Gala Chag HaSmicha in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA [CHI] — Family and friends came to rejoice and share their good wishes amongst hundreds of guests as 29 talmidim ka’h from Kollel Tiferes Menachem in Los Angeles celebrated a gala Chag HaSmicha on Wednesday 15 Sivan. Hailing from Australia, England and across the States, parents came to radiate with pride as their sons reached this distinguishing milestone.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

The enveloping atmosphere was one of unity, achievement and elation. Unique to this year’s Chag HaSmicha was the ordination of one of the local baalei batim whose desire to earn smicha was sparked by diligent bochurim more than three years ago, over which time he toiled in limud haTorah to earn Smicha from Rabbi Schochet shlita.

The program began with a video of the Rebbe, reminding us never to be satisfied with our past accomplishments.

Among the speakers to address the crowd were Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin – Head Shliach to the West Coast who spoke about our mission to do all we can to bring about the Geula, Rabbi Dovid Schochet – Chief Rabbi of Ontario who praised Rabbi Schmukler’s fatherly love and individualized attention for each bochur, extolling the bochurim for their well-deserved success and reminding them of the great responsibility of being a rov, Rabbi Ezra Schochet – Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad who spoke about strengthening our inner selves and defying outside influences, Rabbi Dovid Schmukler – Rosh HaYeshiva of Kollel Tiferes Menachem who spoke about what it means to earn smicha in contrast, l’havdil, to earning a degree, and Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie – proud parent and Shliach to Yorba Linda, CA who spoke words of praise to Hashem for the miracles and appreciation to Kollel Tiferes Menachem and Yeshiva.

A video presentation featuring the students from Kollel Tiferes Menachem gave the audience a glimpse into the nature of this spectacular year. Newly ordained rabbis Avrohom Gertel, who made a siyum haRambam, and Dovid Kasle addressed the crowd, displaying their hard-earned knowledge of halacha and expressing gratitude for an exceptional year. Participants in this special event left with a sense of warmth and inspiration.