Baltimore, MD - Sept. 9, 2015 - In advance of the Yomim Noraim, Yeshiva Gedolah Ohr Hatorah was proud to host HaRav Sheftel Neuberger, shlita, Menahel of Yeshivas Ner Yisrael on Wednesday, September 9, for a stirring shmuzz. Rav Neuberger made a special visit to deliver divrei hisorirus to the Ohr Hatorah talmidim in this auspicious time.
He quoted from the Rayah Mehemna, printed in many Machzorim before Tekias Shofar, regarding the lessons that can be learned from the story of Yaakov and Eisav as it pertains to the Yomim Noraim. The Shofar, our "Kol Kol Yaakov," silences any prosecution against the Jewish People to the point that the Ribbono Shel Olam won't even let the Sattan be mikatreg, just as Yitzchok immediately exclaims "gam boruch yihyeh" upon learning of Yaakov's true identity.
The theme continues into our Yom Kippur avodah, where we have our own version of the three weapons, T'fillah, Milchama and Doron, to combat the Yetzer Horah. Eventually, just as the Sa'ir hamishtale'ach gets sent away, Eisav goes his own way to Sai'ir while Yaakov goes to Sukkos to dwell with the Shechina.
In general, Rav Neuberger encouraged the bochurim to appreciate the many levels upon which every aspect of Torah can be learned. The profundity of the pesukim, and the depth to which we are all capable of stretching our Avodah, are time honored lessons that speak to each and every person on his own level.
Many bochurim and members of the Ohr Hatorah Hanhala took the opportunity to speak afterwards with Rav Neuberger about his shmuzz and to get his brachos for the coming year.