Oholei Torah Celebrates Historic Expansion with the Dedication of the Michelashvili Beis Medrash

The hum of Torah learning, the sight of rows upon rows of bochurim immersed in study – it’s a sound and scene that defines Oholei Torah. And it’s growing louder every year.

Oholei Torah’s Beis Medrash division has experienced record growth in recent years, averaging over 10% annual enrollment increases. Twenty-five years ago, the Zal moved from its original location on Troy Avenue to the main Eastern Parkway campus, where the beautiful and expansive Raitport Beis Medrash was built to serve as the bochurim’s new home.

With a capacity for 240 bochurim, Oholei Torah envisioned its new Zal would serve the Yeshiva’s needs for many years to come. Yet as the talmidim continued to multiply, the Yeshiva continuously adapted – expanding, upgrading, and utilizing every inch of space – ultimately increasing the Zal’s capacity to 400 bochurim.

However, with the recent surge in enrollment, and as the flagship Beis Medrash for the international Chabad-Lubavitch community, it became clear that another expansion was inevitable to meet the ever-growing demand.

With the extraordinary generosity of Rabbi Yossi and Mrs. Yael Michelashvili, Oholei Torah is proud to announce the addition of a magnificent new Zal built to answer the need – The Michelashvili Beis Medrash. Dedicated in loving memory of Rabbi Michelashvili’s grandfather, R’ Yitzchok a”h Michelashvili, a man whose life was devoted to Torah and tzorchei tzibur, this vibrant new home for the bochurim of Beis Medrash Shiur Aleph and Beis will undoubtedly serve as an ongoing zechus for R’ Yitzchok’s neshama.

R’ Yitzchok a”h was instrumental in founding and supporting numerous yeshivos in the former Soviet Union, where he lived in his early years, and later, after moving to Eretz Yisroel, he continued to be meifitz Torah and involved in communal affairs with unwavering dedication and humility.

This chapter became possible with Oholei Torah’s recent purchase of 1333 President Street, a milestone achievement that freed up essential space for the construction of the brand-new Zal on the Yeshiva’s main campus. With the relocation of several Cheder classrooms from the Grade 6–7 division to a new Cheder wing in an adjacent building, the third floor was reconfigured to house this large, spacious Zal exclusively for Shiur Aleph and Beis. This, in turn, allowed the Raitport Beis Medrash to fully accommodate the record enrollment in Shiur Daled.

With a true Lechatchila Ariber mindset, Oholei Torah embarked on this ambitious endeavor, determined to have the new Zal ready without delay. Construction began promptly at the start of the summer and was completed with remarkable efficiency – just in time for the start of the new Shnas HaLimudim. Fittingly, this milestone coincided with Oholei Torah’s 70th year, marking yet another proud chapter in the Yeshiva’s ongoing growth and success.

On Sunday, 27 Tishrei, Oholei Torah held a lavish dedication event in the new Beis Medrash, honoring the Michelashvili family. Roshei Yeshiva, Mashpiim, Menahalim, Mechanchim, friends, supporters, and bochurim gathered, including Marah D’Asrah of Crown Heights Rabbi Braun, to celebrate this milestone moment.

As the plaque unveiling took place, marking the new Michelashvili Beis Medrash, the crowd erupted into spirited dancing and song, accompanied by Mendy Kraus and Eli Marcus. Guests described the event as uplifting and inspiring, filled with a genuine sense of gratitude and joy.

“Ashrecha R’ Yossi!” remarked Rabbi Ephraim Mintz, a member of Oholei Torah’s Vaad Hachinuch, as he concluded his keynote address. “The lichtigeit and varemkeit that will emanate from these daled amos is your zechus l’ad ul’olmei olamim, with gezunt, harchava, and besuros tovos.”

Serving as MC and before presenting a gift to the Michelashvili family, Rabbi Yehoshua Lustig shared heartfelt words on behalf of Oholei Torah: “We want to thank you for the tremendous, extraordinary, generous contribution and for the support, the friendship, and the tmichah that you and your family gave us to make this happen. Yasher Koach on behalf of the 2,025 talmidim of Oholei Torah.”

Under the leadership of Head of School Rabbi Mendel Blau and Menahel K’lali Rabbi Yehoshua Lustig, together with the strong guidance of Oholei Torah’s Board of Directors, the new Zal’s success reflects the collaboration of many devoted teams within the Yeshiva.

The Yeshiva expresses appreciation to Rabbi Nison Deitsch, Menahel of Shiur Aleph and Beis, and Rabbi Elchonon Lesches, Menahel of Shiur Daled, along with their entire team of Mechanchim for their flexibility and dedication during this monumental move.

The Operations Team, led by R’ Shmeilech Rosenfeld, played a central role in managing the logistics and coordination of the project. Rabbi Sholom Rosenfeld and the Registration Department worked tirelessly to accommodate the record-breaking enrollment. Thanks to this expansion, Oholei Torah proudly reached a historic milestone – welcoming over 2,000 talmidim, the largest enrollment in its history.

Special recognition goes to R’ Dov Klyne and the Financial Team for their behind-the-scenes work, and to Rabbi Moishy Schapiro and the Development Department for skillfully coordinating the dedication opportunities and organizing the beautiful event that brought this milestone to life.

Acknowledgement is also due to Rabbi Eli Simpson and Rabbi Yoni Lewkowicz, Menahalim of Grades 6-7, and their devoted Mechanchim, whose seamless transition to newly built, larger, and upgraded classrooms helped create the space for the new Beis Medrash.

Thanks to the outstanding dedication of ROGO Builders, led by Sholom Rogatsky, together with the design expertise of Mrs. Shoshana Kanarek, the major project was completed beautifully in record timing.

In addition to the primary contribution by the Michelashvili family, several generous donors have come forward to further enhance the Beis Medrash’s beauty and sanctity. Among them: the Shaar was dedicated l’iluy nishmas R’ Zalman Yuda a”h Deitsch; the Bimah, Shtender, and Seforim bookshelves were dedicated l’iluy nishmas Mrs. Tzivia a”h Gopin; and the projector and screen, used for Rebbe video viewings, were dedicated l’iluy nishmas R’ Peretz and Mrs. Batsheva a”h Feigenson.

Many additional dedication opportunities remain available. To participate in this historic project, please email development@oholeitorah.com.

Photos: Yossi Sofer, Meir Dahan