The mythical letter below is a compendium of remarks,
comments and critiques received from some of those who put
their toes into the waters (ein mayim elo Torah) of
last year's European Yarchei Kalloh, partly as a result (they
assured me) of an article they saw which described and
recommended this unique annual event.
Dear Reb Sholom,
So I tried it. Well after reading your article last year
("Yarchei Kalloh? Me? You must be Joking!") you set a
challenge I just could not ignore. Skeptic that I am, the
promises of excitement, atmosphere and easy learning seemed a
little too good to be true and possibly even a touch over the
top. I certainly did not imagine I would stay the course.
Cooped up with a bunch of learners for a whole week is not
really my scene.
But truth to tell, you underplayed your hand. Time flew by
or perhaps stopped altogether, I'm not sure which, and was
overtaken by the Yarchei Kalloh experience. Yes, that is
precisely what it is, an experience unlike any other and
certainly quite different from the proverbial "getting away
from it all" holiday — in fact the very opposite. The
problem with the "getting away holiday" is, having got there
(wherever "there" might be) you discover, much to your
chagrin, that the chief problem has come along too —
yourself.
By contrast, as I tuned into Yarchei Kalloh, got involved,
and let go sufficiently to allow the atmosphere to do its
magic, a change occurred which touched my very essence, as I
found myself in a cocoon of space and time. It's not just the
absence of all the trappings and chores of life back home.
Rather it's the effect of a new focus: in this place I really
was looking forward to the next shiur, or a
chavrusa seder — activities I have always
carried out, of course, but over time it was more out of a
sense of obligation than untrammeled free choice. The
combination of a packed and varied learning programme totally
without tension is, I think, the part I found so
invigorating. The hotel is nice too; well it's the Normandie
isn't it! It is welcoming, and mealtimes were such convivial
affairs.
And the shiurim — ah the shiurim! Well
what can I add to the reports of so many others who enthuse
about the clarity, originality and expertise of the
Maggidei Shiur? The offerings really do cater for
everyone's taste and learning inclinations. There are three
parallel on-the-Daf shiur strands, presented by Rabbi
Knopfler (rosh yeshiva Shaarei Torah, Manchester), Rabbi
Boruch Pinnes and Rabbi Arye Dunner of Bnei Brak and a daily
Shiur Klolli given by the renowned Rosh Yeshiva of
Ponovezh, Rabbi Berel Povarski.
My friends, the options are all there for the taking. Stick
if you wish to the same maggid shiur and slowly get a
handle on his derech halimud. Or ring the changes and
sample the varying delights of different shiur styles
as the fancy takes you - no problem! Feel free!
Each evening you can brush up on your Halochoh as you listen
to the expertise of Rabbi Dovid Heller, who masterfully
weaves his refined top-of-his-class knowledge of Halochoh
into the hurly-burly of real life. You can also give your
day an extra boost with a shiur Daf Hayomi delivered
with the verve and clarity of the Gerrer Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi
Yaakov Meir Rosenbaum. Discover that you are really getting a
lift out of it and can hardly contain yourself as you wait
for the next exciting installment.
Of course much — perhaps most — of this success
is directly due to the superb quality of the Maggidei
Shiur, whose legendary powers of hasboroh truly
excel themselves at events such as Yarchei Kalloh. There is
so much for everyone here.
And the ladies are not forgotten. Quite apart from a
guaranteed wonderful week at a comfortable hotel with
excellent cuisine, stimulating shiurim are scheduled
at least twice each day. In addition, the ever-popular daily
mussar shmooze by Rabbi Povarski delivered to the men
is simultaneously relayed to the ladies from the main beis
hamedrash. Shiurim on other exciting topics are given by
Yarchei Kalloh participants, and by specially invited
rabbonim who are world renowned speakers, such as Rabbi Falk
of Gateshead.
When it was over, I was truly pleased that I had taken the
plunge. I surprised myself on how much and how deeply I
enjoyed and internalised the Yarchei Kalloh week. I doubt
that life will ever be quite the same, as I have a new
fixture in my calendar. IY"H I'll be there again this
year. So, no, you were not joking, quite the contrary,
Yarchei Kalloh — just the thing for me. I can hardy
wait.
Yours sincerely,
Nearly all of last year's new boys — this year's old
hands.
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A few details:
The 33rd European Yarchei Kalloh, at the Normandie Hotel
— Bournemouth Sunday 14th Teves /26th December —
Sunday 21st Teves /2nd January will be learning the first
perek of Pesochim.
Seder Hayom:
06:40 Daf Hayomi (Rabbi Y M Rosenbaum)
07:40 Shacharis
09:30 Morning Shiur (choice)
10:45 Seder limud with chavrusas
11:45 Shiur Kloli (Rav Boruch Dov Povarski - Rosh Yeshivas
Ponovezh)
13:00 Minchoh
15:45 Seder limud with chavrusas
17:45 Afternoon Shiur (choice)
18:55 Mussar Shmooze (Rav Povarski)
19:15 Ma'ariv
20:45 Halocho Shiur (Rabbi Heller)
Further details and booking contact: Michoel Lobenstein 020
8809 1869/ 020 8211 1769 (fax 020 8809 7161)
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