 A Message From Our Rosh Yeshiva - Rabbi Taubes
Parashas Ki Seitzei contains within it, according to the reckoning of theSefer HaChinuch and others, more< mitzvos than any other single sedra in the entire Torah. One of them relates to restoring a lost object to its rightful owner, the mitzvah of Hashavas Aveidah (Devarim 22:1-3). The Chasam Sofer, in commenting on these pesukim, offers an additional outlook on this mitzvah by noting that just as one must help someone who has lost something of financial value by returning his item to him, so too there is an obligation to help someone who has gotten "lost" spiritually and religiously by "returning" his Torah perspectives to him (see also Minchas Chinuch, Mitzvah 239 No. 6).
The Chasam Sofer stresses there that one should never think that he cannot possibly influence somebody else because the person has drifted too far away. Everybody can be positively impacted by somebody and one never knows whether he might just be the very catalyst that that person needs in order to come back to the ways of Torah and good middos. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to function in a manner that can serve as an inspiration to those around us and to try and become role models for others not only in our Torah learning and our davening but also in our interpersonal conduct and our general behavior.
As we begin the new academic year, it is important for students to understand that while they are in school primarily to be taught, to be guided, and to be influenced by others - by their Rebbeim, by their teachers, and by other mentor - they also have the responsibility themselves to be the influencers of others. Even young high school talmidim must know how to stand up for what's right, to be proud of who they are as bnai Torah and bnai yeshiva, and to try and inspire good behavior - both religious and general - in others. If we all bear in mind this collective task to be representatives of Torah values, of honorable conduct, and of overall mentschlichkeit we will succeed in positively inspiring each other to attain ever greater heights of achievement and accomplishment in all areas of our lives. May we all be blessed with a truly successful year!
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 | | First Week Recap 2014 |
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Welcome Class of 2018!
On Tuesday, September 2nd, the MTA Class of 2018 entered into the famous Zysman Hall on Amsterdam Avenue, as they began their first year at Yeshiva University High School for Boys. Hailing from the greater tri-state area - as well as from a number of other states and Canada - the boys were thrilled to become part of a storied one hundred year legacy of outstanding accomplishment in Limudei Kodesh and General Studies.
The day kicked off with davening and breakfast, followed by words of welcome, introduction, and orientation by members of the administration and faculty. "I'm excited to be here," said Sam Schick, a freshman from Edison, "and I'm looking forward to meeting guys from all over the region." The boys then headed off to their respective shiurim, where they spent time beginning to learn the fundamentals of Masseches Kesubos., being studied throughout Yeshiva University this year. MTA continues to provide its four-track system of shiurim, providing each student with highly individualized attention and allowing Rebbeim to cultivate genuine connections with their new talmidim. "The school just feels like home," said Avi Kariyev, of Queens. "Everyone here is so nice and welcoming," volunteered another student.
 During shiur, the boys received a surprise visit from HaRav Hershel Schachter, shlita, world renowned Rosh Yeshiva and Rosh Kollel of RIETS, who spoke with the boys about his own time as a student at MTA, and encouraged the new students to work hard, and to fully utilize the High School's proximity to the Yeshiva University Beis Medrash and on-campus resources. Shlomo Meisels, of Teaneck, reflected that "it was really inspiring to hear from one of the greatest Rabbonim of our generation." Rav Schachter's words of encouragement came on the heels of a massive, school-wide siyum held in June, where more than one hundred students completed a Massechta, whether Ta'anis, Shabbos, or Sotah, and he encouraged everyone to try and make a siyum this year.
 Later in the day, the Class of 2018 also received iPads, as well as a technology briefing. The incoming class is the second grade to receive iPads, part of the school's comprehensive technological upgrades, which now include a new iMac lab and Apple TVs in classrooms. "It's critical to responsibly empower our students," said a member of the MTA Technology Team, "and we feel that iPads are an effective means of giving our boys the best access to a wealth of knowledge." The MTA tech staff has developed a sophisticated email and documents system for students, thanks to robust integration with the Google Apps ecosystem, and ensures responsible student use through best-in-class monitoring and compliance software.
The boys were also excited by the ability to play basketball in Yeshiva University's NCAA court, and to take slapshots in MTA's newly upgraded "Lion's Den" hockey court. And the availability of wrestling, fencing, and even marathon-training are just a few of the other athletic offerings that Yeshiva University's lab school is proudly able to offer.
In all, the Class of 2018 is eager to take on their high school years and make the most of their great opportunities. The boys are excited by the possibilities that lie ahead, proud to be a part of the Yeshiva University environment, and are enthusiastic to join a century-long tradition of excellence in all endeavors. As Noam Putterman of Bergenfield put it, "I'm thrilled to finally be an MTA Lion."
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Aaron Black Bikes Cross-Country for Friendship Circle
Aaron Black, 17, seems like a regular senior at MTA. He enjoys spending time with friends, skiing, and, coming from New England, watching Patriots football. And bicycling. Lots and lots of bicycling. The West Hartford, Connecticut native dorms at MTA, and spends his Erev Shabbos Fridays riding his black carbon fiber Specialized bicycle down the Greenway, the smoothly-paved path for cyclists and runners that stretches along the West Side Highway from Inwood to the Financial District. But over the summer, Aaron biked a very different sort of terrain - coast to coast, in fact.
As part of a charity bike ride for the Friendship Circle - an organization that benefits children, teens, and adults with special needs - Aaron began his journey in San Diego, California on July 6th. "The group consisted of seven other cyclists, including my older brother Eli, two support staff, and a bicycle mechanic," Black said, "we rode every day of the week, except Shabbos, of course, and averaged 95 miles per day. We had six weeks to cover 3,500 miles, so it was definitely a challenge." The group passed through fourteen states, stopping at various Friendship Circle locations along the way, and meeting children and parents who benefit from the Friendship Circle. Aaron and his fellow cyclists were also saw incredible stretches of the country, pedaling in the heat of the Arizona desert, above the wild Mississippi river, and through tranquil Pennsylvania Amish country. "I enjoyed the whole thing," said Black, "but my favorite part was - believe it or not - crossing over the George Washington Bridge, and back into MTA territory."
The group of riders pedaled back into Brooklyn, New York on August 17th, greeted by cheering family and friends. "It was hard, but it was definitely a worthwhile thing to do for a good cause" Aaron said. He and his brother had aimed to raise $10,000 for their ride. In the end, they raised $17,000, with all the collected funds supporting the Friendship Circle's programming and operations. Black's passion for the cause is evident, and he mentions that one can still donate at bike4friendship.org/teamblack. "Along the way, I met the children and parents whom we help," he said, "and it really made the experience incredibly powerful."
Aaron's goals for the year are a little more modest than biking across America. He plans to join his classmates in applying to Yeshivot in Eretz Yisrael, and is looking into various universities. He's not yet sure if he'll participate in the Shalva Marathon in Jerusalem, or the Chai Lifeline Marathon in Miami - popular objectives for MTA students - but plans to do more bike races in the near future. Asked how he plans to travel home for the Yomim Tovim in late September and October, Black smiles. "I think I'll ride with my brother again. In the car."
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Students Win Science Awards
Congratulations to Yehuda Tager for winning the Bausch & Lomb Award for the outstanding 11th grade science student, and to Zvi Goldstein for winning the Xerox Innovation Award for Innovation and Information Technology. Both have received certificates and mementos from the University of Rochester.
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Shop at Target or Amazon and Support MTA!
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Sunday, September 7
Varsity Hockey Tryouts - 12:45 - The Lion's Den
Team MTA Friendship Walk - 1:00
Monday, September 8
Hatzioni meeting - during lunch - Room 212
Student Council meeting - during lunch - Room 435
Academy News meeting - during lunch - Room 405
Back to School Night - dismissal at 5:15
Wrestling tryouts - 6:15 - Wrestling Room
Makor Chaim presentation to parents of 10th graders - 9:00 - Library
Senior College Guidance informational meeting - during linch - Room 404
Torah Bowl informational meeting - during lunch - Room 202
Film Club informational meeting - during lunch - Room 431
MTA Chorus auditions - during lunch - Room 404
MTA Band auditions - 2nd period - Band Room
JV Hockey tryouts - 6:15 - The Lion's Den
Varsity Basketball tryouts - 6:15 - The Max
Wednesday, September 10
Freshman Hike
Opening "Names, Not Numbers" program - during lunch - Room 310
JV Basketball tryouts - 6:15 - The Max
Thursday, September 12
Freshman Lunches with the Guidance Staff - look for signs
MTA Chorus practice - during lunch - Room 404
MTA Band practice - 2nd period - Band Room
Mishmar Grand Opening - Dismissal at 7:00
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9.3
Ronnie Mursiano
9.4
Charlie Jacobson
9.5
Simcha Hoffmann
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9.8
Gabi Bean
9.9
Kovi Diament
9.11
Akiva Shmalo
9.12
Jonathan Gibber
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Please share with us your significant family milestones so we may appropriately acknowledge events and losses and properly communicate information. Please contact Mr. Nachum Cooper at ncooper@yuhsb.org
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A Lion's Life Executive Staff
Sports Editor: Jeremy Borgen '15
Associate Editor: Shimmy Mandelbaum '16
Photography Editor: Shimmy Socol '16
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Nachum Cooper '09
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