Yated Ne'Eman, 5759 (1999)

KEHILAS MORESHES YAAKOV ACCOMPLISHMENTS

By Solomon Klein

A Kehilas Moreshes Yaakov Chasuna is an immensely moving experience arousing awe in the hearts of all present at the spiritual heights its members achieve. The recent chasuna of one of their prominent members illustrates this.

Dr. C. arrived here from Russia several years ago. While searching for the Makom Torah which would help him develop his Ruchniyus potential fully, he developed a relationship with a number of Roshei Yeshiva and Rabbonim here in Brooklyn. He found what he was looking for when he met Rabbi Binsky and his Kehilah.

Rabbi Binsky and his Kehilah welcomed Dr. C. as one of their members and began learning together. In a short time Dr. C. became so involved with Kehilas Moreshes Yaakov that he influenced others to join this Kehilah. Over the years Dr. C. has become one of Kehilas Moreshes Yaakov's most vibrant and dominant figures.

Recently Dr. C. and his Kallah had their Chasuna with Rabbi Binsky as the Mesader Kidushin. Many of the Roshei Yeshiva and Rabbonim that Dr C. developed a relationship with came to share in the Simcha. The Simcha Shel Mitzva at one of Rabbi Binsky's members setting up a true Bayis Ne'emon B'yisroel was manifested in the leibedige dancing, permeated the room, and radiated from the faces of all those present. Everyone present at the Chasuna was impressed and amazed at the respect, unity and warmth that Kehilas Moreshes Yaakov has and prides itself on.

One common denominator from all the praise heard at the Chasuna was the accomplishments achieved by the Kehilah with the Choson's active involvement . While there are B"H many Mosdos that are set up for helping former Communist Russian citizens develop their Ruchniyus potential, Kehilas Moreshes Yaakov is unique in the fact that it is a flourishing Kehilah of completely Shomrei Torah U'mitzvos. Joining this Kehilah intrinsically means being an Erlecha Yid. The loyalty and respect shown by this Kehilah sets an example of how Shomrei Torah U'mitzvos should conduct themselves.

One of the many Kehilah programs that Dr. C. has used his magnificent talents to help with, is the Bris Program. Kehilas Moreshes Yaakov's Bris Program has helped many Russian immigrants, both children and adults have their Bris.

Dr. C. many times sees in the hospital, mothers of newborns who do not have contact with a Mohel. He introduces them to Rabbi Eidelman and Rabbi Eidelman is Mal them. After the Bris many of them have the privilege of being introduced to the Kehilah. These parents in turn recommend that their friends avail themselves of Kehilas Moreshes Yaakov Bris Program's services(these services include: Milah by Rabbi Eidelman, Bris seudah in Shul, and Pidyon Haben when relevant) setting in motion a ripple effect.

Aside from being Mal those that would not have had a Bris at all, Kehilas Moreshes Yaakov's Bris program has saved Yiddin from having a circumcision performed by non Jewish doctors. Take Mr. M.'s son as an example.

Mr. M.'s ten year old son that never had a Bris was rushed to the emergency room because of a medical problem. In the emergency room they treated him with antibiotics and told him that he must be circumcised in order that his problem not recur. Shortly before the scheduled hospital circumcision a friend of Mr. M. recommended he call Rabbi Binsky to discuss this matter, which Mr. M. did. During the course of their conversation, Rabbi Binsky explained to Mr. M. that the right thing for him to do is to have his son be Maled by a Mohel and gave him Rabbi Eidelman's telephone number. Mr. M. called Rabbi Eidelman asking him if he could be Mal his son in a hospital. Rabbi Eidelman said yes and explained to Mr. M. that it generally takes a few days until the official arrangements are made for him to do a Bris in the hospital. Mr. M. told Rabbi Eidelman he will have it done the right way and cancel the scheduled circumcision he had arranged.

When Mr. M. spoke to his son about the new arrangements, his son told him he is in too much pain to wait the few days. Mr. M. called Rabbi Eidelman to cancel the new arrangements and to say he was going to do it the way he first planned it. Rabbi Eidelman, being very disturbed over what had just happened, took immediate action to rectify the situation. Rabbi Eidelman called Rabbi Belsky, who the Kehilah is so thankful to have on the board of their Rabbinical advisors, concerning this boy's medical condition. This was necessary to determine the boy's halachic standing in regard to when he is no longer considered a choleh so that Rabbi Eidelman could be Mal the boy. Following that, Rabbi Eidelman called Mr. M. and told him that he had made arrangements for the Bris to be done in a doctors office even earlier than the scheduled hospital circumcision. Rabbi Eidelman encouraged and convinced Mr. M. to do it the right way, including arranging for a urologist that Rabbi Eidelman works with to be present during the Bris.

Shortly after the Bris Mr. M. called Rabbi Eidelman telling him how thankful and happy he is that everything was done the right way.

The Kehilah's Shalash Seudis is an experience in itself. Every Shabbos after Mincha the Kehilah sets up beautifully a delicious meal. There is no one person whose job it is to set or clean up. Rather, everyone works together to get it done as one happy family. Rabbi Binsky delivers a D'var Torah , setting the proper tone for a Shabbos Seuda .The atmosphere there is relaxed and leisurely with everyone soaking in the Kedushas Shabbos . Instead of thinking what time is the Z'man, thoughts are on Ruchniyus. When Kehilah members bring their guests, the first comments are on the privilege of belonging and being a part of this Kehilah.

A number of the Kehilah's members are American's who do not understand the Russian language. Nevertheless, they tremendously enjoy this remarkable experience including Rabbi Binsky's D'rasha notwithstanding the language barrier! The Kehilah encompasses a broad spectrum of frum yidden. From those presently in Yeshiva to working professionals, both Russian and American, they are all represented with their unity being palpable.