Erev Shavuos Asifa Draws Hundreds From Teshuvos V’Hanhagos Network

Hundreds of avreichim from the Teshuvos V’Hanhagos Kollel Network, founded by HaGaon Harav Moshe Sternbuch shlit”a, gathered in Yerushalayim on Erev Shavuos for the network’s annual central asifa – an event that this year carried the added simcha of remarkable growth. In the past year alone, the network opened two new branches, in Rama Daled of Beit Shemesh and in Modi’in Illit, while the Har Nof branch welcomed thirty new kollel yungerleit, with eighteen additional avreichim joining across other locations.

The network now spans six branches throughout Eretz Yisrael.

Distinguished guests on the dais included HaGaon HaRav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Ateres Shlomo, and Chassidish mashpi’im Hagaon HaRav Nachman Biderman shlit”a and HaGaon HaRav Yehudah Deutsch shlit”a.

Rav Sorotzkin addressed the assembled avreichim with deep feeling, emphasizing that “Toraso umnaso” is not merely a rallying cry but a precisely defined halachic principle rooted in Torah law. “Ashrei chelkechem,” he called out, “that your Torah is your craft, and that you merit sitting under the guidance of the Posek HaDor, who lights our way in this orphaned generation.”

Rav Biderman described the privilege of the assembled avreichim in words of dveikus: “You are the pillars of the world. It is in the merit of your Torah and your toil that the entire world stands.” He and Rav Deutsch both invoked the moving image of Matan Torah, declaring that in 5786, Klal Yisrael still merits receiving the Torah from the “Moshe Rabbeinu of the generation.”

In his keynote address, Rav Sternbuch spoke of the essence of Shavuos simcha – and issued a sharp rejoinder to those who pity the ben Torah’s way of life. “The secular Jews pity us,” he said. “But the truth is the complete opposite. We are joyful, we are fortunate, we have a direct connection to our Creator and we merit true eternal life.”

He recalled formative memories from pre-war London, where he witnessed  HaGaon HaRav Elchanan Wasserman Hy”d dancing on Shavuos with extraordinary energy for over an hour without pause – a sight, he said, that left an indelible impression for life.

Rav Shternbuch also addressed the difficult decrees facing the Torah world in Eretz Yisrael. “The secular Jews know full well, deep in their hearts, that we are the fortunate ones – and that is precisely why they burn with jealousy,” he said, urging avreichim to maintain their distance from influences that could compromise their kedushah.

He concluded with warm words of praise for his son, HaGaon HaRav Chaim Ozer Sternbuch shlit”a, who dedicates himself to building and sustaining the kollelim, bentching him with continued siyata diShmaya.

Following the address, the hundreds of avreichim broke into spirited singing and niggunim of kabbalas haTorah. As they exited the hall, each kollel yungerman received a personal envelope and a generously assembled basket of quality dairy products, sponsored by Tnuva, for Yom Tov – a surprise arranged at the personal direction of Rav Shternbuch, reflecting his abiding concern for the welfare of his bnei Torah and their families.

With spirits elevated with the joy of Torah, the avreichim departed to greet Chag HaShavuos, continuing their role as the true bulwark of Klal Yisrael.

Photos and video by Shuki Lerer.