Kingston Warmly Welcomes Rabbi Oberlander

A grand farbrengen and bruchim haboim welcomed Harav Gedalya Oberlander to the Chabad community of Kingston, PA, where he moved to serve as rov. 

By Anash.org reporter

A grand farbrengen and bruchim haboim welcomed Harav Gedalya Oberlander to the Chabad community of Kingston, PA, where he moved to serve as rov. 

Rabbi Oberlander founded Heichal Menachem of Monsey in 5759, and had stood at its helm ever since. In time, it grew into a full shul and community. He is the chief editor of the ‘Ohr Yisroel’ journal which discusses contemporary halachic subjects, and author of numerous seforim on Halacha. He is also a member of Vaad Rabbonei Lubavitch, and a rov and mentor to many anash and shluchim.

The farbrengen, which also marked the auspicious day of Chai Elul, featured a full catered seudas mitzvah in honor of the day and the occasion. Tens of community members packed into the Beis Moshe shul for the farbrengen, and a number of guests from Monsey also attended.

Emceeing the evening was Rabbi Tzviki Wolvovsky. First to speak was Harav Shlomo Segal of Crown Heights, who spoke about the significance of appointing a rov. Harav Menachem Meir Weissmandl, rov of Nitra in Monsey and a world-renowned posek, who traveled especially to join the event, spoke next, extolling the praises of the new rov.

Speaking on behalf of the community was Rabbi Yankel Berkowitz, who offered a warm and animated welcome to the rov, and wishes of success in his new role. Harav Oberlander then gave his opening address, discussing the role of a rov, the auspicious time of year, and thanking the community for their welcome.

At the conclusion of the official event, many members of the community approached the rov to introduce themselves and personally welcome him. A short chassidishe farbrengen then followed.

VIDEO: Rabbi Oberlander’s address