Students and staff at the Rambam Mesivta gathered last week for a special assembly, held by founder and Rosh HaYeshivah of Rambam, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, to celebrate the release of the hostages from captivity.
The emotional program highlighted the mitzvah of Pidyon Sh’vuyim, one of the most important mitzvos in Judaism. Rabbi Friedman also called attention to the IDF and klal Yisrael as a whole for all they did: from serving on the front lines, to t’filos, to support in the Diaspora. He also recognized the Rambam alumni who served in the IDF during the war.
Prior to the Sukkos break, Rambam held an assembly to commemorate October 7. At that assembly, Principal Dr. Hillel Goldman opened by sharing videos and reflections that connected October 7 to Rambam’s ongoing support for Israel. The school also welcomed an IDF soldier and tank commander, brought through the Friends of the IDF (FIDF), who spoke about his experiences defending Israel and expressed the immense chizuk his fellow soldiers feel from the American Jewish community’s support. The program concluded with heartfelt T’hilim, led by Reb Yitz Milworn, a former IDF soldier, Rambam alumnus, and Director of Student Activities.
The October 7 assembly was held with the hope that the hostages would soon be released. Just a few weeks later, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Friedman sponsored breakfast and doughnuts for the entire school in celebration of their release – an uplifting moment for am Yisrael. As Rabbi Friedman stressed, everyone at the assembly played a role during this time, through prayers, chesed, donations, volunteering, and representing the Jewish people in countless forums. The release of the hostages was a release for all of us, b’yachad.
