"I used to look at playing music as just a hobby but now I see it as a way to complement my growth in learning and Jewish life."

Rabbi Moskovits and the entire staff realize how important it is for a person to retain their individuality even while making great strides in their commitment towards traditional Judaism. This is why Aliyos Shmuel encourages you to continue with activities that express your special talents, and channel them towards your spiritual purpose.

Outside the study halls and in between study sessions, you can find a busy network of extra curricular activities. Whether competing on the sports field, hiking in the Hermon mountains, producing the yearly Purim comedy video, or playing in the yeshiva band, you are encouraged to join Midrash Shmuel students and to play as hard as you work.

Regular physical exercise is afforded special importance, promoting healthy functioning on all levels. Midrash Shmuel offers a wide range of sports activities. During the daily breaks, students play impromptu games of basketball, soccer, frisbee, and football. Midrash Shmuel students are also active in sports on a competitive level. In Jerusalem's soccer and football leagues, Midrash Shmuel's sportsmen are feared on the field as repeat winners.

Students with musical talents are appreciated in various settings, with top class musical entertainment provided exclusively by our own students for annual events, such as Chanuka and Purim. A yearly choir is arranged specially for the High Holy Days services, to accompany the beautiful cantorial by R' Moskovits. And in the competitive arena, Midrash Shmuel is a proud repeat champion of the inter-yeshiva, live music competition "Battle of the Bands."

All of these outlets, through which personal energies and talents are developed, receive strong approval and support from the yeshiva staff. You are encouraged to pursue your strengths and hobbies within the framework of real spiritual growth.