To see a video recapping the day, click here.
After a great start to the first week of NCSY Kollel, Yom Chesed was upon us. Five chaburas, all consisting of post 11th graders, headed to Itamar for a day of learning and chesed. After an early morning shacharit, we were on our way up to the Shomron. We were accompanied by Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan, a professional tour guide, who gave us insights into many places mentioned in Tanach that we passed on our way up north.
After about an hour and a half we were in Itamar and were greeted by our other tour guide Amir. Amir briefed us on the community of Itamar and brought us to our first stop. We went to a local vineyard to help plant grape vines. We also heard from the manager of the vineyard, who explained the growing process of these vines. We then headed down the block to a goat farm where we ate lunch and were led on a fascinating tour of an ancient water tunnel and wine cellar that dates back to the time of Yehosua Bin Nun. This was a very remarkable thing for us to see, as it gave us a physical connection to our history.
We then went to the Itamar yeshiva, Ohel Ahud, named after Rav Udi Fogel, who was a Rav in the Yeshiva. We had the pleasure of hearing from Rav Feingold, one of the rabbeim in the yeshiva, who spoke about the importance of living in the land of Israel and making a difference in the land. After davening Mincha in the Yeshiva, we watched a video about the Fogel family who were unfortunately murdered by Palestinian terrorists. The inspiration and messages left by the Fogel family was felt by everyone in the crowd.
After a quick stop at a local grocery store to get some snacks, we headed to Har Greizim, and learnt about the history of the brachot said in that spot. Rabbi Kaplan also showed us where the kever of Yosef is located in Shechem. For our last stop, we went back to Itamar and helped out in a community park by clearing paths and trimming trees. We then headed back to Beit Meir after a long, but meaningful day in Itamar.
-Akiva Hochbaum