A Message of Chizuk for Winter Zman

Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan is upon us at Derech Etz Chaim in Har Nof. We have adjusted to life in yeshiva over Elul. We heard the wake up call of Rosh HaShana, endured through Yom Kippur and celebrated the joys of Succos. Now is the time to get our bearings again, and make the most of the z'man ahead of us. Sometimes it may seem like we are running on a treadmill.
Weeks and weeks of davening, learning and Chef Dani's menu from now until Pesach. Blatt after Blatt of bekiyus, marching through Mesechet Shabbos. But NO PAIN, NO GAIN. We have to push ourselves, we have to give it our best effort, because that's why we came to Derech Etz Chaim. There is someone looking down from up above
and he is rooting for us (on and off the field) and all he wants is for us to be the best we can be. Let's unite together, encourage each other and let's turn the corner on Purim and look back with no regrets. This is the first day of the rest of the z'man. Let's come out of the gate strong. Hatzlacha to all of us.

Simchas Torah at DEC 5770

A lot of activity this year so far, but not too many pictures being posted up to show for it - let's work on that DEC

These are some pictures that Derech Etz Chaim News was able to get in an exclusive backstage look at Simchas Torah Round II. Unfortunately no photos could be taken of Round I. Thus, it will only continue to exist in the hearts and minds of those who were privileged to experience it in person.


After Hakafos #22 though #28 DEC was treated to Chinese Cuisine for Seudas Yom Tov. A D'var Torah from R' Gittleman reminding us all that true meaning Simcha can only be attained through spiritual pursuits and not through fleeting material means void of Avodas Hashem. Yakov Rose and Jeffrey Mally anchored the group with Z'miros

This brings to a close our Holy-day season and the start of the winter z'man. We want to thank the Rosh Yeshiva, R' Mendel and R' Sheftel for their chazanus, their hislavus and their Rebbetzins' cooking. Uncle Dave for Tikyat Shofar and B.J. for Koheles and Torah Reading. And of course 'Teleporter' for everything else.

Matzah Baking 2009

Once a year the students of Derech Etz Chaim bake matzot for Pesach with the rebbeim and friends of the yeshiva. This year was an added challenge. After moving into the new building adjustments had to be made to accommodate the equipment. Fortunately, Rabbi Katz and R' Sheftel had already thought of this long before the move into the new building. Of course it is one thing to design the "matzah baking factory" in their minds and another to put it into practice.

Two big differences was the 90 degree angle from the rolling tables to the boring tables and the ovens. Also the ovens were inside the building this year instead of on their mirpeset.


As usual the boys worked hard (some harder than others). Special thanks to Uncle Josh who took on a lot of the pounding. Yaakov Hill who handled much of the kneading and R' Sheftel for working the oven and for setting up the equipment.

Purim Night - Costumes

It wasn't the red carpet on Oscar night, but Derech Etz Chaim students made their fashion statements over Purim.

Let's get right to the awards for best costumes:

Most Original Costume goes to Rafi Abraham for a bottle of Shock Chocolate Milk
Best Celebrity Impersonation goes to Nechemia Kushner as Lt. Jim Dangle
Runner up goes to Yissie Kramer as Robert Wuhl

Best Impersonation of a DEC student goes to Meir Gersten for his Jack Golberg outfit (seen here with Jeff "Mendel" Small as Siggy Cleveland Smalls who should be credited for most of these pictures)
Most self effacing costume goes to Baby Pinchas Schwarzbaum
Best Overall Costume goes to Adam Siebzener for his dalmatian
Honorable mentions go to Yakov Hill is Abba Hill; Josh Corcos as King Achashverosh and horse;