Leading Israeli Torah Sages Rally to Support Kollel Rashbi Amid Founder’s Health Crisis

A rare emergency gathering took place at the home of Rabbi Matzliach Bergman, head of the Kollel Rashbi in Bnei Brak, as prominent Torah leaders convened to address the future of the historic institution. Rabbi Bergman, who has carried the burden of sustaining the kollel for over a decade and a half since its founding by Rabbi Shach, appealed emotionally for communal support due to his declining health. He expressed, "Unfortunately, today it is no longer within my strength. I turn to you with all my heart, I ask you, my brothers, to give your heart to this great place, it is the essence of my life."

The gathering was opened by Rabbi Binyamin Finkel, who recited Psalms to bless the fundraising effort named "Masarti Nafshi" (I Have Given My Soul). Rabbi Chaim Feinstein, head of Ateret Shlomo Yeshiva, spoke first, emphasizing the kollel’s role in nurturing generations of Torah scholars and blessing all donors and Rabbi Bergman for their dedication. Rabbi Meir Hirsch, another leading rosh yeshiva, stressed that supporting the kollel is not merely a commendable act but an obligation for the entire Jewish community, highlighting the kollel’s foundational role in sustaining families and communities across Israel.

Rabbi Hirsch concluded with a rare promise that those who contribute will merit blessings in livelihood, family harmony, health, and all good matters. The event ended with Rabbi Moshe David Lipkowitz reading a formal call signed by leading rabbis urging broad support for the "Masarti Nafshi" campaign to save this historic Torah institution. The kollel’s future now depends on the collective effort of the Torah world and community donors responding to Rabbi Bergman’s heartfelt plea.