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The event was sold out at 140 participants, as alumni of Midreshet Lindenbaum, Yeshivat Hamivtar Orot Lev and the Joseph Straus Rabbinical Seminary gathered from around the British Isles for the event. It was a particularly sophisticated venue for a reunion; participants stayed at the nearby Marriott Hotel. "It was great to savor the OTS experience right here in our little country," commented alumnus Ryan Jacobson, who is presently pursuing a career in London as a corporate accountant.

Indeed, one of the weekend's highlights was the presence of the Roshei Yeshivot, Rabbi Riskin and Rabbi Brovender, as well as Rabbi Tuvia Kaplan, the mashgiach ruchani (spiritual mentor) at Midreshet Lindenbaum. "Ohr Torah Stone has a great commitment to Anglo-Jewry and to our alumni," Rabbi Riskin told participants. "And we hope that, through our efforts, we can continue to provide you with a connection to your Torah learning, even years after you have left the yeshivot."

This message was exceptionally well received. One of the organizers was Rabbi Shaul Robinson, a Straus Rabbinical Seminary graduate who has just been named director of Encounter, Britain's largest Orthodox education conference. "The Shabbaton showed the tremendous connection between the yeshivot and its students," said Rabbi Robinson, who is also the minister of Barnet Congregation in Northwest London. "Ohr Torah Stone has a serious commitment to education, and it's wonderful to be connected to this institution."

The entire Shabbat was a perfect example of Ohr Torah Stone's impact in Diaspora communities; it contributes rather than dominates. A series of shiurim, attended by OTS alumni and members of the community at large, took place throughout the Shabbat, and yeshiva alumni gave divrei torah at all communal meals. One such alumnus was Rabbi Saul Zneimer, who gained semicha at the Straus Seminary and has now assumed an important role in Anglo-Jewry, Chief Executive of the United Synagogue of the United Kingdom. "The reunion weekend was a very enjoyable opportunity to spend time with Rabbi Brovender and Rabbi Riskin, together with so many OTS graduates," enthused Zneimer.

The number of OTS alumni holding responsible positions in Anglo-Jewry is disproportionately high. "OTS has made and continues to make a significant contribution to the development of the community in England", continued Zneimer, who was the spiritual leader at the Kenton Community in London prior to his current position. "Graduates include rabbis, teachers and communal activists. Between us we are involved in some of the most important initiatives around."

Ashley Hirst, newly-appointed Director of Strategy and Communications for the UJIA and a Yeshivat Hamivtar alumnus, concurs. "OTS alumni are having a huge impact on Anglo Jewry. It's a tribute to the style and quality of teaching of Rabbi Brovender, Rabbi Riskin and the schools' educators that their students return with a drive to contribute to the community and so much to give."

A poetic aspect to the weekend was the attendance of some newlywed couples who have studied at Hamivtar and Lindenbaum between them -- true OTS marriages in every sense of the word. Joanne Rosenfelder, who studied at Lindenbaum in 1998-9, married Hamivtar alumnus Joel Winston last September, and both were clearly nourished by the weekend at Saatchi. "The great thing about it was that it really re-created the yeshiva atmosphere for us here in London," said Joanne, who keeps up with regular Gemara learning despite her heavy work commitments in commercial finance. "It's nice to be reminded of how much learning there is out there, and Rabbi Kaplan gave us a wonderful opportunity to recharge our batteries."

Rabbi Pini Dunner, spiritual head of the Saatchi Synagogue, has led his congregation into the 21st Century with his charismatic singing and creative storytelling. "I knew Reb Shlomo Carlebach," explained Rabbi Dunner to the Shabbaton participants, "and this is how the tune went...." Be it Carlebach, Brovender or Riskin, a strong spiritual energy pervaded the weekend and propelled even the most staunch British shul-goers into dancing their way through the Shacharit service. Rabbi Riskin beamed with delight.

"Listening to Rabbi Brovender's shiur was reminiscent of the wonderful years at yeshiva," recalls Rabbi Jeremy Bruce, an educator at Immanuel College and Community Development Rabbi for the Edgware United Synagogue in London. Yet again we were witness to his erudition and inspiration. I will remember what he said for a long time -- he has the unique ability to speak, amuse and fascinate on so many different levels, it's truly outstanding."

The enthusiasm of the OTS alumni was infectious. "You guys certainly made it a Shabbat to remember", commented one Saatchi member. "Same time next year?"

Marcus J. Freed is an actor & playwright, based in Britain. He studied at Yeshivat Hamivtar Orot Lev from 1996-1997.

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