I have spent a few years learning in the Yeshiva of Posville. The following are a few notes of why I am grateful for spending my formative Yeshiva years there.
Firstly, it’s literally in the middle of nowhere. A little town surrounded by cornfields for miles all around. This distraction free environment really gave me the opportunity to focus on my growth in Yeshiva, the stillness and quietness allows you to have a clear and open mind to focus just on what's happening in the Yeshiva. Even the community would come by to the Yeshiva to join the action. There was nothing else exciting happening outside the Yeshiva.
In Postville there is no such thing as a Bocher being just a number, or just another name on the attendance list. It's a very heimishe place where the Hanholo takes a personal interest in each Bochur, each on their own level. My friends and I have all developed relationships with the phenomenal Mashpiim and Magidei Shiurim that they have, and many of us are still in touch with them until today. They knew and cared about each of us individually, and treated us so.They have tremendous experience, and have the capacity to help and educate Bochurim on all levels. I remember very clearly how the Hanholo were able to deal with each Bocher and help him at his own level. For some bochurim, it was to break apart and understand as shtikel תרע”ב. For others, it was a Tosfos. And even if a Bochur had a hard time getting up in the morning, they knew how to help him with that as well. Not in a way that would get the Bochur angry at the Hanholo and start to resent the Yeshiva system, which is counter productive, but with the sensitivity that the individual Bochur needed. And yes, that may just mean that Bochur received a knas. But the Bochur knew that it came from a place of sensitivity and care, and would shape up. For some, that method wouldn’t have worked and were therefore dealt with effectively in a different manner. Once after a long stretch of time, the energy in zal can got pretty low, (This is a common phenomenon.) and they arranged a little hike for us to go on, a bit of different scenery other than the same four walls, and it recharged us to continue through the zman with a good attitude, and it ended up being very successful. This is because they were able to sense what the group needed at that time, and although it was unconventional, they felt that it was the right thing to do. We always had (and still have) who to ask for help when needed.
I remember, after leaving Postville and meeting friends who have not been as lucky as me to learn there, we would often share our Yeshiva experiences. There would be a lot of talk about the divide between the Talmidim and the Hanholo, how they didn’t care about the Bochurim, how their shitos and opinions are different from the Bochurims etc. And this was coming from top Bochurim who learned in excellent Yeshivos. I remember two reactions of mine. Firstly, I felt kind of stupid. I never knew that there is supposed to be some negative energy or lack of chemistry between the Bochurim and the Hanholo. Maybe I had to start Yeshiva all over again. Secondly, they themselves sounded stupid. How is it possible for Talmidim to have better opinions and shitos than their Mashpiim and Maggidei Shiurim? Aren’t the Bochurim students in that particular Yeshiva, learning from those particular teachers?
Apparently I was naive. People go to Yeshivas because that’s where their friends are going. And when the friends are asked why, they reply that all of their friends are going there. It would be a fun game to play, to find out who are the “friends” that initiated going to that Yeshiva.
It is no surprise that there was chemistry lacking between those Bochurim and their Hanholo. Those Bochurim went through their years of Yeshiva in spite of their Hanholo. They didn’t even know why they were there.
Another thing which comes to mind is the authenticity of the place. The staff are genuine Chassidisher Yidden who have taught us by example, imparting real Yiras Shomayim and Chassidishkeit. There is a variety of staff, each with their own unique styles, which different Bochurim can relate to and learn from, through their farbrengens, learning with them, or through watching them daven.
The shiurim and farbrengens were something special. There are a number of things that may be the goal of shiurim in a Yeshiva. It may be explaining the subject that is being studied, giving deeper insight to the subject, the type of class that leaves the student more educated than he was prior to the shiur. Then there is the actual experience that the Talmid has during the shiur which makes him want to learn more and more.. The shiurim that we had in Postville were not only educational (which are really top in both Nigleh and Chassidus), but they were a lot of fun, which made us keep coming back for more. They were infused with Chassidisher Varemkeit, and have really given us an enjoyment for learning and living a like a Chossid.
The Frierdiker Rebbe once said that Toras HaChassidus has turned born Chassidim into real Chassidim, and Chassidim have turned paper Chassidus into living Chassidus. While I’m not sure if we became real Chassidim, those shiurim and farbrengens have definitely made Chassidus alive for us, and was the cause for us to work on ourselves to be bigger Chassidim and Yirei Shomayim.
And every time that our old Postville group gets back together, we don’t only talk about the good times that we had in Postville, but how surprising it is that we are still living with all that we have learned and experienced in Postville. While usually people reminisce on the past, how good it was when they were in Yeshiva, Postville has given us the tools to keep growing even after graduating from Yeshiva
Firstly, it’s literally in the middle of nowhere. A little town surrounded by cornfields for miles all around. This distraction free environment really gave me the opportunity to focus on my growth in Yeshiva, the stillness and quietness allows you to have a clear and open mind to focus just on what's happening in the Yeshiva. Even the community would come by to the Yeshiva to join the action. There was nothing else exciting happening outside the Yeshiva.
In Postville there is no such thing as a Bocher being just a number, or just another name on the attendance list. It's a very heimishe place where the Hanholo takes a personal interest in each Bochur, each on their own level. My friends and I have all developed relationships with the phenomenal Mashpiim and Magidei Shiurim that they have, and many of us are still in touch with them until today. They knew and cared about each of us individually, and treated us so.They have tremendous experience, and have the capacity to help and educate Bochurim on all levels. I remember very clearly how the Hanholo were able to deal with each Bocher and help him at his own level. For some bochurim, it was to break apart and understand as shtikel תרע”ב. For others, it was a Tosfos. And even if a Bochur had a hard time getting up in the morning, they knew how to help him with that as well. Not in a way that would get the Bochur angry at the Hanholo and start to resent the Yeshiva system, which is counter productive, but with the sensitivity that the individual Bochur needed. And yes, that may just mean that Bochur received a knas. But the Bochur knew that it came from a place of sensitivity and care, and would shape up. For some, that method wouldn’t have worked and were therefore dealt with effectively in a different manner. Once after a long stretch of time, the energy in zal can got pretty low, (This is a common phenomenon.) and they arranged a little hike for us to go on, a bit of different scenery other than the same four walls, and it recharged us to continue through the zman with a good attitude, and it ended up being very successful. This is because they were able to sense what the group needed at that time, and although it was unconventional, they felt that it was the right thing to do. We always had (and still have) who to ask for help when needed.
I remember, after leaving Postville and meeting friends who have not been as lucky as me to learn there, we would often share our Yeshiva experiences. There would be a lot of talk about the divide between the Talmidim and the Hanholo, how they didn’t care about the Bochurim, how their shitos and opinions are different from the Bochurims etc. And this was coming from top Bochurim who learned in excellent Yeshivos. I remember two reactions of mine. Firstly, I felt kind of stupid. I never knew that there is supposed to be some negative energy or lack of chemistry between the Bochurim and the Hanholo. Maybe I had to start Yeshiva all over again. Secondly, they themselves sounded stupid. How is it possible for Talmidim to have better opinions and shitos than their Mashpiim and Maggidei Shiurim? Aren’t the Bochurim students in that particular Yeshiva, learning from those particular teachers?
Apparently I was naive. People go to Yeshivas because that’s where their friends are going. And when the friends are asked why, they reply that all of their friends are going there. It would be a fun game to play, to find out who are the “friends” that initiated going to that Yeshiva.
It is no surprise that there was chemistry lacking between those Bochurim and their Hanholo. Those Bochurim went through their years of Yeshiva in spite of their Hanholo. They didn’t even know why they were there.
Another thing which comes to mind is the authenticity of the place. The staff are genuine Chassidisher Yidden who have taught us by example, imparting real Yiras Shomayim and Chassidishkeit. There is a variety of staff, each with their own unique styles, which different Bochurim can relate to and learn from, through their farbrengens, learning with them, or through watching them daven.
The shiurim and farbrengens were something special. There are a number of things that may be the goal of shiurim in a Yeshiva. It may be explaining the subject that is being studied, giving deeper insight to the subject, the type of class that leaves the student more educated than he was prior to the shiur. Then there is the actual experience that the Talmid has during the shiur which makes him want to learn more and more.. The shiurim that we had in Postville were not only educational (which are really top in both Nigleh and Chassidus), but they were a lot of fun, which made us keep coming back for more. They were infused with Chassidisher Varemkeit, and have really given us an enjoyment for learning and living a like a Chossid.
The Frierdiker Rebbe once said that Toras HaChassidus has turned born Chassidim into real Chassidim, and Chassidim have turned paper Chassidus into living Chassidus. While I’m not sure if we became real Chassidim, those shiurim and farbrengens have definitely made Chassidus alive for us, and was the cause for us to work on ourselves to be bigger Chassidim and Yirei Shomayim.
And every time that our old Postville group gets back together, we don’t only talk about the good times that we had in Postville, but how surprising it is that we are still living with all that we have learned and experienced in Postville. While usually people reminisce on the past, how good it was when they were in Yeshiva, Postville has given us the tools to keep growing even after graduating from Yeshiva
Z.M.
ALUMNI
ALUMNI
WHAT PARENTS AND ALUMNI SAY
Bsd
The experience I had in postville was not as a Talmid per se, though I learnt and gained very valuable skills and lessons from my time there.
Prior to my time in Postville I attended three other yeshivos, Then I spent 2 years in postville as a Shliach & Maishiv.
Each yeshivah has its Ma’alos and the kind of bocher it caters to. But Postville has something very special that other Yeshivos don’t. Qualities that I personally wish I had going through the yeshiva system.
Firstly, the sense of care that every Bocher feels from the Hanhala. In many Yeshivos, there is often an unhealthy relationship between the Bochurim and the Hanhala, (particularly the Mashgiach). In postville the Hanhala shows personal care and attention, and fosters an environment where the Bochurim feel comfortable, supported, and understood.
Additionally the Bochurim feel comfortable, they know they have where to belong, someone to turn to who is truly out for their best interest. Additionally their methods of encouragement & discipline are done with much intention and in a way in which the bocher knows the Hanhala cares for them.
Another thing is their willingness to address each bocher’s needs individually, to work with them and help them succeed. Sometimes being a little out of the box to do things others wouldn’t be brave enough to try.
One example I observed while visiting a yeshiva one shabbos afternoon the Menahel was chazering a Ma’amer, and looking around the table, it was clear that, given a choice, most of them would not have chosen to be there.
In contrast i recall shabbos afternoon’s in postville where Rabbi Benshimon shares a long story with lessons in Avodas Hashem and Hashkafa, where everyone is sitting captivated.
I heard from many individuals whose Hashkafos - and even practically - were profoundly influenced by these stories.
Postville yeshiva is a place of real growth, a place where buchurim are aided in growing בכח עצמו, and like is clearly visible from the alumni, the very real connection to Hashem & Yiddishkeit.
Many Yeshivos have a good name because they only accept ‘top’ Bochurim, but truthfully that doesn’t show on the success or Ma’alos of the Yeshiva. A truly good Yeshiva is one that takes a Bocher that’s holding at 20% and helps him grow to 40%, and one at 80 and helps him to 90, that is true success. On the other hand taking a bocher at 80 and keeping him there is לאו דוקא success.
Postville has exceptional Hanhala and dedicated teachers from whom Bocherim can really gain very much in learning and Yiras shomayim.
I personally think that especially so called ‘good’ Bochrim would benefit tremendously from postville Yeshiva and its methods, and its location which gives the ability to be less distracted by the outside.
The experience I had in postville was not as a Talmid per se, though I learnt and gained very valuable skills and lessons from my time there.
Prior to my time in Postville I attended three other yeshivos, Then I spent 2 years in postville as a Shliach & Maishiv.
Each yeshivah has its Ma’alos and the kind of bocher it caters to. But Postville has something very special that other Yeshivos don’t. Qualities that I personally wish I had going through the yeshiva system.
Firstly, the sense of care that every Bocher feels from the Hanhala. In many Yeshivos, there is often an unhealthy relationship between the Bochurim and the Hanhala, (particularly the Mashgiach). In postville the Hanhala shows personal care and attention, and fosters an environment where the Bochurim feel comfortable, supported, and understood.
Additionally the Bochurim feel comfortable, they know they have where to belong, someone to turn to who is truly out for their best interest. Additionally their methods of encouragement & discipline are done with much intention and in a way in which the bocher knows the Hanhala cares for them.
Another thing is their willingness to address each bocher’s needs individually, to work with them and help them succeed. Sometimes being a little out of the box to do things others wouldn’t be brave enough to try.
One example I observed while visiting a yeshiva one shabbos afternoon the Menahel was chazering a Ma’amer, and looking around the table, it was clear that, given a choice, most of them would not have chosen to be there.
In contrast i recall shabbos afternoon’s in postville where Rabbi Benshimon shares a long story with lessons in Avodas Hashem and Hashkafa, where everyone is sitting captivated.
I heard from many individuals whose Hashkafos - and even practically - were profoundly influenced by these stories.
Postville yeshiva is a place of real growth, a place where buchurim are aided in growing בכח עצמו, and like is clearly visible from the alumni, the very real connection to Hashem & Yiddishkeit.
Many Yeshivos have a good name because they only accept ‘top’ Bochurim, but truthfully that doesn’t show on the success or Ma’alos of the Yeshiva. A truly good Yeshiva is one that takes a Bocher that’s holding at 20% and helps him grow to 40%, and one at 80 and helps him to 90, that is true success. On the other hand taking a bocher at 80 and keeping him there is לאו דוקא success.
Postville has exceptional Hanhala and dedicated teachers from whom Bocherim can really gain very much in learning and Yiras shomayim.
I personally think that especially so called ‘good’ Bochrim would benefit tremendously from postville Yeshiva and its methods, and its location which gives the ability to be less distracted by the outside.
RABBI S. S.
FORMER SHLIACH IN YESHIVA
FORMER SHLIACH IN YESHIVA
I came to the Postville Yeshiva with a stubborn mindset, I did not want to be here. In fact, I didn't really want to be in any Yeshiva.
It's not that I had any specific resentment towards the 'system', rather I felt confident that I knew where I wanted to end up and didn't see how this would further my standing in that direction.
I remember speaking with the Mashgiach R. Zirkind, telling him how little I cared about being in Yeshiva and learning the subjects being taught. He responded by encouraging me to wait until Pesach and only then make a decision as to whether or not to leave. Additionally, he helped me create a personalized schedule focusing on the subjects that genuinely interested me.
I ended up having an amazing year and was dying to come back.
And the next year.
And the next.
Ultimately, I spent four years learning at Beis Sholom Postville. Three years as a bochur and a fourth year as a Shliach. Those years were undoubtedly the most transformative and influential period of my life.
Baruch Hashem, through the wholesome encouragement and thoughtful guidance of the Yeshiva's Hanhola, my passion for learning was kindled and my Hiskashrus to the Rebbe was revealed.
The countless hours that my teachers, Mashpia and Mashgiach sat with me, encouraging me, inspiring me, and sometimes just listening to me have had a profound, lasting impact on my life.
Reflecting on what it was which inspired such growth, I always conclude that it must be the genuine care and tireless personal investment that the Hanhola of the Yeshiva in Postville have for _every individual Talmid_. This distinctive quality is what helped me to grow, and I am confident it can do the same for any bochur, regardless of the level they are holding. We are fortunate to have a Yeshiva that fosters such a supportive environment, cultivating warmth and positivity towards what we know to be so important.
I am deeply grateful to Hashem for having been given the opportunity to be a Talmid in the Yeshiva of Postville
It's not that I had any specific resentment towards the 'system', rather I felt confident that I knew where I wanted to end up and didn't see how this would further my standing in that direction.
I remember speaking with the Mashgiach R. Zirkind, telling him how little I cared about being in Yeshiva and learning the subjects being taught. He responded by encouraging me to wait until Pesach and only then make a decision as to whether or not to leave. Additionally, he helped me create a personalized schedule focusing on the subjects that genuinely interested me.
I ended up having an amazing year and was dying to come back.
And the next year.
And the next.
Ultimately, I spent four years learning at Beis Sholom Postville. Three years as a bochur and a fourth year as a Shliach. Those years were undoubtedly the most transformative and influential period of my life.
Baruch Hashem, through the wholesome encouragement and thoughtful guidance of the Yeshiva's Hanhola, my passion for learning was kindled and my Hiskashrus to the Rebbe was revealed.
The countless hours that my teachers, Mashpia and Mashgiach sat with me, encouraging me, inspiring me, and sometimes just listening to me have had a profound, lasting impact on my life.
Reflecting on what it was which inspired such growth, I always conclude that it must be the genuine care and tireless personal investment that the Hanhola of the Yeshiva in Postville have for _every individual Talmid_. This distinctive quality is what helped me to grow, and I am confident it can do the same for any bochur, regardless of the level they are holding. We are fortunate to have a Yeshiva that fosters such a supportive environment, cultivating warmth and positivity towards what we know to be so important.
I am deeply grateful to Hashem for having been given the opportunity to be a Talmid in the Yeshiva of Postville
RABBI T.
ALUMNI, CROWN HEIGHTS
ALUMNI, CROWN HEIGHTS
Postville changed my life. Throughout my time there, every single staff member was always there for me, showering me with a tremendous amount of love and acceptance, being there for whatever I needed, and always pushing me to be my best version of myself.
What other Yeshiva do bochurim WANT to stay for Bain HaZemanim, so hanhala keeps yeshiva open and arranges meals for the bochurim, always going out of there way to make the bochurim feel at home.
Postville Yeshiva is one place, that wherever I am in life, I’ll always call it home.
What other Yeshiva do bochurim WANT to stay for Bain HaZemanim, so hanhala keeps yeshiva open and arranges meals for the bochurim, always going out of there way to make the bochurim feel at home.
Postville Yeshiva is one place, that wherever I am in life, I’ll always call it home.
RABBI SHLOMO FELDMAN
ALUMNI, CROWN HEIGHTS
ALUMNI, CROWN HEIGHTS
My son has been to Mesivta of Postville for 3 years. He really liked the Yeshiva and he enjoyed the learning. I am very happy with the teachers. They are caring and tend to their Talmidim's needs. I am very glad that the yeshivah sends the boys to the gym and on trips. Rabbi Benshimon works with you, the parent, to help give your son the learning, the ruchnius and the gashmius that he deserves.
Mrs. Ora Toby
Parent, Crown Heights
Thank you Mesivta of Postville for being there when my son needed you. He blossomed, grew and matured tremendously during the 2 years he was in your yeshiva. Thank you for allowing my son to be himself and have amazing years in learning.
Rivky R.
Parent, Los Angeles
Two of my sons attended the Mesivta of Postville. They both benefited enormously. They grew intellectually and in their Yiddishkeit. The atmosphere was warm and heimish. The teachers and administration cared about them, and were always available. My sons still talk fondly of their time in Postville. This yeshiva helps a boy become a mentsch.
Rabbi Dovid Kaufmann
Parent, New Orleans
As a former student and later a Shliach, the Mesivta of Postville was an unforgettably good experience in my Avodas Hashem. It meant so much to me. As I was coming from the busy city life, the peacefulness and simple setting was exactly what I appreciated. I definitely used it as a platform to serve Hashem and bring Moshiach closer!
Yossi E.
Alum, Crown heights
Mesivta of Postville is an amazing yeshiva for those who care about themselves. No matter [what] the level of [a] bochur [is,] if [a] bochur wants to accomplish anything - this is the place to be.