This week, a delegation of leading Israeli rabbis continued a fundraising and encouragement tour for the World Torah Fund, led by Yeshiva head Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch and joined by Rabbi Yitzhak Halel, Rabbi Aharon Salim, Rabbi Yitzhak Eichenshtein, Rabbi Chaim Peretz Berman and Rabbi Yitzhak Hevroni. The itinerary included major dinners in donors' homes, private meetings, additional strengthening events, and a central public gathering.
At the home of donor Jimmy Kazari in Deal, New Jersey, Rabbi Hirsch delivered the main address. He said the rise in antisemitism worldwide stems from a lack of the Divine Presence, and stressed that when the Jewish people show their desire for that presence through increased Torah study and support, God returns to dwell among them.
Later in the evening, a special letter from Rabbi Baruch Dov Povarsky was read by his son-in-law, Rabbi Chaim Peretz Berman. The letter thanked supporters of the fund and called on every Jew in the world to take part in sustaining Torah learners, even by supporting a single kollel fellow. At another dinner hosted by Jack Spadea, he said, "When I heard that the government wants to stop funding the yeshivas, I said that if they do not want this merit, I will gladly take it," reflecting his desire to share in the merit of Torah.
Rabbi Berman also spoke at that event about the Jewish people's deep love of Torah and their wish to share in its study and support. Rabbi Aharon Salim praised the host's many years of backing Torah learners and encouraging others to join. Throughout the day, private meetings with donors produced substantial pledges of support, and the evening concluded with a large public rally featuring leading rabbis. The events ended with a strong sense of encouragement and continued momentum for the World Torah Fund.
