‘Tomim’ Event Sets Hundreds Up for Yeshiva Success

Some 450 talmidim from across Eretz Yisroel who will soon be entering yeshivos ketanos gathered for a large opening farbrengen launching “Tomim,” an educational initiative of the Panasaim organization that accompanies talmidim as they make the significant transition from Talmud Torah to Tomchei Temimim.

Program director Rabbi Binyomin Wilhelm opened the gathering with an impassioned address on the unique purpose of Tomchei Temimim and what is expected of a talmid entering its doors. He encouraged the boys to approach the coming year with seriousness and complete dedication to the standards and ideals of a Tomim, emphasizing the privilege and responsibility that come with becoming a talmid of Tomchei Temimim.

The farbrengen continued with addresses from rabbonim, mashpiim and roshei yeshiva from Tomchei Temimim yeshivos across Eretz Yisroel, including Rabbi Zelig Althaus, Rabbi Yechiel Elfenbein, Rabbi Avraham Asher Belinov, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Zilberstrom, Rabbi Menachem Mordechai Kenig, Rabbi Levi Rosenberg and Rabbi Elchanan Raices.

The speakers focused on the importance of this first year in yeshiva and the lasting effect it can have on a talmid’s learning, Chassidishe conduct and development. The mashpiim stressed that growth does not come from occasional bursts of inspiration, but from maintaining consistency in learning, avodas Hashem and Chassidishe conduct throughout the year.

Drawing on their experience with talmidim who participated in previous years, the rabbonim said that those who took part in the program entered yeshiva significantly better prepared for its schedule, expectations and new environment, and were able to settle into yeshiva life with greater maturity.

A highlight of the gathering was the unveiling of the full program that will accompany the talmidim throughout the coming year.

The program will include periodic Leil Shishi gatherings hosted at yeshivos gedolos around Eretz Yisroel, bringing the talmidim together for farbrengens and Chassidishe inspiration throughout the year.

Participants will also take part in “Pardes,” a series of small-group sessions held several times during the winter months, giving them more personal preparation and guidance as they adjust to life in yeshiva.

A new sefer prepared specifically for the program will address the central areas of yeshiva life, including Chassidishe conduct, learning Nigleh and Chassidus, and practical guidance for making the most of the yeshiva schedule and environment.

Rabbonim, mashpiim and mechanchim from yeshivos ketanos across Eretz Yisroel will remain involved throughout the year, providing the talmidim with ongoing guidance and personal assistance.

At the conclusion of the gathering, each talmid received a special memento, a dedicated card to be used for the program’s mivtzoim, presented in an elegant wallet.

The program is being supported by R’ Eliyahu Schlossberg in memory of his father, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Schlossberg, a”h. It will also feature additional preparation gatherings, practical workshops and farbrengens over the course of the year.

Photos: Menush Amit