CBA Jerusalem Completes Its 5th Year

CBA Jerusalem marked the completion of its fifth year with a reflection on growth and community, alongside announcements of expanded programming for the year ahead.

The organization highlighted several categories of activities from the past year. The year began with an overnight ice breaker at a farm in Pnei Kedem. Throughout the year, bochurim participated in shabbatons in locations including Tzfat, Yavne'el, and Tekoa, as well as trips to sites such as Ein Gedi, the Bar Kochba caves, Mitzpe Yericho, and Gan Hashlosha.

Farbrengens marked special dates on the calendar, including a Yud Tes Kislev event led by Rabbi Tuvia Bolton that incorporated music and chassidus, and a Hey Teves gathering with Rabbi Elisha Pearl discussing the role of books in a digital age. A Purim seuda took place during wartime.

Academic pursuits included completion of Meseches Makos in the Gemara class and advancement through Yehoshua and Melachim II in Navi study. Learning encompassed maamarim, perakim of Tanya, sichos, and a yearly Halacha cycle created by Rabbi Melli Hecht.

One student reflected on the environment: "Having such an open and warm environment filled with so much love doesn't just help you learn. It helps you connect. Connect to the teachers, to the Torah they teach, and to everyone that you learn with. CBA isn't just a yeshiva.. it's a family and a home."

A new summer camp launched and was described as successful, featuring hikes, adventures, farbrengens, and Shabbos programming.

Upcoming initiatives include a dedicated Elul program, additional staff shluchim, a business club where bochurim learn management and launch small enterprises under mentorship, and weekly learning sessions pairing bochurim with young anash of Jerusalem.