Schmoozing in the Jungle

By COLlive reporter

The Rabbinical College of Pretoria, also know as the Machon L’Hora’a in South Africa, was established in 2001 under the inspiration of late Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris to ordain Chabad bochurim as rabbis and leaders.

Headed by Rabbi Levy Wineberg, internationally known for his annotated translation of the Tanya and his halacha class on COLlive, over 100 have graduated the smicha institute.

So why would 12 of their bochurim pick up one day and head to the Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering 7,523 square meters?

The Pretoria yeshiva is an important component of the Pretoria Jewish community. There is daily interaction between students and congregants, and one-on-one Torah study with local residents every evening.

The camping trip to the jungle this past week with a convoy of 3 vans and 2 trailers was another way for the two groups to further bond and learn.

Bochurim attending were Yoni Baker, Eli Cohen, Shalom Efune, Menachem Fehler, Osher Goldman, Mordechai Hecht, Avi Ifergen, Eliyohu Landes, Shalom Lazarus, Yishaya Marks, Chanan Rose, Avrom Swartz and Yehudah Welton.

And community members joining were Mark Isaacs, Mark Worms, Ian Hertz, Derek Ossip, Dovid Eichorn, Cliffy Yuter, Marv Kramer, Kyle Kumin, Nolan Karp and Julian Wolfson.

Upon entry to the park, within the first few hours, it was obvious they were in for a treat as they came across giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and even the scarcely seen wild dog.

On the second day, while on the troll for lions, they got more than they expected as they stumbled on a pride of over 18 lions/lioness.

“We learn together, farbreng and schmooze whilst getting an upclose look at some of Hashem’s wonderful members of the animal kingdom,” Yehudah Welton told COLlive.com.