top of page
Beyond the Shtenders
Welcome to Yesodei Yisrael's "Blog", our online journal full of divrei Torah, inspirational insights, photo albums and recaps of what's been going on around the Beis Medrish and in the world beyond the shtenders (and obviously within them as well). Here you will gain an inside look at the ideas and inspiration nurtured inside our yeshiva and how Yesodei Yisrael impacts Jewish thought and life in the community. Students, staff, parents, and friends share Torah insights, photos, videos, reflections on growth, and stories that celebrate the beauty of our yeshiva and the privilege of building a meaningful life in Eretz Yisrael.
Parshas Vayigash: A Moment of Truth
When Yosef finally reveals himself to his brothers and says, “I am Yosef. Is my father still alive?” the Torah tells us that the brothers were unable to respond because they were overwhelmed. Chazal describe this moment as a powerful rebuke, even though Yosef did not scold them or speak harshly towards them. Rav Asher Weiss points out that the deepest rebuke does not come from sharp words or accusations, but from standing face-to-face with undeniable truth. In that moment, al
Yesodei Yisrael
Dec 26, 2025
Family D'var Torah Parshas Vayigash: Actions Speak Louder than Words
In Parshas Vayigash, there’s a moment where everything flips. Yehuda steps forward and talks to Yosef, not knowing it’s actually his brother. Yosef is the most powerful person in Egypt, but what Yehuda says completely breaks through him.
Yesodei Yisrael
Dec 25, 2025
Zezy Says! A High Energy Team Building Competition
Zezy say's, kinda like Simon Says, but with a competitive twist that instantly had the boys locked in. A single shoe was placed between two players. As Zezy called out instructions: “touch your shoulders,” or “touch your knees”, the boys had to follow carefully and stay focused. Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. When Zezy finally called out “shoe,” the first one to grab it was the winner. Of course, anyone who jumped the gun and grabbed the shoe without hearing t
Yesodei Yisrael
Dec 25, 2025
Special Chanukah Musical Hallel with Rav Yaakov Raice and Rav Zev Sheff
On Wednesday, the fourth day of Chanukah, the boys of Yesodei Yisrael of Beit Shemesh experienced a truly special and uplifting musical Hallel.
Hallel was led by Rav Yaakov Raice, together with our own Yesodei Rebbe and guitar teacher, Rav Zev Sheff. With warmth, music, and heartfelt niggunim, they created an atmosphere that drew the boys in and helped them connect deeply to the words of Hallel and to the simcha of Chanukah.
Yesodei Yisrael
Dec 17, 2025
Family D'var Torah Parshas Vayeshev: Paving the Road for the Next Generation
By R' Yechiel and Nati Del Castillo An interesting phenomenon occurs in this week’s parashah: the abundance of the letter vav. Nearly every pasuk begins with a vav, symbolizing connection and continuity throughout the narrative. In Hebrew, the word vav means “hook” or “connector,” like the hooks used to join the curtains of the Mishkan and the Beit HaMikdash. By beginning almost every pasuk with a vav, the Torah teaches that every detail in the parashah is interconnected and
Yesodei Yisrael
Dec 12, 2025
Family D'var Torah Parshas Vayishlach: Fighting Our Battles — The Secret of Yaakov’s Victory
By the Brazil family In Parshas Vayishlach, Yaakov Avinu faces one of the most mysterious moments of his life. The Torah tells us: “וַיִּוָּתֵר יַעֲקֹב לְבַדּוֹ” — “And Yaakov remained alone.” It is in this moment of being alone that the angel of Esav attacks him. Chazal teach us a powerful lesson: A person’s biggest battles happen when they are alone. Not when life is loud, Not when friends are around, But when the room is quiet, the phone is off, and it’s just you and your
Yesodei Yisrael
Dec 5, 2025
Parshas Vayishlach: How to defeat the Yetzer Hara
By Rav Zev Sheff 10th & 11th grade Rebbi at Yesodei Yisrael When Yaakov Avinu sends the Malachim to Esav he tells them: “Ki Yifgashcha Esav Achi U’shaalcha Leimor Lemi Ata Vi’ana Telech Ulemi Eileh Lifanecha. Viamarta Liavdecha LiYaakov Mincha Hi Shlucha Laadoni LiEsav Vihinei Gam Hu Achareinu” (32:18-19) Rav Levi Yitzchak of Bardichtev in Kedushas Levi says that these Psukim teach us everything about growing closer to Hashem. He explains, that when a person starts to get clo
Rav Zev Sheff
Dec 4, 2025
Parashas Vayetze: Rooted in the Ground, Reaching the Heavens
By Rav Ari Green 8th grade rebbi at Yesodei Yisrael In Yaakov’s dream, the Torah describes “סֻלָּם מֻצָּב אַרְצָה וְרֹאשׁוֹ מַגִּיעַ הַשָּׁמָיִמָה” a ladder standing on the ground, and its head reaching the heavens. Chazal teach that every detail in this vision carries meaning, and for those involved in chinuch, the message is striking. We naturally notice the ladder’s lofty peak רֹאשׁוֹ מַגִּיעַ הַשָּׁמָיִמָה. Yaakov is being shown what a Jewish life can strive toward: holin
Rav Ari Green
Dec 1, 2025
Parshas Hashavua Learning Incentive Program Takes Off at Yesodei Yisrael
The Parshas Hashavua Learning Incentive Program at Yesodei Yisrael is off to an incredible start! Each week, talmidim dive into the parsha and key Rashis over Shabbos, then take a short quiz Sunday morning. The reward? A student-prepared gourmet breakfast shared with friends and Rabbeim, filled with food, music, and great energy. With full participation since launch, the program is building excitement, motivation, and a deepening love for Torah.
Yesodei Yisrael
Nov 28, 2025
bottom of page