The month of Kislev brought an inspiring wave of ruchniyus, energy, and togetherness to Oholei Torah Mesivta with many meaningful events and moments across the month.
This year, the Shiur Aleph dorm organized the first Dorm Mitzvah Tank. With the encouragement of the Hanhola, the bochurim remained in the dorm throughout Chanukah, staying fully immersed in the Rebbe’s Yeshivah from the beginning of Yom Tov until the start of Chanukah vacation. Each night after Mivtzoim, special programs brought warmth and connection, including farbrengens, a BBQ, a bonfire, dreidel games, and deluxe doughnuts, creating an atmosphere of chayus and celebration.
On Yud Daled Kislev, the Mesivta hosted a special visit from mashpia and shliach in Sherman Oaks, California, Rabbi Mendel Lipsker. Rabbi Lipsker farbrenged with the bochurim throughout Thursday night and Shabbos, sharing powerful personal experiences from his years growing up in 770 and speaking passionately about the power of niggunim and his involvement in building Heichel HaNeginah. The bochurim left deeply inspired, carrying with them a clear call to action and renewed enthusiasm.
Shiur Aleph also ushered in Yud Tes Kislev with a grand Seder Niggunim led by mashpia Rabbi Michy Marazow. The room filled with achdus as talmidim brought their instruments and played along, while the rest of the shiur joined together, singing the special niggunim of the Alter Rebbe. It was a powerful and uplifting start to the Yom Tov, reflecting the shared bond of the shiur and the chassidishe spirit of the day.
Later that evening, a beautiful Yud Tes Kislev seudah was arranged by the shluchim, with the bochurim actively helping in its preparation. Rabbi Yisroel Noach Lipsker and Rabbi Shimon Rivkin addressed the gathering, and bochurim made siyumim on a masechta, Hayom Yom, and Tanya, adding depth and meaning to the celebration.
In honor of Chodesh Kislev, Rabbi Shmuel Butler enriched the bochurim with a unique and moving presentation of tashmishei kedusha that once belonged to the Nesiei Chabad. Among the treasured items were a portion of shleikas from the Alter Rebbe, a piece of cloth from the Mitteler Rebbe, and other meaningful artifacts, offering the talmidim a tangible connection to the rich legacy of the Rebbeim.
Another highlight of Kislev was the Shiur Aleph Latkes Ovent, arranged by the shluchim. Each class sent four representatives who raced against the clock to prepare their best latkes, while the shluchim served as judges. The winning class was rewarded with extra Chanukah gelt, adding excitement and friendly competition to the evening. The program continued with a lively game of Jeopardy focused on Chanukah and general knowledge, a spirited and memorable way to close the final day of Yeshivah before the Chanukah break.
Amid all the special events and programs, the essence of Yeshivah life remained front and center. Bochurim זיצן און לערנען דעם אייבערשטנס תורה. No fanfare, no noise, just the steady daily rhythm of learning. Sometimes the most geshmake moments are the simplest ones, and the scenes of quiet diligence and consistency capture the true heartbeat of Oholei Torah Mesivta better than anything else.
The Yeshiva extends its heartfelt appreciation to Menahel Rabbi Moshe Silman, as well as to the S’gan Menahel of Shiur Aleph, Rabbi Eli Oster, and the S’gan Menahel of Shiur Beis and Gimmel, Rabbi Zalman Laufer, for their dedication and tireless efforts in planning and carrying out the many Kislev programs and events. Their commitment and care ensured that each initiative was meaningful and impactful.
