September 10 marked a momentous occasion for the Rambam Mesivta Community, as they celebrated their new home with a Chanukas HaBayis and a Hachnasas Sefer Torah. After 32 years instilling values of Torah, midos, and Excellence, Rambam continues its mission of raising Bnei Torah and the leaders of tomorrow at its brand-new state of the art facility located at 284 Mott Avenue in Lawrence.
The program featured many prominent politicians and Rabbanim. Those in attendance were privileged to hear from Congressman Anthony D’esposito, who presented a Citation from the US House of Representatives recognizing Rambam as an integral neighborhood institution, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman who congratulated Rambam on this milestone and expressed how proud he felt to be a part of the community.
Rabbi Friedman spoke next sharing his deep passion for Jewish education, which was sparked by his parents, who were survivors of the Holocaust, and their unshakeable commitment to Judaism. He displayed the Shofar that his father-in-law risked his life to blow for Rosh HaShanah davening for a minyan held in secret in concentration camp in 1944. Rabbi Friedman also expressed his hakaras hatov towards his rebbe, who inspired his love of learning and his desire to share that with others. Rabbi Friedman went on to convey his appreciation of Ben Diamond of the One70 group who undertook this enormous project and completed it in record time.
Rabbi Avi Hershman, Assistant Rosh Mesivta and an alumnus of Rambam, spoke to the crowd about his evolution at Rambam where he started out as a student, later to become a coach, and is now a beloved rabbi and administrator who also oversaw much of the construction project.
Rabbi Dr. Zevi Isseroff, Rambam President and founding member of the school conveyed how much Rambam has grown over 32 years and how proud he is to still be a part of such a wonderful yeshiva that values each and every student.
Rabbi Yaacov Bender, Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah, took the microphone next and spoke glowingly about his relationship with Rabbi Friedman and the impact that Rabbi Friedman has had on the students that walk through the walls of Rambam. Other rabbanim in attendance included Rabbi Elon Soniker, Rav of Anshei Shalom, Rabbi Ya’akov Trump, Rav of YILC, and Rabbi Uri Lesser, himself a Rambam alumnus, Rav of Bais Torah U’Tefilah.
The crowd also heard from Michael Gordon, Rambam 12th grader, who spoke beautifully, sharing words of Divrei Torah that he related to the excitement of being in Rambam’s new building.
Following the speeches, there was a joyous Hachnasas Sefer Torah written and donated by Ben Landa and family with spirited dancing to the joyous music of Rabbi Ari Boiangui and Zvi Lampert.
All remarked about the beauty of the new building, the joyousness of the occasion and program and the happiness of those that participated. The entire event took slightly more than an hour – as promised!
We wish Rambam much success in the future as it continues to educate, build and inspire the next generation.
