Recently, Magen David Yeshivah parents and students gathered at the home of Marshall and Jeannie Mizrahi for a beautiful night of learning. Titled: MDY Night of Learning and Unity, over 300 people showed up to learn together. Looking at them, spread out in the Mizrahi’s backyard, it was clear MDY achieved their mission.
While there are many opportunities to continue learning over the summer vacation, it is rare for students to interact with so many rabbis and teachers on one night and for one purpose—to learn together.
Different age groups were assigned to different locations, all within earshot of each other, and at each spot an MDY rabbi or teacher led a discussion. The buzz was incredible; everywhere you looked there were people asking questions, reacting to comments, and listening intently.
Rosh Yeshivah, Rabbi Harold Sutton, kicked off the event with words of Torah. He analyzed the rabbinic statement attributing the destruction of the Beit Ha’Mikdash to neglecting Birchat HaTorah (Torah blessings) and explained the key lesson—we cannot consider the Torah a subject we learn in school, or an intellectual pursuit; it should be studied as a guide to life and as our constant source of inspiration.
Following Rabbi Sutton’s address, the crowd scattered into their separate sessions. Rabbi Alan Berkowitz, the principal of MDY elementary school, opened the parent session and spoke about the proper way to approach a child’s education. He then introduced MDY’s new High School Principal, Rabbi Richard Tobias, who expressed that he was excited to work with the new administration and emphasizing the partnership between the various levels of Magen David.
Rabbi Tobias’ topic, “the worst things your child could tell you,” created a lot of speculation. Many in the audience were surprised to hear that the worst thing a child can say is, “I don’t care.” Life is filled with distractions and children can escape into a video game and social media. More and more of our youth are becoming apathetic and unwilling to engage with reality. They are losing their ability to feel and to cope with challenges and to build relationships and they need those skills in order to live meaningful lives in the future.
While their parents were discussing the Torah perspective on apathy with Rabbi Tobias, MDY students were learning as well. Seventh and eighth grade girls were led by Rabbi Joey Mizrahi and seventh and eighth grade boys were given a class by Rabbi Meyer Barnathan. High school girls were given a class by Associate Principal, Mrs. Esther Tokayer. High School boys learned with Rabbi David Elnadav. A class for college age students and young professionals was given by Rabbi Joey Haber.
A light dinner was served. Crust, by Raymond Tawil, made delicious pizzas, Rita’s ices refreshed the crowd and everyone enjoyed Dough Co. Doughnuts.
The evening was a tremendous success and all walked way inspired and excited about Torah, about Magen David and about the warm and talented faculty at both the elementary and high schools. A big thank you to Marshall and Jeannie Mizrahi for hosting this inspirational night, and a thank you to all of the students, parents, and faculty members who came and showed their dedication to, and support for, MDY.
