"Every Jew no matter what his circumstances must constantly
reinforce his efforts in Torah, avodas hatefilloh and
chinuch habayis," said HaRav Michel Yehuda Lefkovitz
in his opening address to the 200 participants at Agudas
Yisroel of America's Yarchei Kalloh, which began last Monday
afternoon at the Renaissance Hotel in Jerusalem.
HaRav Lefkovitz gave his blessings to those who had gathered
to strengthen themselves in Torah learning, especially in the
holy city of Yerushalayim. "Although we have not yet merited
the future Redemption, since Beis Hamikdosh was
destroyed Hakodosh Boruch Hu has only his arbo amos
shel halochoh." He also explained at length that Jews who
engage in a trade must also continually grow in Torah,
contemplate carefully in tefilloh and devote much
attention to their children, particularly on Shabbos
Kodesh, which should be entirely dedicated to chinuch
habayis.
The Yarchei Kalloh opened with a festive tefillas Minchoh
in the special hall the Renaissance managers set aside
since the hotel's beis knesses could not accommodate
the large number of participants--double last year's
turnout.
Upon arriving after the long journey, participants were
greeted by Agudas Yisroel of America Executive Vice President
R' Shmuel Bloom, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs
and Government R' Chaim Dovid Zwibel, Executive Vice
President for Financial Matters and Administration R' Shlomo
Gertzulin, the head office staff and members of the Yarchei
Kalloh Committee.
After Minchoh the participants sat down right away for
chavrusa learning. The sounds of Torah study filled
the hotel until the participants gathered for a special
shiur from the Admor of Novominsk, Rosh of Agudas
Yisroel of America, who kept them spellbound with divrei
Torah on the importance of holding a Yarchei Kalloh.
Onlookers were deeply impressed by the sight of rabbonim
alongside businessmen, avreichim together with
baalei batim and public figures joining talmidei
chachomim--all sitting together to delve into Torah-
learning enthusiastically.
Agudas Yisroel of America heads said many of the participants
brought along a list of questions that have occupied them in
their day-to-day lives and posed them to gedolei Torah
and other rabbonim appearing at the Yarchei Kalloh.
At a dinner held by Yeshivas Kamenitz Monday night in honor
of the Yarchei Kalloh participants, speakers included HaRav
Yitzchok Sheiner, rosh yeshivas Kamenitz, HaRav Yitzchok
Ezrachi, one of the roshei yeshivos of Yeshivas Mir, and
Rabbi Yaakov Gutterman, Modi'in Illit Council Chairman.
The four-day program includes Daf Yomi shiurim,
iyun shiurim, Jewish thought, practical halochoh,
chavrusa learning and divrei chizuk
vehis'oreirus. Parallel shiurim are held in
English for those who prefer that language.
The Yarchei Kalloh program also provides an opportunity for
Agudas Yisroel members from around the US to meet. A number
of happy reunions between old friends and acquaintances could
be seen.
Neshei Agudas Yisroel of Eretz Yisroel organized a special
program to host ladies from Neshei Agudas Yisroel of America
arriving with the delegation.
