Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim in Antwerp, Belgium, marked the opening of the Elul zman as nearly 100 bochurim began the new shnas halimudim at the yeshiva.

The yeshiva, which serves as a warm and vibrant home for many sons of shluchim from across Europe, welcomed the younger bochurim arriving for Shiur Alef, together with the returning talmidim of Shiur Beis and Shiur Gimmel.

The opening program began with words of welcome and guidance from Rabbi Shabtai Slavaticki, chairman of the mosdos and the yeshiva’s general mashpia.

Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Menachem Mendel Tvardovitz then addressed the bochurim about the year’s learning program and the mission and responsibilities of a Tomim today.

Following the opening remarks, the talmidim sat down to learn together with their fathers, filling the zal with excitement and chayus as they began Maseches Pesachim, which is being learned this year in Tomchei Temimim yeshivos.

With the yeshiva continuing to grow, its hanhala has expanded the staff this year with additional ramim, enabling each bochur to receive greater personal attention and guidance and to develop his abilities to their fullest.

Another new development this year is a Chassidus seder for Shiur Gimmel taught in Yiddish. The hanhala said the yeshiva places great importance on teaching the bochurim Yiddish, “dem Rebbin’s shprach,” and expressed hope that the initiative will help every talmid develop the ability to understand and speak Yiddish with confidence.