Thanks to the support of the Jewish Community of Dnipro and a respected member of the community, businessman and philanthropist Natan Zolotarevsky, the students of the “Beit LeBanim” boarding school for boys were able this summer to undertake a major trip to Israel and become acquainted with the work of various yeshivas.
“The main goals of the trip were, firstly, to introduce the boys to different yeshivas so that they could make an informed choice for their future studies, and secondly, to give them a broader understanding of Israel, its realities, and its unique character,” explains Rabbi David Vayskovsky, head of the “Beit LeBanim” boarding school. “We visited several cities, holy sites, and this journey became not only a wonderful gift for our students but also an invaluable experience.”
Arriving in Israel late at night, the boys first traveled to the yeshiva in the settlement of Tekoa, headed by Rabbi Reuven Chupin, where they reunited with many of their friends who had previously studied at the Dnipro Yeshiva Ketana named after Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson and are now continuing their studies in this remarkable institution. The next day, they went to Jerusalem, where Dan Rutstein gave them a fascinating tour, including the Western Wall, the Old City, many synagogues, the Temple Institute, and archaeological excavations, concluding with a visit to the tomb of our Matriarch Rachel.
After a day filled with impressions, the boys returned to the Tekoa yeshiva and participated in an inspiring farbrengen dedicated to the 20th of Av — the yahrzeit of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, father of the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and Chief Rabbi of Yekaterinoslav-Dnipropetrovsk from 1909 to 1939.
The following day, together with Rabbi Reuven Chupin, the boys climbed Mount Herodion, explored King Herod’s palace, and then returned to Tekoa to prepare for Shabbat. Shabbat was filled with deep spiritual meaning: prayers, farbrengens, festive meals in Rabbi Chupin’s home with his family, and walking tours of Tekoa’s picturesque surroundings, including historic caves, canyons, and other sites.
On Sunday, the group traveled to the holy city of Tzfat, where Rabbi Reuven Smolkin guided them through its landmarks. The boys prayed in both the Sephardic and Ashkenazi synagogues of the great Arizal, in the synagogue of Rabbi Yosef Caro, and in other synagogues and holy places. Special emphasis was placed on visiting yeshivas and learning about their programs as possible options for the students’ continued education. That evening, they joined a farbrengen with Rabbi Reuven Smolkin.
On Monday, the group moved to Israel’s coastal plain and visited Kfar Chabad. Rabbi Sholom Nachshon led them on a tour of the settlement, including the main “Beit Menachem” synagogue and the exact replica of the famous “770” in New York. Afterwards, the boys enjoyed time at the beach in Bat Yam, joined by friends from Rabbi Chupin’s yeshiva and their mentor. The next day was devoted to exploring yeshivas in the Gush Dan area and becoming familiar with life in cities such as Tel Aviv, Rishon LeZion, and beyond.
“One of the goals of this trip was to prepare our boys for what they will see upon coming to Israel, so they won’t feel lost but will already have some experience and be able to make conscious choices,” says Rabbi David Vayskovsky. “We are deeply grateful to our community and especially to Reb Natan Zolotarevsky for this wonderful gift for our children, thanks to which they will be better prepared to choose their path in life.”
