Train a Youth According to His Way • The Rabbis of Yeshivat Chochma V'Daat in a

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The rabbis of the Yeshiva, the Magidei Shiur (lecturers), sat down for a discussion to raise burning issues on the Yeshiva's agenda. Among the questions asked, the primary issue was: What is the way to instill the sweetness of the Gemara (Talmud) in the students? The Rav answered that the Magid Shiur (lecturer) must explain the Gemara to the students in a living way, using stories similar to our own lives. Afterwards, the Mashgiach (spiritual supervisor) asked how much time to allot for the study of Mussar (ethical teachings). The Rav answered that one should study Mussar for half an hour, and also half an hour of the books of Rabbeinu (Rebbe Nachman). Regarding the dangers of technology, the Rav shlit"a (may he live long and good days) answered that it is forbidden to hold even a "kosher" phone (a device with restricted internet/media access), while during his words, the Rav testified about himself that he has never held a cellphone. Another question asked was whether students could travel to the Yeshiva on bicycles or scooters. The Rav maintained it is forbidden and explained the danger of injury, saying it is a matter of Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life). Regarding preparation for the holy Shabbat, the Rav said that the students should go to the Mikvah (ritual bath) two hours before candle lighting and read the Parsha (weekly Torah portion) with Rashi and the commentaries. To the question of whether to be strict about students eating outside the Yeshiva, the Rav answered firmly that it is already brought in the Mishnah (Talmudic law) that one who eats in the marketplace is disqualified from giving testimony.

One of the Magidei Shiur (lecturers) asked the Rav: If a student arrives late to the Yeshiva and the time for the Shiur (lesson) is about to begin, and if he goes to pray with a Minyan (quorum of ten) he will miss the Shiur, should he be instructed to pray privately? The Rav answered with his sweet words that the Shiur is preferable, but this matter should not repeat itself three times; after three times, the student should be removed from the Yeshiva. Furthermore, the Rav insisted that there is no such reality as studying half a day in the Yeshiva or leaving the Yeshiva before the end of the Sedarim (study sessions). Regarding prayers in the Yeshiva, the Rav said that if a student wants to pray at Netz (sunrise), he must bring a confirmation from the synagogue Gabbai (manager) that he prayed from the beginning of the prayer until the end; however, regarding Mincha (afternoon prayer), they must pray together with the Yeshiva. Additionally, the Rav insisted that a student must wear a suit, a gartel (prayer belt), and a hat, and maintain the appearance of a Chassidic youth, both in his haircut and in his overall external appearance. To the question of a student who feels he is an Ilui (prodigy) and the Magid Shiur (lecturer) is not innovating anything for him, does he need to enter the Shiur? The Rav answered that the student must enter the Shiur because it is part of the Sedarim (study sessions) of the Yeshiva. In conclusion, the director of the Yeshiva, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Ashlag shlit"a, thanked the Rav shlit"a on behalf of all the staff and all the students, for he, "like an eagle stirring up its nest, hovering over its young," is always investing in the pure, precious students of the Yeshiva and watching over them so they grow in Torah and Yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven).