On Monday night, thousands again gathered – in person and via broadcast – to mark the day of the miraculous salvation of R’ Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin on Zos Chanukah five years ago. It is, of course, a day of remembrance, celebration, and thanksgiving to Hashem, but over the years it has become an annual opportunity to internalize and strengthen our faith and trust in Hashem, a day to gather for encouragement, inspiration, and practical guidance in living a life of Bitachon.
This year, the gathering was addressed by the Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav HaGaon R’ Yeruchum Olshin shlita. His words were aflame with the fire of Torah, full of the warmth of Ahavas and Achdus Yisrael, and full of passion and energy for Avodas Hasham.
The Rosh Yeshiva drew from numerous sources, including the past weeks’ sidros which describe the spiritual strength of Yosef HaTzaddik to live in a reality defined by Torah even in the heart of the debased land of Mitzrayim. Yosef’s example demonstrates to us all that this is possible even in golus, and R’ Sholom Mordechai showed that even in our generation we can do the same, through Torah and Mitzvos infused with Emunah and Bitachon.
He exhorted the crowd to draw inspiration and strength on this special day and from this role model in our generation to live lives permeated with Emunah and Bitachon, hasmada in Torah, and hiddur Mitzvah.
HaRav HaGaon R’ Simcha Bunim Cohen shlita spoke next. Quoting numerous sources on the importance of Emunah and Torah study, he encouraged the crowd to include Shaar HaBechinah – appreciation of Hashem’s greatness and His infinite kindness to us – as a critical foundation for their Bitachon.
A panel discussion on practically applying Bitachon followed, ably moderated by the evening’s emcee, R’ Yitzchok Hisiger. The panel, comprised of HaRav Cohen, R’ Sholom Mordechai, and HaRav Pinchos Lipschutz addressed submitted questions on topics ranging from the right attitude towards suffering, to elusive Shidduchim, to forgiving those who’ve wronged us.
Each of the panelists contributed something unique in their response. HaRav Cohen drew on the breadth of his Torah knowledge and grasp of mussar teachings. Rabbi Lipschutz’s impassioned responses were, as always, permeated with sincere empathy and common sense practicality, and resounded with Ahavas Yisrael and the eternal yesodos of Emunah.
R’ Sholom Mordechai, in his inimitable way, distilled every situation to its fundamentals, cutting through the fog with incisive clarity to get to the simple and foundational elements of Emunah and Bitachon upon which a Yid’s life rests.
In fact, all attendees received a booklet by R’ Sholom Mordechai entitled “Solid Foundations: Eight principles of Torah to provide clarity, strength, and emotional well-being.”
The event culminated in spirited dancing expressing the joy and gratitude of Klal Yisroel for Hashem’s miracles throughout history, in our generation, and in our daily lives – with rousing music by R’ Yossi Cohen and soul-stirring singing by R’ Isaac Honig.
This year’s event left participants uplifted, inspired, and resolved to internalize the principles of Emunah and Bitachon by increasing their study of the seforim on the topic, and to apply them practically in their lives.
One participant emailed first thing in the morning. “Last night was so incredible… what a tremendous Kiddush Hashem!!!” Another wrote “The event tonight was so great. I felt so proud to be a part of it.”
Their reinvigorated commitment to Emunah and Bitachon will surely result in personal Geulah and the Geulah for Klal Yisroel which we all so eagerly await.
A replay of the event can be found at https://alephbeisgimmel.com/event
If you’d like to receive a “Solid Foundations” booklet by mail, they can be requested by email to [email protected].
If you would like to attend R’ Sholom Mordechai’s weekly Shiurim – three Shaar HaBitachon Shiurim for men and four “Heal the Heart with Emunah and Bitachon” classes for women – the schedule and details can be found at https://alephbeisgimmel.com/classes
VIDEO: Full Replay
Rav Yeruchom Olshin
Rabbi Cohen
Nes Recap (Uniting a Nation with Faith)
Aleph Beis Gimmel Overview (Zos Chanukah 83)
The Panel
