Crown Heights Unites to Pay Respect to Rosh Yeshiva

Photos: Menush Amit/COLlive

This past Monday, Beis Nissan, a Siyum Sefer Torah and a Siyum HaShas were held in memory of Reb Yisroel Friedman obm. The students and faculty of Oholei Torah, members of the Friedman family and Anash of Crown Heights joined to pay a tribute in a most dignified manner.

During the day, all 50 elementary school classes came with their rebbes’ to write a letter, and learn about what a special Rosh Yeshiva Reb Yisroel was. Many teachers shared their personal memories and stories with their classes.

Community members, Rabbonim and family members joined at 770 where Reb Yisroel davened on Shabbosim and Yomim Tovim as the last letters were written outside the Rebbe’s room. Dear close Talmidim, Rabbi Yossi Spalter and Rabbi Benji Stock, newly appointed menahel gashmi of the 770 Yeshiva, were honored with writing the last letters and Hagbo’h.

The Tahalucha proceeded from 770 to the Oholei Torah Zal on Eastern Parkway where lively Hakofos were then followed by a Seudas Mitzvah.

During the Seuda, a Siyum on Shas was made by a dear close friend of Reb Yisroel’s, HaRav Yitzchok Raitport, a long-time supporter of Oholei Torah. Reb Avrohom Gerlitzky shared his experiences of working alongside Reb Yisroel for close to 50 years. The event was run by Rabbi Shlomo Kaplan, a talmid of Reb Yisroel and today the Rosh Yeshiva of the Beis Medrash.

The event was coordinated by Rabbi Nosson Blumes, Director of Development in Oholei Torah and Rabbi Elchonon Lesches, Dean of the Oholei Torah Beis Medrash.

For those who wish to join the Alumni Campaign for Reb Yisroel, please visit https://www.oholeitorah.com/reb-yisroel-dedication/