Dozens of high school students who suddenly found themselves
with no classes to attend due to the ongoing school strike
took part in their first siyum at the Acheinu yeshiva
in Har Nof for the newly observant. For many of the
participants the exciting event to celebrate the completion
of "Eilu Metzios" (the second chapter of Bovo
Metzia) also marked the first time they had ever
completed a chapter of the gemora.
During the initial days of the strike, thanks to rapid
mobilization by Acheinu activists, many young men were
brought into Acheinu outreach centers located around the
country, and suitable candidates were sent to try learning at
the organization's yeshiva.
Immediately after the event the students delved into the next
chapter.
The students' parents also attended the siyum, saying
it was the first time they had seen true happiness —
simchah shel Torah — as the students' faces
radiated joy. "I feel as if a new son has been born to me,"
one parent told the yeshiva staff. "It's not the same Yossi
of a few months ago. I never dreamed I'd get to see my son
celebrate a gemora siyum."
For some of the students still enrolled in high school the
event was a milestone in their lives, and inspired them to
ask the yeshiva staff if they could study at the yeshiva on a
regular basis.
Also at the siyum were the heads of Acheinu and
prominent rabbonim. Acheinu Chairman HaRav Yerachmiel Kram
told the parents about the great transformation that has
taken place in the souls of the students since the day the
yeshiva was founded, with blessings from HaRav Aharon Leib
Shteinman shlita.
