For DAN LEVITT, a second-year student at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, Sunday evening is a time to strategize for the upcoming week, which is filled with events and activities that extend well beyond his coursework. Built on the foundation of intensive learning, Dan’s week will include helping people connect to Judaism and disseminating accurate information about Israel and the Middle East. Dan also has a busy social calendar as well as a variety of hobbies and extracurricular activities. Following Dan for a week provided us with a small glimpse into a YCT student's busy and multi-faceted life.

The Beat Goes On….

Student Packs Week with Torah, Teaching and Tunes

Monday
A four-hour morning seder begins at 9:00 am. Rabbi Yaacov Love provides Dan's class with a wide range of information along with a practical and realistic approach to the Halakha. "This year we are studying Yoreh Deah and currently focusing on details concerning laws of kashrut. Rabbi Love breaks down the issues and gives us real-life examples," explains Dan. Part of the shiur is devoted to chavrusa learning. Dan and his learning partner, who is also his closest friend at YCT, challenge each other daily with questions not only about a certain Mishnah or Gemora, but also on how they will engage the Jewish community when they become rabbis. Dan's afternoon instruction, which finishes at 6:00 pm, includes chaplaincy training, a class on social justice and a shiur with Rabbi Weiss in which students make detailed presentations. Overall, he will spend over 40 hours of his week in YCT’s Beit Midrash and classes, fulfilling the rigorous requirements of the Chovevei curriculum.

Tuesday
Today's four-hour morning seder and shiur delve deep into issues of bishul akum which cover details related to food prepared by non-Jews. The afternoon is dedicated to pastoral counseling classes with one of them addressing the nuances of marital and family counseling with Dr. Naomi Mark. A highlight of Dan's week is teaching a Derekh Ha- Torah class at the 92nd Street Y. The 30-week course is designed for Jews who seek a deeper connection with their heritage and for non-Jews searching for a greater understanding of Judaism. Topics include Jewish history, ethics, Shabbat and holidays, prayer, Kashrut and lifecycle events. Dan meets with eight couples who often call him during the week to discuss various issues. Dan's biggest challenge is to present the material to people who have different backgrounds, perspectives and interests. "My involvement with this class has affirmed for me why I want to be a rabbi," says Dan. "And I learn a lot more from them than they learnfrom me."

Wednesday
Talmud Torah never stops - Dan studies the halakhic details related to kashering dishes. Later, during lunch Dan meets with three of his YCT classmates in a fourth floor classroom to pursue another obsession - playing music. With Dan on guitar, the makeshift band plays country, bluegrass, rock, and the blues. "We have an intense schedule,and our jam sessions help break up the day," says Dan.

Thursday
Dan's involvement with "Fuel for Truth," an organization dedicated to providing accurate information about Israel and the Middle East to young adults, stems from his strong belief in the importance of being involved in the broader Jewish community. As one of the few Orthodox Jews in the organization, Dan brings a unique perspective to his role as editor of the monthly newsletter, chairperson of the Research department and a member of the group's Operating Committee. He also serves as an informal sounding board for unaffiliated Jews in the organization who have questions about Judaism. "I am always available to talk about being Jewish and how this can add meaningto their lives."

Thursday Night
After a full day of learning in the Beit Midrash, an important part of Dan's life is making time for friends. He has maintained close relationships with many of his high school and college buddies, many of whom are not observant. Once a week Dan participates in a night seder with these friends, and at other times he meets them for a competitive game of darts. He also goes on an occasional date, and while Dan would certainly like to meet someone, it's hard to find time at this point in his life.

Shabbat
An opportunity to relax, reinvigorate and recharge his batteries. Dan enjoys studying the weekly parasha and finds time for an occasional chavrusa study with a fellow YCT student, Devin Villareal. He also participates in weekend retreats andseminars for YCTers.

Sunday Morning
Kicking back with the Sunday New York Times and a cup of coffee and bagel is not on Dan's agenda. Instead, he wakes up early to head to the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, where he teaches sixth graders enrolled in the synagogue's Jewish Youth Encounter Program. A brainchild of Rabbi Weiss, JYEP is an innovative alternative to the traditional supplementary Hebrew School. For Dan, this is a way to instill a love for and attachment to Judaism in non-affiliated kids. "YCT has taught me to be open-minded and non-judgmental to the process of how people of all ages grow and develop as Jews," says Dan. "These values are important to me, and I am passionate about teaching Torah and becoming a leaderwithin the Jewish community."

To view the entire copy of the Spring/Summer 2008 newsletter, click here.

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