Posted on 11/30/21
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 30, 2021 - Ushering in the special days of Chanukah, Yeshiva Gedolah Ohr Hatorah celebrated with an uplifting mesiba on Sunday night, the first night of Chanukah. Held in the Yeshiva’s Bais Medrash at 3506 Bancroft Road, the atmosphere and setting were just right for an evening of aliyah and simcha.
Led by the Roshei Yeshiva, Rabbi Dovid Hoffman and Rabbi Moshe Aharon Rosenbaum, the ruach and spirit of achdus of the Hanhala, Bochurim and Kollel yungerleit shone through as dancing began even before sitting down. After a few minutes everyone found their seats to enjoy the sushi, donuts and other Chanukah delectables.
Third year Bais Medrash Bochur Avrami Saltzman of Milwaukee addressed the asifa. He noted the chizuk that we can take from the Chashmona’im and their attitude to do a hishtadlus despite the odds and leave the rest in Hashem’s hands. Each person’s accomplishments and successes begin with the realization that one must begin and try no matter what the situation.
The highlight of the evening was the Divrei Hissorrirus by Rabbi Yissocher Dov Eichenstein, Rav of Merkaz Torah U’Tefilla. Upon his entrance, Rav Eichenstein was greeted with such spirited singing that he commented that the “varmkeit made him think he was in a Chassidishe Yeshiva.” Noting the Ahavas Hatorah and ehrliche hashkafos of Ohr Hatorah Talmidim and Alumni that he personally witnesses, Rav Eichenstein thanked the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Dovid Hoffman, for being so instrumental in the establishment and running of the night learning at Merkaz Torah U’Teffila when it was established eleven years ago.
Weaving personal stories with the words of Chazal, Rav Eichenstein brought out the lesson of living with the Ribbono Shel Olam and putting oneself in His hands. When one lives with that Emunah, the world opens up, worries and concerns can be overcome and success can be found in all areas – limud Hatorah, Avodas Hashem and everyday life.
More lively dancing followed the speeches as Rebbeim and Talmidim, Kollel yungerleit, friends and neighbors joined together to solidify the feeling of joy. A heartfelt kumzitz concluded the evening with a sense of yearning and deveikus to the Ribbono Shel Olam.
