Smicha Celebrated in Los Angeles

Many guests came to rejoice with the talmidim of Kollel Tiferes Menachem in Los Angeles as they celebrated a gala Chag HaSmicha on Wednesday.

Hailing from overseas and across the States, parents and relatives came to radiate with pride as their sons reached this distinguished milestone. The enveloping atmosphere was one of brotherly love, joy and accomplishment.

This year has been an especially fulfilling one, in all respects. In-depth study of halacha was augmented with halachic field trips, shechita demonstration, hands-on kashering of sheep and fowl, and an involved kashering of a residential kitchen. The students also participated in a revolutionary course on dating and marriage. As one parent expressed, “This year has really exceeded all of our expectations. Thank you.”

Newly-ordained Rabbi Shlomo Barber served as master of ceremonies, a video presentation of the Rebbe, reminding us never to be satisfied with our past accomplishments, set the tone for the evening.

Among the speakers to address the crowd were Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin – Head Shliach to the West Coast, Rabbi Ezra Schochet – Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad, Rabbi Dovid Schmukler – Rosh HaYeshiva of Kollel Tiferes Menachem, and Rabbi Menachem Junik of London – proud parent.

A video presentation featuring the students from Kollel Tiferes Menachem gave the audience a glimpse into the nature of this spectacular year. Newly ordained Rabbi Yisroel Levertov addressed the crowd, displaying hard-earned knowledge of halacha and expressing gratitude for an exceptional year. Participants left with an uplifting sense of warmth and inspiration.

Mazal tov to Rabbis Shlomo Barber, Yisrael Baroukh, Levi Ezagui, Moshe Friedman, Leibel Greenbaum, Shmaya Grossbaum, Amram Hoffer, Yosef Yitzchok Junik, Mendel Kahanov, Yisroel Levertov, Dovber Lewis, Levi Liberow, Eli Loebenstein, Yosef Rozensweig, Zalmy Shemtov, Arele Sputz, Schneur Zalman Stern and to Shoel U’Maishiv Rabbi Shmulik Lazar.

“May this auspicious occasion be the stepping stone for many others in the future,” said Rabbi Dovid Schmukler, “with the new Rabbis taking leadership roles in rabbanus and shlichus the world over.”

Rabbi Schmukler also announced that his Kollel Tiferes Menachem wil begin a Dayanus program for bochurim who have already completed smicha, in addition to the highly acclaimed Smicha Program.

Situated at Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad, the Dayanus program will be’h feature shiurim from prominent rabbonim and dayanim, the curriculum will include Kiddushin, Yuchsin, a good portion of Choshen Mishpat, and contemporary issues in Halacha. For inquiries or to apply, please e-mail [email protected] or call 323-906-7709.