Written by Adar Perez

As the summer begins, the weather begins to get warmer, school is released, and students are free from school until August. It could be an incredibly positive period of time where growth in spirituality and morality occurs, but it could also turn out negatively. Unfortunately, Shmirat Eynaim can become an even harsher challenge to face during the summer, due to having more free time on one’s hands, and the immodest outfits of many others. High School students, in particular, usually struggle with this issue the most, statistically speaking, and are more vulnerable to falling into the yetzer hara’s traps. Rabbi Stuleburger, the Rosh Yeshiva, emphasizes this point to a high degree in his weekly shmuesses and highlights the importance of guarding our eyes. That is also the meaning of the famous Pirkei Avot saying: “Don’t trust yourself until the day you die”. So what’s your choice? Will you have a productive summer, or will you let the yetzer hara take control? Will you come closer to Hashem, or remove yourself from His holy presence? Will you guard your eyes, or will you look back at immorality? 

As a final message, I have faith in every single Valley Torah student to overcome their yetzer hara over this summer. Hashem only gives one a challenge if he knows they can overcome it. And although the temptation is so great and so powerful, Hashem knows that you can overcome it, and He has faith in you. I believe in you. The choice is yours. Choose wisely.