Kollel Tiferes Menachem in Los Angeles held a joyous Chag HaSmicha celebrating those who received semicha after a rigorous year of study and testing, with speeches by leading rabbonim and a packed crowd of family and community members.

This year, we proudly celebrate 25 years of Kollel Tiferes Menachem, baruch Hashem, marking a significant milestone in spreading Torah learning and empowering leaders and spiritual mentors.

It was an evening bursting with joy and pride as families, friends, and community members came together to honor the newly ordained rabbis of Kollel Tiferes Menachem in Los Angeles. Guests from across the country gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements and dedication of these young rabbis.

This past year at Kollel Tiferes Menachem has truly been extraordinary, baruch Hashem. Through an immersive and rigorous program, the talmidim gained comprehensive training, fully equipping them as future Torah scholars, compassionate community leaders, and inspiring rabbis.

The past year featured a range of enriching experiences designed to deepen the students’ spiritual and communal growth. Among these was a memorable Shabbaton in the Palisades, offering both spiritual rejuvenation and opportunities for meaningful camaraderie among the bochurim.

A standout aspect of this year’s programming included an essential and highly praised series on dating and marriage. Led by esteemed Rabbis Yosef Shusterman, Mendel Lipsker, and Mendel Schapiro, these classes provided critical personal guidance for the students, helping them prepare for their own future marriages.

The gala Chag HaSmicha held at Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon marked the culmination of extensive study and preparation. Before receiving their ordination, the bochurim underwent rigorous testing by prominent rabbis, Rabbi Boruch Hertz and Dayan Levi Yitzchok Raskin, demonstrating their deep mastery of halacha and readiness to assume their rabbinic duties.

The evening celebration began warmly with welcoming words from the newly ordained Rabbi Berel Lipsker, setting a deeply inspiring atmosphere.

Esteemed speakers addressing the gathering included Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin, Head Shliach of Chabad West Coast; Rabbi Ezra B. Schochet, Rosh Yeshiva of Ohr Elchonon Chabad Los Angeles; Dayan Levi Yitzchok Raskin, Rav Mara D’Asra of London; Rabbi Yosef Y. Shusterman, Rav Mara D’Asra of Beverly Hills; and Rabbi Dovid Schmukler, Rosh Kollel Tiferes Menachem. Adding a personal and heartfelt touch, Rabbi Moshe Kesselman shared reflections on behalf of the parents.

The new rabbis themselves captivated the audience with heartfelt messages during the Young Rabbis’ Address, eloquently delivered by Rabbis Shua Greenberg, Mendel Gurkov, Sholom Friedman, and Shmuli Andrusier, reflecting on their transformational journey and deep sense of mission.

The emotional high point of the evening was the formal presentation of Smicha Certificates, marking the official beginning of their roles as ordained rabbis, fully prepared to enrich and inspire their future communities bezH.

Kollel Tiferes Menachem is renowned for consistently producing exceptional rabbonim, dayonim, roshei kollel, and shluchim who enrich Jewish communities worldwide, baruch Hashem. This year’s graduating class proudly continues this inspiring tradition.

Mazal tov to Rabbis Shmuli Andrusier, Tzemach Begun, Shmuly Cunin, Mendel Deitsch, Isaac Ehrenberg, Ari Engel, Yossi Feldman, Sholom Friedman, Shua Greenberg, Yechezkel Gurkow, Mendel Gurkow, Yisroel Gutnick, Mendel Kanofsky, Yisroel Tzvi Kesselman, Levi Ladaiov, Levi Levin, Zalman Lew, Berel Lipskier, Meir Rubenfeld, Levi Sandberg, Shmulik Serebryanski, and Shmuly Wudowski, along with their families.

May this remarkable milestone serve as a springboard for their continued growth, success, and meaningful service to Klal Yisrael. Mazal tov and may we celebrate many more joyous occasions together with the coming of Moshiach now!

For more information or to apply, please email [email protected].
Photo credits: @zekeyphotography