The halls of the Ashkanazy home echoed with the sound of Torah learning as WashU’s Jewish community gathered for the second annual ChavrutahFest on November 17, 2024. What began as a summer camp inspiration for students Aidin Yazdi and Lizzy Adler has blossomed into one of the most anticipated events on campus, brought to life under the guidance of JLIC directors Kyra and Rav Shlomo Ashkanazy.
“What makes ChavrutahFest so special is watching students discover the joy of learning Torah together,” shared Kyra Ashkanazy. “When you see a pair of students light up as they work through a challenging text and arrive at a new understanding—that’s the magic of chavruta learning in action.”
The atmosphere was electric as more than 50 students filed into the warmly lit space, each finding their designated study partner for an evening of enriching Torah study. This year’s theme cleverly played with the concept of “gambling” in Jewish thought—not the prohibited dice games mentioned in Sanhedrin, but rather the fascinating process of navigating complex halachic decisions and discovering truth through discussion.
“Chavruta learning is about more than studying texts,” said Rav Shlomo Ashkanazy. “It’s about creating profound human connections through shared intellectual and spiritual exploration. When two students sit together, wrestling with the text, they’re not just learning Torah—they’re building a relationship that transforms how they understand learning, friendship, and themselves.”
At the heart of the evening was an expertly crafted source packet, meticulously compiled by student leader Aidin Yazdi. The thoughtfully curated materials explored the nature of halachic decision-making, with Yazdi’s careful selection of texts demonstrating the depth of student engagement with Jewish learning on campus. Students delved into fundamental questions about religious authority, examining fascinating texts like the famous story of Rabbi Eliezer and the sages from Bava Metzia, where even a heavenly voice was overruled by human reasoning. The sources, ranging from medieval commentators like Rashi to modern thinkers like Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, sparked deep discussions about the interplay between divine truth and human interpretation in Jewish law.
The famous “kol Torah”—the voice of Torah study—that filled the Ashkanazy home was nothing short of magnificent. As pairs of students huddled over texts, their animated discussions and thoughtful debates created a symphony of learning that embodied the ancient Jewish tradition of “machloket l’shem shamayim”—arguments for the sake of heaven. The energy was infectious, with each chavruta pushing each other to deeper understanding and new insights.
While the intellectual discourse was rich, the evening also satisfied other appetites. The aroma of a delicious BBQ dinner wafted through the air, and the crowd favorite hot poppers kept everyone energized throughout their studies. Students walked away with not just full bellies, but also exclusive ChavrutahFest swag—tangible reminders of their participation in this special event.
As the evening drew to a close, the impact was evident on the faces of all who attended. Bright smiles and animated conversations filled the room as students gathered their belongings, many already expressing excitement for next year’s event. They departed with more than just new Torah knowledge—they left with strengthened friendships, broader perspectives, and the warm glow that comes from being part of a vibrant Jewish learning community.
In just its second year, ChavrutahFest has already established itself as a highlight of WashU’s Jewish campus life. Through student leadership, from Yazdi and Adler’s initial vision to the carefully curated learning materials, the event exemplified how serious Jewish learning can be both intellectually stimulating and genuinely enjoyable. As the tradition continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of chavruta learning to build both knowledge and community.
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