Pioneering New ‘Wellness Week’ In Yeshivas Achei Tmimim

Last week was an extraordinary experience for the Bochurim from Yeshivas Achei Tmimim, as they delved deep into their inner selves to focus on spiritual, emotional, and physical development.

The week commenced with a captivating speech by Rabbi Meir New, the head of Aliyah Girls in Crown Heights, who offered the Bochurim an inside look into healthy relationships and the essence of “real love.” The Bochurim were completely engaged and asked profound and insightful questions, prompting a lively discussion that left a lasting impact.

Also given in the introduction speech was a Miftzah of the week an opportunity for the Bochurim to work on aspects of their lives that they wanted to the initiative was called S.P.A S Social Media Cleanse, P (Online content cleanse) and A Activity anything that gets the Bochurim up and moving, over 30 Bochurim took part and are all being treated to a lavish steak dinner to reward their efforts.

Following the inspiring talk, the Bochurim were treated to an enlightening panel led by Rabbi Levi Tzukernik, the Principal of Achei Tmimim, and Rabbi Dovid Losh (Mashpia & Mashgiach in Achei Tmimim). This session provided the Bochurim with a platform to address their questions, leading to incredible conversations that further enhanced their understanding of themselves and their surroundings. It was an amazing opportunity for the Bochurim to develop their character, gain valuable insights, and grow as individuals.

That evening the Bochurim began there 4 day course on Phone Consumption beginning with cognitive functioning and how different things affect your cognitive functioning led by Rabbi Yehuda Fenton (Mashpia in Achei Tmimim).

On Tuesday, the Bochurim embarked on an eye-opening journey into the depths of the dangers of online content. Through an incredible three-part video series, they learned how they could change their lives by refocusing their attention and understanding the underlying reasons behind their needs. The series also highlighted how consumption of online content can cause lasting damage and affect our relationships. The Bochurim were able to explore these concepts and grow from them, while also gaining the tools to deal with these challenges.

Following the video series, the Bochurim had the opportunity to engage with the staff of Yeshiva and ask their burning questions on this crucial topic. This provided them with a safe and supportive environment to explore their thoughts and concerns, and further develop their understanding of the impact of online content.

That afternoon, the Bochurim continued their physical development through engaging in our Yeshiva’s weekly initiative of playing sports and working out. This allowed them to take a well-deserved breath and rejuvenate themselves after such an incredible morning of growth and change.

The evening continued with the second part of the phone consumption course, led by Rabbi Yehuda Fenton. This informative and insightful session provided the Bochurim with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of phone consumption and maintain a healthy relationship with technology. It was a beautiful way to end the day while also expanding their knowledge on this vital topic.

On Wednesday, we gained valuable insights on navigating conflicts and understanding the stories we tell ourselves. We discovered that our perspectives and preconceived notions can impact our relationships with others, but by delving deeper into ourselves, we can learn to relate to others in a healthier way. The resulting discussion with staff and bochurim was incredibly uplifting and led to numerous “Aha” moments for the bochurim. This positive momentum continued throughout the week, as the bochurim were eager to continue exploring the eye-opening, reflective nature of the discussions.

Later that day, Rabbi Yehuda Fenton opened our minds to the effects of technology on our lives and the importance of positive usage. The bochurim appreciated the practical, fact-based approach to this topic.

Thursday marked the final day of Wellness Week, where we reflected on all the wonderful talks and inspiration we received. The lessons we learned will stay with us for a lifetime. Rabbi Yehuda Fenton’s class on phone usage was particularly memorable, as the bochurim brought in their phones and discussed ways to improve their usage. The creativity and dedication they displayed was truly inspiring.

In the evening, we gathered for a final, unforgettable event in Rabbi Levi Tzukernik’s backyard. The Farbrengin was unique, with no alcohol in sight. Each Bochur had the opportunity to share their insights and experiences from the week, and the inspiration was palpable. We then received surprise letters from our parents, reminding us of their vital role in our growth and development. The emotional impact of this gesture was immense, and we hope that it will help repair and initiate growth in all our relationships.