A Two-Week Spiritual Bliss: Igud Hamelamdim Morning Kollel Inspires Mechanchim

For two uplifting weeks, 25 dedicated Mechanchim immersed themselves in the Igud Hamelamdim Morning Kollel, which began on the 15th of Menachem Av and concluded on Rosh Chodesh Elul.

This unique program was inspired by the Rebbe’s call:

“Publicize the importance of increasing Torah study from the fifteenth of Av onward so that it will affect each individual, his family, and the entire Jewish people.”

Hosted in the newly renovated Ezras Nashim section of 770—directly accessible from the main Shul—the Kollel provided an atmosphere filled with inspiration, focus, and the nostalgic spirit of yeshiva bachurim days. Specially prepared booklets guided participants through a rich seder in both Chassidus and Nigleh, giving structure and depth to the learning.

In Chassidus, the participants studied a Hemshech of three maamorim delivered sixty years ago (5725), delving into profound themes: the unique power and advantage of Shem (Name) over Ohr (Light) and Koach (Power); how the loftiest spiritual levels are revealed within the details, especially in connection with the month of Tishrei—reciting abundant words of Tehillim on Rosh Hashanah, the bittul of Yom Kippur, and the unification of the Four Species on Sukkos—all reflecting the very essence of the neshama.
In Nigleh, the focus was on Gemara Rosh Hashanah, explored comprehensively through the lens of halacha and minhag, allowing the mechanchim to engage with the sugyos in both depth and practical application.

Rabbi Asher Webb, Rosh Kollel, served as a meishiv, enriching the learning with his vast knowledge and offering clarity on a range of topics. Rabbi Nachman Schapiro, veteran mechanech and mashpia, delivered engaging shiurim, weaving in illuminating insights from the Rebbe’s explanations that deepened the participants’ understanding.

A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to philanthropist R’ Yossi Michashvili, whose fiery passion for Torah learning—especially in the Rebbe’s Shul—was the driving force behind this Kollel, including its stipends.
Participants described the experience as life-changing:

“The menuchas hanefesh—the peace and tranquility this morning Kollel gave us—cannot be compared. It surpasses any retreat; anyone who experiences it will testify to its impact.”

Others added longingly:

“The only drawback? It ended too soon. If only this could last the entire summer!”
Rabbi Avrohom Bluming, Director of Igud Hamelamdim, emphasized the lasting value:
“Time and again it has been proven—when melamdim come together to learn Torah, the fruits are the sweetest and most enduring.”