The Anash and wider community of Sydney came together this week to celebrate a landmark event: the Smicha Graduation of a group of bochurim who have spent the past year immersed in Torah study and Chassidishe growth.

The Anash and wider community of Sydney came together this week to celebrate a landmark event: the Smicha Graduation of a group of bochurim who have spent the past year immersed in Torah study and Chassidishe growth.

The evening marked not only the personal milestone of these young men receiving their rabbinic ordination but also the profound effect they had on the entire kehilla during their time in Sydney.

Over the course of the year, the bochurim engaged in rigorous study of Yoreh De’ah and practical halacha under the guidance of their dedicated hanhala. Their achievement of Smicha reflects not only intellectual accomplishment but also deep commitment to living as true Chassidim.

This year’s musmachim are: R’ Benny Bartfield, R’ Shmueli Chriqui, R’ Dovid Ezagui, R’ Shmulik HaCohen Feldman, R’ Shlomo Jacobs, R’ Shnay Uhzvolk, and R’ Dovi Zukckerman.

The joy and energy they brought to Sydney extended far beyond their own learning. Their spirited davening, constant Chayus, Mivtzoim campaigns, and willingness to share their time in Torah learning uplifted the entire Sydney Jewish Community.

Perhaps most notably, the graduates left an indelible mark on the Kesser Torah College Boys High School (KTC BHS). Acting as mentors, chavrusa partners, and role models, they elevated the atmosphere of the entire school by inspiring younger talmidim.

“The Smicha bochurim set a standard of seriousness in learning combined with warmth and simcha as well as fun,” a student shared. One teacher commented, “They showed our boys what it means to be a Chossid today.”

From farbrengens to informal conversations in the school ZAL, their influence continues to echo through the school.

The graduation drew a large crowd of men and women who came to celebrate and farewell the bochurim. Parents, educators, Rabbonim, and community members joined together for a program that included words of blessing from local leaders, reflections from the bochurim, and presentations from KTC students. The evening culminated in joyous singing and dancing that reflected the deep love and genuine brotherhood shared among the Chassidim of Sydney, followed by a Farbrengen for all participants led by Rabbi Groner.

One board member remarked, “Sydney is a community rich in soil that has the potential to nurture and develop all that is planted in it. These bochurim, like the verse ‘Ki ha’adam etz hasadeh’, were trees in the field… planted and rooted here, they grew strong and, in turn, gave their fruit back to the community. We look forward to this becoming a cycle of continued growth, led and strengthened by the Yeshiva.”

In that spirit, it was announced that six new bochurim are scheduled to arrive before Rosh Hashanah to continue the remarkable continuity and impact of the program.

Special thanks were expressed to the Board members, generous donors, KTC school leadership and the entire Sydney community for embracing the bochurim and supporting the Smicha program from its inception through to this milestone. Their dedication made it possible for the graduates to thrive, and for the community to benefit from their presence.

As the new musmachim prepare to embark on their next stages – whether in advanced learning, shlichus, or rabbinic leadership – they leave behind a strengthened community and inspired youth.

Their presence has been a living fulfillment of the Rebbe’s call for bochurim to be lamplighters, spreading Torah and Chassidus wherever they go. Sydney, in turn, has been illuminated by their dedication.

The program was led with great dedication by its menahel, Rabbi Chaim Koncepolski, who ensured that the ruchnius’dike needs of the talmidim were cared for in every way.

The board also expresses deep appreciation to Machon Smicha for providing the course materials and classes, with special thanks to Rabbi Kesselman and his team, and in particular to Rabbi Mendel Prescott, whose guidance and personal care greatly assisted the bochurim in completing their Smicha journey.