Yehivas Kayitz Tzeirei HaShluchim Concludes Summer in Tzfas

YKTH, Yeshivas Kayitz Tzeirei HaShluchim, just finished another amazing summer in Eretz Yisrael!

Under the leadership of Rabbis Chaim and Zalman Kaplan of Chabad Tzfas and directed by Eli Rosenfeld, 135 Bochurim from the USA and beyond came to Tzfas to enjoy the summer of a lifetime, filled with intensive learning, exciting sports and trips.

Awaiting them was the beautifully renovated campus of Yeshivas Beis Menachem Mendel with 5 state-of-the-art sports fields, brand new Zal, classrooms and Mikvah.

This year YKTH partnered with JLI to create unique Gemara courses patterned after JLI’s acclaimed learning program, but tailored for Bochurim. Delving into topics like terrorists accidentally saving lives or ethics in AI car engineering isn’t something that one gets to do in the regular Yeshiva year. In these classes, the Bochurim examined interesting real-life scenarios through the lens of Torah, using a combination of classic sources, polling and critical thinking.

There was also an extensive Eretz Yisroel curriculum exploring the history and significance of the major cities, starting from sources in Tanach and going through our Rebbeim’s teachings.

Mivtza Torah was a huge success, with over 40 Bochurim completing large sections of Masechta Taanis and being tested on the material. Those who excelled in the learning were rewarded with an incredible scuba experience in Eilat!

In just six weeks YKTH explored the entire Eretz Yisroel, including Yerushalayim’s Old City, Eilat’s beautiful shores, Har Arbel’s cliffs, and, of course, Tzfas itself. From Davening at Kevorim to rappelling in the Negev, these trips were the full package: educational, enriching, and full of thrill. Walking through Chizkiyahu’s water tunnel or jeeping in the Golan Heights is something the Bochurim won’t forget. The whole experience was especially exciting this year, as YKTH was finally back home in Tzfas after relocating to Arizona for the past two years.

Evenings were an exciting mix of events and speakers, including one ex-Hezbollah turned-Jewish spy, lecture on Shleimus Haaretz, Simche Friedman concert and the amazing Mivtza Dor7tos events! Mivtza Dor7tos was a program created by the counselors to help the Bochurim grow in their Yiddishkeit and Chasidishkeit. As the weeks went on, the goals became progressively harder. Learning Chitas and Rambam, saying Krias Shema at night with a hat and jacket, and thinking Pirush Hamilos during Davening were just some of the things the Mivtza demanded. In return, the boys were treated to three high-quality events, and many souvenirs and prizes.

Mivtza “Maamar for Shmuel” in memory of former YKTH talmid Shmuel ben R’ Osher Karnowsky A”H became an exciting staple of YKTH by now. Over 80 Bochurim learned a Maamar of the Rebbe by heart each Shabbos and were treated to a thrilling horseback experience in the forested hillside near Tzfas. It was made possible thanks to the generosity of Shmuel’s parents, Rabbi and Mrs. Osher Karnowsky.

The summer came to an end with a 5-day Grand Trip like no other. They hiked Masada, floated in the Dead Sea, spent Shabbos in Chevron, cruised in Eilat, rode on camels and rappelled down cliffs and closed with a beautiful banquet in Kfar Chabad.

The key to the summer’s success were the exemplary staff headed by Levi Shaw and Mendy Konikov who ensured that every bochur had an extraordinary experience and is returning to their respective yeshivos energized and inspired for a successful year. The memories and experiences accumulated throughout the summer are sure to have a lasting impact.