Bochurim Gather for Gemara Test

Close to 350 Bochurim from 13 Mesivtos across the USA and Canada – participating in Mivtza ‘Vehogisa’ – a project enabling students to remember their learning, gathered on Tes Shevat for their first ‘Mivchan Kloli’ – general test.

Once every three months students are tested on all their Gemora learning, as a way of encouragement to keep reviewing – and retaining – their learning.

The test was preceded by a Seder Limud, a short video prepared by JEM, and opening remarks by director of the ‘Igud Mesivtos V’Yeshivos’ Rabbi Mendel Itzinger.

Inspiration was already palpable in the moments before the event, as hundreds of students Gemora’s in hand were seen streaming to the large hall in Lubavitcher Yeshiva on Crown Street.

After the video and opening remarks by Rabbi Mendel Itzinger, students sat down swiftly to learn with their Chavrusas, one final time, before being tested on anywhere between 30-90 Daf of Gemora.

“It felt like the biggest Zal in Lubavitch” one Bochur exclaimed. “350 Bochurim in one room discussing their learning”! “Truth is” he explained, “I have never done this before, and I have always felt that Gemora is not my thing, but this year, with all excitement, I decided to give it a try, at the beginning it was a real struggle, but it really does get easier as I grow. This event showed me that I am not in it alone, nor is my Yeshiva, rather 100’s of Bochurim are with me in this push”.
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Rabbi Itzinger used the opportunity to​ ​publicly​​ ​thank Rabbi Nochum Kaplan of the Merkos Chinuch Office “who guides​ ​the Igud on a constant basis”, and Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, under whose auspices the ‘Igud’ was set-up. “A special thank you to Rabbi Moishe Kotlarsky vice chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch​ ​for all his direction and support from the first moment the idea of the ‘Igud’ was conceived​, his open door, and open heart and mind made all this possible.”

Special mention and thank you was made to Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Altein of the Vaad Talmidei Hatemimim for all his help and support.

“When addressing Bochurim at the Rebbe’s Chassuna, the Frierdiker Rebbe – who’s Yahtzeit is tonight, quoted the Mishna Ein Hatorah Miskayemes Elo Bemi Shemeimis Atzmoi Oleho – torah is only acquired by those who push themselves more than they would like, that is stopping to be self-centered, rather to live for a purpose – serving Hashem.

After running through the details of the test by Yaakov Raskin – the manager of the Mivtza, a hush went through the room, as the test was administered.

It is important to note that the long-term plans for the project are not to stop at one subject. We will IYH (funding permitted) continue to grow both the subject material and in our ability to reach out to every Bochur in every one of our Yeshivos.