Coming out of the spiritual wilderness of the black hole that I had dug for myself in the galut, I came to the oasis of Yeshiva Tiferes Menachem in Sea Gate, NY, to the 10-day spring learning program called Torah by the Sea.

What was I looking for? A little bit of soul food? Perhaps some insight into my own personal situation? A few rays of the Shechinah to fall on me? Was that too much to ask? Apparently, it was too little! I was not prepared for the whopping program of Torah insights that the Rabbis had prepared for the participants (those that are rediscovering their Judaism). Not only did they have excellent speakers who shared an abundance of Torah wisdom, but they were able to compress it into a remarkably short period of time. And at its core was that sense of urgency to have Moshiach come as soon as possible- NOW! - And not a moment later.

Over the course of the program I learned many things including; the hidden meanings behind certain passages in the weekly parsha; the laws pertaining to the writing of a sefer Torah; what the status of non-Jews will be in the times of Moshiach; an in-depth look at the learning of the Talmud; a closer look at the meaning of Jewish identity; an examination of what is faith and why its so core to our being; the function of Jewish debate (disagreement) and the true power of Halacha; how to find self-expression within the context of Jewish observance; and the relevancy and timelessness of Torah in addressing key moral and ethical issues in the field of medicine.

We were also treated to musical performances and spirited gatherings which brought much of what was swimming around in the head straight into the heart.

Who could ask for more than to be amongst others like myself who thirst for the wellsprings that this Yeshiva has to offer. What a program! What an experience! Who knew?

Mark Spires 6.11.04