Hakotel


Take Advantage

Go all-in, no matter how long you think you'll be in Yeshiva 

I came into Yeshiva planning on only staying one year, and therefore didn't throw myself into the learning as much as I could. Later in the year, when I started considering and ultimately decided to stay for Shana Bet, I realized I could've gained a lot more from the first few months.

Posted by Adam Moisa, 5771-72

What To Pack

Bring a good-quality overnight bag

You'll appreciate it every week you go out, especially on the extended weekends or trips. Think about how big the bag is, and how transportable it is. Hiking packs are great, as they're usually big and they go on your back instead of bumping against your leg every time you take a step. Wheely bags can also be good, although the Old City cobblestones will likely make their mark on the wheels.

Posted by Jacob Sacks, 5775

Stuff Near You

Rav Nevenzahl's Minyanim on Shabbat

Rav Nevenzahl has his own Vasikin minyan at the Kotel on Shabbat morning and an early Mincha in his house. After Shacharit, everyone follows him up to his house asking questions as he walks, which he answers. In his house, there's a Kiddush and more questions (usually Parsha-related). Both are opportunities to interact with a Gadol in a very personal way.

Posted by Jacob Sacks, 5775

Try to find opportunities to learn from Rav Lifschitz.  

His Hebrew is among the easiest to understand, and the content is amazing. If he has a Motzei Shabbos Shiur, try to go-he has some very nice ideas, and you'll be exposed to a new genre of Torah.

Posted by Shimon Cohen, 5775

Build a relationship with the Kotel  

Whatever that means for you-talk to the people who are coming to visit, spend 40 days straight Davening, use it for Minyanim-whatever it is, spend time there.

Posted by Jed Zaslow, 5774

Try to take notes on everything you learn  

Even if it's just a one-line summary of Shiurim you went to. The more you write down, the better you'll remember, and you'll also appreciate the reminders of how much Torah you've seen and who you've learned from later on down the line.

David Mandelbaum, 5775

Build a relationship with Shosh  

Stop by her office to say hi in the morning and pick up some chocolate. She's a big part of what makes the Yeshiva run so it's an easy way to show Hakaras HaTov, it'll make her job easier so she doesn't have to chase people down for quotes, and quite often she can help you when no one else can (soup for under-the-weather Talmidim, passports at 2am, etc).

Posted by Dovie Levinson, 5773-74

Get Rav Nevenzahl Sforim from Rav Moreh  

He usually has a stack in his office.

Posted by Tzvi Goldstein, 5771-73

Looking for Chessed? No need to leave the Old City...  

Grab a garbage bag and show some respect to Yerushalayim Ir HaKodesh. The Old Rova can always use a little cleaning. Maybe you'll meet the street washer who travels an hour every morning so he can have the honor of washing the streets.

Posted by Jed Zaslow, 5774

Create opportunities to interact with Gedolim  

Just within the Yeshiva, aside from the incredible Rebbeim on staff in both the American and Israeli programs, you have the opportunity to personally interact with people like Rav Nevenzahl and Rav Hadari. It's a rare opportunity to just Daven and learn in the Beis Medrish with them, let alone to ask Rav Hadari a question or be tested by Rav Nevenzahl after Chazara week! Consider keeping a notebook of questions and responses, so you have a record of your personal interactions with Gedolim.

Posted by Tzvi Goldstein, 5771-73

Try staying in Yeshiva for 'out' Shabbosim  

It's a great way to make Israeli friends (and have a nice, quiet Shabbos).

Posted by Yoni Kram, 5774

Go all-in, no matter how long you think you'll be in Yeshiva 

I came into Yeshiva planning on only staying one year, and therefore didn't throw myself into the learning as much as I could. Later in the year, when I started considering and ultimately decided to stay for Shana Bet, I realized I could've gained a lot more from the first few months. 

Posted by Adam Moisa , 5771-72

Hakafot Shniyot are SOOO underrated  

When some Americans in Israel are holding second days of Shmini Atzeret (AKA Simchat Torah), Israelis across the country hold Hakafot Shniyot-dancing, usually with Sifrei Torah, accompanied by live music. Porat Yosef has one that Rav Nevenzahl, Rav Hadari, and Rav Yaakov Katz try to attend.

Posted by Adi Ciner, 5772-73

Don't be afraid to ask older guys for Chavrusas.  

Older Talmidim, Madrichim, Shoalim U'Meishivim, even Rebbeim-A Chavrusa with someone you want to build a stronger relationship with can build your skills, expose you to new areas of Torah, and add a new angle to the relationship. Not everyone has time, but it can't hurt to ask.

Posted by Dovie Levinson, 5773-74

Ask the Rebbeim who live in the Old City for Shabbat meals  

Most of them will be overjoyed to have you for a meal. It gives you an opportunity to start or improve a relationship with these amazing Rebbeim and can really streamline moving into their Shiurim or Chaburot. They also appreciate getting to know the American talmidim.

Posted by Adi Ciner, 5772-73

Mincha at the Kotel HaKatan  

There's a group that goes every day with a Melaveh Neshek to Daven at the Kotel HaKatan. It's a powerful experience to be able to Daven with a Minyan at the closest possible place to the Kodesh HaKodashim.

Posted by Elliot Heller, 5775

 

Bring a good-quality overnight bag  

You'll appreciate it every week you go out, especially on the extended weekends or trips. Think about how big the bag is, and how transportable it is. Hiking packs are great, as they're usually big and they go on your back instead of bumping against your leg every time you take a step. Wheely bags can also be good, although the Old City cobblestones will likely make their mark on the wheels.

Posted by Jacob Sacks, 5775

Get a KumKum  

Hot water without leaving your room, and you can even make noodles in them.

Posted by Jed Zaslow, 5774

Bring a LOT of lead pencils  

Israeli lead pencils seem to break easier

Ari Gutenmacher, 5776

Bring a diary or journal  

You'll want the diary to write about experiences during Yeshiva, journal during the Poland trip, record questions you asked Rav Nevenzahl or anything else. Israeli journals open the 'wrong' way.

David Mandelbaum, 5775

Invest in a seat cushion, Shtender, and back cushion  

Be'H you'll be spending a lot of time at your Makom-you might as well be comfortable. Take care of yourself and you'll maximize your time.

Posted by Jed Zaslow, 5775

Bring a pair of waterproof boots/shoes  

You'll want something for the rainy (and potentially snowy) days. If they're hiking boots, they'll be good for tiyulim, too.

Posted by Jed Zaslow, 5775

Bring a sleeping bag  

You'll use it for some Shabbatonim away from Yeshiva, any tiyulim you take with friends during Bein haZmanim, and it's easy to pack for out Shabbosim when needed.

David Mandelbaum, 5775

Bring some snack/energy bars  

Great for a quick breakfast or for snacking throughout the day.

Posted by Jed Zaslow, 5774

Bring dissolving laundry pods  

Makes life easy

Posted by Jed Zaslow, 5774

Pack a bunch of pairs of black pants  

They don't get dirty as quickly.

Posted by Anonymous

Bring a drawstring bag/daypack  

Lightweight, reliable-Great for Tiyulim or any time you go out of Yeshiva and want to bring along your water bottle.

Posted by Dovie Levinson, 5773-74

Bring an English Tanach  

English Sefarim are usually more expensive in Israel, so bring one from home if you have one.

Posted by Ari Gutenmacher, 5776

You're going to want a mug or thermos  

Yeshiva provides tea, coffee, and hot cups, but you'll appreciate something sizeable to drink from. A great way to warm up in the winter as well as power through when you're feeling a little tired.

Posted by Tzvi Goldstein, 5771-73

Breakfast after Vasikin  

The Lachmanyot at Ma'apeh Ne'eman, on the way towards Sha'ar Tzion, come out of the oven right around the end of Vasikin. Getting a couple of fresh rolls and a Shoko B'Sakit is the best way to finish off an all-night learning session.

Posted by Tzvi Goldstein, 5771-74

There's a beautiful park in the Old City  

It's in the middle of an apartment complex past Moriah Sforim Shop.

David Mandelbaum, 5775

Find the Carlebach Minyanim in Nachla'ot  

If that's your Derech, these'll take it to the extreme.

Posted by Jed Zaslow, 5774

Kollel Chabad Soup Kitchen  

Nice place to volunteer at, right near Yeshiva.

David Mandelbaum, 5775

Visit the Shorashim Biblical Shop  

On the right when you walk out of HaKotel right before the street with all the restaurants. Moshe Kempinski, who owns the shop, holds meetings with Christian tour groups explaining the differences between Judaism and Christianity. Fascinating presentation.

Posted by Jed Zaslow, 5774

Rav Nevenzahl's Minyanim on Shabbat  

Rav Nevenzahl has his own Vasikin minyan at the Kotel on Shabbat morning and an early Mincha in his house. After Shacharit, everyone follows him up to his house asking questions as he walks, which he answers. In his house, there's a Kiddush and more questions (usually Parsha-related). Both are opportunities to interact with a Gadol in a very personal way.

Posted by Jacob Saks, 5775

Daven Friday night at the Belz "Beis HaMikdash"  

There's a designated guy whose job is to find guests and set them up with meals by Belzer Chassidim. It was eye-opening to see a different culture-normal, just different.

Posted by Jed Zaslow, 5774

Try to Daven Vasikin on Rosh Chodesh at the Churva Shul

It's a beautiful and unique Davening

Posted by Shimon Cohen, 5774

The Old Rova 

Go down to the lions, turn right and walk to the end of the alleyway, turn right and walk up the ramp. You should be in a wide-open square with a few tables, chairs and benches. Depending on the time of day, it'll either be empty and serenely quiet or overrun with little kids playing-it's right outside Zilberman's elementary school. It's a wonderful place to take some time to think or relax. Bonus points if you can see the Pasuk on the wall, quoting from Zecharia, played out in front of your eyes.

Posted by Tzvi Goldstein, 5771-73

Restaurant-Chummusiya-Hummus Ben Sira  

The BEST Hummusiya in town. Check the Hechsher, as with all restaurants. While it may sound strange to have an entire restaurant dedicated to Chummus, don't wait until the end of Shana Alef to try it, like I did. I'll be waiting for your thank-you's when you experience (Mei'ein) Olam HaBa BaOlam HaZeh.

Posted by Jacob Saks, 5775

Thursday Night Kumzitz at the Menora  

There's a beautiful Kumzitz at the Menora on the way down to the Kotel most Thursday nights. People bring instruments, the singing is wonderful, and it usually goes pretty late into the night.

Posted by Adi Ciner, 5772-74

The Kotel past Midnight  

It almost feels like a different place, with so few people around. While you theoretically could catch a minyan inside the covered section on the left, I most appreciated going down just to spend a few minutes saying Tehillim and feeling like I was having a one-on-one with Hashem.

Posted by Tzvi Goldstein, 5771-73

The Loom by the Cardo  

There's a guy who makes Talleisim using a loom near the Menachem Tzion Shul. Check it out and ask him to show you how it works-any time a loom shows up in the Gemara (Shesi, Areiv, Shtei Batei Nirin...), you'll know what's going on.

Posted by Tzvi Goldstein, 5771-73

Ask for Batzel Metugan in your Shwarma  

They usually have fried onions sitting on the grill, not together with the rest of the "Salatim." Ask and they'll toss some in.

Posted by Tzvi Goldstein, 5771-73

Have a specific question that you don't see addressed here? Ask it below and we'll do our best to find an answer!


Mission Statement

The Yeshiva's underlying goal is to cultivate Yirat Shamayim as part of a life of Avodat Hashem. The Yeshiva accomplishes this by developing Talmidim’s appreciation of Talmud Torah and its connection to both Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael.
Yeshivat HaKotel was founded more than 40 years ago. The underlying goal of the Yeshiva is to provide its students with a fundamental and intimate connection to Torat Yisrael as it impacts on Am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael. There is no better place to accomplish this three-fold goal than at Yeshivat HaKotel in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Old City enhances both the emotional and intellectual components of Torah learning. Only someone who has personally experienced this can fully comprehend this added dimension.