Thousands of avreichim, bnei Torah and gedolei
Torah participated in a memorial gathering and Shas
siyum in Bnei Brak on motzei Shabbos parshas
Vayeiro to mark two years since the Rosh Yeshiva's
passing.
The immense crowds, including moro de'asra HaRav
Yitzchok Zilberstein, packed the main beis knesses
building in Ramat Elchonon in a tremendous display of
kovod haTorah. Powerful speakers transmitted addresses
by Maran's talmidim, now leading roshei yeshivos, to
the building entranceways, tefilloh halls and adjacent
courtyards. The huge gathering was the crowning event of the
memorial gatherings, Torah and mussar shiurim and
his'orerus and chizuk assemblies held last week
at Torah halls and in kehillos across the country.
Led by HaRav Moshe Shachigal, chapters of Tehillim
were recited for general and individual salvation.
The first of the eulogizers was HaRav Dov Tzvi Karlenenstein,
Rosh Yeshivas Grodno, who said at this memorial event, also
intended to mark the learning for his illui neshomoh,
"it would be fitting to stress the tremendous gratitude we
have toward Rabbenu Hagodol, who was a unique and faithful
shepherd the likes of which Beis Yisroel has not seen
for generations, sending forth tends of thousands of
talmidim and talmidei talmidim who drew from
the living wellspring for nearly 90 years. Just as he was
dedicated to the klal he was also dedicated to each
and every individual. Thousands of people owed him their
lives. He was father and rov in every area, giving guidance
on the proper way to study, what to do and how to think on
various matters. If in his humility he requested `a single
mishnah' we have a great obligation to add more. Even
if we do not have the merit to live the merit of giving more
for his neshomoh as per his request would stand in our
merit and provide a source of life."
To conclude his hesped HaRav Karlenenstein conducted
the second annual Shas siyum, reciting the special
Kaddish. HaRav Yissochor Meir, rosh yeshivas HaNegev,
said in raising Maran's holy memory onto our hearts we must
remember to be genuine and avoid superficial behavior.
HaRav Dovid Cohen, rosh yeshivas Chevron, cited the Nesivos
who says the loss of godol hador has two aspects: `Woe
to a world that lost its leader and woe to the ship that lost
its captain.' The ship, even after the captain has passed
away, continues its previous journey, but as time passes it
begins to pitch from side to side and to stray from the route
and then we feel the magnitude of the loss of the captain.
Upon the conclusion of the enormous gathering the third
annual Shas study cycle began and is scheduled to end on the
16th of Cheshvan 5765.
The collective project is based on his request, "that people
do chesed with me and learn for the elevation of my
soul, and if I am able to advocate for you I will do so,
bli neder." These words were also carved onto his
gravestone.
Hundreds of avreichim and yeshiva students registered
during the course of the gathering to participate in gemora
learning divided into units of 30 dapim in order to
complete the entire Shas, including mishnayos
and small masechtos. To sign up call 051-977328 or
contact representatives at Torah centers.
