When the planning for this year’s Yarchei Kallah began in Elul, the situation in Eretz Yisroel was still calm; based on the increasing number of participants during the past few years, it was anticipated that more than five hundred people would attend.  The war’s eruption on Simchas Torah, of course, changed everything; since no one knew what to expect, all preparations were postponed until very close to the scheduled time in late November.

When terror and instability occurred at the time of Yarchei Kallah sessions in the past, the Yeshiva sought the guidance of Rav Chaim Kanievsky and Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman. “If they’re coming to learn, the Torah will protect them,” they said, and the Yarchei Kallah proceeded as planned. This year, however, the situation was more serious, with an all-out war in Eretz Yisroel. The Rosh Hayeshiva posed the question anew before the Gedolim of our generation, explaining that the question was not just about a week of learning, but also about the chizuk, inspiration, and powerful connection that fuels the attendees and their families with Torah energy for an entire year. The Gedolim once again advised to go ahead with the Yarchei Kallah and the Torah will protect those who are going to learn. 

The regular hotel where the participants usually stay was filled to capacity with refugees from the south; Boruch Hashem, another hotel was found.  While airline tickets were unavailable or overpriced, a core group of several hundred seriously committed talmidim participated. The sugya of “ger kotton” was learned during morning seder, and Bishul Akum during second seder. Rav Yitzchak Berkovits and Rav Yaakov Hillel delivered mussar shmuessen. The siyum of the completion of Shas 55 times l’illuy nishmas the Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Nosson Tzvi zt”l, was postponed to coincide with the Yarchei Kallah. Rav Moshe Shternbuch and Rav Shimon Galai graced the event with their presence. Long-time friends of the Yeshiva and Yarchei Kallah participants Eli Schron and Rafi Weiss made the siyum, Zevi Brodt recited the Hadran, and Adrian Garbacz made the has’challa on Brachos. On the return trip to the airport, the attendees stopped in Bnei Brak, where they were addressed by Rav Berel Povarsky.  Overall, the Yarchei Kallah was pervaded with a palpable sense of purpose and mission that truly reflected the overall ruach in Yeshiva during these consequential times. To hear the recordings, please click HERE.