By Efraim Tabak, Grafixer Studio
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This year the Agudath Israel of America’s Pirchei Division gathered in Cleveland, Ohio for their celebration of completing all Mishnayos by yeshivah students from across the continent. While this gathering was labeled as only for the Midwest, the dozen of cities which were represented fell beyond the geographical confines of Midwest America. As far south as Miami, Norfolk and Atlanta, to as far West as St. Louis or Denver, might technically be outside the designated area, but who counts when you are promised a blast? (The Denver delegation could not make it due to last minute weather conditions.) Bring young boys between the ages of 12 to 18 for a weekend of activities among their peers from so many cities, and you would think there is no need for any other program, they will party.
After a very spiritual Shabbos experience in the Cleveland Telshe Yeshiva’s dorms, the highlight of the Shabbaton was the Melave Malka where the actual conclusion of all six tractates were completed. There were several door prizes (electronic games, electric scooter, and several sets of Seforim), finger food of French fries, fried chicken and soda pop, and of course, live music. It had all the ingredients of an unforgettable experience. There was the program also of concluding all six volumes of the Mishnayos, and listening to some Divrei Torah from Rebbeim and from the representatives of the main office of Agudath from New York.
The evening did not disappoint anyone. The one thing you could count on was the exuberance of an overflowing crowd. Let six hundred boys gather in one room, after the rest of a Shabbos experience, and they will bring the house down. And they did their part. There were two takeaway which impressed me as an observer.
When the door prizes were displayed before the start of the program, and boys had to put their raffle tickets on each item, despite the very tempting video-game cartridge, electric chess a karaoke machine or even the electronic laser scooter, the crowd gathered around the various sets of Mishnayos, and Chumash. That impressed me.
The other incredible side event of the evening was when we all heard through the loud speaker that some cash was found on the dance floor, and the rightful owner could pick it up. While not too many people paid attention to the announcement, it deeply resonated in me. Here are some pictures to give an impression of the evening.
(Pictures below; more pictures at bit.ly/2J9Jai4, password 09032019.)
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