There are two ways to perceive our Shana Bet program. Some assume it's merely another year in Lev, a second opportunity to soak in what the Yeshiva has to offer. But there is another perspective, a much deeper one. Shana Bet is not a new year or a second year, it’s the continuation, and a culmination of the first one. The latter perspective takes a lot of devotion and commitment. In order to be a true continuation of the previous year, there can't be any intermission or breaks. It has to be one long continuity. Chagim, bein hazmanim, summer and any other temporary respite periods are all part of the big picture. Even the breaks are not "off", they are on!

One of our prized and beloved Shana Bet boys is Yoni Turnheim. He has not merely come back for round two. For him, this has been one long, special journey. He even stayed for part of the summer to continue his learning (in Camp Abensour). This week, he completed Mesechet Berachot which he began learning in first year and continued during Shana Bet. Rabbi Ezra Salem started him off, learning many perakim with him, while Rabbi Sinai Yakobian learned the last few chapters with Yoni. This has been one massive project of limud HaTorah which took a lot of devotion and commitment. Yoni embraced it all with joy. This week, he reaped the fruits of his labor as the entire Yeshiva celebrated his Siyum together. He is a true inspiration! Chazak Ubaruch!