<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Yesodei Yisrael]]></title><description><![CDATA[Empowering the next generation of olim with foundational skills, values, and tools for success, enabling them to thrive in all aspects of life.]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:58:03 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/he/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[An Unexpected Boost &#38; Pledge from Rabbi Eli Stefansky at Mercaz Daf Yomi]]></title><description><![CDATA[A break from fundraising for a boost of chizuk and inspiration with Rabbi Eli Stefansky at Mercaz Daf Yomi. He was so impressed with these young men who are taking action to build their own futures and the future of Klal Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael.]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/an-unexpected-boost-pledge-from-rabbi-eli-stefansky-at-mercaz-daf-yomi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69946d05180bb9f884ca35c5</guid><category><![CDATA[Photo Albums]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pillars of Greatness]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:57:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f411d3_5228b9da177f4569b0959692032f72ff~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Parshas Vayigash: A Moment of Truth]]></title><description><![CDATA[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, all excuses disappear]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/parshas-vayigash-a-moment-of-truth</link><guid isPermaLink="false">694db80a7e3f33384f84385b</guid><category><![CDATA[Divrei Torah]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 22:24:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f411d3_b6b5631720574b3ca4321973739d6bff~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Family D'var Torah Parshas Vayigash: Actions Speak Louder than Words]]></title><description><![CDATA[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.]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/family-d-var-torah-parshas-vayigash-actions-speak-louder-than-words</link><guid isPermaLink="false">694daef1dd47cad8b9f2559a</guid><category><![CDATA[Divrei Torah]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 21:51:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b4a6ae_512cabe4eb9345caaa6dafb51d3838eb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_739,h_739,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zezy Says! A High Energy Team Building Competition ]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 the word was immediat]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/zezy-says-a-high-energy-team-building-competition</link><guid isPermaLink="false">694d0c77dd47cad8b9eff9b5</guid><category><![CDATA[Photo Albums]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 10:17:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b4a6ae_e606cb63cce84eb48647685892bf9c08~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_899,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Special Chanukah Musical Hallel with Rav Yaakov Raice and Rav Zev Sheff]]></title><description><![CDATA[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.]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/special-chanukah-musical-hallel-with-rav-yaakov-raice-and-rav-zev-sheff</link><guid isPermaLink="false">694a9aaaf05659b5406df9a2</guid><category><![CDATA[Photo Albums]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 22:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b4a6ae_35d4518235bb469f97f2f148d7d5940f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Family D'var Torah Parshas Vayeshev: Paving the Road for the Next Generation ]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 essential to the...]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/family-d-var-torah-parshas-vayeshev-paving-the-road-for-the-next-generation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">693c060fc5a82c28b6071a2c</guid><category><![CDATA[Divrei Torah]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:14:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b4a6ae_063a6830e61f4ceba6490fbd90163851~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Family D'var Torah Parshas Vayishlach: Fighting Our Battles — The Secret of Yaakov’s Victory]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 thoughts. That’s...]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/family-d-var-torah-parshas-vayishlach-fighting-our-battles-the-secret-of-yaakov-s-victory</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69321546d6a3f601d6479372</guid><category><![CDATA[Divrei Torah]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 23:38:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b4a6ae_72747b1572344ed08f8279666693ff1d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Parshas Vayishlach: How to defeat the Yetzer Hara]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Rav Zev Sheff 10th &#38; 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 close to Hashem, the...]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/parshas-vayishlach-how-to-defeat-the-yetzer-hara</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6931d058346ce9789f56aed8</guid><category><![CDATA[Divrei Torah]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:45:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b4a6ae_089bfa012d7343a497022d32073a30bb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rav Zev Sheff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Parashas Vayetze: Rooted in the Ground, Reaching the Heavens]]></title><description><![CDATA[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: holiness, growth,...]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/parashas-vayetze-rooted-in-the-ground-reaching-the-heavens</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69291b1fd8fb7619deea5064</guid><category><![CDATA[Divrei Torah]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:14:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b4a6ae_0716c953822c4e07abae0e596fc96498~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rav Ari Green</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Parshas Hashavua Learning Incentive Program Takes Off at Yesodei Yisrael]]></title><description><![CDATA[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.]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/parshas-hashavua-learning-incentive-program-takes-off-at-yesodei-yisrael</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6929765dd8fb7619deeafec2</guid><category><![CDATA[Photo Albums]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:38:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f411d3_0b67b576ebe547689f2c6b093180b4f1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Family Dvar Torah Parashas Toldos: What Do I Need the Future For? Overcoming the Impulsivity of Esav]]></title><description><![CDATA[By R' Eli and Yosef Freedman, In Parshas Toldos, we meet Yaakov and Esav, two brothers who are total opposites. Esav lives in the world of right now . He comes home starving, sees the lentil soup, and trades away his whole birthright just to eat something immediately. Yaakov is the opposite; he thinks about the future, he focuses on what actually matters, even if it doesn't help him straight away. The crazy part is how human Esav feels. Who hasn’t made a rushed choice when they were tired,...]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/family-d-ver-torah-parashas-toldos-what-do-i-need-the-future-for-overcoming-the-impulsivity-of-esa</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691f5a9ff2f6111530573808</guid><category><![CDATA[Divrei Torah]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:24:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b4a6ae_e98c4c2bba324225bb824356b6a900cb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_990,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Parashas Toldos: Cultivating Unconditional Love for Hashem]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Rav Bentzi Raice , Afternoon Menahel at Yesodei Yisrael The Mishnah in Pirkei Avos states: כל אהבה שהיא תלויה בדבר – בטל דבר בטלה אהבה; ושאינה תלויה בדבר – אינה בטלה לעולם. Any love that depends on a specific thing, when that thing passes, the love does as well. But love that does not depend on a thing never disappears. The Maggid of Kozhnitz (1737–1814) in the Sefer Avodas Yisrael  explains this Mishnah as hinting to the relationship between every Jew and Hashem. If our love for Hashem is...]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/parashas-toldos-cultivating-unconditional-love-for-hashem</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691f4fcb35662176f69903fc</guid><category><![CDATA[Divrei Torah]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:39:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b4a6ae_75bbed8bd50f40b9ac1424c051685795~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_893,h_893,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Father–Son Mishmar at Yesodei Yisrael ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Father-Son Mishmar is a monthly opportunity for fathers to partner in their son's Torah learning, make connections and a help build a strong foundation for Anglos in Israel. Join Yesodei Yisrael Yeshiva high school for olim in Beit Shemesh.]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/father-son-mishmar-at-yesodei-yisrael</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69296ca9e47f4b28d10d3415</guid><category><![CDATA[Photo Albums]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f411d3_0366c0fbccec4af48b5fd892498861bb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Team Building with R’ Zezy Fuld: Collaboration, Leadership &#38; Lots of Balloons! ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Yesodei Yisrael had the privilege of hosting the one and only Zezy Fuld , Executive Director of Hatzala of Beit Shemesh  and founder of Zezy’s Zoppers , for the first of an exciting 6 week leadership and team-building experience. R’ Zezy, a close friend of Yesdei, brought his trademark energy and creativity, challenging the students to work together in a hands-on mission: build a tower from the floor to the ceiling using nothing but tape and balloons! What looked like a simple game quickly...]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/team-building-with-r-zezy-fuld-collaboration-leadership-lots-of-balloons</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69296830d8fb7619deeae35a</guid><category><![CDATA[Photo Albums]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f411d3_a5fc04ef41c34464842f22894c063fc6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Erev Rosh Chodesh Kislev in Yerushalayim ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Yesodei Yisrael talmidim welcomed Rosh Chodesh Kislev with a meaningful day in Yerushalayim. After a beautiful Shacharis at the Kotel and a festive breakfast, the boys visited the Old City home of Rav Yoel Rakovsky, who shared inspiring reflections on his own Aliyah journey. The day concluded with warmth, singing, and Divrei Torah at the home of the Rosh Yeshiva’s parents, leaving everyone uplifted and connected.]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/erev-rosh-chodesh-kislev-in-yerushalayim</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69297308fa9f3386972745e1</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f411d3_3eb164eff1994b219316bba068bfc2f3~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Parashas Chayei Sarah: The Test No One Talks About]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Rav Shimon Kronenberg , Founder &#38; Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Yesodei Yisrael Chazal teach us that Avraham Avinu faced ten great tests throughout his lifetime - עֲשָׂרָה נִסְיוֹנוֹת נִתְנַסָּה אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ וְעָמַד בְּכֻלָּם . And through them, he became the father of our nation. But among all those tests, the meforshim  debate: which one was truly the hardest? Most of us would instinctively say the Akeidah . How could anything compare to being asked to bring his beloved son Yitzchak as a...]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/parashas-chayei-sarah-the-test-no-one-talks-about</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6915027252f83e2b22428fc9</guid><category><![CDATA[Divrei Torah]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:03:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b4a6ae_32358d5b330f4fdea18e2066f5d0443c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rav Shimon Kronenberg</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Parashas Chayei Sarah: Going beyond the pail]]></title><description><![CDATA[The story of Eliezer's tefillah and Rivka's actions in this week's parsha teach us a lot as students. "Don’t just be a receiver of chinuch. Be a partner in it. Take responsibility. Ask, think, care, and try to live what we learn."]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/parashas-chayei-sarah</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6910cfd8f0b6fc498fd8d8e6</guid><category><![CDATA[Divrei Torah]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:42:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b4a6ae_19441bcfdde04564a82f2b77e188a96e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Shlomo Newman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Values Driven Decision: Meet the Levi Family]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Levi family's bold move to move from Baltimore to Israel wasn't a simple decision, nor was it a smooth transition for all of them. Learn about how their sons found connection, purpose, and a place to thrive at Yesodei Yisrael. A relatable story for families navigating big life changes and looking for the right educational fit.]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/a-values-driven-decision-meet-the-levi-family</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691468645e10fffe9cc6e12f</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Spotlights]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:28:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f411d3_76ca847a26384427a2736a79dd7a4f37~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tiyul to Tel Azekah: A Day of Adventure, Connection, and Inspiration]]></title><description><![CDATA[Scenes from our unforgettable tiyul to Tel Azekah! From spirited football and basketball games to meaningful moments overlooking the site of David and Goliath, our talmidim spent the day connecting to Torah, to the land, and to one another. The day wrapped with an achdus-filled BBQ, laughter, and leadership in action—Yesodei-style.]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/tiyul-to-tel-azekah-a-day-of-adventure-connection-and-inspiration</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6913a1e2ebac7f2b97912568</guid><category><![CDATA[Photo Albums]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:14:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f411d3_a4fdecb52e2c4603893714c5d41ac1ef~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[From Hollywood to the Holy Land: Meet The Hart Family]]></title><description><![CDATA[Meet Yesodei Yisrael’s very own Betzalel and his remarkable family, who journeyed from LA to Israel with faith, courage, and Torah values guiding their way. Discover how the Hart family found their spiritual home, and the perfect yeshiva, in a story that will uplift and inspire anyone dreaming of Aliyah or navigating its challenges.]]></description><link>https://www.yesodeiyisrael.org/posts/from-hollywood-to-the-holy-land-meet-the-hart-family</link><guid isPermaLink="false">690df27524135d43df4cc87c</guid><category><![CDATA[Family Spotlights]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:17:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f411d3_40195b571fca4153b7075f94706520cd~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yesodei Yisrael</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>