This past Motzei Shabbos and Sunday, more than seventy alumni reunited in Gateshead Yeshiva for the annual Yemei Limmud but in a refreshed – “no time off work” format, with many travelling in from across the UK. Some of the participants are now parents of current talmidim, returning not only to the building, but to the Beis HaMedrash that shaped them.
The programme opened on Motzei Shabbos with a beautiful milchig Melave Malka in
the Bewick Centre. R’ Aryeh Melinek welcomed everyone warmly, after which R’ Simcha Feld shlit”a spoke briefly and powerfully about the chashivus of remaining connected to one’s Yeshiva. He described the special chizzuk that alumni events bring, both to those attending and to the Yeshiva, which continues to see its talmidim building Torah homes and contributing to kehillos across the world.
The following morning began early with Daf Yomi and Shacharis, after which the group joined a working breakfast and chizzuk shiur from the Mashgiach, R’ Mordche Yosef Karnowsky shlit”a on the topic of Practical Hashkofoh For The Working Day.
Afterwards, the Beis HaMedrash quickly filled with the sound of limmud b’chavrusa, with a packed Beis Hamedrash of bochurim and particpants learning side by side, the sugya of עשה דוחה לא תעשה.
A lively Q&A session over lunch, moderated by R’ Shaul Bodner, raised practicalquestions about contemporary challenges faced by Bnei Torah. During the programme a meaningful presentation was made to Hechover R’ Yitzchok Katz, marking his retirement from his role as Chair of the Trustees of the Alumni Committee, after many years of devoted service. The presentation was given warmly by Maran Rosh HaYeshiva shlit”a, who expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the Yeshiva and its alumni.
The afternoon continued with a thought provoking halachic look at the Chanukah dreidel, followed by afternoon seder, before everyone gathered for the shiur kloli from Maran Rosh HaYeshiva shlit”a, bringing the programme to a meaningful close.
Participants left encouraged and inspired, taking with them not only good memories but a renewed feeling of connection to their Yeshiva. The learning may have finished, but the chizzuk continues, with many already asking for another event soon.