In the early days of the lockdown before Pesach, when many young men were stuck at home with nothing to do, the staff prepared a USB disk filled with learning material, including midrashim on Pesach, songs, stories, and educational videos. The USB was delivered straight to their doors!
The staff of the vocational programs, led by Rav Amram Glick and Rav Tzvika Cohen, delivered shiurim over conference call, and Rav Dovid Reicher delivered a daily shiur via Zoom to all of the young men in the supported housing apartments and at home. Every week, there were guest shiurim and events led by well-known figures and musicians.
On Lag B’Omer, the traditional bonfire was held in the Seeach Sod courtyard with only a small group of attendees, but it was broadcast live to the Seeach Sod students. The staff that was present lit candles and said special prayers on behalf of those who are ill. Rav Shimon Levy, CEO of Seeach Sod, was honored with the lighting of the bonfire. Musical accompaniment was provided by Yanky Engel on the keyboard and singers Avreimi Moskowitz and Pinny Miller. There was even an upsherin for the son of clarinetist Chilik Frank!
Another moving event that was broadcast on Zoom was the erev Shavuot learning program, in which parents and apartment counselors learned with the men, after which they heard inspiring messages from Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau and Rav Yaakov Hillel. The event concluded with dancing to the music of Yoeli Klein.
The special phone line operated by Seeach Sod during this period included inspirational talks, shiurim, stories, and more for the participants in the vocational program. Every day, rabbis, singers, chazzanim, and others left messages of encouragement. Rav Lau delivered a special message to encourage them regarding davening at home our outside. Before Pesach, Rav Yitzchak Ezrachi, one of the Roshei Yeshiva of the Mir Yeshiva, spoke about the upcoming Yom Tov. On erev Pesach, MK Rav Aryeh Deri left a message of encouragement for the young men. Many other public figures and musicians recorded messages as well.
The seventieth birthday celebration for one of the residents of the supported housing apartments was broadcast on the phone line, and everyone was particularly moved.
