10 Oct MTC Highlights: Shabbat Yom Kippur
Nati Lopukhin - Eim Bayit
Yom Kippur is the day we stand before Hashem, not only as individuals but also as a community and a nation. We acknowledge our mistakes and ask for forgiveness. We pray for growth and change.
This week, I had the privilege of making Aliyah to Netanya.
The Talmud says that teshuvah can completely erase our transgressions, much like how waves wash away footprints in the sand. Yom Kippur is when we seek to wash our sins away and start anew, as fresh as a coastline cleansed by the sea. Netanya’s beach shows that no matter how far we have strayed, we too can return, reshape ourselves, and rebuild our spiritual connection with Hashem.
The Rambam teaches that teshuvah is about regret for the past and improving in the future. Netanya, a growing city, can be a model for us in our spiritual journey.
Just as the city keeps growing and building, we are reminded that Yom Kippur is not only about atoning for the past but about building the future.
May we all be inspired by Netanya’s shores and ride the spiritual waves of teshuvah this Yom Kippur.
G’mar Chatimah Tova!
Student Reflection
Raquel Basaleli - North Shore, NY - Great Neck, NY
It’s hard to believe it’s already been three weeks at MTC. The warm environment in sem has made me feel welcome as soon as I got here.
Working with my kids has given me a profound sense of purpose, deepening my understanding of how to weave Torah values into my everyday life.
Mornings are filled with learning that enhances my connection to Judaism in meaningful ways, while afternoons allow me to pour what I’ve learned into my time with my kids. They enrich my life beyond anything I could have anticipated. There’s truly nothing like walking into the pimyat yom and seeing their excited expressions knowing we get to spend the afternoon together.
Recently, they surprised me with a birthday party, and it was a reminder of the mutual impact we have on each other. Chessed lights up the neshama, and I’ve never felt more connected to HaShem than when I’m helping someone else.
Being in Israel on the anniversary of October 7th was incredibly powerful. We attended the Mizrachi Event which featured speakers Shira Perez, sister of Daniel Z”L, and Galia Hoshen and Yifat Ziner, mother and aunt of Hadar Hoshen Z”L. It was very moving to hear their stories and see how they have honored the memories of their loved ones. Lastly, we visited Nefesh B’Nefesh where we learned about the misconceptions people have about Israel.
I know my time at MTC will prepare me for a life that balances both Torah and Chessed. I’m excited to continue volunteering at Beit Elazrak.
