By COLlive reporter
With Pesach break officially over but learning not being able to resume because of the coronavirus, the hanhalas (administrations) of 11 Chabad Yeshiva Gedolahs (zal) sent out a notification to parents and bochurim about a new schedule planned.
The institutions signed are:
Yeshiva Gedola Argentina
Ohr Elchonon Chabad – Los Angeles
Yeshiva Gedola Miami
Beis Medrash Oholei Torah (zal) – Crown Heights
Yeshivas Beis Dovid Shlomo New Haven
Yeshiva Gedola Baltimore
Beis Medrash of Morristown
Yeshiva Gedola Toronto
Yeshiva Gedola Montreal
Tomchei Temimim Chovevei Torah – Crown Heights
Yeshiva Gedola London
Here is what they wrote:
As it becomes evident that our physical Mosdos will not be able to reopen in the near future, we have joined together to do everything in our power to provide a structured day of learning for our talmidim, to facilitate a Yeshiva schedule that upholds the proper Chassidisher atmosphere unique to Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim.
Chabad Yeshiva Gedolahs have therefore joined together to put the following policy in place, effective for the continuation of Shnas Halimudim 5780.
Yeshiva will continue with online Shiurim and chavrusa learning in all four Sedarim:
• Seder Chassidus (morning)
• Seder Nigleh Alef
• Seder Nigleh Beis
• Seder Chassidus (evening) You will be receiving a detailed schedule with login instructions from your Yeshiva.
Everything will continue as usual: Daily attendance will be taken; tests will be graded; reports will be generated; farbrengens will be arranged. Alternate schedules will be planned for talmidim in different time zones. Additionally, our Hanholo will be reaching out during the weeks ahead to each bochur individually.
In order to create a Yeshiva atmosphere, the following rules will be implemented:
• Every student must be visible on screen
• Every talmid must be dressed according to the yeshiva dress code
[Being cognizant of the fact that not all Bochurim may have online access at all times, there will be call-in availability; however, we wish to remind you that “hearing isn’t comparable to seeing” – one simply cannot compare the level of attention and interaction when being seen by the teacher than just by call-in alone. Please find ways to be visibly present.]
It is our fervent hope that our talmidim capitalize on the Chassidisher Chinuch they have been receiving all these years – including guidance on how to succeed during times of adversity, how to elevate technology for purposes of kedusha, and the Hashgacha Protis that guides our every step – to transform this difficult chapter into a catalyst for greater growth and success. This will be an achievement that will certainly give the Rebbe much nachas.
Regarding smart phones and zal bochurim
After, when normal physical yeshiva learning resumes, those bochurim that insist on keeping using their smart phones will be welcome to continue learning from their homes by virtual learning, until they comply with regular yeshiva rules.
There are two issues with smartphones for yeshiva boys: 1) the accessibility to forbidden content that the device enables, and 2) the fact that it negates the student’s ability to concentrate on the studies as he has a constant distraction. When a boy is in yeshiva problem 1 can be solved with a reliable filter. problem 2 however, cannot be resolved and the only solution is to ban phones altogether. Our case presents unique circumstances where the boy is both a yeshiva student and yet he is not currently in the yeshiva rather he is at home. To be frank,… Read more »
re: Issue 1 – Filters are not fool-proof and the Hanhalah’s skills does not include becoming IT and Tech experts. Yeshivas do not allow unsupervised bochurim to watch all “kosher” videos or listen to what some consider “kosher” modern music. re: Issue 2 – Many “extra-curricular” activities are not tolerated in Yeshiva including bochurim running businesses “on their own time” or taking secular courses outside of seder. Those who insist on conducting such activities are welcome to (and indeed should) attend yeshivos that allow such activities. Bottom line is, a bochur and the yeshiva he attends must be a good… Read more »
PS “the boy is both a yeshiva student and yet he is not currently in the yeshiva rather he is at home” demands comment: A boy at home is under his own (and hopefully also his parents) responsibility. Under these circumstances, the yeshiva can only provide opportunity for growth in ruchniyus and chassidishkeit, but this is easily undermined by the nefesh habashmis (NH) , whether it comes from the bochur’s NH or sometimes nebech from the parents ( נשים רחמניות בשלו ילדיהן). Often the רחמניות of parents not to “deprive” their bochur from “ta’anugei olom haza” is antithesis to the… Read more »
What about Elementary yeshivos?
rabbi zaltzmans mesivta in toronto and rabbi perlsteins from chicago are sending special ipads, programed by a company for a high cost which ONLY allows them to access the online learning program (nomore secure then zoom). if anyone tries tampering with the system in any way the company will know right then and notify the yeshiva etc.and theyre not charging the parents for the service! im not sure what Chicago’s schedule is but my son is proudly in rabbi zaltzmans yeshiva and hes having a full day schedule including davening (extended brakes). way to go rabbi zaltzman! i wish you… Read more »
It’s a great yeshiva. On Lag Baomer, instead of boring the boys by taking them to the Lag Baomer parade (like the other Lubavitcher Yeshivos), the Yeshiva took them on an outing, which is traditional and was more fun. CHanoch lanaar al pi darko – this yeshiva knows it’s clientele.