The Agudath Israel of America annual conference, which draws
thousands of participants from around the United States and
many guests from abroad every year, is scheduled to open at
the Stamford Westin Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut this
Thursday. The theme of the weekend is, "Measured Gains,
Growing Pains: Shouldering the Burden of our Blessing."
According to Rabbi Shmuel Bloom, executive vice president of
Agudas Yisroel of America, the four-day conference will be
held for the 81st consecutive year.
The conference will be led by gedolei Torah from the
US, members of Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel of
America, roshei yeshivos and rabbonim of kehillos
across North America, as well as morei horo'oh from
various countries, guests, rabbonim and public figures from
Israel.
After the traditional opening of concurrent symposia dealing
with the general theme of "Dealing with Times of Economic
Stress" and discussions on various issues, a festive plenary
opening session will be held on Thursday evening in which
members of Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah and roshei yeshivos will
take part, addressing the conference theme.
This session will include greetings from HaRav Avrohom Chaim
Levin, rosh yeshivas Telz in Chicago and a member of Moetzes
Gedolei HaTorah, and speeches from HaRav Yisroel Reisman, rov
of Agudas Yisroel Zichron Chaim Tzvi in Madison, and HaRav
Yissochar Frand, rosh yeshivas Ner Yisroel in Baltimore.
The central address of the opening plenary session will be
delivered by the Admor of Novominsk, the Rosh of Agudas
Yisroel of America. The session will be chaired by Rabbi
Aryeh Zev Ginzberg, rav of Chofetz Chaim Torah Center,
Cedarhurst.
Like every year conference participants will learn the Daf
Yomi and will participate in shiurei Torah given
by roshei yeshivos and prominent rabbonim.
One of the central events at the conference is always the
Melave Malka. Opening remarks are to be delivered by Rabbi
Chaskel Besser, a Presidium Member of Agudath Israel of
America; followed by greetings from Rabbi Aharon Feldman,
Rosh Hayeshiva of Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, Baltimore. Next is a
Message from Rabbi Shmuel Bloom, Executive Vice President of
Agudath Israel of America, and a Message From Yerushalayim
from Uri Lupoliansky, Mayor of Yerushalayim. The central
events are an Address by Rabbi Mattisyahu Salomon, Mashgiach
of Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood, followed by a Speaker,
Rabbi Shimshon Sherer, rav of Congregation Zichron
Mordechai.
A highlight of the Melave Malka are the zemiros led by
Reb Abish Brodt. Last but probably not least is a Midnight
Session with the Maggid from Rabbi Paysach Krohn.
Among the guests from Israel scheduled to speak at the
conference are HaRav Yaakov Hillel, Rosh Yeshivas Ahavas
Sholom in Jerusalem, HaRav Shlomo Kanievsky, Rosh Yeshivas
Tiferes Tzion and Kiryat Melech, HaRav Avrohom Yosef
Lazerson, one of the heads of Chinuch Atzmai, Jerusalem Mayor
Rabbi Uri Lupoliansky and Beitar Mayor Rabbi Yitzchok
Pindrus.
Sunday Morning is dedicated to two symposia. Symposium I is
entitled, "Demographic Dilemmas; Meeting the Challenge of
Contemporary Jewish Population Trends," and Symposium II is
entitled "Marriage Under Siege."
