Khal Adas Yereim of Kew Gardens marked a significant milestone this Labor Day with its 160th Legal Holiday Yarchei Kallah Shiur, continuing a Torah-learning tradition initiated by R’ Aaron Cyperstein in 2006. Created to transform days off from work into opportunities for meaningful limud haTorah, the program has now reached 160 shiurim over the course of two decades.
The milestone shiur was delivered by Rabbi Dovid Willig shlita, mara d’asra of Congregation Tiferes Moshe in Kew Gardens. Rabbi Willig addressed the especially timely topic, “Rosh HaShanah That Falls Out on Shabbos.” With the first day of Rosh HaShanah 5787 falling on Shabbos, the shiur explored the distinctive halachos and themes of the day, including the absence of shofar blowing on the first day and the unique character that Shabbos brings to Rosh HaShanah.
The number 160 itself carried an appropriate Torah connection. The Hebrew word eitz, meaning “tree,” has a gematria of 160, calling to mind the description of Torah as an eitz chayim, a “tree of life.” It was a fitting allusion for a program that has continued to grow and sustain Torah learning through 160 gatherings.
The milestone was also celebrated with a $160 Rosenblum’s gift card raffle. In another fitting numerical touch, kesef, meaning “money” or “silver,” likewise has a gematria of 160. Honey from Israel was also raffled off as those assembled prepared for the approaching Rosh HaShanah.
The Labor Day gathering reflected the enduring purpose of Khal Adas Yereim’s Legal Holiday Yarchei Kallah: taking a day that might otherwise simply be free from the regular work schedule and filling it with Torah. After 160 shiurim, that tradition remains very much alive.