The Talmud in mesechta Kesubos (62b) relates that Rebbi Akiva left home to study Torah for twelve years shortly after he was married. Upon his return, as he was about to enter his home, he overheard someone complain to his wife that it was not proper for her husband to abandon her for twelve years. Rebbi Akiva’s wife immediately replied that if only Rebbi Akiva could hear her, she would allow him to study Torah for another twelve years. Upon hearing this, Rebbi Akiva swiftly returned to study for another twelve years. It is noteworthy that chazal make a of point of telling us that Rebbi Akiva spent twenty-four consecutive years studying Torah.

The commentators ask an obvious question. If Rebbi Akiva was standing at the threshold of his home, why did he not enter and say hello to his wife before returning to study for another twelve years? Didn’t his wife deserve at least that much? The answer is, you cannot compare twenty-four years of consecutive uninterrupted Torah study to two twelve year sessions. The experience of an extended uninterrupted period of study is exponentially greater than a collection of multiple short sessions.

This year, the Flatbush community will mark a very special event. The One Week Kollel will enjoy its twenty-fourth season. The core of the Kollel is comprised of a diverse group of over fifty people from far and wide who unite to dedicate their vacation time between December 25th and January 1st to an intense full-time program of Torah study under the guidance and supervision of renowned Roshei Yeshiva and Rabbonim.

In Flatbush, we are fortunate to have a plethora of phenomenal shiurim and numerous Torah study programs. However, most of them are limited to relatively short periods of time. Our lifestyle and obligations do not allow most of us an opportunity to dedicate large blocks of time to achieve an intense Torah study experience. The One Week Kollel is a rare exception. During this week, one can grow in learning and yiras shamayim far beyond one’s wildest expectations. It is a unique opportunity to return to the days of Yeshiva and spend an extended and concentrated period of time devoted to Torah study.

At last year’s seudas preidah, the Rosh Kollel, Rav Pesachya Fried, related how the Ponovezher Rov introduced the concept of a modern day Yarchei Kallah. The Ponovezher Rov told the participants that by investing their vacation time in Kollel, they demonstrate their priorities. They are true kollel yungerleit all year around, albeit with a 51-week bein ha-zemanim.

This year, the Kollel will be hosted in the spacious and comfortable Beis Medrash of Rav Feivel Cohen shlita, Congregation Tomchei Torah. The Beis Medrash is located at 1966 Ocean Avenue, between Avenues N and O. The selected sugya will be Perek Haboneh of mesechta Shabbos (Daf 102). The sugya happens to coincide with the Daf Yomi program, thus enhancing the learning of those participating in Daf Yomi. The program runs daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It begins with chavrusa study partners and is followed by shiurim. The program caters to a broad spectrum of individuals from beginners to the very advanced.

The Rosh Kollel is the renowned Rav Pesachya Fried shlita. Rav Fried has served as the Rosh Kollel since the program’s inception twenty-four years ago. His legendary shiurim cover the major themes of the sugya and are always accompanied by well organized handouts presenting all relevant source material. As in the past, Rav Moshe Twersky shlita will deliver an intense regimen of daily shiurim covering every detail of the sugya. Special guest shiurim will be presented by the Rosh Hayeshiva of Mesivta Torah Vodaath, Rav Yisroel Belsky shlita, the Mara D’asra Rav Feviel Cohen shlita, and Rav Yitzchok Deitz shlita, Mara d’Asra of Congregation Zichron Alter. Preliminary and preparatory shiurim will also be offered for those who are interested.

Great effort goes into coordinating all aspects of the program and preparation of the shiurim. Many who have participated in the program in the past have forged close relationships with members of the Kollel and the maggidei shiur. All members leave inspired and uplifted by the intense Torah learning experience of the One Week Kollel.

We strongly encourage all members of the Flatbush community to take advantage of this unique opportunity. For registration, sponsorship opportunities and more information, please contact the Kollel Coordinator, Dr. Aaron Mandel at (718) 998-5822 or (718) 253-3554.

(YWN Desk – NYC)