Finding Depth in Familiar Words
12th-grade students participate in a special topics Tefillah course, led by Rabbi Shloimy Halpern, that meets three times a week. This year’s seniors selected Shemoneh Esrei as their central focus.
The class goes far beyond translation. Together, students delve into the intent of Chazal and uncover the hashkafic lessons embedded in every word. Rabbi Halpern emphasizes that tefillah is precise, intentional, and deeply layered, each word and phrase chosen by Chazal for a reason. The learning is practical and immediately relevant, empowering students to bring greater kavanah into their next tefillah.
Rabbi Halpern especially cherishes the moment when students, who have recited these same teffilos daily for more than a decade, pause to reexamine the powerful ideas hiding in plain sight.
For many seniors, this class has been transformative, with several even referencing insights from the course in their graduation speeches.
Honors Geometry: Building Mathematical Thinking
Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael’s math program is designed to support advanced learning through tracked courses that allow students to develop strong skills and confidence at every level.
That philosophy comes to life in Mr. Dov Ellenbogen’s Honors Geometry class for 9th grade. In this small, focused class, students are engaging with ideas, questioning assumptions, and learning how to think like mathematicians.
What truly sets the course apart is Mr. Ellenbogen himself. He has a genuine love for mathematics, and it’s contagious. His enthusiasm invites students to care, not because they have to, but because they’re drawn in.
Mr. Ellenbogen brings geometry to life through classical mathematical thinking inspired by Euclid’s Elements. As he explains, “I enjoy seeing the moment when a student realizes they can actually follow the logic of a proof. Euclid, even 2,300 years later, delivers that moment better than almost anyone.”
The result is a classroom marked by curiosity, clarity, and genuine intellectual excitement.
Shabbaton!
In the peaceful, rural town of Durham, CT, on the scenic campus of Yeshiva Ateres Shmuel, YOY enjoyed a transformative Shabbaton.
The Yeshiva welcomed special guests, including beloved former Rebbe, Rabbi Dovid Bielory, and his family, who traveled from Baltimore to reconnect with students. JJ Srebo and Nesanel Elin joined for the weekend adding extra Chizuk and Ruach. Several alumni also returned, leading zemiros, delivering divrei Torah, and engaging with current students, reminding them to make every moment at YOY count.
On Thursday night, the Yeshiva enjoyed an uplifting kumzitz with Rabbi Shlomo Deutch from the Yeshiva of Waterbury. On Friday night, students took part in a thoughtful Q+A with Rebbim, featuring intriguing questions such as technology use and following sports.
The Shabbaton featured a power-learning seder, where the Yeshiva collectively completed Maseches Makos in just 45 minutes. The 12th grade led a chaburos, prepared in advance with Rabbi Luria, that explored a sugya with thoughtful questions and analysis for younger students. Motzei Shabbos was highlighted with live music, dancing, and basketball.
By the time they returned to Boston, students were recharged and ready to tackle the weeks ahead, carrying the inspiration sparked by this unforgettable Shabbaton.
YOY Flames: Season Update
The YOY Flames are having a strong season, pairing steady improvement with impressive results. In an eight-game season, the team is currently 5–1, with two games still to play.
This year’s progress reflects a thoughtful approach. Rather than relying on set plays, the team has emphasized teamwork, trust, and clearly defined roles, using scrimmages to build chemistry in real game situations. The results are clear, with the Flames gelling more each week, including a recent game in which they scored over 50 points!
Beyond wins and scores, the season has been defined by growth. Older players are stepping into leadership roles, while younger teammates are gaining confidence and learning to compete at a high level. As Coach Eric Banks, also a YOY parent, puts it, coaching the Flames is an honor, not just because of how they play, but because of the kind of young men they are becoming.
- 2/8-15 YOY 11th Grade Israel Trip
- 2/14 Mother Daughter Night Out
- 2/18 PTA Women’s class with Mrs. Halpern 8:00PM
- 2/22 Father and Son Learning
- 2/24 Parent Teacher Conferences
