A Hachnosas Sefer Torah took place Yud Beis Adar in Ramat Beit Shemesh, as the Kushner family dedicated a beautiful new Sefer Torah in loving memory of Moshe Yaakov ben Boruch Yosef Kushner, ob”m. The Sefer Torah was gifted to Yeshivas Lubavitch Tiferes Yisroel (YLTY), marking a historic moment for the Yeshiva and the entire community.
The celebrations began at the Kushner home in Ramat Bet Shemesh Gimmel, close to the old YLTY campus – then in Ramat Bet Shemesh Aleph. The final letters were completed at Chabad of Dolev, where a large crowd gathered for the procession including Rabbis Chaim Faro and Aharon Schmidt, alongside the hanhala, staff, and entire student body of YLTY. The vibrant Chabad community of Ramat Beit Shemesh turned out in full force, joined by many from the wider community, creating a sense of true unity and simcha.
As the lively parade made its way through the streets, residents poured out of their homes to participate. Children held flaming torches and received candy bags, adding to the festive atmosphere. The procession, filled with music and joyful dancing, made its way to YLTY’s new campus at 25 Nachal Maor, a proud milestone for YLTY.
Distinguished guests honored the occasion, including the head Shliach of Bet Shemesh Rabbi Weiner, Rabbi of Gush Etzion, Rabbi Yosef Rimon, who danced with great enthusiasm throughout the procession, Rabbi Chaim Eliyahu Gluckowsky, and Rabbi Dahan. Their presence added and encouraged the bochurim and the community.
Upon arrival at the Yeshiva, spirited Hakafos filled the Zal with song, dance, and deep emotion, as the new Torah was joyously welcomed into its new home. The celebration continued with a beautifully arranged Seudas Mitzvah, a lavish sit-down dinner where participants shared words of Torah, inspiration, and gratitude.
This event was unique in more ways than one—it marked not only the dedication of a Sefer Torah, but also a triple siyum. It was, in fact, a full-fledged Siyum HaRambam celebration, taking place just ten days after the conclusion of the global Rambam cycle. In honor of this milestone, Rabbi Yosef Rimon delivered a beautiful and insightful shiur at the Seudah on the Rambam’s teachings.
Adding to the excitement, distinguished alumni flew in from overseas to join the celebration, including Zalman Klein and Rabbi Levi Harlig, who shared a few heartfelt words with the crowd.
In addition Shluchim Dovi Schwartz and Rafi Levin completed the monumental Samech Vov series of the Rebbe Rashab, bringing an element of Pnimiyus HaTorah to the night. Together with the completion of the Sefer Torah, this powerful evening celebrated all three pillars of Torah: Torah Shebiksav, Torah Shebaal Peh, and Pnimiyus HaTorah—a fusion that elevated the event into a deeply meaningful and spiritual milestone for YLTY and shared with the entire community.
With thanks to Yossi Burston for his photography of the event.
