Oholei Torah Staff Selichos Farbrengen Dedicated in Memory of Reb Yehoshua “Shea” Safrin, zt’l 

As the new year approaches, the Oholei Torah Mechanchim gathered on Motzei Shabbos Parshas Nitzavim Vayeilech for its annual Selichos Farbrengen, bringing together the Yeshiva’s dedicated mechanchim and staff for an evening of inspiration, achdus, and preparation for the Yomim Noraim.

This year’s farbrengen was dedicated in connection with the conclusion of Shiva for Reb Yehoshua “Shea” Safrin, zt’l, known as the Komarna Rebbe of Manhattan, a longtime supporter of Oholei Torah and a dear friend of the Yeshiva’s founders, Reb Michoel Teitelbaum and Rabbi Yosef Rosenfeld.

Over the years, Reb Shea generously supported Oholei Torah in many ways. He attended the Yeshiva’s Annual Dinners and dedicated the Rosler Beis Medrash at Oholei Torah’s Yeshivas Kayitz in Lakewood, Pennsylvania. More recently, he took a particular interest in the continued growth of the Beis Medrash, regularly asking how many talmidim were learning there, what they were learning, and following its development with great pride. He was proud to be associated with a moisad that brought such kovod to Lubavitch.

In his memory, the 447 talmidim of the Raitport Beis Medrash divided and learned Mishnayos, culminating in a siyum held during the farbrengen.

Rabbi Nosson Blumes, Director of Donor Relations, who maintained a close connection with the Safrin family, shared heartfelt words about Reb Shea and his longstanding relationship with Oholei Torah. He also announced that the Shabbos minyan will dedicate its activities throughout the entire month of Tishrei l’ilui nishmas Reb Shea Safrin.

The gathering took place at 10:30 PM in the Michelashvili Beis Medrash at 667 Eastern Parkway, shortly before Selichos.

The featured speaker was Rabbi Sholom Dovid Geisinsky, a Mechanech in Oholei Torah Mechina, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Queens, and a longtime Nosei V’nosein in Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim at 770. Rabbi Geisinsky shared words of hisorerus and practical inspiration, encouraging the mechanchim to approach the new year and their vital responsibility in chinuch with renewed chayus and purpose.

The gathering brought together members of the Oholei Torah family from across the Yeshiva’s many divisions and departments, providing an opportunity to spend meaningful time together and reflect on their shared mission of educating and caring for the Yeshiva’s talmidim. Shalom Osdoba, a bochur in Beis Medrash, also made a Siyum Mishnayos at the farbrengen, adding to the evening’s atmosphere of Torah and inspiration. As Selichos began, the staff entered the final stretch before Rosh Hashanah strengthened by an evening of achdus, Chassidishe inspiration, and renewed appreciation for the tremendous zechus and responsibility of chinuch. 

Photos by: Yossi Fajland