The students in Pinsk, as well as Yad Yisroel’s many guests over Yom Tov were able to experience a genuine feel of Z’man Simchaseinu. The students were all part of the great effort preparing for Yom Tov, both by learning about all its aspects, as well as building, and decorating the Sukkah.
The children had an inspiring and joyous Yom Tov, thanks to the well planned programs and special volunteers that joined us both from America and Eretz Yisroel.
After the first days, our talmidim had some relaxing Chol Hamoed trips to various attractions which they very much enjoyed, with the highlight being ‘Simchas Beis Hashoeiva’, with beautiful music and dancing. The children sang and danced all through the night!
The climax was of course Simchas Torah. It was breathtaking to see the passion, and joy with which the children danced with the Torah held so tightly to their hearts. The teachers were overtaken with emotion to hear the students loudly make the Brochos of the Torah under the huge Tallis by ‘Kol Hanearim’. Another very touching moment was to see how the children bid for Hagba or Gelila with leaning Mishnayos B’al Peh. For the beginners that barely know how to read were bidding with Tehilim. Hagba went for 500 Perkei Tehilim!!!
Although our staff worked especially hard over the summer and during the Yomim Tovim, it was truly gratifying to see how right after Yom Tov the teachers were already in the classroom teaching, helping our many youngsters make their return to Torah and Mitzvohs!