time on the basketball courts and ballfields. Later, each bochur was greeted by the Rosh Hayeshiva with a special Shalom Aleichem; the excitement and anticipation began to intensify. After a lebedig Kabbalas Shabbos, the Rosh Hayeshiva spoke about the challenges of living in galus, along with some glimpses of his own experiences growing up in the home of the Rosh Hayeshiva, Rav Nosson Tzvi zt”l.

Following a beautiful Friday Seuda enhanced with heartfelt zemiros, the Rosh Hayeshiva led an Oneg Shabbos, during which he related a powerful story about Rav Elchonon Wasserman zt”l.  He continued with a captivating Q&A session, responding to questions submitted by the talmidim. A special gift was presented to the Rosh Hayeshiva, consisting of over 1,500 pages of his shiurim – just from the beginning of the zman – typed and transcribed by the talmidim in Bais Yeshaya. The Oneg continued well into the night, with the bochurim bringing up on additional for they eagerly wanted the Rosh Hayeshiva’s insightful response.

On Shabbos morning, the exceptionally uplifting tefillos were followed by a delectable seuda with assorted zemiros reflecting the different backgrounds of bochurim in Yeshiva. While part of Shabbos afternoon was set aside for relaxation, the Beis Medrash was full even before the official learning seder began. The tremendous feeling of achdus that prevailed during the entire Shabbos climaxed at Shalosh Seudos with the lively zemiros continuing into Motzei Shabbos. After Ma’ariv and Kiddush Levana, everyone danced together for a long while.

While everyone was enjoying the fresh pizza served for Melave Malka, the Rosh Hayeshiva posed interesting questions and riddles that triggered much animated discussion, rounding out a wonderful Shabbos that will not be forgotten by all who were fortunate to attend.