A new Mesivta in Eretz Yisroel for American teens will combine learning with a wide range of extracurricular and athletic activities. Anash.org sat down with founder and director Rabbi Heshi Ceitlin to find out more about the program.
As previously reported on Anash.org, a new Mesivta will be opening in Eretz Yisroel for American teens. The Mesivta ‘Machon Aharon’ will combine the study of Nigleh and Chassidus with a wide range of extracurricular and athletic activities.
In recent days, due to high demand from bochurim and parents, Machon Aharon announced that they will be opening a Shiur Gimmel program as well. With the new update, Machon Aharon will now be opening for boys aged 14-17 years old.
Anash.org sat down with founder and director Rabbi Heshi Ceitlin to find out more about the program.
Interviewer: Due to the overwhelming interest of many parents, this new program seems to be a great necessity. What is different and special about learning at Machon Aharon?
Rabbi Heshi Ceitlin: First of all, so many of our children can thrive tremendously in their learning Torah and Chassidishkeit in a Yeshiva environment- knowing that there are scheduled times each day where they can release their energy through the many other outlets that our program provides.
The Yeshiva is located in a very calm and quiet setting with beautiful views, which allows the student to develop in a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.
As well, we like to assign a small number of students per class to ensure utmost personal attention for each and every one.
I: What additional programs do you provide along with the regular Yeshiva learning?
RHC: One the main focuses of our chinuch is to make the child feel that he’s at home, while instilling in him a sense of responsibility- making him a partner, starting with household chores like preparing food and cleaning up.
In addition, we provide several extra-curricular activities, I’ll detail some of them, so that the reader can understand each and it’s importance:
Krav Maga – Besides being an outlet to let out all the energy accumulated throughout the day, it also teaches the boy not to be afraid, giving him a sense of security that makes him stronger physically and mentally.
Agriculture – While enjoying helping the farmers in their work, the students learn about the “mitzvos hatluyos ba’aretz” which are discussed in Mishnayos and Halacha. This makes the learning more practical and hands-on.
Drama – Part of our Yeshiva staff includes a Psychodramatist who delivers weekly sessions. These sessions, through psycho-drama, help the boy become aware of his feelings (something that is usually a necessity for young boys) and gives him tools to identify and deal with them properly. In addition, the Psychodramatist helps the students prepare a play for each of the Yomim Tovim throughout the year, and the boys perform for children in the surrounding communities.
This can be very helpful in several ways:
Firstly, it helps increase the boy’s self-esteem and confidence. Secondly, with practice on the play’s texts -which will be in Hebrew- it’ll equip the boy with a comfortability and confidence with the language (which will assist immensely with studying topics like Mishnayos, Halacha etc.) Lastly, of course the great amount of spreading Yiddishkeit, Chassidus and Mivtzoim that these plays possess have an amazing impact on the recipients and definitely even more on the students.
I: This undertaking sounds very thought-out, fulfilling and of utmost necessity in this day and age, I hope you see great success in the future!
RHC: Thanks.
For more information, email [email protected] with your name and phone number.
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