At a time of favor I answered you - Late Night Learning at Nahar Shalom
Thursday night at the hour of midnight, the world stands still for a moment. The sages and rabbis of the Kabbalist Yeshiva "Nahar Shalom" grant you the merit to participate in the most holy study, and to be blessed for salvation in the most holy place, and to open the gates of heaven.
"At a time of favor I answered you": The merit to be a partner in the Thursday night [literally: Eve of Friday] study at the hour of midnight.
Thursday night at the hour of midnight, the world stands still for a moment. The sages and rabbis of the Kabbalist Yeshiva "Nahar Shalom" grant you the merit to participate in the most holy study, and to be blessed for salvation in the most holy place, and to open the gates of heaven.
9th of Iyar 5785 | 07/05/2025 | 08:09
23:20. Into the chill of the Jerusalem night go out, at one and the same time, dozens of Avreichim [married Torah students], arriving each individual from his home. The Gemara is in their hands, and the small book of Psalms is pressed to the tablet of their heart. The Tallit and Tefillin are also carried with strength...
23:26. The surrounding darkness is torn by beams of light near the Nahar Shalom Yeshiva; they are already turning into a swarm of light, a swarm of people illuminating the obscurity of the night.
23:30. Now the signal is given. Dozens of precious Avreichim begin Tikkun Chatzot [the Midnight Rectification prayer]. The cries cut through the nightly silence; the weepings pierce firmaments. A prayer from the depth of the heart for the Holy Shechinah [Divine Presence] and for the nation of Israel who are immersed in exile, for the Creator of the universe who is with us in the distress of the exile, for the great and holy House [the Temple]...
00:30. The 'Tikkun Chatzot' ends with the prayer of the Rashash. They transition to the study session. The Beit Midrash [study hall] becomes astir [like a boiling pot]; the voice of the Torah rises and ascends. Dozens of precious Avreichim are scattered throughout the Beit Midrash, engaging in Torah with enthusiasm and diligence.
02:30. This has not changed yet. Dozens of books have already come out of the ark/closet, dozens more will come out. The study session is at its height, and the atmosphere—is burning with a light of holiness and loftiness.
03:00. The Holy One, blessed be He, from His dwelling place in the highest heavens, looks upon the hall of 'Nahar Shalom'. Dozens of Avreichim who did not go up to their beds, and also will not go up to them tonight. They are engaging in Torah, in prayers, in sublime rectifications. Who can understand and who can estimate what gratification is being made now in the heavenly retinue?
03:15. In the Beit Midrash, spirits are storming. In heaven, they examine who gives those Avreichim the strength, who grants them the ability. An hour of mercy and favor is this hour; the gates of heaven are open. The merits of the givers of strength ascend and are read in the heavenly court...
05:00. The night session ends with the saying of the long 'Pitum HaKetoret' [incense formulation text], and a special prayer for the removal of harsh decrees. At this hour, when the gates of heaven are wide open, the prayer clears its way to the Throne of Glory, carrying the names of the friends, who in general are still slumbering their sleep.
07:30. At the end of a long night, study, prayers, and requests, the 'distribution' takes place. The learners receive an appreciation stipend, which constitutes the basic source of Shabbat needs for them. When a coin of small value is not found [funds are tight], a generous stipend that enables the purchase of poultry and wine, challahs and fish, for the honor of the holy Shabbat, warms the heart and opens the soul.
Our master and teacher, the Rosh Yeshiva, the genius Kabbalist Rabbi Benayahu Shmueli, may he live for long and good days, supplicates every Thursday night at the midnight hour at the Western Wall for those who merit to take [a part] to support the learners.
The prayer begins with Tikkun Chatzot in weeping and supplications, the saying of verses efficacious with the intentions of the Kabbalists and in supreme devotion, and afterward our master and teacher, may he live for long and good days, supplicates for the donors of the Yeshiva and the donors of the Thursday night study session, name after name with their requests.
Is there a greater merit than giving life to souls toward Shabbat the Queen? Is there a greater merit than the midnight prayer of Thursday night next to the Western Wall? Is there a more sublime merit than the combination of these virtues, with the virtue of the wonderful study on Thursday night at an hour of mercy and favor?
Now, do not think about the difficulties in livelihood, about the stuck marital peace, about the daughter who needs a match, and about the grandson who has no children. Think about the fact that you can help them, to save them!
Another family will receive help for Shabbat needs, another Avreich will study Torah on Thursday night, and the name of your loved ones will knock before the Throne of Glory. The rabbis and Kabbalists of the Yeshiva will mention the names, and the request will reach all the way to the top and perform great salvations!
Aside from this, you have bought for yourself an eternal merit of Torah and acts of loving-kindness.
Now it only remains for you to merit!