On Sunday, November 23, the Rabbinical Seminary of America, Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, held its 92nd Annual Dinner and Chag HaSemichah at Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York. The dinner was sold out with attendance of over 1,200 people. The evening was a tremendous kiddush Hashem, filled with pride in the Yeshiva’s past accomplishments and renewed chizuk to continue its holy mission. This year’s dinner also marked a historic milestone for the Yeshiva, raising the most money in its history to support continued growth in learning and communal impact.
Mr. Bentzion Friedman, the Dinner Chairman, served as the Master of Ceremonies. The program began with T’hilim on behalf of Acheinu B’nei Yisrael, led by the Rosh Kollel, Rabbi Avraham Semmel. Mr. Friedman welcomed the guests and introduced the Rosh HaYeshivah, HaRav Dovid Harris shlita. HaRav Harris spoke about the importance of limud haTorah b’iyun and its far-reaching impact, and he highlighted the outstanding achievements of the musmachim receiving semichah that evening. His words reflected the Yeshiva’s lifelong commitment to developing talmidim who carry Torah with achrayus.
Rabbi Yudi Jeger then shared a financial and affiliate update, highlighting current developments and the Yeshiva’s expanding impact. He noted that the Yeshiva’s network now includes 88 affiliates across the United States, each carrying forward the Yeshiva’s mesorah in mosdos, shuls, yeshivos, and communal initiatives.
The Yeshiva was honored to recognize individuals whose dedication strengthens Torah and klal Yisrael. Mr. and Mrs. Ari May were celebrated as Guests of Honor. Rabbi and Mrs. Nerya Aminov received the Maran HaGaon Rav Henoch Leibowitz zt”l Memorial Award. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Spiegel were recognized as Parents of the Year. Rabbi and Mrs. Daniel Borsuk, Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Howitt, and Mr. and Mrs. David Wyner were recognized as Alumni Awardees. Each honoree represents a distinct pillar of the Yeshiva’s strength: devoted parents, dedicated alumni, and leaders who help Torah flourish in their communities.
A central feature of the evening was a single powerful theme video, produced by Moshe Bree of Ingenious Productions, Inc. The video reflected the theme, “Committed to Torah. Committed to Others,” and depicted how the Yeshiva continues to shape talmidim into marbitzei Torah and community builders, while responding to the needs of klal Yisrael through its growing national reach.
Over the past 92 years, the Yeshiva has produced inspired and passionate graduates who have helped build and transform dozens of communities across North America. The Yeshiva’s affiliates and alumni-led institutions continue to bring the teachings of Torah and musar to ever-increasing numbers of our Jewish brethren, guided by its mesorah passed through the Yeshiva’s roshei yeshivah.
The evening concluded on a celebratory note with the presentation of semichah to the Yeshiva’s 30 new musmachim, who received the Yeshiva’s illustrious Yoreh Yoreh Yadin Yadin semichah. This milestone was achieved after many years of intense learning and growth and stands as a source of true nachas for their families, rebbeim, and the entire Yeshiva community.
The event was catered by Michael Schick, who once again provided an outstanding menu in both quality and presentation, adding greatly to the inspiration of the night.
For more information about the Yeshiva and its network of affiliates, please contact the Yeshiva office at 718-268-4700.
