Naugatuck, CT was the scene of an incredibly memorable event on the recent Shabbos Parshas Hachodesh. The Rabbeim and talmidim of Mesivta Yesodei HaTorah, as well as multiple guests from Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim in Queens, along with the Rosh HaYeshiva HaRav Doniel Lander Shlita, were zoche to experience an unforgettable Shabbos together with Rav Shimon Galai, shlita, who graced the Yeshiva with his presence in what has become a much anticipated annual event.

It is difficult to describe the ruchniyus and spiritual energy that encompassed the entire Shabbos. The opportunity to observe Rav Galai’s intense kavana during davening, his warm interaction with all those  seeking his advice and berachos, his demonstrable ahava for every Yid, and the vitality and hislahavus he displayed during zemiros and dancing were beyond uplifting. 

During a Friday night oneg and a stirring drasha during shalosh seudos, Rav Galai focused on the themes of living together with Hakadosh Baruch Hu and appreciating His undeniable hashgacha in our lives.  The Rav exhorted the oilam to rise up to life’s challenges by declaring “Hineini!”.  His divrei hisorerus and personal anecdotes mesmerized and penetrated the neshamos of all who were present.

Motzei Shabbos culminated with a joyous Melave Malka which welcomed Rabbonim, talmidims’ parents, and friends of the Mesivta from the nearby Waterbury community. Following a siyum by the bochurim on maseches Bava Metzia, Rav Galai led the large crowd in exuberant dancing likavod Hatorah. One could not help but be awestruck watching the venerable Rav jump and sing with all his might, urging on the bochurim to ever greater heights of simcha. The huge crowd was then held spellbound as Rav Galai spoke, alternatively challenging their minds with incisive insights and warming their hearts with divrei chizzuk and rousing niggunim.

Throughout his stay, Rav Galai displayed his characteristic anivus, thanking the hanhala for a Shabbos spent in the company of true bnei Torah, whose singular focus is aliyah in avodas Hashem. The Rav also appreciated the opportunity  to be able to recuperate from his arduous journey in the adjacent serene  Maple Spring Estates neighborhood and pristine environment of the Yeshiva campus. 

Of course, however,  the true privilege and hakaras hatov belong to us at Mesivta Yesodei HaTorah, who had the invaluable zechus of hosting Rav Galai for this truly transformative and inspirational Shabbos.