PHOTOS: Agudah Yom Iyun: Understanding The Power Of Mitzvos As The Key To Happiness

(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

An overflow crowd of more than 200 men and women from all around the local area flocked to the Agudath Israel of Baltimore on September 17th. They enjoyed a community-wide pre-Rosh Hashanah evening of inspiration an enrichment sponsored by Agudath Israel of America’s Commission on Torah Projects.

The event, held on the first day of selichos, was the 28th annual nationwide Yom Iyun, with listeners worldwide tuning in to the live broadcast to hear HaRav Moshe Heinemann, rov of Agudath Israel of Baltimore, and HaRav Aharon Feldman, Rosh HaYeshiva at Yeshivas Ner Yisroel, discussing the concept of “Cherishing Our Yiddishkeit,” appreciating the beauty of everyday moments in Jewish life.

Rabbi Heinemann spoke eloquently about the importance of infusing our mitzvos with simcha in order to show our children the pure joy that is inherent in their performance. Rabbi Feldman, who addresses Agudath Israel of Baltimore every year on the Sunday of selichos, discussed the many pitfalls facing today’s “me generation,” pinpointing the solutions that can be achieved by accepting Hashem’s sovereignty.

Participants left the Agudah inspired, observed Michael Fulda, president of Agudath Israel of Baltimore, who said that the shul was honored to host a significant nationwide event.

In addition to those who were able to attend the Yom Iyun in person, listeners from all over the United States, Canada and Mexico tuned into a live stream of the event. The Commission on Torah Projects will also be broadcasting nightly teleconferences during Aseres Yemei Teshuva, literally opening a world of Torah to everyone, no matter where they live.

“Not everyone lives in a place where they have easy access to events like this, so being able to share this on a global level can have a big impact on many communities,” said Rabbi Avrohom Nisan Perl, national director of Agudath Israel’s Commission on Torah Projects. “The days before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are days of introspection and it is truly a privilege to be able to do this and to get people in the right frame of mind before the Yomim Noraim.”