On Sunday, November 21, The Rabbinical Seminary of America-Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim held its 88th Annual Dinner and Chag Hasemicha. The Dinner took place at Terrace on the Park in Queens and was attended by close to 800 people. The evening was a tremendous kidush Hashem. The event was charged with feelings of pride in the Yeshiva’s past accomplishments, and inspiration and chizuk to continue the holy mission of the Yeshiva.
Rabbi Dr. Natan Goldstein, the Dinner Chairman, served as the Master of Ceremonies. The program began with Tehilim on behalf of acheinu b’nei Yisrael. Rabbi Dr. Goldstein welcomed the guests and spoke about Torah being our life source and how when one supports the Yeshiva they are helping provide that life source to others. He then introduced the Rosh HaYeshiva HaRav Akiva Grunblatt shlit”a. HaRav Grunblatt spoke about the goal of the Yeshiva to raise the level of the talmidim and the impact that it has on others, as well as the tremendous accomplishments of the musmachim. Harav Grunblatt then shared some perspectives on the life and legacy of Harav Avraham Kanarek zt”l, the Rosh HaYeshiva of Chofetz Chaim Yerushalayim, who the memorial tribute of the dinner was dedicated to. The Rosh Yeshiva then proceeded to thank Mr. Edward Yoel Silver, who was being honored with the dedication of the Yeshiva’s plaza in his name and then extended a brachah to all of the friends and supporters of the Yeshiva.
The program continued with multiple video presentations. The first was recognizing Mr. Edward Yoel Silver and the second was a moving memorial tribute to Harav Kanarek zt”l.
The major theme of the dinner was “Developing Talmidim. Transforming Communities.” A powerful video presentation, produced by Moshe Bree of Ingenious Productions Inc. and narrated by Abie Rotenberg, depicted the Yeshiva’s work as a conduit in perpetuating the sacred mesorah of Klal Yisrael. This was followed by a video introducing those in attendance to the Yeshiva’s 31 new musmachim.
Over the past 88 years, the Yeshiva has produced inspired and passionate graduates who have impacted and transformed dozens of communities across the length and breadth of North America. The Yeshiva’s affiliate yeshivos, day schools, shuls, and learning centers continue to bring the teachings of our Torah to ever-increasing numbers of our Jewish brethren.
The evening concluded on a celebratory note with the presentation of s’michos to the Yeshiva’s 31 new musmachim who received the Yeshiva’s illustrious Yoreh Yoreh Yadin Yadin Semicha. This milestone was achieved after many years of intense learning at the Yeshiva and is certainly a cause for celebration. The event was catered by Michael Schick, who once again provided an extraordinary menu in quality and presentation. The evening was an enjoyable and inspiring one.
For more information about the Yeshiva and its network of affiliates, please contact the Yeshiva office at 718-268-4700.