1. HaGaon Rav Yehuda Gans Inaugurated as Rov of KAYJ
K'hal Adas Yeshurun of Jerusalem, has appointed HaRov Yehuda Gans, shlit'a to the status of Rabbi and Spiritual Leader of the Kehilla, with the blessings of Maran HaGaon R. Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, shlit'a.
A month ago, the members of K'hal Adas Yeshurun overwhelmingly and enthusiastically approved the rabbinical search committee's recommendation that HaGaon Rav Yehuda Gans, shlit'a, be appointed as Rov. On Mozto'ei Shabbos Breishis, 25 Tishrei 5768, the Hachtoroh ceremony took place with the participation of eminent rabbis and roshei yeshiva, the Kehillah members, friends and Ramot residents .
With the KAYJ choir performing "Baruch Haba b'shem Hashem," the new Rov entered accompanied by his father HaGaon R' Yisro'el Gans (a Rosh Yeshiva in Kol Torah) and HaRav Don Ison (a representative of the kehilla). HaRav Binyomin Shlomo Hamburger, shlit'a, founder of Machon Moreshes Ashkenaz and founder of Ashkenaz kehillas in Eretz Yisrael, opened the evening followed by HaRav Don Ison, Ram at Yeshivas Heichal HaTorah, who praised the choice of the Rov and described the uniqueness of KAYJ. After that HaRav HaGaon R. Shlomo Neiman, shlit'a, Rav of the Ramot neighborhood spoke.
HaGaon R. Asher Weiss, shlit'a, emphasized the importance of guarding the mesorah of our fathers and expressed his excitement that the traditions of Bnei Ashkenaz—"Yekkishkeit"—was not lost and is still being preserved in our generation . The Rosh Yeshiva of Kiryas Melech, HaGaon R. Binyomin Rimmer, shlit'a, son-in-law of Maran R. Elyashiv, shlit'a, who has accompanied the Kehilla since its inception, lauded the members of KAYJ and its newly appointed Rov.
The father of the new Rov, HaGaon R. Yisroel Gans, shlit'a, one of Jerusalem's leading poskim and a Rosh Yeshiva in Kol Torah, told of the diligence and special midos of his son. From the time R. Yehuda Gans reached the age of mitzvos, he was zoche to receive the bracha of the Steipler, ztvk'l, that he should grow to be "a talmid chochom and Gadol b'Torah." The Steipler zt'l, instructed that one should sleep 8 hours a day, daven 2 hours, set aside 2 hours for earthly needs and learn Torah with the remaining 12 hours—"From the time Yehuda turned bar mitzvah, including erev Shabbos and Shabbos, Yom Tov and Bein HaZmanim, my son insisted on learning 12 or so hours each and every day" testified the elder R. Gans. Then he read the writ of hachtoroh that was skillfully composed by several Kehilla members. At the end of this reading, he mentioned that on Erev Shabbos he had gone to R. Elyashiv to get the latter's bracha and he signed on the writ of hachtoroh. The assembled rabbonim and eminent guests added their signature to the document. Preceding the speech of Rav Yehuda Gans, shlit'a, the choir sang "Tzaddik Katomor Yifroch," a widely celebrated tune of Ashkenaz kehillas.
The Rov, HaGaon R. Yehuda Gans, shlit'a, delivered the main speech of the evening. His words, delivered with open excitement, dwelled on one of the defining characteristics of Bnei Ashkenaz—yashrus—uncompromising straightness. He mentioned that this is why the Kehilla gets its name "Adas Yeshurun" and quoted the words of R. Hirsch on this point. R. Gans praised the kavod beis knesses preserved "b'hiddur" by the bnei Kehilla and on the singing of tefilla heard between its walls.
The Rosh HaYeshiva of Kol Torah, HaGaon R. Moshe Yehuda Schlessinger, shlit'a, son of R. Yechiel Michel Schlessinger, Dayan of K'hal Adas Yeshurun in Frankfurt and Rosh Yeshiva and founder of Kol Torah, pointed out that half a year ago the congregation laid the cornerstone of its new Beis Knesses—the physical groundwork—he was happy that now they are laying the spiritual foundation, the choice of R. Yehuda Gans, alumnus of Yeshivas Kol Torah, to the rabbinate of this special kehilla which zealously guards its Frankfurt heritage. After him, HaGaon R. Shmuel Deutsch, shlit'a, a Rosh Yeshiva in Kol Torah, spoke and expounded on the incredible hasmodo of R. Yehuda Gans, as well as his elevated midos, and continued to talk about the importance of KAYJ.
The evening closed with HaRav Asher Gans, shlit'a, describing the unique personality of his brother, the new Rov. Another chapter has begun in the establishment of K'hal Adas Yeshurun-Jerusalem.
2. "Even Mo'asu" CD released
The choir of KAYJ has released its first full length audio cd, entitled "Even Mo'asu" containing 10 songs and a special video presentation of the recent Cornerstone laying for our Jerusalem campus. We appreciate your patience and will be sending out cd's shortly to all those who submitted requests. Special thanks to our anonymous sponsors who backed the project. You can still request your copy by sending an email to (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]. We are looking for local distributors worldwide to get the cd out to all those who are unconnected. If you are able to distribute a larger quantity of cd's in your community or you just know someone else who appreciates the traditions of Ashkenaz, please contact us at (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ].
As always, your generosity is very much appreciated. The important work of restoring Minhag Ashkenaz in Eretz HaKodesh and creating a focal point for all Bnei Ashkenaz can only be accomplished with the generous support of our friends.
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