Alexander Hasidim Lay Cornerstone for New Grand Study Hall in Bnei Brak
A historic and uplifting ceremony took place on Monday evening on Achiezer Street in Bnei Brak, where hundreds of Alexander Hasidim gathered to lay the cornerstone and pour the foundations for the new grand study hall. The event was led by the Rebbe of Alexander and attended by prominent Torah leaders, rabbis, rebbes, and public figures, including Rabbi Moshe Hirsch, head of the yeshiva world. Rabbi Tzvi Berger, the yeshiva head and brother-in-law of the Alexander Rebbe, was unable to attend due to illness but sent his blessings.
Following months of complex engineering work involving deep excavations and ground preparation, the project reached a significant milestone with the start of foundation pouring for the new building. This structure will replace the old study hall that served for decades as the center of Torah study, prayer, and Hasidic life for the Alexander community.
The ceremony opened with a special order for laying the cornerstone, as originally established by the "Emunas Moshe" Rebbe of Alexander, including the recitation of Psalms, liturgical poems, and prayers. The foundation scroll was read aloud, followed by sacred speeches and blessings. The Rebbe then performed the ceremonial laying of the cornerstone, after which honored guests poured the first concrete into the building's foundations. Concrete trucks then commenced extensive pouring work.
A beautifully produced booklet was distributed to all attendees, containing the order of prayers and poems, the foundation scroll read at the event, and a rare collection of historical documents, letters, announcements, and foundation scrolls from past cornerstone ceremonies and holy institutions throughout the history of the Alexander Hasidic dynasty. This booklet sparked great interest and provided participants with a fascinating perspective on the continuity of generations and the ongoing sacred mission.
Participants felt a special sense of elevation witnessing the tangible progress of the Alexander world center building. Many expressed prayers and hopes that just as they witnessed the laying of the foundations, they would soon see the completion of the large and magnificent building in full glory.
