In an evening pulsing with Hiskashrus and Geulah, the Hanhala of the Queens Yeshiva launched a grand “Mivtza Torah”. From the Rosh Yeshiva’s captivating address to the emotional words of a parent from Miami – parents and students united for a single goal: to raise ‘Neiros Leho’ir’.
This was not just another “Parents Evening.” Anyone stepping into the mini-dinner at Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Queens this week immediately felt the electricity in the air. The MC, Rabbi Kalman Weinfeld, opened with great energy, sweeping the crowd into a “L’chatchilah Ariber” atmosphere and setting the tone for an evening dedicated entirely to Chinuch and Geulah.
Following a screening of a “Dvar Malchus” on the vital importance of education, the Mara D’Asra and member of the Crown Heights Badatz, Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun, took the podium. He delivered warm words of blessing, strengthening the hands of those engaged in this holy work. The spiritual opening was sealed by the Mashpia Rabbi Yitzchak Mishulovin, who read the Rebbe’s Kapitel of Tehillim.
The crowd rose to their feet as the Menahel Gashmi, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Baruch, read a special letter from the Rebbe, originally written on this very date for a “Tomchei Tmimim” dinner. The Rebbe’s holy words sharpened the message for everyone present: The merit of supporting the Yeshiva is the most direct channel for blessings.
“Yaakov Avinu Wasn’t Looking for Vacation”
The Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Sholom Dovid Geisinsky, captivated the audience with a profound address comparing Yaakov Avinu to Esav, connecting it directly to Yeshiva life: The Tmimim at YTTL Queens are not looking for the “Olam Hazeh” of Esav; rather, they are building right here, in the heart of New York, a home of Torah and Kedusha.
Then came the big announcement: “Mivtza Torah.”
Member of the Vaad Hapoel, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Dov Yusewitz, reviewed the meteoric growth of the Yeshiva and unveiled the campaign designed to spur the Bochurim to toil in their learning day and night. “Towards the end of the year, we hope that all students of the Yeshiva will complete the entire Maseches Bava Kamma Baal Peh (by heart). Immediately following this, we will take them on a special journey following in the footsteps of our Rebbeim and the Baalei Tosafos – in France!”
Immediately after, the Menahel Ruchni, Rabbi Yosef HaKohen Hendel, turned to the parents with a direct request to encourage their sons to participate in the grand operation: “Your part is critical. Your encouragement at home is the fuel for your son’s success in the Mivtza.”
The Father from Miami: A True Partnership
The keynote address was delivered by the General Director (Mankal), Rabbi Menachem Mendel HaKohen Hendel, who laid out the grand vision of the Yeshiva and the massive investment poured into every single Tamim. He updated the parents on the major campaign launched this week for the Yeshiva, requesting that every parent take upon themselves a goal to raise at least $3,600. “This is a tremendous Zechus, and we see from experience the Rebbe’s great blessings for all those who assist and support.”
A personal angle was brought by Rabbi Kleinman, a Shliach from Miami, who traveled all the way to say one thing: “We see the results. The investment of the Yeshiva staff in our children is above and beyond, and we must say thank you – in words and in action, including mobilizing for the Yeshiva’s campaign.”
An emotional moment was recorded when R’ Shlomo Jabra, a parent who raised a significant sum for the Yeshiva last year, won the raffle for a prestigious cup accompanied by a coin from the Rebbe – a symbol of the blessing drawn down to all who open their hearts and pockets for the Tmimim.
The evening concluded with a feeling of upliftment and a clear understanding: Yeshivas Queens is in the midst of a crowdfunding campaign, but it’s not just about the donation. It is about the privilege of being a partner in raising the next generation of the Soldiers of the House of David. The parents are already there – now it’s our turn.
