Beis Medrash Gedolah ‘BN’ of Queens Relocates and Celebrates Rosh Chodesh Chanukah

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On December 18th, Chazaq’s Beth Medrash, Yeshiva Gedolah Bais Nosson of Queens celebrated a bittersweet day. The Yeshiva moved from Congregation Ohel Simcha to a new location at Congregation Od Yosef Chai  (141-56 73Rd Ave, Flushing, NY). The change in location reflects the Yeshiva’s desire to expand and provide quality Torah opportunities; the day was therefore bittersweet.

Rabbi Haimoff of Congregation Ohel Simcha graciously opened the doors for the Yeshiva at its inception and allowed full and unquestioned use of its great Torah library. But like a bird watching its young take first flight, the Yeshiva was sent to unfurl its wings. 

​The Yeshiva celebrated this event with a Seudah (meal) in honor of Chanukah and Rosh Chodesh. All the Yeshiva students attended with the Avreichim (Rabbinical students) along with their Rebbeim, the Rosh Hayeshiva Harav Ahron Walkin, and the numerous special guests.

Harav Walkin opened the event with inspirational words for all those gathered to celebrate a day special in so many ways.

​Rabbi Walkin asked: What does Chanukah teach us? How are we different after the holiday; is there something that we pick up? The answer can be learned from the following story. A certain student was having difficulties and was being sent from yeshiva to yeshiva. One Chanukah, Rabbi Walkins brother, R’ Avrohom, noticed the boy’s melancholy and sought a bracha (blessing) on his behalf. R’  Avraham approached the renowned Torah sage Rav Chaim Kanievsky of Bnei Brak and explained to him the boy’s experiences and his constant sadness.  Rav Chaim replied that today was Chanukah, how could the boy remain sad?

​Rav Walkin explained that our Sages tell us that we are meant to feel an especially unique joy during the holiday of Chanukah, but how do we relate to that hidden ‘light’? Unlike other Jewish holidays, we have no obligation to celebrate Chanuka with festive meals. Though the Talmud states that there is no real joy without meat and wine, our Sages say Chanukah is different. We don’t need to eat festively on Hanukkah because our joy is intrinsic. Like other Jewish holidays, Chanukah celebrates G-d’s Salvation for His people. However Chanukah has an additional element. On Chanukah, the enemy fought G-d and His Torah; they didn’t necessarily have a problem with the Jewish race. We, the Jewish nation, chose to fight and uphold G-d’s Torah; spirituality was our primary concern. This is where the intrinsic joy of Chanukah emanates from, our recognition of the greatest gift given to mankind, the Torah itself.

​Today we can see how Torah is a battle. There are so many distractions which detract from the Torah’s message. Everywhere one turns, he is faced with an alternative lifestyle vying for his attention. We need to understand that though it’s hard especially today to keep, honor and live the Torah, nevertheless G-d helps those who put in the effort.

​The take away message from Chanukah is that we will do our part in the service of G-d and he will do His. We must strive with all our effort in a natural world to do what is right and leave the outcome, sometimes supernatural, to G-d. This phenomenon is evident in the war of Torah, which requires much toil over seemingly insurmountable work. Torah is a battle who’s triumph delivers the greatest delight and happiness.

​​We are fortunate to have a center of Torah learning in Flushing. We are even more fortunate to have a center for learning that caters its approach for the various levels of students who attend its classes. We are perhaps most fortunate to have a Yeshiva of peace which has the blessings of all the local and involved Rabbis, who all hope that it continue to spread the delight of Torah for all.