During the Middle of February, hundreds of people from the United States visited the Holy Land of Israel for Agudath Israel’s annual learning programs in Jerusalem. Among them, came a notable group from the Queens community who brought Rabbi Ilan Meirov, the director of the CHAZAQ organization, to join them on their three day journey.
The group spent most of their trip holding private meetings with some of the greatest Torah scholars of the generation who shared words of inspiration with them, while also learning about CHAZAQ’s life changing work with public school students of all ages.
A touching moment was when Rav Moshe Shternbuch, Chief Rabbinical Judge in Jerusalem, told the group that supporting CHAZAQ’s programs for public school students is the most important mitzvah one can be involved with. After writing a letter in a Sefer Torah, the group danced with the eldery Rabbi for several minutes.
Rav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Rosh Yeshiva of Ateres Yisroel was also visibly moved by CHAZAQ’s work. He was happy to hear that his student, Rav Dovid Yosef, gives his heart for Chazaq’s mission and offered to assist in any way possible. Chacham Shalom Cohen, Rosh Yeshiva of Porat Yosef, shared that teaching Torah to one child is precious in the eyes of Hashem, how much more so when hundreds are being educated every year. He blessed the group to continue with their great work.
A highlight of the trip was when the group received a special visit from the current Sefardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, HaRav Yitzchak Yosef, who joined them for a special meal and gave a lecture for nearly an hour on the importance of learning halacha.
The Chief Rabbi shared that his relationship with Rabbi Meirov extends to over a decade when he assisted him with his first book and introduced him to his father, the late Torah Sage, Chacham Ovadia Yosef. He congratulated Rabbi Meirov on the success of CHAZAQ and encouraged the group to continue strong and to not be satisfied. “There is a lot of work to do and CHAZAQ must continue leading the way in inspiring the Queens community, especially the Bukharian community who are in need of some basic guidance to bring them closer to Hashem”.
The group spent the last few hours of the trip visiting Torah leaders in Bnei Brak, being privileged to hear a private class from Rav Shimon Baadani and receiving blessing from Rav Chaim Kanievski and Rav Gershon Edelstien amongst others.
Overall, the experience was one of great Chizuk for the entire group who renewed their commitment to learn and spread Torah in their respective communities.
CHAZAQ's Uplifting Trip To Israel
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