Bochurim Wind Down at Safari

By Diane Wolfson

Aspiring rabbonim at Machon L’Hora’ah in Pretoria, South Africa have just concluded a series of tests on Hilchos Taaruvos and Hilchos Yuchsin.

The form of testing used is quite different from the traditional, which seeks only to ascertain whether the student has grasped and retained the material studied.

The tests, composed by institute’s dean Rabbi Levy Wineberg, challenge students to apply halacha to practical situations that are likely to arise in the world of Shlichus and the Rabbinate. Thereby the student learns to work with the material and to appreciate its relevance.

They welcome and embrace the challenge, and their accompanying satisfaction, often experienced here for the first time, is clearly visible.

Before taking the latest series of tests, they spent a weekend some 200 miles away, on the shores of the Indian Ocean, uplifting and inspiring a Jewish community in the coastal resort town of Umhlanga Rocks.

Following the tests, the bochurim spent several days on safari at the Kruger National Park. A group of Pretoria community members traveled with them, providing not only the necessary bush -expertise, but also farbrenging, bonding and forming long-lasting friendships.

Between the warm blue of the deep sea, the unparalleled wildlife of the Kruger and its fascinating ecosystems, and the symbiosis of bochurim and community members, the bochurim had an enduring “wow” experience.

In fact, the past weeks exemplified the ethos of the Machon Lehora’a: On the one hand world class standard in Torah learning, requiring tremendous dedication and focus. On the other hand, a unique opportunity to interact with a warm, friendly community and share with it Torah-light and Chassidic joy, in a memorable year of Torah-study and personal growth.

To apply for a highly productive year of Semicha and Torah learning with a strong shlichus – training component: Machon L’hora’ah 5774 Application Form