MTA set the tone for Yom HaAtzmaut with post-davening divrei chizuk from Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Michael Taubes and Maggid Shiur Rabbi Avraham Shulman, who discussed the importance of appreciating kedushas Eretz Yisrael and the miracle of its existence, as well as the significance of the State of Israel to each talmid, and their celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut. The entire yeshivah was privileged to hear from special guest speaker Rabbi Ephy Greene, Aish Gesher Mashgiach, who spoke live from Israel about his life in Eretz Yisrael. Everyone enjoyed a delicious Israeli-style lunch from Golan and had a great time testing their knowledge of Israel and participating in the Israel Pursuit 2021 global Kahoot, hosted by Unpacked for Educators.
For over four decades, Rabbi Shmuel Zalmen Kleinman, of Williamsburg, has been reaching out to public school children of all backgrounds and ensuring that they have a chance at a religious upbringing. Midrash L’man Achai, a Queens yeshivah high school, has been Rabbi Kleinman’s focus the past 20 years. Over the past few months, Rabbi Kleinman has been battling COVID-19 and has recently returned from the hospital to recover at home.
A vast array of g’dolei Yisrael have also taken note of the rav’s recovery and joined to wish him well. The Dinov Rebbe, Limenuv Rebbe, The Pupa Rebbe, The Satmar Rebbe of Williamsburg, Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Harfenes (a Williamsburg poseik), Rabbi Israel Itzchakov of Ben Israel Books, Rabbi Ilan Meirov (Director, Chazaq), Rabbi Emanuel Shimunov of Beth Gavriel, Rav Yitzchak Yisraeli (Chief Bukharian Rabbi the USA and Canada) are just some of the notable visitors.