On Tuesday evening, April 28, members of the Queens Torah community gathered in Kew Gardens Hills for the annual reception on behalf of Yeshiva Beth Abraham Slonim of Jerusalem and its affiliated institutions of Torah and chesed. The evening, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Kopelowitz, featured distinguished guest speaker HaRav HaGaon Pinchas Eliezer HaKohen Shlaf shlita, Rosh HaKolel for Choshen Mishpat and son-in-law of the Slonimer Rebbe shlita.
This year’s gathering carried added emotion as the evening was dedicated in memory of Rabbi Tzvi HaLevi Walfish z”l, whose 25th yahrzeit was being marked. The program opened with heartfelt remarks from Dr. Jacob “Jack” Walfish, chairman of the event, who reflected on the profound spiritual legacy of his father and the enduring impact he had on his family and community.
Dr. Walfish shared deeply personal memories about the Torah giants who shaped his life, crediting his father for introducing him to two towering influences: the Slonimer Rebbe zt”l and Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik zt”l. Speaking with visible emotion, he described the rare privilege of learning from such g’dolim and noted how, despite differences in style and background, both leaders shared a strikingly similar emphasis on complete faith and submission to the will of Hashem.
Drawing upon the theme of the Akeidah, Dr. Walfish explored the significance of the word “koh,” explaining that true greatness lies in absolute obedience and trust in Hashem, even amid contradiction and suffering. He connected these ideas to the experiences of Holocaust survivors, including his own father, who endured unimaginable loss yet remained steadfast in faith and dedication to Torah. “They had questions,” he reflected, “yet they were m’vateil themselves completely to the Ribbono Shel Olam.”
The audience then viewed a special video message sent from the yeshivah in Jerusalem. The message praised the dedication of the Kopelowitz family and highlighted the growth of the Slonimer institutions, offering blessings for continued success in raising generations devoted to Torah, avodas Hashem, and ahavas Yisrael.
Following the tribute, Rav Pinchas Eliezer HaKohen Shlaf delivered an inspiring address focused on yearning for the coming of Mashiach and strengthening one’s relationship with Hashem during these turbulent times, particularly in Eretz Yisrael. Speaking during the days of S’firas HaOmer, Rav Shlaf emphasized that redemption depends not merely on belief, but on genuine longing for closeness with the Ribbono Shel Olam.
Quoting midrashim, p’sukim, and teachings from the Alshich HaKadosh and the Ramban, Rav Shlaf described a future spiritual awakening in which Jews across the world will suddenly feel an overwhelming desire for kirvas Elokim. He painted a vivid picture of people “flying from place to place” searching for spiritual elevation and connection, explaining that this inner yearning itself is part of the process that will ultimately bring the G’ulah.
Rav Shlaf also stressed the role of the Jewish home and the atmosphere of Shabbos preparation in cultivating this yearning within children. He encouraged parents to ensure that preparations for Shabbos are infused not with pressure, but with joy and anticipation for holiness, allowing children to sense that Shabbos is “something beautiful that we are waiting for.”
Throughout the evening, attendees were uplifted by a strong sense of continuity: linking the sacrifices and faith of previous generations with the hopes and aspirations of today’s Torah world.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
