K’hal Yotzei Ashkenaz of Lakewood, now in its sixth year of perpetuating Mesoras Ashkenaz, hosted its second annual Melave Malka this past Motzaei Shabbos Bo. The event was once again ably chaired by the inimitable Mr. David Klugmann, a prominent member of the Kehilla and son of the unforgettable Mr. Julius Klugmann z”l.
About K'hal Yotzei Ashkenaz Founded in 2020, K’hal Yotzei Ashkenaz is dedicated to preserving the rich Nusach HaTefilla and Minhogim of Frankfurt, and is proud to offer daily minyanim, a vibrant weekday and Shabbos morning kollel, and regular shiurim. Drawing inspiration from the Breuer's Kehilla in Washington Heights, the kehillah ensures the continuation of this sacred mesorah for future generations.
The Kehilla’s Mara d’Asra, Rav Rafael Bachrach, delivered the first address. He quoted the Gemara, which praises Moshe Rabbeinu for involving himself with the Atzmos Yosef while the rest of Klal Yisroel were occupied with collecting the spoils of Mitzrayim, citing the pasuk in Mishlei, “Chacham lev yikach mitzvos.” The Rav explained that while collecting the spoils was also a mitzvah, special credit is given for the performance of less popular mitzvos, hence the special praise accorded to Moshe. So too, K’hal Yotzei Ashkenaz is a truly unique Kehilla — just one minyan following this mesorah among hundreds in Lakewood, and one of only a handful throughout the rest of America — and those who participate certainly fall into this category of Chachmei Lev.
Rav Uri Deutsch, Rav of Forest Park, then spoke, drawing on recollections from his youth in the legendary Munk’s Kehilla in Golders Green. He praised how Yahadus Ashkenaz, despite changing times, continues to unapologetically preserve its mesorah —maintaining Botei Knessesios that are paragons of kovod and kedusha, and are reserved exclusively for tefillah, while learning takes places in a separate Beis HaMedrash; upholding absolute reverence for the Rav; and seamlessly weaving tzedakah and chessed into the avodas Beis HaKnesses. He also noted that Motzaei Shabbos Bo, which contains the mitzvah of Vehigadta l’vincha, is a particularly fitting time to celebrate a Kehilla that places such a strong emphasis on mesoras avos.
Longtime Lakewood resident and Z’kan HaKehilla, Rabbi Avrohom Shereshevsky, was named the Amud HaKehilla honoree, as the Kehilla recognized his dedication as a stalwart member from inception. The Rav concurrently bestowed upon him the title of “Chover” in recognition of his contributions and stature.
Chazzan Elie Winsbacher, who played an integral role in the establishment of the Kehilla and serves as one of its Yomim Noraim chazzanim, was presented with the Amud HaTefillah award.
The Rosh HaKohol R’ Aaron Gruenebaum followed with a closing appeal, after which the Kehilla’s Chazzan Chaim Gordimer led the Kehilla in a rendition of Shir Hamaalos. Following bensching, R’ Avi Katzenstein offered words of appreciation on behalf of the board, thanking the many volunteers for their dedication, with special mention of the family of R’ Zeev Rothschild z”l for their ongoing support of the Kehilla.
A special reprint of the Kehilla’s periodical, Shomer Tziyon HaNe’emon HaChodosh, Chalokim 1–2, was distributed to all attendees. Additional copies of volumes 1-4 as well as the minhagim kuntres are available by contacting the Kehilla at 917-588-5601 or info@ashkenazlkwd.org
About K'hal Yotzei Ashkenaz Founded in 2020, K’hal Yotzei Ashkenaz is dedicated to preserving the rich Nusach HaTefilla and Minhogim of Frankfurt, and is proud to offer daily minyanim, a vibrant weekday and Shabbos morning kollel, and regular shiurim. Drawing inspiration from the Breuer's Kehilla in Washington Heights, the kehillah ensures the continuation of this sacred mesorah for future generations.
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