While a freezing wave of snow and ice swept across Europe, the new Tomchei Tmimim in Austro-Hungary was engulfed in a wave of warmth—the warmth of Torah and Chassidus—as it welcomed its very first Sefer Torah.

The new Yeshiva, located in Northern Hungary near the Austrian border, opened its doors this past Elul. Situated among the vast pastures of the Mosonmagyaróvár region, it has quickly become a beacon of Torah in the heart of the continent, earning the trust of Shluchim across Europe who have entrusted their sons to its care.

The Yeshiva campus, a converted hotel, offers spacious accommodations. Each room features a kitchenette, private bath, and balcony, providing the temimim with a comfortable setting that allows them to focus entirely on their aliya in ruchniyus.

Located at the crossroads of three major capitals—Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava—the Yeshiva remains secluded from the noise of the city. The pastoral grounds, complete with roaming goats and chickens, add a touch of the picturesque atmosphere of “Lubavitch of old.”

A Double Celebration

The Hachnasas Sefer Torah was celebrated with great pomp, coinciding with the inauguration of the magnificent new Zal, built with significant investment.

Over 200 guests, including Shluchim and community members from Vienna and Budapest, joined the festivities. A particularly moving sight was the presence of parents who traveled from across the globe—from Vienna to Milan, Budapest to Antibes, and even Eretz Yisroel—to rejoice with their sons.

“When the relationship between the staff and the bochurim, and among the bochurim themselves, is like one big family, it was obvious to me that I would make every effort to come and share in this family Simcha,” one parent remarked.

The event was graced by dozens of Shluchim, Rabbonim, and Dayanim, alongside the Yeshiva’s Hanhala. Dignitaries included Head Shliach and Av Beis Din of Hungary Rabbi Baruch Oberlander; Yeshiva Director and Shliach in Budapest Rabbi Shmuel Glitsenstein; Head Shliach to Austria and Yeshiva Founder Rabbi Yaakov Biderman; Chairman of Chabad Institutions in Hungary Rabbi Shlomo Koves; and Head Shliach to Slovakia Rabbi Baruch Myers.

The crowd expressed their gratitude to the donor, R’ Emanuel Mairov, a dignitary of the Vienna community, and to the Sofer, Rabbi Reuven Greenberg, a parent of one of the students.

Hashgacha Pratis

Following a spirited procession with torches and dancing in the courtyard and the new Zal, the crowd sat down for a Seudas Mitzvah. During the meal, the Rosh Yeshiva shared the incredible Hashgacha Pratis behind the scroll.

“Two years ago, late at night, R’ Emanuel offered to drive me home,” the Rosh Yeshiva recounted. “During that short drive, he suddenly expressed his desire to partner with the Yeshiva by donating a Sefer Torah. This was right as we were preparing for a ‘Siyum’ campaign where every bochur was finishing a Masechta. I felt immediately that this was a heavenly sign uniting the Written Torah with the Oral Torah.

“A few days later, Rabbi Reuven the Sofer approached me—knowing nothing of the previous conversation—and offered to start writing a Sefer Torah for the Yeshiva, hoping a donor would eventually be found. It was a clear match from Above.”

The Rebbe’s Letter

The timing of the event also involved remarkable providence. “We were looking for an auspicious date and settled on Rosh Chodesh Shevat,” the Rosh Yeshiva explained. “Shortly after, I came across a letter from the Rebbe regarding the completion of a Sefer Torah. The Rebbe explicitly mentions three dates, the first being Rosh Chodesh Shevat, citing the possuk in Devarim that on the ‘eleventh month, on the first of the month… Moshe began explaining this Torah.'”

“If that wasn’t enough,” he continued, “a few days ago, seeing the heavy snow and frost, some suggested postponing the event. I looked at that same letter again and found the Rebbe’s clear instruction not to delay a Siyum: ‘It does not seem right to me to postpone the Siyum… and when the Sofer is ready to finish, it should be set for an auspicious day close to the time of completion… such as the month of Shevat – Rosh Chodesh…’.”

“Like a Painting”

The impact of the celebration is still being felt. “There was something in the air that truly felt like Tomchei Tmimim… like the old days,” wrote one prominent Shliach. Another Shlucha commented, “We felt like we were inside a Zalman Kleinman painting.”

In light of the Yeshiva’s success, registration for the coming year is set to open soon. Responding to high demand from parents across Europe, the Hanhala plans to open a special Mechina Shiur (for 8th grade graduates) with a unique curriculum to prepare students for Yeshiva Ketana.