Thousands of seniors from Tiferes Zekeinim Levi Yitzchak kollelim across Eretz Yisroel gathered at the Binyanei HaUma conference center for a moving event, attended by rabbonim and dignitaries, where a bold plan was announced to establish 1,000 new senior kollel locations.

Binyanei HaUma in Yerushalayim was filled with thousands of seniors from across Eretz Yisroel for the annual appreciation event of the “Tiferes Zekeinim – Levi Yitzchak” kollel network run by Colel Chabad. They came to celebrate the achievements of Tiferes Zekeinim and to strengthen themselves in Torah as the new zman begins.

The program opened with what organizers called the largest joint siyum masechta of its kind, completed together by the learners of Tiferes Zekeinim.

The keynote, titled Ateres Zekeinim, was delivered by the well-known shliach and maggid Rav Shneur Ashkenazi, who spoke about the unique koach of Torah in the golden years. “You are celebrating, and I am moved to tears,” he said, describing how the Rebbe’s vision is being fulfilled before our eyes.

The Rishon LeTzion, Rav Shlomo Moshe Amar, gave a heartfelt speech and then led a moving Kabbalas Ol Malchus Shamayim.

Emceed by R’ Efraim Kammisar, the program shared powerful personal stories from seniors around the country. A particularly gripping part focused on Ofakim, where terrorists infiltrated during the horrific attack. Many seniors there, still carrying deep trauma, spoke about how the Tiferes Zekeinim kollel became a source of healing and stability.

The participants enjoyed a lavish seudas mitzvah, accompanied by uplifting chassidishe niggunim led by R’ Yoni Shlomo and his ensemble. Throughout the program, video highlights of the Rebbe were shown, alongside words about Rav Levi Yitzchak, the Rebbe’s father, for whom this growing Torah network is named.

R’ Levi Leviev, a principal partner of the network, spoke about the Rebbe’s directive to establish kollelim for seniors and the respect due to those who devote their later years to daily learning. He then unveiled an ambitious plan to expand Tiferes Zekeinim to 1,000 kollelim, calling on communities to open new branches and inviting partners to join in supporting local programs so that every city can offer a place for seniors to learn and grow in Torah.

The event concluded with remarks from Rabbi Sholom Duchman, director of Colel Chabad, who described hearing the Rebbe’s original announcement at a farbrengen in 770 and encouraged the lomdim to add in learning.

Photo: Yaakov Nahumi