At the Jerusalem Hall of Culture, hundreds of network scholars gathered, including 'Tiferet Zakenim Levi Yitzchak', for an emotional and first-of-its-kind event, in honor of the father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Kabbalist Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, zt"l, whose last Shabbat - 20th Menachem Av - marked the 80th anniversary of his passing.
The event was organized by the Levi Yitzhak Foundation in Israel, for students of the Tiferet Zakenim Levi Yitzhak kollel, which is managed by the Chabad kollel and its leader, Levi Leviev.
The network includes hundreds of elderly Jews, some of whom speak Russian. The network was founded by the Rebbe in memory of his father, the late Rebbe, and has received wonderful comments from him over the years.
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It was a conference full of Torah and encouragement, alongside a focus on the figure of the Baal Hilula. The conference included a festive and rich mitzvah meal, with blessings from rabbis and dignitaries.
The event was moderated by Chabad emissary Rabbi Pinchas Marton, who mentioned his brother Rabbi Itzik Marton, who worked tirelessly in the Chabad kollel - and in particular with the network of kollels 'Tiferet Zakenim Levi Yitzhak'. Rabbi Marton spoke about the importance of Jews who have retired and fill their days with Torah study while 'regularizing times'.
After reading a chapter of Psalms in honor of the warriors who give their lives defending the borders of the Land of Israel, a special video was shown, in which the Lubavitcher Rebbe is seen speaking about the great importance of a Jew who is privileged to study every day in the Kollel 'Tiferet Zakenim Levi Yitzhak'.
The first speaker at the event was Chabad emissary Rabbi Shmuel Raskin, head of the 'Tiferet Zakenim Levi Yitzhak' kollel in the veterans' housing complex in Holon. Rabbi Raskin spoke about an elderly Jew who, despite his illness, continued to persevere with special strength in studying Torah, and how the study enlivened him every day.
At the end of his speech, a video was shown describing the Baal Hilula, along with a comprehensive overview of the opening of the kollel - from the Rebbe's announcement to the present day. In these powerful moments, the entire audience sang together the tune "Anei Ma'amin.".
The main speech was delivered by the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, who reinforced the hundreds of older Jews who regularly study in the kollels, on the enormous importance of studying Torah every day.
The next speaker was the "Shar HaSimcha" Rabbi Michael Lasri, who called on all participants to bring another friend and another friend to participate in Torah study and thus expand the circle of learners.
At this stage of the program, the outstanding participants, who persisted in studying most days, received a personal gift.
At the end of the distribution, Rabbi Yitzhak Shamlov, Secretary General of the Bukhara Rabbinical Association, spoke about the enormous power of older Jews to change and influence the younger generation. Rabbi Shamlov shared about his father, who was deaf and mute, and how he instilled in him the fear of God.
Afterwards, Rabbi Yehuda Blau spoke, as the envoy of Lev Leviev. Rabbi Blau spoke about the promise of Governor Leviev to the Rebbe, in 20th Menachem Av 5780, to establish a kollel of 'Tiferet Zakenim Levi Yitzhak', and about his feeling that all his success came from there!
Rabbi Zebadiah Cohen, a member of the Great Rabbinical Court and abbot of the courts in Gush Dan, reinforced the students on the immense power of Torah study, followed by a speech by Rabbi Ben Zion Rabin, abbot of the court in Petah Tikva, who spoke about the weekly parsha and its connection to the important event.
At the end of the ceremony, prestigious gifts were distributed to the heads of kollels, who invest their time and lecture every day.
The event was concluded with an uplifting feeling of great privilege to be partners in the success of the "Tiferet Zakenim Levi Yitzhak" network of community centers.
The great news of the convention, beyond the festive gathering, was the announcement of a new and significant impetus for the kollel of 'Tiferet Zakenim Levi Yitzhak', during the 80th anniversary of the passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's father.
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