Some of the most important learning takes place outside of the classroom.

The senior class is experiencing this truism as they participate in an innovative program called Banim Atem L'Hashem, in conjunction with Yachad, the OU's division for children and young adults with special needs.  Thanks, in large part, to Rabbi Polstein's organizational efforts, each of the three Senior shiurim gets the opportunity one Monday night a month to have dinner and learn with a group of nine Yachad members.  All the boys have dinner together and afterwards are paired with study partners for the learning session.  Efrem Popel, Director of Chicago Yachad, guides the chavrusos as they learn pirkei avos, the parasha and other Torah topics.

For many of the Yeshiva students, this has been their first interaction with teenagers with special needs and despite an enlightening introductory session with the Yachad Director were unsure of what to expect.  But even for those who were anxious initially, the anxiety quickly gave way to feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction.  "When I first considered what we were being asked to do", says Yosef Dauber, "I thought 'there is no way I can do this', but once the program got started it didn't take me long to feel comfortable". 

The impact on the Yachad members from these interactions, Efrem reports, is tremendous.  "They are so excited to be learning in the Yeshiva with the Seniors", says the Director.  "After every session they can't stop talking about it; they say 'the guys are so cool' and 'we talk about such interesting things'.  Its really a great boost for them."