From yeshivos to shuls, the Rav’s words of Torah and warmth left a lasting impact on the children, families, and rabbanim of our community.
This past Shabbos, the Kew Gardens Hills community experienced a rare and historic z’chus with the visit of Maran HaGaon HaTzadik Rav Yitzchok Kolodetzky, shlit”a, one of the great tzaddikim of our generation. The Rav’s presence infused kedushah into homes, shuls, and yeshivos, leaving inspiration that will resonate for years to come.
The Rav was hosted by Sorolle and Shimmy Idels, whose home became a hub of Torah and warmth throughout the weekend. On Friday night, an uplifting Oneg Shabbos drew a large gathering eager to hear divrei Torah. Over Shabbos, the Rav delivered powerful messages across the neighborhood, drawing crowds who felt privileged to hear Torah from the man whom Maran Rav Chaim Kanievsky, ztk”l, once described as “the Chofetz Chaim of our generation.
Perhaps the most moving moments came erev Shabbos, when Rav Kolodetzky visited local yeshivos, speaking directly to children and bochurim, leaving an imprint on their budding hearts.
Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe – Addressing the older bochurim, the Rav stressed the eternal value of every moment of Torah learning. His heartfelt plea to guard their time made a powerful impact on both students and staff.
Yeshiva Ketana of Queens – Hundreds of young talmidim filled the room, listening with reverence as the Rav emphasized yiras Shamayim as the foundation of Torah growth. Their quiet attentiveness was itself a testimony to the impression he made.
Queens Cheder – Here, the Rav inspired the boys to strengthen their commitment to Torah and good middos, blessing them to grow into true bnei Torah. The scene of so many young faces uplifted by his words was unforgettable.
Zucker Jewish Academy – The visit here radiated warmth. The Rav engaged personally with the children, distributing treats and offering words of brachah. Their eager smiles reflected the joy of connecting with a Torah giant in such an approachable way.
At each stop, the menahelim and rabbeim expressed gratitude for the zechus their talmidim had to be in the presence of a gadol b’Yisrael, underscoring how one encounter with a tzaddik can shape a child’s entire path.
On Shabbos morning, Rav Kolodetzky davened vasikin at Congregation Tov and later addressed gatherings at Rabbi Meirov’s Cong. Charm Circle and Rabbi Friedman’s Beis Yosef D’Ulem. His words focused on strengthening emunah, cultivating ahavas Yisrael, and recognizing Torah as the ultimate source of brachah in life.
The visit concluded Motza’ei Shabbos with a heartfelt Kabbalas Kahal at the Idels residence. Community members received the Rav’s final brachos and expressed their deep appreciation for a weekend of spiritual uplift.
The image of children crowding around the Rav with joy, of bochurim listening with deep concentration, and of local rabbanim welcoming him with reverence will remain etched in the collective memory of Kew Gardens Hills.
His visit was not merely a fleeting event, but a reminder that Torah and kedushah are the heartbeat of our community. In the presence of a tzaddik, the past and future of klal Yisrael come together, linking our children to the legacy of the Chofetz Chaim and fortifying our neighborhood’s role as a center of Torah life.
