Yeshivah Otzar HaTorah Prepares for Shemittah

One of the highlights of the trip was the shtar-signing ceremony, in which the local Cheshin family leased a pomegranate to the yeshivah students to enable them to practically participate in the cessation of farm work over the coming Shemitah year. The Rav ensured that the students were all fully involved in the process as he prepared the legal document, and added his own signature as witness to the meeting of all necessary conditions.

Every boy was then able to approach the Rav for a brachah. The Rav showed special interest in the yeshivah’s learning program, and warmly praised the boys’ achievements as clearly the result of tremendous efforts invested by all parties.

The boys concluded this part of their trip with intense joy over their zechus to share in the mitzvah in this way, and headed over to a tour of the settlement’s fields on horse and buggy. They were shown how the farmers prepare for Shemitah, and the challenges that face them at this time. They also heard stories of miracles that took place in Komemiyut during previous Shemitah years.

It is difficult to adequately describe the emotions that were obviously felt by the boys over the course of the wonderful day. They headed home with faces literally shining with joy over their share in this relatively rare mitzvah. In a moving display of gratitude, they warmly thanked the yeshivah staff, and especially the management, for the trip, and for allowing them to participate in the multidisciplinary program that fulfills Seeach Sod’s vision for developing broad learning spaces for individuals with disabilities, and promoting closer relationships with the community.