Outstanding talmidim of Talmud Torah Chabad Nachlas Har Chabad were honored last week at the annual Yosef Yitzchak Prize ceremony, held at the community center in Kiryat Malachi.

The prize, which has been awarded for over forty years, was established l’ilui nishmas Yosef Yitzchak Gorelik a”h by his parents, R’ Shalom Dovber Gorelik a”h and Mrs. Sara Rivka Gorelik. It recognizes talmidim who excel in Torah, avoda, and gemilus chassadim, the areas in which Yossi a”h stood out during his own years as a talmid.

The program was emceed by Rabbi Binyomin Wilhelm. It opened with the recital of the Rebbe’s kapitel by the chairman of the Vaad Hashchuna, Rabbi Yitzchak Blizinsky, who praised the Gorelik family for their lasting role in encouraging the talmidim to strive higher. He also spoke warmly of the parents and staff, noting their investment in the growth of the children throughout the year.

A central part of the program was an interactive quiz arranged by Rabbi Zalman Sosover, using clickers and live polls displayed on the screens. The questions focused on the three pillars of Torah, avoda, and gemilus chassadim, and were woven together with stories from the life of Yossi a”h, bringing out his special character and his excellence in these areas.

Rabbi Ben Tzion Yaroslavsky, son of the mara d’asra Rabbi Yitzchok Yehuda Yaroslavsky, shared personal memories of Yossi’s exceptional hasmada. Speaking as a mechanech, he emphasized how much such recognition can uplift young talmidim and give them pride in their growth.

The menahel, Rabbi Aharon Mangami, spoke about the pride the talmidim take in excelling in the real and lasting values of Torah and Chassidus, and thanked the devoted staff for their steady work with the talmidim throughout the year.

The ceremony concluded with certificates and prizes presented to the winners and runners-up from each class, as parents and family members joined in honoring the talmidim’s accomplishments.

Photos: Mendi Kurant