Leading Rabbi Sternbuch Ordains New Scholars for Kollel Network
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch convened dozens of new scholars joining the "Teshuvot Ve'hanhagot" kollel network, which unites students from diverse Jewish communities. He addressed the shortage of study places and criticized those who attack Torah scholars. Rabbi Sternbuch emphasized the importance of deep Halachic study and the need for more qualified religious arbiters in Israel. His son-in-law, Rabbi Yissachar Schreiber, was appointed to lead a new branch.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch convened dozens of new scholars for the "Teshuvot Ve'hanhagot" kollel network.
- The kollel network unites scholars from various Hasidic and Lithuanian communities.
- Rabbi Sternbuch highlighted a severe shortage of study places for scholars, especially in Beit Shemesh.
- He countered critics who label Torah scholars as "idlers" with "So let them increase."
- Rabbi Sternbuch stressed the necessity of deep study for Halachic authorities.
- His son-in-law, Rabbi Yissachar Schreiber, was appointed to lead a new kollel branch.
Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, a leading Halachic decisor, unexpectedly convened dozens of new scholars who recently joined the "Teshuvot Ve'hanhagot" kollel network. The network, which now comprises nearly 350 scholars across ten branches nationwide, is notable for uniting students from various Hasidic and Lithuanian communities. Rabbi Sternbuch expressed concern over the severe shortage of study places for scholars, particularly in Beit Shemesh, where he personally established four new kollels in the past year under the "Teshuvot Ve'hanhagot" umbrella.
During his address, Rabbi Sternbuch lamented the plight of many scholars seeking to study Torah but unable to find a place, stating, "The holy Torah is disgraced." He celebrated the expansion of the kollel network, seeing it as a way to "raise the banner of Torah." He strongly rebuked critics of Torah study, who he said claim scholars are "idlers," countering with "So let them increase," emphasizing that more scholars will dedicate themselves to studying God's law.
Rabbi Sternbuch also cautioned against misconceptions regarding Torah study, clarifying that learning Halacha requires deep study of Talmud and early commentators, not just superficial understanding. He stressed the critical need for more qualified Halachic authorities in Israel, expressing a desire for scholars who can derive rulings from foundational texts. He concluded by praising his son-in-law, Rabbi Yissachar Schreiber, as the new head of the kollel's latest branch, highlighting his expertise and potential to guide future scholars. The event concluded with the scholars receiving blessings for the upcoming academic year.
