Yeshiva World News

Klal Yisroel suffered a terrible catastrophe.

On Motzaei Shabbos, 20 Adar, R’ Nachman and his wife Raizy Glauber Z”L, both a tender 21 years of age, were instantly killed in a heartbreaking collision by an errant motorist, as they made their way to the hospital to deliver their first child, a son, who ultimately passed away as well.

They will never have the chance to raise their child or build a family of their own, but we, members of Klal Yisroel will ensure that the legacy of this young is not forgotten nor lost.

This tragedy shook all of Klal Yisroel, and therefore deserves a response which includes all of Klal Yisroel! Thus,
the couple’s family and friends have vowed to perpetuate their young, yet rich, lives via the writing of a brand new Sefer Torah to be used and celebrated with in their eternal memory.

Every letter, Posuk, Perek and Parsha in this Sefer Torah is available for dedication. Every individual that purchases a letter or a larger segment in this Sefer Torah will have a direct partnership in the perpetuation of R’ Nachman and Raizy’s memory and by taking part in this holy Mitzvah, will merit eternal zechusim for themselves and their family.

Any donations received beyond the cost of the Sefer Torah will be earmarked for the popular “Leil Shishi Shovevim” program, a unique program encouraging Limud Hatorah, which was partially the brainchild of R’ Nachman Glauber Z”L, when he was only 14 years old, and will also serve as a tremendous Zechus for his exalted Neshama, as well as a great merit for all contributors.

This campaign is endorsed by many community leaders, including the director of Tomchei Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Moskowitz, Rav of Kehilas Borov.

Be a part of this special Mitzvah and help us forever keep the flames of these pure Neshamos burning bright. In the merit of your generosity may you and yours be blessed with abundant health, happiness and success in all your endeavors.

Click HERE to be a part of this Sefer Torah.

(YWN world Headquarters – NYC)

We all know the scene: A few weeks before Pesach, rental trucks appear, seemingly on every street corner, with the words “Shaimos L’Genizah” emblazoned on them in varying shapes and styles. These trucks are manned by children or adults, who eyeball your precious bags of Shaimos and quote you a price, based on formulas known only to them. You pay the required fee and you gingerly place your parcel of holy objects, Torah sheets, and the like, into the back of the truck, imagining that they will receive a proper halachic burial and you have done a mitzvah.

While certainly many of these services are run by upstanding individuals, who take their jobs seriously, unfortunately in recent years we have seen some that are not. Last year, for examples, numerous so-called “Shaimos trucks” were found abandoned after Pesach in different neighborhoods. In some cases the contents were found littered in yards and strewn across train tracks.

What can be done to avoid this? What can the G-d fearing public do to ensure that their Shaimos is receiving proper care? For one, say rabbonim, one should insist that the Shaimos operators are under the hashgochah of a reputable Rav or organization. Secondly, it is okay to ask where the Shaimos is being buried and who handles the burial. Finally, seek out a Shaimos dealer who provides year-round service. While this is not a guarantee, common sense dictates that someone who is available throughout the year is less likely to be a “fly-by-night” character than a self-proclaimed Shaimos expert who shows up for only two weeks out of the year.

This year, a newly expanded service to the community looks promising. “Shaimos.org” has been providing Shaimos services to individuals and shuls, through their iconic green “Shaimos Box,” for several years now. The Shaimos burial is conducted under the strict supervision of the OU, and the process seems fairly easy and straightforward. Simply drop into participating Judaica bookstores (see list at the end of this article), purchase a new, large-size Shaimos Box, fill it up at your leisure, and then return it to the bookstore for processing. (The price of the box includes the shipping of the box to the burial site and the halachic disposal of the Shaimos.) Once you’ve dropped off your full box, buy another, empty box to keep in a corner of your study, den, or wherever, and start the process over again. Your family will know that all Shaimos material goes into the “Shaimos Box,” avoiding bits and pieces of Shaimos accumulating all over the house. And best of all, there is no need to wait until the hectic pre-Pesach weeks to dispose of it – your local Judaica store is at your service during their year-round, regular business hours.

Chazal tell us: “Anyone who honors the Torah will be honored by people, and anyone who disgraces the Torah will be disgraced by people.” We are taught that this includes our proper treatment of Shaimos. Let us treat these “Torah remnants” with dignity, respect and reverence, as befits the honor of the Torah and its Giver.

Boro Park: Judaica Corner, Scharf’s, Bencher’s Unlimited

Flatbush: Eichler’s, Judaica Place, Torah Treasures

Crown Heights: Judaica World

Queens: Gift World

Five Towns: Five Towns Judaica

Manhattan: Westside Judaica

Monsey: Bais Haseforim

Lakewood: Judaica Plaza

Baltimore: Shabsi’s

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Hundreds of kiruv professionals gathered in Stamford, Connecticut recently for the 25^th annual convention of AJOP: The Association of Jewish Outreach Programs. For the second year in a row, the convention combined its traditional focus on kiruv rechokim with a commitment to the vital task of kiruv kerovim, adding a Shabbos gathering devoted to InReach, featuring many stars of the kiruv world.

As always, the outreach convention drew some of the most talented and accomplished mekarvim from throughout the world, including South America, Moscow, England and other countries. And as always, there were numerous sessions addressing the many, many dimensions of kiruv, such as Research: Taking the Guesswork out of Kiruv, by Dr. David Rosmarin, Addressing the Image of Orthodox Jews in the Media, with Rabbi Avi Shafran and Rabbi Motti Seligson, Training in Shalom Bayis Counseling by Rabbi Mordechai Twerski, Keeping a Baal Teshuvah Community Healthy & Normal by Rabbi Josh Spinner, and from HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlit”a, halachic perspectives & advice about non-Jews who participate in the belief they are Jewish.

This year’s convention, however, confronted a challenge that is facing organizations throughout the Torah world: How do we know we are making the best use of our resources? Are classic programs still working? Are there new ideas that need to be developed? Are we focusing our energies in the best possible ways? (See the current issue of Klal Perspectives, which provides an entire symposium on this topic.)

These are difficult questions for any organization, especially in a rapidly changing world. And it is especially challenging when there are so many organizations to coordinate, as in the case of the kiruv movement. But Baruch Hashem, with the guidance of gedolei Torah, and with the commitment of a world of mekarvim who follow them, this annual gathering of AJOP enabled an outstanding group of kiruv professionals, leaders and interested laymen to work together in making the adjustments necessary to stay current with today’s challenges.

In addition to over thirty individual sessions, the convention offered several roundtable discussions – for executive directors and for shul rabbis, as well as for particular areas, such as kiruv in small communities, baal teshuvafamily dynamics and programs for young professionals.

Standing out among these was the roundtable for programs directed at young professionals, which emerged as one of the biggest growth area in kiruv today. In one example, the DATA (Dallas Area Torah Association) kollel recently launched a program called YJP (Young Jewish Professionals), which has already attracted over four hundred participants to their events in their first year alone.

Down the hall from the outreach sessions were a parallel set of sessions devoted to InReach. These programs were designed both for members of the frum community who felt the need for inspiration and answers about thederech haTorah and for those who wanted to share such ideas within their communities.

Sessions included Good Answers for Tough Questions, by Rabbi Mordechai Becher, Motivating teens to Live Inspired Lives, by Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone, Tapping into Your Gifts and Inner Strengths, by Rabbi Benzion Shafier and What We Believe: Exploring Torah She’Baal Peh, by Rabbi Eliyahu Bergstein. These sessions built on the many fascinating presentations that were offered on Shabbos, including The Incredible Journey of the Soul – a program for women by Mrs. Aliza Bulow, The Four Leshonos of Jewish Leadership, by Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb and What’s the Most Tantalizing Unanswered Question in Chumash? by Rabbi Dovid Fohrman.

Sunday’s activities culminated for all attendees in two unforgettable events. The first was a plenary session called Never Doubt Klal Yisroel: Transforming Communal Challenges into Klal Triumphs, chaired by Mr. Moishe Bane and featuring HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, shlit”a, Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb and Rabbi Ilan Feldman. These speakers addressed some of the most vexing challenges within the frum community, emphasizing the vital role mekarvim can play in turning these painful problems into spiritual achievements.

After this wrenching presentation, attendees were treated during dinner to an extraordinarily powerful schmooze from R’ Sholom Kaminetsky, shlit”a, in which he identified the key basis for kiruv as kol Yisrael areivim ze lazeh. He quoted the gemara that at Har Sinai, not only did all of Klal Yisrael enter a bris to keep all the mitzvos, but each individual entered a bris that he would ensure (as an arev) that every other individual keeps all the mitzvos (see Sotah 37b). If some Yidden are not keeping mitzvos, explained R’ Sholom, each one of us is coming up short in his own mitzvos, as well. If another Yid does not put on tefillin, my own mitzvah of tefillin is also incomplete.

He went on to work through the commentary of the Ohr HaChaim to the parsha of hashavas aveda in Ki Seitzei, which shows how each word and phrase teaches about the mitzvah to return Hashem’s lost children to him.

[Audio is available here]

Although these joint sessions marked the conclusion of the InReach convention, the outreach programs continued for another day on Monday, with yet an additional day that offered specialty trainings for those who registered – in fundraising, developing new ideas and “Bringing Your Teaching into the Digital Age.”

As everyone returned to their communities, the conversations were only getting started. There is so much to accomplish in meeting this great challenge of our generation according to the shifting realities of today’s world. Spending at AJOP time with the many great people who are leading the charge throughout the country and throughout the world, it is easy to be proud of the great work that is taking place. But it should only motivate us to redouble our efforts to ensure that all our efforts are given the best opportunity to succeed.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

On Wednesday, January 23rd, Misaskim hosted an NYPD conference for yeshivah and Bais Yaakov school principles and administrators at the Hod V’Hadar hall in Boro Park. The meeting was called by NYPD’s Brooklyn Borough South Assistant Chief Thomas Chan in light of the tragic school shooting in Newton, Connecticut. The objective of the conference was to formulate a preparedness plan for our schools in the event of a shooting emergency. In attendance were members of the local law-enforcement community, New York City Councilman David Greenfield and other community leaders.

In his welcoming statement, Rabbi Yanky Meyer of Misaskim told school administrators that while we are all tempted to rationalize that an incident similar to the one in Connecticut is unlikely to occur here, it is our responsibility to our children to take the steps to address this issue. He recalled that last summer there were two incidents that involved police officers and Shomrim members pursuing bank robbers in the streets of our community. In one of these incidents, the perpetrator was armed. How would school officials react should such a perpetrator decide to take shelter in a school?

Councilman Greenfield began his remarks by praising the police department and Chief Chan for being in tune with the needs of our community. He also welcomed Chief Peter Brower of the Ramapo Police Department. Chief Chan, in turn, thanked Misaskim for its dedication in coordinating this event.

Councilman Greenfield stressed that the community in Newton had all the security measures in place in their school building and certainly were not concerned about an attack. “In our case it’s the exact opposite,” Greenfield said. “If you ask any expert, they will tell you that we actually are targets.” He went on to explain that security involves surveillance, security guards, and our bussing system, among other important items. He assured everyone that his office is doing its utmost to assist schools in obtaining the resources they need to implement proper security measures.

Chief Chan pointed out that statistics show that most active shooting situations occur at educational facilities. He said that while each school is different, each yeshiva is different, and each facility is different, it is up to school administrators to formulate a security plan that is appropriate for their situation. He urged schools to screen all visitors to their school buildings and share their evacuation plan with parents to lessen confusion during an emergency. He then introduced the NYPD’s Shield Program. This presentation outlined the appropriate actions school personnel need to take in the event of an emergency.

David Pollack of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) presented school administrators with an emergency planning program that schools can easily adapt and implement to fit their needs. The JCRC has created many emergency planning resources for organizations and is available to guide schools and other organizations in formulating an effective plan.

The conference concluded with pertinent tips from Inspector Philip Van Gostein, the NYPD Patrol Borough Brooklyn South Counter-Terrorism Coordinator. He reminded the audience that the conference was only the first step toward securing our schools. He urged administrators to reach out and meet the school sergeants and security officers who were present at the conference to discuss all security related questions.

Ramapo Police Chief Peter Brower told the audience that he found the conference very informative. He explained that the community in Rockland County, although not as densely populated as Brooklyn, faces similar challenges. He praised the school supervisor in his district, who is very sensitive to the schools’ needs. Chief Brower said that a large majority of students in the East Ramapo district attend parochial schools and his department is in the process of working out security preparedness for them. He was grateful for being invited to the conference so he could see first-hand how it was being done on a larger scale.

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos by Hillel Engel.

(YWN Desk – NYC)

[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Davening Mincha with more than one hundred baal habatim and unaffiliated college students in perhaps the oldest semi-existent Bais Haknesses in the world was somewhat of a theme setter for the entire Mentors Mission. Although the Romans had destroyed the city of Gamla and its inhabitants some two thousand years ago, they did not succeed in breaking the neshamos of Klal Yisroel. The Gamla shul indeed lies in ruins, but two millennia later we are witnessing Nishmos Yisroel from college campuses across North America rediscover their heritage. The Gamla Bais Haknesses was very much alive again that day with the sounds of Hashivainu Avinu Lisorasecha and Vikabtzainu Mayarba Kanfos Ha’aretz. Klal Yisroel continues to thrive despite all the trials and tribulations we have endured both physically and spiritually.

Although the five day Mentors Mission brought the participants to places such as Jeeping, ATV’ing, Barkan Winery, City of David Tour and other exciting activities, it was the ruchniyusdike aspect that clearly dominated the Mission. The learning sessions between the baal habatim, who had traveled to Eretz Yisroel specifically for the mission, and the unaffiliated college students were a sight to behold. The sessions lasted past their scheduled times as the sugya of Rodef was being soaked up by the mentors and students. Walking along the Kineret on Friday morning behind the hotel we were staying in, one could hear the electric kol torah emanating from the Bais Medrash. Here were students who for the most part had never learnt any Gemara at all yet the milchamta shel Torah and its emes was something that connected them to yiddishkeit right away.

Motzei Shabbos we all went to the Kever Rashbi in Meron. Seeing the students’ daven with such a dveikus at the tziyon was truly an inspiration to everyone. Later on there was a Melava Malka with the Simply Tzefas band. The simcha and dancing went on until the wee hours of the morning as hundreds of visitors who had come to Meron joined in this most festive Kiddush Hashem. Seeing the true simcha in frum yidden showed the students the pnimius that lies within the Torah Jew.

On the bus ride back to Yerushalayim on Sunday for the farewell dinner at Entrecote restaurant, the atmosphere was unbelievable. On one side of the bus, A.J., a student from Wisconsin was engrossed in Rav Dovid Gottlieb’s book “Living Up.” After hearing Rav Gottlieb speak numerous times during Shabbos, A.J. was thirsting for more. Behind A.J., six students were involved in a discussion with some staff and mentors regarding general hashkafa topics. Two seats in front of them, a student was learning from an Artscroll Gemara. Another student was learning Michtav M’Eliyahu in English. Replacing the IPod’s filled with raging music and lyrics that dominate the ears of today’s bus traveling college youth were literary guides and verbal discussions containing the emes of creation.

Clyde, a law student from Florida revealed what he deemed to be a revelation. Although American law contains sophisticated and intricate details, its study does not excite him. After studying Gemara for the first time, he was so excited by Jewish law. He said the reason for this is that American law is there to preserve society. Jewish law, aside from preserving society, is there to preserve the human soul!

Wednesday night, the Rosh Hayeshiva Rav Nota Schiller delivered an insightful talk to the mentors about the history of the kiruv movement and the seeming reasons that the outreach phenomenon unfolded the way that it did.

Friday morning mentor David Martin delivered a moving address that included a powerful personal story regarding a pair of tefillin that he had purchased as a youngster by saving up money his parents gave him for transportation. Instead of taking the bus to yeshiva, he walked a far distance and saved the money to purchase tefillin. Ilya, one of the students was so taken by the episode that he committed to put tefillin on every day. Rabbi Binyomin Holland, Menahel of Ohr Somayach arranged for the purchase of tefillin and a personalized tefillin bag that was presented to Ilya by his mentor Eli Rakower at the farewell banquet.

In his remarks during Shabbos, Rav Yitzchok Breitowitz, senior lecturer at Ohr Somayach, extolled the level of ruchniyus that the mentors and students had been exposed to on the Mission. He quoted the Chofetz Chaim who said that Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu by the burning bush that the ground you are standing on is “Admas Kodesh.” This teaches us that no matter who we are or where we are, even when we are not on the makom Hamikdosh or even in Eretz Yisroel, the situation and place we find ourselves in can be Admas Kodesh. Many of the students are returning to the liberal college campuses of the Western world. What they need to take back with them is the knowledge that no matter where one finds himself, you can make the ground that you are standing on into Admas Kodesh with the proper spiritual approach.

As so many of the mentors remarked during and after the trip, “we came to motivate and inspire but we ourselves have become motivated and inspired.”

B”h, so far nine of the students who were on the Mentors Mission have decided to stay on at Ohr Somayach to learn. Hashivainu Avinu Lisorasecha…

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Spin the globe and point your finger at any given spot. Chances are there’s a Shovavim program going on somewhere near there. Irgun Shiurai Torah’s Worldwide Shovavim Campaign is going global in a big way. Lectures and shiurim are being held in virtually every conceivable Jewish community around the world. In its own outstanding way, Irgun Shiurai Torah’s Shovavim Project is offering halacha and hashkafa, chizuk and inspiration, guidance and education to tens of thousands. When Irgun Shiurai Torah says that their lectures are Worldwide they’re not just saying it. It’s true!

The history of this organization is amazing. Eighteen years ago it began as a fledgling mitzvah campaign. Today it has turned into a worldwide organization. Dozens of askonim are scattered all over the world, working tirelessly on behalf of Irgun Shiurai Torah. Meanwhile, at the Irgun’s New York headquarters, researchers and demographic experts are processing the information, leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to reach every single community in the world.

In Eretz Yisroel, a massive Irgun Shiurai Torah shiurim campaign is currently ongoing. Shiurim are being held in over two hundred fifty locations. These include the many chareidi areas of Yerushalayim, of course. It includes Kiryat Sefer, Tel Aviv, Beit Shemesh, Haifa, Petach Tikvah, Tzfas, and Bnei Brak. But it also includes many kibbutzim and moshavim where the laws of taharas hamishpacha and family purity are not yet familiar.

In the chareidi areas, an unprecedented sense of achdus and unity has blossomed. All have gathered together in pursuit of this noble cause. “Yeshivish, Chassidish, Litvish, and Sefardic,” says one delighted askan, “are all joining forces and attending our powerful shiurim.” According to one eye-witness, “The shul is jam packed. It seems like every single person in the city is attending the shiur tonight. There’s no place to sit. There’s no standing room either. There’s only a bit of floating space for anyone who still might want to come in!”

In the secular areas, the interest is also strong. “It’s a tremendous simcha for us,” says another devoted askan. “We’re sending Rabbonim to outlying kibbutzim, some of them long distances away, and paying for the expenses involved. We refuse to forgo this opportunity to introduce our fellow yidden to these critical halachos.”

Irgun Shiurai Torah activists are working around the clock, encouraging the olam to attend every shiur every night. The streets and alleyways of Yerushalayim are filled with prominent and unmistakable posters about Irgun Shiurai Torah. And the excitement is echoed all over the world.

Over 2500 shiurim are currently being offered in ten different languages at 600 locations worldwide. Over fifty thousand people will be participating. The shiurim are designed to spiritually strengthen klal yisroel. Participants gain tremendous insight on issues that deal with the halachos and hashkofos of the home, including taharas hamishpacha, shalom bayis, tznius, and chinuch habonim.

Ever wonder what it’s like to be an Irgun Shiurai Torah askan? For starters, it’s exhausting. Weeks before the Shovavim lectures actually begin, there’s tremendous research to be done. According to one activist, “Our askonim spend many hours seeking out every Jewish community throughout the world. We try to establish a contact and encourage them to join our cause. Once they agree, we send them a program package filled with instructions and information on how to get started. Then we send out a package filled with charts and posters and publicity information. If we have to, we’ll fly in a speaker or rent a hall for them. Then, we’ll advertise their program in all major newspapers as well as their local magazines. We’ll guide them in this endeavor from beginning to end. All this takes days and weeks of effort.”

But the effort ultimately pays off. Communities who were clueless about these vital halachos before are now begging for more shiurim. “They’re thrilled about it,” say the askonim. “They get such tremendous chizuk from the very first shiur that they’re eager to maintain the momentum.” Shuls that stood empty from Shabbos to Shabbos are now wide open all week long, inviting local residents to join the lectures. “Some communities enjoy it so much,” notes an Irgun spokesman, “that they continue to schedule Torah learning and lectures in their shuls throughout the year.”

According to one devoted askan, “We stay up late at night, organizing the local shiurim. Then we start faxing and e-mailing hundreds of program instructions to Eretz Yisroel and internationally.” Shovavim typesetters also have their hands full, considering the thousands of flyers and advertisements that are prepared every week. Over 100,000 posters were printed and distributed already for this year’s program. Yet despite the enormity of the project, everything seems to fall into place. “It’s a miracle that it all works out,” the askan concludes.

Shovavim askonim may not get much sleep, but they’re driven by adrenalin and the thrill of their achievement. “Nothing compares to the joy of knowing that klal yisroel is being strengthened through these efforts,” they point out. They’re so busy organizing the events that they haven’t got time for fundraising. They’re asking everyone to join by attending the shiurim of course. And also by helping to support this cause. Call Irgun Shiurai Torah at 718-853-3950 or 718.8518651 or email ist@thejnet.com for more information.

Irgun activists were stunned to discover that there are many Jewish families who consider themselves Orthodox yet are not at all well versed in these most important halachos. “Unfortunately,” says one askan, “there are those who consider these halachos essentially insignificant. Or, they were never taught how to keep them properly.”

Irgun Shiurai Torah introduces these fellow yidden to the beauty and glory of these mitzvos. Aside from the thousands who are mechazek their shmiras hamitzvos, and the thousands who are helped immeasurably with their shalom bayis, there are also thousands more who are being educated for the first time, and are just beginning to be mekabel the mitzvah.

Irugn Shiurai Torah is proud to reach these fellow yidden. They are proud to be the source of their kiyum hamitzvos. These communities can be reached. The work can be done. But they cannot do it alone. “We need the help of the tzibbur,” say the askonim. “We need the support of klal yisroel so that we can get more speakers and reach more communities than ever before.”

Klal yisroel is being united by this massive kedusha campaign. Mi keamcho Yisroel. It’s a gevaldike feeling to be sitting at a shiur and know that thousands of others are doing the same all over the world. Isn’t it about time that you join them too?

(YWN Desk – NYC)

Hatzoloh Montreal would like to inform the public of these important driving safety tips that could save your life when traveling to and from Montreal and NY on the I‐87.

This past Thursday, there was a major snowstorm and a number of people ill advisedly traveled to and from Montreal and NY. Many were forced to turn back home, while some were left stranded and some were involved in road accidents. Although there were B”H no serious injuries during this storm, we still feel the need to remind travelers of the dangers of travelling during a serious snowstorm. Recent history has shown that the more serious road accidents happen during the night and early morning hours. The combination of fatigue resulting from night travel and snowy, icy roads seem to be the contributing factors. Over the years we have responded to numerous accident scenes on the I‐87, involving serious personal injury and even fatalities R”L in a number of cases.

During the winter months it can sometimes happen that NY has clear and sunny conditions, while Montreal experiences snowy or icy conditions. Oftentimes, it’s just the Adirondack region, a mountainous area from Lake George to Plattsburgh that is affected by poor driving conditions. Another dangerous spot is Hwy 15, from the Canadian/US border to the city of Montreal; the highway cuts through a huge expanse of open fields which may cause white out conditions resulting in poor visibility.  Another important thing to remember: should you change your travel plans, remember to notify your loves ones, in order to avoid unnecessary panic. This issue seems to come up frequently with families that are traveling to and from Montreal and NY, and change their travel plans at the last minute due to weather conditions. When they forget to notify parents or extended family, unnecessary panic may ensue.

And lastly, it’s crucial to get travel insurance, which can be obtained for a minimal charge, before travelling. We have personally witnessed cases where people saved thousands of dollars thanks to the few dollars they spent on travel insurance; in contrast, many families were hit with charges worth thousands of dollars, and some were simply not able to get the care they needed, due to the lack of travel insurance.

What to do in case you are Chas V’Sholom involved in an accident while travelling:

If you are involved in an accident even if it is minor, and there are no injuries, the first thing you should do is call 911!! Also, stay in your car unless it is unsafe to do so. If you must leave your car, make sure to move to a safe location. Why is calling 911 important? Even if the accident is minor, another vehicle travelling behind you may skid and hit your vehicle, so it’s important to get help as soon as possible. After you have called 911, contact Hatzoloh Montreal, 514-341-1818.

Why contact Hatzoloh Montreal?

Many years ago, with the help of Rabbi Berish Freilich, we established a relationship with the NY State Police, and have been working closely with them in providing assistance to individuals involved in serious road accidents. Hatzoloh Montreal also has a close working relationships with personnel at most local hospitals in Northern NY, which helps us to ensure that members of our community receive proper treatment should they need it. We are also able to arrange transfers to appropriate facilities in Montreal or New York City, should the need arise.

We understand the need to travel for simchos, or other important reasons, but please remember to do it safely.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

The lobby of the Holiday Inn in East Windsor had been transformed from a hotel into a feast of colors and sweets. Pinks, blues, greens and purples greeted the families as they stepped out of the cold and into Chai Lifeline’s annual haven from the stress and sadness of cancer and other pediatric illnesses, the LH Financial Services Annual Winter Retreat.

Out of nowhere, counselors descended, whisking suitcases to handsomely appointed hotel rooms and taking children by the hand to a world of fun and games. Chai Lifeline’s case managers greeted mothers and fathers and warmly invited them to the dining room, where they shed the pressures of the outside world for one glorious weekend.

Rabbi Mordechai Gobioff, Chai Lifeline’s director of client services, set the tone for the weekend. “We are a diverse group, but when we come together we can be stronger,” he said during the break between kabbalas Shabbos and Maariv. Indeed, as the group of 500 parents, children, and Chai Lifeline staff and volunteer counselors gathered to welcome Shabbos, the differences disappeared as parents peered at their neighbors and recognized the look of another mother, another father, forced to spend countless days in the hospital with a young child.

The hallmark of the weekend retreat is not just the sumptuous meals and the camaraderie that develops. The organization invites leading rabbonim, therapists, and thinkers to the retreat, offering parents a unique opportunity to be inspired by the experts and their peers. Renowned clinical psychologist Dr. David Pelcovitz offered practical guidance, answering a few of the many “Frequently Asked Questions” meant to stimulate discussion throughout the weekend. Touching on issues of children, family, marriage, and self, he instilled a sense of possibility to sometimes overwhelmed parents, assuring them that they and their children could find ways to cope through the difficulties of illness.

With Dr. Pelcovitz’s words still fresh in their minds, the parents divided into groups for the first of their specialized, therapist-facilitated support groups. There, behind closed doors, they shared their stories, hopes, fears, and questions.

The relief on the faces of many was apparent as they returned to the festively decorated ballroom for desserts.

“I finally got to ask the question that’s been on my mind for months,” admitted Esther*. “Since she got sick, my daughter has only met children who have died. A child from her Camp Simcha circle of friends recently passed. A child in her school died last year. Even her roommate (from Chai Lifeline’s recent Ohr Meir-sponsored Disney trip) has a dire prognosis. How do I help her maintain a sense of optimism? Until now, no one’s had any ideas.”

“Was the group helpful?” asked another parent. “Definitely” came the answer.

While the room was buzzing with new friendships and the rekindling of ones established in hospital corridors and Chai Lifeline events, parents agreed that it was more than just talk.

“There’s a lot of reflection in the groups. The therapists are really important in helping us go from talk to understanding.”

Shabbos day began with a very special davening. One child, who had missed his Bar Mitzvah due to illness, celebrated his first aliyah as a young adult with his friends and counselors present, and a Chai Lifeline staff person named his infant daughter. Rabbi Simcha Scholar, the organization’s executive vice president, noted both occurrences in his drasha.

“Everyone here remembers the date, the day, when their child was diagnosed. Life changed at that point. But our lives are also filled with celebrations,” he reminded the group.

UNITY IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGE

The weekend’s theme was “Unity in the Face of Challenge.” As the families came closer together in the course of the Shabbos and joyous melava malka that followed, it was obvious that the relationships made and renewed were already having a positive impact on mothers and fathers. As counselors whirled children around the dance floor to the music of Dovid Gabay and Mizamrim, parents dined at tables, continuing discussions begun during support groups or at the inspiring dual shalosh seudos presided over by Rabbi Aaron Lopianski, the weekend’s scholar-in-residence, and Mrs. Chani Juravel, a prominent therapist and speaker.

“I really feel that this weekend has made me a better person,” Ben reflected. “I’ve been able to help other people and understand myself better.” Another father in his group expressed anger that friends had stopped calling after his child was diagnosed. “I have a friend whose child was diagnosed eight weeks ago. I’ve been in his shoes and I was still afraid to call. I don’t know what to say. As this father spoke, I realized how all my friends felt three years ago, when my boy was going through it. Being able to see myself on the other side made a difference to me, and to the other father.”

*The names of all participants have been changed to protect their privacy.

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Three weeks post-Sandy. Far Rockaway, the Five Towns, Long Beach, Belle Harbor, Bayswater and surrounding Long Island communities are still awash in the agony of families whose homes are unlivable. The telling strain of living as daily guests in the homes of others is beginning to erode their very foundations. Displaced children are far from their own schools. They are not able to take even the most fundamental steps needed to pick up the pieces of their lives as they must come to grips with the “new normal” they face.

To date, Achiezer has given out over $1,300,000 during Phase I in which emergency funds have been disbursed to nearly 530 families in the aftermath of the first weeks. The $2,000-$3,000 disbursed to families only covered the basics like food and generators despite tremendous losses of homes, belongings and pay checks. The critical task three weeks after the devastation is to get these families back home before the fabric of their lives unravels further. They face the daunting challenge of getting their homes and lives operational again. In order to facilitate this goal in the most expedient manner possible, Achiezer has begun Phase II.

Operation Coming Home is a community assistance program that helps to repair homes and gives immediate cash assistance of up to $10,000. Consequently, Achiezer needs $5,000,000 to address the rebuilding efforts of as many as 500 families so that, at the very least, families can take the difficult first steps of replacing boilers, removing pervasive mold, and replacing sheet rock. Even with contractors providing work at cost, the expenses are overwhelming.

Go to www.achiezer.org to see a heart-rending video demonstrating the challenges Achiezer is helping these families overcome. Your ongoing monetary support is vital to help these families get back on their feet.

Please respond by donating in any amount or calling our hotline (516) 791-4444. May your participation be a zechus for you and all of Klal Yisroel.

Sincerely,

Trustees

Boruch B. Bender
Founder, Achiezer

Rabbi Yaakov Bender – Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Darchei Torah

Rabbi Zvi Bloom – Executive Director, Torah Umesorah

Rabbi David Greenblatt – Davis Memorial Fund

Rabbi Yehiel Kalish – National Director of Government Affairs, Agudath Israel of America

Lloyd Keilson

Ben Lowinger

Ronald Lowinger

Morris Wolfson

(YWN Desk – NYC)

I’m a resident of Ramat Bet Shemesh and although the war has been going for a week already, we have fortunately not yet had a missile attack. That does not mean that we have not been affected by the crises. Everyone has a family member who has been personally affected by the rockets in some way. Yesterday this was driven home to me.

My newly married daughter is an architect who lives in Beitar and she has to often travel to different parts of the country around the Jerusalem area. Yesterday she needed to go to Psagot. She has no car and has to bus or even take rides to get where she is going, particularly when she goes to the Shomron. Yesterday she was in a dilemma, and my intuitive spouse advised her only to go on the bullet proof bus, even if it would take her longer than usual.

As she was waiting at the bus stop to come home, the air raid siren went off and she ran for cover – she followed everyone to a public shelter but it was locked – they then ran to another one nearby and had to sit it out until 10 minutes after the siren. At least she called us and my wife was not listening to the radio at the time, else she would have been in a panic. Her husband learns in Beitar and he heard the explosion of the missile, it was so loud.

Once on the way back in the bullet proof bus, they were delayed yet again by stone throwing – the bus driver told them to close their window.

My other 18 year old is in seminary in Jerusalem and she and all the classes were forced to take cover more than once yesterday.

This got me thinking, Ramat Bet Shemesh is really not out of reach of the rockets and although we haven’t had an attack yet, we cannot be complacent. I am a volunteer for Hatzala Bet Shemesh. This amazing organization has to be prepared for such an eventuality.

The Hatzala Beit Shemesh management and volunteers are extremely concerned that we will not be able to serve the residents of Bet Shemesh, because we lack the necessary equipment.

All rescue services follow a protocol of safety first, which mean it’s essential to protect the rescue service people as well as possible so they do not become casualties. Any rescue person going to a rocket attack site should have a flak jacket and a helmet. This is standard issue for all medical service personal going into a terrorist attack site, bombing or a rocket attack. The reason is that there are likely to be unexploded ordnance or additional strikes and it’s essential that the rescue personnel are as protected as possible.

Hatzala volunteers are prepared to risk their lives and go out to these calls. Please help protect them. Currently Hatzala Bet Shemesh does not have enough flak jackets and helmets for its members. Please help by donating towards the Hatzala Beit Shemesh “Flak Jacket and Helmet Fund”.

Cost of a Bullet Proof Vest is: 1,825.20 NIS (16,425 NIS for all) OR $462  ($4,158 for all)

Cost of a Helmet is: 1,170.00 NIS (10,530 NIS for all) OR $296 ($2,665 for all)

Costs of one crew’s Bullet Proof Vests and Helmets is: NIS 2,995 NIS OR $758

Costs of all three crew’s  Buller Proof Vests and Helmets are: 26,955 NIS OR $6,823

Please click HERE to make a donation:

Please also help spread this campaign through all your contacts by email, facebook, twitter, etc…:

The Hatzala blog can be found HERE and our website at www.hatzalabeitshemesh.org.

We provide American and Israeli Tax receipts. Please contact us for details on other ways of donating e.g. with cash, check or via transfer to our banking account, in the USA or Israel.

We have other donation programs for other projects we are working on to help improve our medical care, transport and response times.

For more details call:

Moishe Braun (English):  0526.823.033 Int’l +972.526.823.033 Nahal Sorek 17 RBS

Bentzi Novak (Hebrew):  0542.500.560 Int’l +972.542.500.560 Nahal Gilo 4b/11 RBS

Eytan (English, French) USA Tel. (845) 213-4338
Hillel Abrahams (English):  0545.720.391 Int’l +972.545.720.391 Nahal Noam 5/1 RBS

The Emergency Sandy Chesed Fund advisory committee says that thanks to your donations through YWN, over $80,000 has already been distributed to 73 families for their immediate needs. There are many more in the pipeline, but funds are running out. To date we have raised approximately $130,000.00.

Dozens of families have been completely wiped out by the storm surge. Some have insurance and some are underinsured, but many have no insurance at all.

Please donate as much as you can to help these families in their hour of need.

The Emergency Sandy Chesed Fund is sponsored by Chevra Hatzalah, Shomrim, Misaskim, Chaveirim, Yad Efraim, Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty and local Jewish Community Councils.

Some real life examples:

Family K. Severe damage to his house in basement and main floor. He lost two cars completely. Van will be covered but car will not. Lost much furniture. Lost tons of clothing for his sons and himself. Lost a Pesach Kitchen. Lost many appliances, washers, hot water heater, boiler. Lost a lot of work. Recently had back surgery, and is supposed to be resting, but is homeless due to this. His job at nursing home may be no longer, due to the fact that he worked at a nursing home, which was severely flooded as well.

Family S. Lost entire basement apartment, where she rented. Landlord is unreachable. Lost all her furniture. Lost all of her baby equipment (she has an 8month old, a toddler, and is pregnant). Lost a Freezer. She Lost all her clothing, including, maternity clothing. Her husband lost his clothing as well. Her husband is a Sofer and lost all of his equipment, including, cloths, scraper, lamp, ink, etc. They are currently homeless, and are in a lot of pain.

Family H. Rented apartment completely destroyed by flood. Has no rental insurance. He has lost everything, including furniture, toys for his kids, and clothing for himself, wife, and kids. They lost their washer and dryer and all kitchen appliances and dishes and utensils.

Family W. Major flooding in his home. He lost all of his plumbing appliances. He needs basement and some main level gutted and redone. He lost his minivan. He is in financial crisis aside from this already. He is completely lost.

Family G. Lost entire apartment he rented with his family. They are currently homeless, and started out in tremendous financial distress as is. They have many children, two with disabilities. He is unemployed. They lost all of their clothing, furniture, appliances, etc. He is currently living in the shul, and has no clothing for himself or his children.

Family B. Major damage to house from flooding. Lost rent income from tenants, as apt. is destroyed. Lost two hot water heaters, two boilers, sun pumps, appliances. They lost daughters bedrooms, including furniture, clothing and linens.

Family G. They were renting and their entire apt. got destroyed. They lost everything, from furniture, clothing, appliances, and toys. No insurance.

Family M. They were renting, and their entire apt was destroyed. They have lost all of their furniture, their washer and dryer, two microwaves and all of their kitchen appliances. They have lost clothing and linens and seforim as well.

Family H. They had major damages to home from sewage back up and flooding. Home has to be gutted and redone from plumbing and electric up. Appliances need to be replaced. Home is not livable. They have animal droppings, which got in via hurricane, and are all over their furniture and belongings. This may not be covered by insurance.

Family Y. This is a large family living on low income as it is. They are renters, so nothing is covered. They have lost a tremendous amount, including washer and dryer, clothing, some furniture, many seforim (they had an entire library in their basement, which went under at least 6 ft. of water. They cannot currently live at home as whole basement needs to be ripped out and they have to locate their landlord who is MIA.

If you know of any individual or family in serious need of emergency assistance, please contact any of the organizations involved with the Hurricane Sandy Chesed Fund. (Local Hatzalah groups, Shomrim, Misaskim, Chaveirim, Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, Yad Ephraim and neighborhood Jewish Community Councils)

We are grateful for the outpouring of support and generosity of those who have already donated and urge others who have not to please help the people who need our help at this time.

The Emergency Sandy Chesed Fund was formed by Councilman David G. Greenfield at a meeting two weeks ago in his office to thank the groups for their efforts since the storm hit and to improve coordination between them. All proceeds of theEmergency Sandy Chesed Fund are going directly to victims and victim services.

Please give generously by making out a check to the “Emergency Sandy Chesed Fund” and mailing it to 1340 East 9th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11230 c/o Chevra Hatzalah or online at
www.EmergencyChesedFund.com

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC

Living up to his magnanimous manner, and in yet another gesture of generosity to help Klal Yisrael in its time of need, Mr. and Mrs. Shlomo Yehuda Rechnitz has funded through Torah Umesorah a one million dollar grant to schools and families adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The grant will help improve the situation for so many families and Mosdos Chinuch who have been enduring unimaginable hardship and personal loss due to extensive damage suffered during the hurricane. “Obviously, even an amount of one million can only go so far,” noted Rabbi Dovid Nojowitz, National Director of Torah Umesorah, but he hopes that ”this will spur on others to realize the dire need, dig deeper and bring about the necessary funds for a complete recovery from this catastrophic storm.”

The damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in just a mere few hours was shocking, and by now, all of Klal Yisrael is keenly aware of the need to extend our resources and lend our helping hands to those who were literally left with only the shirts on their backs. Rabbi Nojowitz noted, “Schools are struggling to rebuild and provide chinuch to their students. So much is needed. It is an overwhelming feeling for schools to have to rebuild on their own. They cannot do it on their own. Mr. Rechnitz has stepped into the fore, and many others, we hope, will follow to put these mosdos back on their feet.”

Schools will be able to replace damaged equipment and seforim, while families will receive financial help through local community assistance funds.

Rabbi Zvi Bloom of Torah Umesorah and a trustee of the Achiezer organization based in the Far Rockaway/Five Towns area, expressed his appreciation for Rabbi Rechnitz’ tremendous contribution. “I am especially thankful for the assistance we can now offer to our schools. Rabbi Rechnitz has once again blazed a trail of chessed for others to emulate,” Rabbi Bloom said.

School who suffered damage due to Hurricane Sandy, may contact Rabbi Dovid Nojowitz, Menahel of Torah Umesorah at 212 227 1000 X 4521.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Emergency Sandy Chesed Fund advisory committee says that thanks to your donations through YWN, over $80,000 has already been distributed to 73 families for their immediate needs. There are many more in the pipeline, but funds are running out. To date we have raised approximately $130,000.00.

Dozens of families have been completely wiped out by the storm surge. Some have insurance and some are underinsured, but many have no insurance at all.

Please donate as much as you can to help these families in their hour of need.

If you know of any individual or family in serious need of emergency assistance, please contact any of the organizations involved with the Hurricane Sandy Chesed Fund. (Local Hatzalah groups, Shomrim, Misaskim, Chaveirim, Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, Yad Ephraim and neighborhood Jewish Community Councils)

We are grateful for the outpouring of support and generosity of those who have already donated and urge others who have not to please help the people who need our help at this time.

The Emergency Sandy Chesed Fund was formed by Councilman David G. Greenfield at a meeting two weeks ago in his office to thank the groups for their efforts since the storm hit and to improve coordination between them. All proceeds of theEmergency Sandy Chesed Fund are going directly to victims and victim services.

Please give generously by making out a check to the “Emergency Sandy Chesed Fund” and mailing it to 1340 East 9th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11230 c/o Chevra Hatzalah or online at
www.EmergencyChesedFund.com

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Calvary Hospital and Yeshiva University’s affiliated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) today announced a collaboration to serve the needs of observant Jews in the metropolitan area who need information and access to the best end-of-life care.

Jewish families seeking halachically appropriate, highest quality end-of-life medical care often lack familiarity with the intricate religious laws that govern such care.  To address this important need, Yeshiva University has formed the YU/RIETS End-of-Life Halachic Advisory Program to provide rabbinic consultation for families and community rabbis.  It includes:

• A rabbinic panel comprised of four Roshei Yeshiva who have extensive experience with end-of-life halachic issues. Rabbi Herschel Schachter, Rabbi Yaakov Neuberger, Rabbi Mordechai Willig, and Rabbi Moshe Tendler, will serve on a rotating basis as pre-hospice advisors, answering questions from patients’ families and community rabbis after a physician has recommended that an individual receive hospice care.
• A panel of physicians associated with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and its affiliates will be available to advise community rabbis on the clinical issues surrounding the terminally ill.  The medical panel includes Dr. Edward Burns, Dr. Seymour Huberfeld, Dr. Beth Popp, Dr. Edward Reichman and Dr. Robert Sidlow.

“There is a pressing need in the Orthodox community for accurate and thorough information on the conditions under which end-of-life care should be provided,” said Edward R. Burns, MD, executive dean of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

“Regardless of where a person chooses to seek hospice care, Yeshiva University’s End-of-Life Halachic Advisory Program is designed to answer their questions. Our decision to

collaborate with Calvary recognizes the unmatched quality of care that every patient receives there and the staff’s commitment to the hospital’s mission.”

“Since the Hospital was founded more than 113 years ago, Calvary has embraced the opportunity to care for people from all religious backgrounds,” said Frank A. Calamari, president and chief executive officer, Calvary Hospital.  “We are confident that our collaboration with Yeshiva University will provide the Orthodox community with the information they need to make the right healthcare decisions for their loved ones.

“And if they should decide to choose Calvary home hospice care or care in our hospital, we want traditionally observant patients and families to be confident that Calvary care will be provided in accordance with their faith traditions.”

Calvary’s patient care model successfully addresses the medical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families. For Jewish patients and families this includes a comprehensive range of services such as:

• Pastoral care by the Hospital’s two staff rabbis, both of whom are graduates of Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS);
• End-of-life counseling in accordance with Jewish tradition;
• Kosher meals and cholov yisroel dairy products available upon request;
• Kosher food pantry with two microwave ovens, refrigerator and sink;
• Celebration of Shabbat and all major Jewish holidays;
• Shabbat lounge;
• Inclusion in the Einstein and Pelham Parkway eruv; and
• Being part of the Einstein and Pelham Parkway communities.

(YWN Desk – NYC)

Responding to the economic devastation that hit many Lakewood businesses, especially in downtown area, the Lakewood Development Corporation in conjunction with the Lakewood Township Committee, moved today to set aside $1 million to create an emergency disaster recovery small business loan program to assist Lakewood businesses in getting back on their feet.

“Many local small businesses suffered terribly as a result of Hurricane Sandy and the extended power outages that followed” lamented Michael “Mike” McNeil, an LDC Trustee. “It is our obligation to help them the best we can.”

A door-to-door canvass by the LCSC of store owners on Clifton Avenue revealed the extent of the damage. While virtually all downtown businesses suffered significant revenue loss, food-related stores were especially hard hit, and lost tens of thousands of dollars in perishable food items.

The loan programs were proposed by Rabbi Moshe Zev Weisberg, president of the LCSC and chair of the LDC Economic Development Committee.

The loan programs make available two low-cost loans, an expedited emergency loan of $10,000 and an additional loan of $25,000 for a total of $35,000 per eligible small business.

The expedited $10,000 micro-loan will be available to assist traumatized business replace lost or damaged inventory and to repair structural damage caused by the storm.

The $25,000 disaster relief loan will help businesses regain their footing after two weeks of lost earnings and other emergency expenses. Both loans will offer very low interest and extremely attractive repayment plans.

Page 2

According to Trish Komsa, Executive Director of the LDC, small businesses that are UEZ certified can apply for both or either loans immediately. Businesses located in the Township’s UEZ areas that are not yet UEZ certified will be assisted in obtaining certification in an expedited manner, so that they too would be eligible for these disaster recovery loans.

Small businesses that want to apply, or learn more about this and other programs offered by the State and federal government can stop by the LDC office in the municipal building during regular business hours, 9-5 daily. Alternatively, small businesses can request that a LCSC representative visit them at their location to begin the process.

Applicants will be hand-held in filling out a concise application forms. Using streamlined procedures and reduced documentation requirements, the LDC will act rapidly to process the applications and disburse the loan funds to the small businesses where they are urgently needed. Upon request, a bilingual translator, fluent in Spanish, Hebrew, or Yiddish, will be available to assist if necessary.

The Lakewood development Corp. (LDC) can be reached at 732 364-5257.

To schedule an appointment for a Lakewood Community Services (LCSC) loan specialist to visit your business, please call Isser Weisberg at 848 210-7363.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Thousands of Jews from all over the U.S. converged together this past motzaei Shabbos, Parshas Chayei Sara, to culminate a very inspiring, bonding Shabbos filled with spiritual chizuk and outstanding shiurim. All this was within the structure of the first annual convention of Dirshu — The International Organization for Disseminating Torah. Among the thousands of participants of the Olam HaTorah convention in New York were many Torah scholars and avreichim, who came not necessarily from strong chareidi enclaves such as Lakewood and Boro Park, but from distant and remote states across the U.S. as well.

The program-packed Shabbos which was enjoyed by hundreds of the Dirshu program members who take the monthly exams, was highlighted by the added attendance of the top line gedolei Yisrael of America, who enhanced the convention by spending the entire Shabbos there. The meaningful Shabbos was climaxed by a mass melave malka of thousands who came from across the country in tens of busses put to their disposal by Dirshu.

The dais of the International Dirshu Convention was graced by a mizrach of roshei yeshiva, crème of the Torah world in the U.S., and shared by a distinguished delegation from Israel headed by Hagaon Rav Boruch Dov Povarsky shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Ponevizh. Among the roster of talmidei chachomim and rabbonim were Hagaon Rav Reuvein Feinstein, Rosh Yeshivas Tiferes Yerushalayim; Hagaon Rav Yitzchok Sorotzkin, Rosh Yeshivas Telz-Cleveland and Mesivta of Lakewood; Hagaon Rav Moshe Mordechai Lau, Mara D’Asra of Agudas Yisrael of Toronto; Hagaon Rav Yechiel Michel Steinmetz shlita, Dayan and Motz of Kehal Toldos Yaakov Yosef of Chassidei Sqver; Hagaon Rav Yerucham Olshin, Rosh Yeshivas Lakewood and many other gedolim, rabbonim, dayonim, maggidei shiur and morei hora’a.

The many speakers commended the rare feeling of unity and across-the-board harmony and fraternity felt by the different streams of Jewish life represented in the huge gathering – Chassidim of different followings such as Gerrer, Belz, Spinka etc., Lithuanians alongside Sephardim, and modern laymen from Long Island and Flatbush, all joined together in this massive Olam HaTorah Convention of Dirshu America. It was obvious that the Daf Gemara and the Dirshu Organization were excellent shadchonim in bringing these diverse elements together.

About half an hour before candlelighting, the hotel’s beis medrash was already packed with most of the hundreds of bnei Torah who would be spending Shabbos there. They didn’t want to miss the shiur of Hagaon Rav Reuvein Feinstein, Rosh Yeshivas Tiferes Yerushalayim and son of Maran Hagaon Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l, who interwove thoughts on the parsha within his incisive shiur.

Immediately after the Erev Shabbos mincha, the famous chazzon-singer, R’ Abish Brodt, led a rousing, heartwarming Kabbolas Shabbos together with a choir of his sons which swept the huge gathering up to such great emotional heights that they broke into dance to welcome the Shabbos Queen with the words, “Bo’i Kalla, Bo’i Kalla.” The atmosphere was electrifying.

Between Kabbolas Shabbos and Maariv, Hagaon R’ Yitzchok Sorotzkin shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Telz-Cleveland and Mesivta of Lakewood, gave a profound talk. When the davening was over, the entire group of mispallelim passed before the roster of roshei yeshiva to wish them a “Gut Shabbos.” This was followed by a lavish and inspirational meal. The atmosphere of unity and amity was compounded during this meal as the different segments of the gathering offered their traditional rendition of the zemiros, creating a beautiful harmony of voices and soul-stirring vibrations reflecting the chain of generations of the different communities and their traditions.

The meal was followed by a forum of halachic questions and answers led by Hagaon Dayan Yechiel Michel Steinmetz shlita and HaRav Eliezer Ralbag shlita. Dirshu activists on the Kiruv front asked a variety of questions regarding their work. Each question was dealt with clearly and comprehensively, with a thorough halachic insight into the ramifications of the answers stemming from the roots of the questions.

Early the following morning, dozens of avreichim could be found avidly listening to a shiur delivered in English on the Daf HaYomi by the president of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hoffstetter. In an adjacent auditorium, dozens of others sat in on a shiur in Yiddish given by Rav Nota Zilber. Following mussaf and a resplendent Kiddush, the guests partook of the Shabbos meal which was divided into three different dining rooms so as to accommodate the huge gathering. Again was witnessed the amazing sense of fraternity between the various segments of the Jewish population represented here, people from so many diverse streams and communities coming from the length and breadth of the U.S., all sitting jointly and communicating beautifully together.

After Mincha, everyone gathered once more for seuda shlishis, which was presided over by the gedolei Torah guests. After vigorous singing, Hagaon Rav Yerucham Olshin shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Lakewood, was honored with a keynote dvar Torah, which was followed by a message of chizuk delivered by Hagaon Rav Yitzchok Zalman Gipps shlita, a noted American rabbi.

Towards evening, after a very meaningful Shabbos of inspiration, fusion and chizuk departed, busloads upon busloads began arriving, bringing hundreds of avreichim and bnei Torah from communities all across the U.S. to partake in a singular spiritual experience of the first degree, a super climax for all those who had already been greatly uplifted by the past Shabbos and its uplifting events.

At this stupendous melave malka, all of the speakers emphasized the uniqueness of the international organization for the dissemination of Torah, Dirshu, which has reached out to every community to augment Torah study. This is its pure, pristine goal – to encourage and promote more and more Torah study everywhere in the Jewish world. The speakers thanked the administration of Dirshu, noting how this first annual Dirshu convention was a milestone in the Torah-based development of America as a whole, and of Dirshu as a world organization for spreading Torah, besides. It was a new and giant step forward for Dirshu in networking and encompassing the entire world.

The many thousands of participants dispersed reluctantly at the end of the evening, which ran into the very late hours of the night, feeling bolstered and greatly reinforced with rededication to the united goal of Dirshu – to continue to persevere and be strengthened in Torah study.

YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

People pay thousands of dollars to fly to Eretz Yisroel to merit meeting and basking in the warmth of the venerated Gaon and Rosh Yeshiva of Ponevezh, Hagaon Harav Berel Povarsky, shlita. Next week he will literally be in our own backyard as he graces this year’s Second Annual Acheinu Parlor Meeting to be held on Thursday, November 8, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Simcha Applegrad.

Those who have had the zechus to meet with Harav Berel Povarsky, shlita, have consistently been uplifted by the tremendous warmth and love for every Jew that he exudes. When talking with Rav Berel – the way that he connects with you, no matter who you are, makes you forget that you are in the presence of one of the gaonei hador. His warmth and humility make you momentarily forget that you are talking with a person who has written seforim on all areas of Torah; that you are talking to a Rosh Yeshiva who has been delivering shiurim at Ponovezh for more than 50 years. He is so approachable, accessible and warm, it is virtually impossible to walk away from an encounter with Rav Berel untouched.

Rav Berel Povarsky, one of the most enthusiastic supporters of Acheinu, has closely followed and encouraged Acheinu’s accountable Kiruv Rechokim efforts. He has seen their more than 93% success rate and has encouraged them not to ease their efforts to bring Hashem’s children back to our Father in Heaven.

Why Rav Berel Feels Such a Connection With Acheinu

In truth, Rav Berel himself has a unique historical perspective about the amazing achievements of Acheinu in helping youth in Eretz Yisroel who, through no fault of their own, have been estranged from Hashem. Rav Berel came to Eretz Yisroel on the eve of the Holocaust together with his venerated father, Hagaon Harav Dovid Povarsky, zt”l, who was a senior Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh together with Hagaon Harav Elazar Shach, zt”l and Rav Shmuel Rozovsky, zt”l. In fact, when the Ponovezher Rov founded the Ponovezh yeshiva in 1943, Rav Berel was one of its founding talmidim.

During the early years of the State of Israel when Rav Berel was learning in Ponovezh he was a firsthand witness to the designs of the Jewish Agency to strip Yiddishkeit away from the unwitting immigrants flooding the shores of Eretz Yisroel from both the Sephardic lands and the killing fields of Eastern Europe. He, together with other bochurim from Ponovezh, tried to infiltrate the tent cities for immigrants that the government had erected in order to smuggle the youth out to yeshivos where they would be able to continue the hallowed Jewish heritage that they had observed for centuries in the lands of their youth.

Additionally, Rav Berel has a unique understanding of the challenges of those immigrants who most recently came from Russia, because he too suffered in his youth under the cruel Communists who tried to inculcate in him their G-dless ideology.

As a child he was forced by the Russian government to learn in a Communist public school. One day he came home saying that his teachers had insisted that he remove his yarmulke. When his father heard this, he packed up his family and fled their hometown of Baranovitch. Ultimately, the Povarsky family embarked on the long journey that would bring them to Eretz Yisroel just before the Nazis overran Europe.

Thus Rav Berel has a special place in his heart for the youth to which Acheinu reaches out, youth who, through no fault of their own, have not been granted a Jewish education. Every time he sees a new ben Torah and ben yeshiva transformed from these youth, he is filled with indescribable joy.

Outpouring of Support From Flatbush Rabbanim and Community

Last year’s First Annual Acheinu Parlor Meeting featured the Mashgiach of Lakewood, Hagaon Harav Mattisyahu Salomon, shlita, and attracted a huge crowd.

Acheinu askanim anticipate a tremendous response for this unique opportunity to personally greet Rav Berel.

Rav Berel will be introduced by Harav Shlomo Cynamon, shlita, Rav of K’hal Bnei Torah and Rosh Kollel of Kollel Dirshu of Flatbush. Rav Cynamon, an erudite talmid chochom and maggid shiur had the zechus to learn at the Ponovezh Yeshiva and hear shiurim from Rav Berel.

The event will be chaired by the well known askan and rishon l’chol davar shebekedusha Reb Chaskel Bennett.

Over the years, those familiar with Acheinu’s amazing work or those who have merited seeing it up close have been extremely impressed. That is why Acheinu has the zechus of such a prominent parlor meeting reception committee led by community leaders Simcha Applegrad, Efroim Fasten, Shulky Greenwald, Menacham Jakubovic, Menachem Katz, Yitzy Leshinsky, Menachem Lipman, Yanky Miller, Moshe Muller, Dovid Morgenstern, Shamshon Pinter, Mendy Strauss, Levi Zagelbaum and Gedaliah Zlotowitz.

Rabbi Moshe Simcha Levine, Acheinu’s Executive Director related, “I am so pleased that we have such a group of devoted Flatbush askanim who are dedicated b’lev v’nefesh to Acheinu’s mission and have encouraged their friends to avail themselves of the unique opportunity to hear Rav Berel Povarsky and be inspired by his words of chizuk and by Acheinu’s story.”

Rabbi Levine concludes, “The Acheinu Parlor Meeting Thursday, November 8, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Simcha Applegrad, 1266 E. 32nd Street between Aves. L and M will be a totally unique and inspiring event. It is an opportunity not to be missed!

(YWN Desk – NYC)