Akiva Richman is from West Hempstead, NY, and is enjoying his first summer as a Madrich on Kollel. Akiva went to high school at MTA and then spent a year and a half learning at Yeshivat HaKotel. Akiva is currently a student at Queens College.
Akiva’s Chabura features an all-star lineup of guys who each contribute to the incredible learning dynamic. Representing JEC are Ezra Feit and Moshe Shapiro. Ezra, from Hillside, NJ, brings energy to the Chabura through his many thoughtful questions. Moshe, also from Hillside, helps connect ideas we discuss with other Torah sources. Next is Ezra Stollman and Binyamin Friedman from Kohelet Yeshiva High School. Both coming from Lower Merion, PA, Ezra shows his true passion and love for Torah, and Binyamin adds thoughtful insights, comments, and reflections to each discussion. Thanks to their elite-level ice breaker games, the guys have really come together as a Chabura.
During the first week of the summer, the Chabura discussed the purpose of the Torah and the role that it plays in our lives today as a Hashkafa book. Throughout the summer, they have explored how the Torah acts as a guidebook to living our lives both through the dos and don’ts of the Mitzvot as well as from the life lessons in Midot that can be derived from its many stories. With each topic, we read a related excerpt from Rabbi Noach Weinberg’s “48 Ways to Wisdom”, a book based on the Mishna in Pirkei Avot (6:6) which spells out 48 ways that one can acquire Torah. On Thursdays, the Chabura shifts focus to topics relating to Shabbat in preparation for Shabbat. There is no doubt that this summer has truly been the Best. Summer. Ever. and they can’t wait for what’s yet to come!
