Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch of the Poconos is accustomed to hosting visitors regularly, however this Sunday was unique. Not only was the yeshiva honored to be visited by one of the leading Lubavitcher rabbonim, Rabbi Berel Bell, rov of Congregation Lubavitch in Montreal and Dayan in the Montreal Bais Din, he also spoke with the bochurim for two hours about an array of pertinent topics.
He started by relating a response from Rebbe to Reb Sholom Posner about Eretz Yisroel and the IDF which illustrates the Rebbe’s approach to Halacha.
After speaking about Eretz Yisroel, he then focused primarily on the “derech halimud”, on the proper way to learn in yeshiva.
Listeners were especially intrigued by the many firsthand experiences he shared with them about the Lubavitcher rabbonim of the last generation. He brought giant personalities back to life through his vivid descriptions of Harav Aizik Shwei, Harav Pinchus Hirshprung, Harav Yitzchok Hendel and Harav Zalman Shimon Dworkin.
He also transported the listeners to 770 on Shabbos Balak 5751 and the feelings and events of those days. He shared a fresh insight which clarified why the Rebbe had chosen certain sichos to include in the Dvar Malchus booklet which he distributed that summer.
YTTL Poconos has already earned a name for itself by implementing the old-new method of focusing on how the “sugya” develops toward halacha. This method has many benefits and is more in line with the instructions of our Rabbeim. Rabbi Bell endorsed this method, while noting that whenever he visits yeshivas he attempts to influence the Roshei Yeshiva in this direction.
He concluded with a general overview of some challenges facing kosher supervision in today’s industrial food processing and different approaches in solving them.
The bochurim reported becoming inspired on various levels. With regard to “derech halimud” for learning “b’iyun”, studying inyanei geula umashiach, and being more careful about the food they purchase.
