Towards the reception of the Torah: Yeshiva students and kollel elders at the new center of the 'Torah and Faith' institutions - established by the Rebbe of Belza nearly a century ago - gathered for a rare strengthening event that will be etched in the hearts of the young men for many years to come.
The event was graced by the presence of the Rebbe of Rachmastrywka, the Rosh Yeshiva of Maor HaTorah and member of the Council of Torah Sages, the Gaon Rabbi Avraham Salim, and the Masggiach, the Grand Rabbi of the Torah, Rabbi Binyamin Finkel.
The evening opened with an elevated and special study session with the participation of the Ramim team and the yeshiva rabbis, as the yeshiva hall became a bonfire of enthusiasm and holiness. Dozens of young men, thirsty for knowledge and aspiring to get closer to their Father in Heaven, sat and studied the pages of the Gemara, preparing their tools for the great light of Shavuot.
The highlight of the evening was the entrance of the great men of Israel into the yeshiva hall. The moving sight of the great men of Torah and Hasidism sitting together with young men who had only recently begun their journey illustrated, above all, the unifying power of the Holy Torah, which has no boundaries or barriers.
The event was led by Rabbi Lipa Albom, one of the yeshiva's leading rabbis, and welcomed the rabbi Avraham Salim. The rabbi Salim opened the event with his profound words, strengthening the young men and focusing on the power of spiritual time: "We live with time. Every occasion has a meaning that gives life. When the holiday of Matan Torah arrives, it is an opportunity to receive the Torah anew and to elevate ourselves in the service of Hashem.".
The yeshiva head emphasized in his words the value inherent in every Jew: "You don't have a person who doesn't have a moment, even someone who seems simple, has a moment of awakening. You just have to discover this point and move forward from it.".
He later brought up the figure of Rabbi Akiva as an example of the power of a small beginning: "There is someone who buys his world in one hour like Rabbi Akiva, who started from zero and reached enormous greatness. Everything begins with one true decision.".
In conclusion, he emphasized the power of learning itself: "When a Jew studies Torah, he discovers his soul and connects with God. One page after another, and thus a person truly builds himself.".
Afterwards, the great presiding Rabbi Benjamin Finkel spoke. In his moving words, he strengthened the young men and emphasized the unity of Israel: "The people of Israel are one people. When one person suffers, all suffer, and when one person is well, all rejoice. You have no idea what joy there is in heaven when brothers draw closer to the Torah.".
Continuing his remarks, he emphasized the importance of unity on the eve of the giving of the Torah: "'And the name of Israel was established' as one man with one heart. When there is love and unity, there is the inspiration of the Divine Presence.".
The rabbi called for strengthening oneself precisely in these times: "We are in a generation of clarification. Blessed are those who strengthen themselves now, amidst trials and confusion." Finally, he emphasized perseverance and progress: "One more page of Gemara and another page, and this is how we build a world. You have no idea what a privilege you have.".
The Rebbe of Rachmastrivka delivered heart-warming words, speaking in an unusual way in Hebrew to reach the hearts of the young men, and presented a well-organized and strengthening Mishnah.
The Rebbe gave the boys a new perspective on their place in the world of the Torah: "The Blessed One chose to give the Torah specifically in the desert, a desolate place, a place of snakes and scorpions, a place that is not considered. Why specifically there? So that everyone knows that even those who feel 'desert' within themselves, even those who feel very far away, even those of low rank, can also receive the Torah. The Torah does not belong only to important people or to 'cheese and butter', it belongs to everyone.".
The Rebbe continued to delve into the meaning of the custom of eating milk on Shavuot, linking it to unity and the Torah of Israel: "Milk is a drink of unity. If you separate it to make butter or cheese, then what is left of it is no longer fit to drink. But when all the ingredients are mixed together, it is a good and complete drink. So is the Torah: The Holy One, blessed be He, gave it to all of us, to each and every one of the people of Israel, so that we may be united. Everyone can gain the Torah, ascend and ascend further and further.".
The young men sat transfixed, drawing strength for the upcoming holiday, with the understanding that they were not alone but were part of the glorious chain of generations of the Jewish people.
The conference participants burst into singing moving "Torah devotional melodies" as the figure of the Rebbe of Rachmastrywka appeared to be overflowing with prayer for the young men, with a blessing that each and every one of them will be blessed to build a faithful home in Israel, and continue to climb the ladder leading to Beth El, out of love, Torah, and pure fear of God.
The conference was concluded by Rabbi Eliezer Chaim Weber, one of the yeshiva's leaders, with a preparatory talk for receiving the Torah. In his speech, he addressed the fact that the Torah is more precious than pearls than any wealth can compare to, and it is precisely here in our holy yeshiva, a yeshiva that is a home, that the dear young men and the elders of the kollel who sit and meditate on the Torah day and night are granted all the pleasures of the world, and especially the taste of heaven in this world.
The evening left a strong impression on the dozens of participants, who are heading towards the upcoming Shavuot holiday with a new spiritual charge, with a clear knowledge: that they are our life and the length of our days.
