The talmidim of the yeshivos of HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman were privileged on the eve of and motzei Shavuos to hear his words of chizuk, as every year, in which he highlighted the special advantage inherent of these exceptional days of kabbolas haTorah and properly utilizing them.
Every year, on the eve of the day of Mattan Torah, the talmidim of Yeshivas Geon Yaakov enjoy a visit of the Rosh Yeshiva and a talk revolving around the ways of acquiring Torah. This year, the Rosh Yeshiva received said students and their rabbonim, headed by their Rosh Hayeshiva, HaRav Zev Berlin, in his home.
Among other things, he said: "It is written in seforim that in each generation, year after year, there is a diminutive kabbolas haTorah such as took place at the actual giving of the Torah at Sinai, presenting an opportunity to ascend significantly. On that historic occasion, the entire world was silenced in order that the word of Hashem, the Ten Commandments, be heard. Therefore, we must grasp this opportunity and take advantage of it to the fullest. Even though we cannot attain the spiritual level that prevailed then, nevertheless, it is a time of special Heavenly assistance for growth. Therefore, we must each surge up and study to the utmost of our ability for this will affect the study of the entire year. May Hashem help that each one who truly makes that supreme effort rise accordingly and merit becoming great in ruchniyus and yiras Shomayim.
"This is a unique opportunity, just as took place during mattan Torah, though in smaller measure. One must seize it and utilize it to the fullest, for one who comes to be purified is assisted therein. One who makes that effort will see its fulfillment in increasing his Torah knowledge and yiras Shomayim."
The talmidim of Yeshivas Orchos Torah were honored with the visit of the Rosh Yeshiva on motzei Shavuos. Each year they are privileged with such a visit in which he greets and blesses his talmidim cum sons before the Yom Tov, when every single member of the yeshiva is present.
In previous years, he used to walk to the yeshiva on Yom Tov itself to deliver a unique shiur klali in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shmayahu Reichman. He would dwell at length upon the topics being learned, after which he would give a chizuk talk about the special qualities of the day of mattan Torah. This year, he did not leave his home but instead, in a rare act, he came to usher out the Yom Tov with the students in their dining room. He remained with the talmidim and their rabbonim and dozens of avreichim alumni as they sang the relevant songs with deep emotion.
Afterwards, he blessed them, saying, "Boruch Hashem that you have been privileged these past days to full utilize your time as you should, and to be happy with your learning, as you should. May Hashem help you to continue thus for the rest of your lives, to always be joyful, to study Torah and fulfill it. May Hashem bless each one of you with everything good, and `good' always represents Torah."
The exhilaration reached a climax when he stood up to dance together with the roshei yeshiva to the singing of Shavuos songs of Torah endearment, including, "Asher bochar bonu mikol ho'amim," with thousands singing and dancing vigorously in honor of the Torah.
A similar atmosphere of chizuk reigned in Yeshivas Torah BeTifarta, an adjunct of the Orchos Torah institutions, with the receiving of a special chizuk letter from the Rosh Yeshiva on the day before Shavuos.
He wrote: "To the dear yeshiva students, may Hashem be with you,
"At the time of the giving of the Torah, all of Creation rejoiced, as is written, `The mountains danced like rams.' Hashem made changes in Nature to show that the entire world was rejoicing with the Giving of the Torah.
"How fortunate and joyful we must be for having been chosen to receive the Torah and for the privilege of sitting in the tent of Torah and delving into Torah. Each one must take advantage of these propitious days to rise in Torah and yiras Shomayim and good deeds. May each and every one be blessed in growing in those areas, as Hashem so wishes."
The Rosh Yeshiva's addresses can be heard on the Ayelet Hashachar line: 058 325 8888.
