Russian Yeshiva Students Visit Leading Torah Figures in New York After Intensive Study Year

Following the conclusion of the academic year at the central young men's yeshiva "Tomchei Temimim" in Moscow, top students embarked on a spiritually uplifting journey to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's court in New York. After months of rigorous study and preparation, these outstanding students joined a unique summer yeshiva program near the Chabad Ohel in Queens, where they engaged in intensive learning led by the yeshiva head, Rabbi Moshe Lerman.

Their mornings included inspiring prayers and shiurim, with special encouragement from Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman, the chief rabbi of Migdal HaEmek, who praised their dedication throughout their ten-day stay. The trip was initiated by Rabbi Berel Lazar, Chief Rabbi of Russia and founder of the yeshiva, who arranged visits to prominent American rabbis and rebbes to both motivate the students and showcase the strength of the Jewish revival in Russia.

This visit marked a historic full circle, recalling the famous journey 55 years ago when the Lubavitcher Rebbe sent Russian students to be tested by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein. The current students were warmly received by Rabbi Reuven Feinstein, head of "Tiferet Yerushalayim" yeshiva and grandson of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, who was impressed by their mastery of complex Talmudic tractates.

Subsequent visits included a warm reception by the Bobov Rebbe in Borough Park, who personally blessed each student, and a two-hour examination by Rabbi Gabriel Zinner, renowned halachic authority and author of the "Netivei Gabriel" series, who commended their Torah knowledge and dedication. The students, many sons of rabbis and emissaries from Russia and neighboring countries, were introduced to these Torah leaders by their educational staff, led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Wilesensky and director Rabbi Chaim Moshe Weber.