It's a bit like stepping out of the plane at Ben Gurion. The
warm gust of air that hits you is always a little unexpected,
but you know you've arrived and that feeling of elation takes
over.
The moment you cross the threshold of the Normandie Hotel --
where it all happens -- the European Yarchei Kalloh buzz
engulfs you. As yet nary a sefer has been opened, not
a shiur given or received, but even at this stage it
is written all over their faces. There are old timers who
have never missed a Yarchei Kalloh, more recent recruits, and
new timers with their faces positively aglow at nothing in
particular except the sheer anticipation of what is to come
and the joy they know will be theirs.
The atmosphere is palpable. Not having participated in one of
these magnificent events it is impossible to think your way
into imagining what it will be like. As you read this, you
are, as you are: secure in your own familiar environment. But
once there, something else begins to stir as the week
unfolds. Subtle changes within yourself occur as you become
part and parcel of a different reality.
It is perfectly understandable that the thought of spending a
week of one's precious time (not to mention the expense) in
an environment which is, or has become, somewhat distanced
from our normal way of living does not immediately engender a
warm glow.
We all went through that feeling: "I haven't the
zitsfleish anymore! What? All day?" -- "What if I'm
bored after a few shiurim? I'll be a bit stuck, won't
I?"
It's not that you don't yearn to be associated with Torah. Of
course you do! Why else would you be supporting son(s)(in-
law) in learning?
"But me? I was never that way inclined and, let's face it, by
now I've missed the boat."
You could not be more mistaken. Without putting the
clock back, the Yarchei Kalloh concept manages, by the magic
of Torah and the unique way the event is organized, to
recapture your youth. The feeling of strangeness is quickly
replaced by one of comfort and serenity in your new, if
temporary, surroundings. From the outset you are transported
into the special atmosphere, which is at once yeshivish
in outlook and direction, exquisitely balanced and
blended into a mature and relaxed program which fully
accommodates the requirements of those of us who are a little
further along the time line.
Feel the joy of rediscovering the lomdish shiur, and
bask in the glorious realization that you have fully
understood the pearls of wisdom of the incomparable HaGaon
HaRav Boruch Dov Povarsky, delivered in his unique, engaging
(and -- dare I say it?), highly entertaining style. Discover
that you are really getting a lift out of it and can hardly
contain yourself to wait for the next exciting
installment.
Of course much, perhaps most, of this success is directly due
to the superb quality of the maggidei shiur who, with
their legendary powers of hasboroh truly excel
themselves at events such as Yarchei Kalloh.
There is so much for everyone here. There is lomdus
with clarity, interaction and participation and, above
all, enthusiasm and joy. Well-liked maggidei shiur --
HaRav Boruch Pines, HaRav Arye Dunner and HaRav Chaim Peretz
Berman -- delight their participants throughout the week,
each in his own way. The option is there to stick to the same
shiur, or to sample the varying delights of the
differing shiur styles as the will takes you. No
problem! Feel free!
And each evening you can brush up on your halochoh as
you listen to the expertise of Rabbi Dovid Heller, who
masterfully weaves his refined top-of-his-class knowledge of
halochoh into the hurly-burly of real life. And if you
are up with the lark and have a little spare energy, you can
start your day with a shiur Daf Yomi delivered with
the confidence, clarity and pithy humor of HaRav Simche
Bamberger.
All these offerings -- could anyone ask for more?
Don't worry, you are unlikely to become a talmid chochom
overnight. But sitting for a few days at the feet of
these masters, you will begin to appreciate again the depths
of Torah and how unaware you have become of its profundity.
Permitting yourself the exposure to these scintillating
shiurim will engender a fresh appreciation of
talmidei chachomim and rabbonim. Surely there can be
few things more important for the aspiring ben
Torah.
Sitting, sharing mealtimes, and learning, punctuated by
bein-hasedorim breaks with friends, past, present and
brand new (not necessarily in that order), quickly breeds a
spirit of infectious camaraderie. It is perhaps this, above
all else, which creates the special atmosphere unique to
Yarchei Kalloh.
And the ladies are not forgotten. Quite apart from a
guaranteed wonderful week at a comfortable hotel with
excellent cuisine, stimulating shiurim for them are
scheduled at least twice each day. The ever-popular daily
mussar shmooze by Rabbi Povarsky delivered to the men
is simultaneously relayed to the ladies from the main beis
hamedrash. Shiurim on other exciting topics are given by
world renowned speakers such as Rabbi Eliyohu Falk.
At this point I distinctly detect your irritation that no
mention of that much-used cliche about "recharging the
batteries" (no article is complete without it) has as yet
been made. Sorry to disappoint you, but that one will not be
rolled out here. It's like this, we people are neither
motorcars nor mobile phones, and I'm sure I don't even have a
battery!
The Yarchei Kalloh experience will not just recharge some
part of you, nor merely enhance your energy levels: it will
positively change you into a different person altogether. Let
Yarchei Kalloh rekindle your relationship with the Ribono
Shel Oilom and His Torah. Permit the atmosphere to ignite
that warmth and enthusiasm for knowledge and enhance your
respect for talmidei chachomim, as no other experience
could. In short, what you will receive is a total overhaul
and refit (if you need an analogy).
Summon your courage and take the plunge. Prepare to surprise
yourself on how much and how deeply you will enjoy and
appreciate Yarchei Kalloh week. Life will never be the same,
and you will never look back. Meet the most unlikely
acquaintances and involuntarily declare, "Didn't think you
came here!"
See you there.
The 32nd European Yarchei Kalloh at the Normandie Hotel,
Bournemouth runs from Sunday 3rd Teves/ 28 December 2003 to
Sunday 10th Teves/ 4th January 2004.
For further details and booking contact: Michoel Lobenstein
020 8211 1769 or 020 8809 1869 (fax 020 8809 7161).
