Alumni Return to Los Angeles Yeshiva For Reunion Shabbos

By Sruly Meyer – COLlive

Alumni from Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad (YOEC) in Los Angeles, California, who graduated in 1996, gathered together for a momentous occasion during a special Hakhel Reunion Shabbos.

The primary aim of this Shabbos was to foster a sense of unity and camaraderie among former classmates, creating a memorable and uplifting experience for all.

Participating were Avremel Brod, Chaim Mooritch, Dov Blauner, Dov Newman, Duvie Feldman, Eli Moshe Levitansky, Eliezer Drew, Ezzy Schusterman, Hershey Novack, Moshe Levy, Moshe Rubinson, Munish Weiss, Nachum Bukiet, Naftali Rotenberg, Shalom Ber Kourbatsky, Shalom Lubin, Shmueli Lovitch, Sruli Perlman, Yankie Rosenblum, Yosef Raichik, Moshe Braude, and Yossi Rosenberg.

The event commenced on Erev Shabbos with a meaningful visit to the resting place of their late classmate, Rabbi Ariel Rav-Noy OBM at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Joined by Ariel’s father, Dr. Zev Rav-Noy, the group paid their respects at the Kever.

Additionally, they took the opportunity to visit the graves of three other beloved fathers of classmates: Rabbi Avrohom Levitansky, Rabbi Shimon Raichik, and R’ Bentzion Novack, of blessed memory.

Following the solemn yet poignant start to the reunion, the alumni went to the Yeshiva campus and were treated to a guided tour by the Administrator Rabbi Mendy Spalter.

The excitement built up as a group photo of all the alumni was taken, capturing the cherished memories they were about to create. The participants then prepared for the upcoming Shabbos.

The evening featured a Shiur with the esteemed Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Ezra Schochet, followed by Kabolas Shabbos. The Seuda took place at the home of Rabbi Benzion Oster, which was followed by an inspiring farbrengen.

On Shabbos morning, the alumni gathered together for Tehilim, coffee, and Chassidus, followed by a beautiful and heartfelt davening. The Shabbos Day meal was hosted in the “old zal,” where they used to study, now the home of Shiur Gimmel.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere resonated with Nigunim and an incredible spirit of unity and joy. Shabbos concluded with Maariv and Havdalah, followed by a meaningful Melava Malka at the home of Munish Weiss.

Before parting ways, the alumni participated in a Chassidus Shiur, Shacharis, and a farewell breakfast at the Yeshiva. The entire weekend was filled with extraordinary energy and proved to be an overwhelming success.

Participants thanked the gracious hospitality and assistance of Rabbi Mendy Spalter and Rabbi Dovid Thaler. Special recognition goes to Rabbi Shalom Lubin and Rabbi Hershey Novack for their coordination efforts, ensuring that the Hakhel Reunion Shabbos will remain etched in the memories of all attendees.

As the alumni departed, they carried with them the cherished memories and rekindled friendships, affirming the enduring spirit of camaraderie and connection fostered by Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon.