In anticipation of their entrance to yeshiva gedola in the shiur alef level, some two thousand yeshiva students from all over the country gathered this past Thursday for an annual `prep session' which was sponsored this year by Dirshu and attended by the top echelon of roshei yeshiva and mashgichim. They were privy to guidance messages regarding the significant transition from yeshiva ketana to yeshiva gedola.
In the course of the assembly, a letter from HaRav Shteinman was read aloud, addressed to those young students embarking on a new stage in life beginning Rosh Chodesh Elul.
Letter from Maran HaRav Shteinman shlita
To the sanctified yeshiva students gathered at this preparatory assembly in expectancy of their commencing studies in a yeshiva gedola, sponsored by the Dirshu organization, may Hashem preserve them.
Tosafos in Kesuvos (63) write that it is usual that when one embarks on the path of Torah study, he becomes great. You, who are privileged to enter a yeshiva gedola, fortunate are and goodly is your portion.
Each of you must, however, know that he was created to serve his Creator according to his personal capacities, and certainly you differ individually from one another in your capacities. But if you don't compare yourself with your neighbor [but focus on yourself], you will be happy and able to elevate yourself and to become a true G-d-fearing talmid chochom.
May each of you succeed in imbuing yourself with Torah and yiras Shomayim in your hearts, and elevate yourselves to the glory of Yisroel.
(signed) Aharon Leib Shteinman
