This Motzai Shabbos at the National Agudah convention, Klal Yisroel will pay  tribute to Rabbi Shmuel Bloom, the veteran Agudah leader and world – renowned Torah Askan upon his retirement as Executive Vice- President of Agudas Yisroel of America. As Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel assumes this position, these two tireless Askanim whose very lives breath Agudas Yisroel and Ahavas Yisroel, were both shaped and molded by the legendary Agudah leader Rabbi Moshre Sherer Z’L himself. The Organization’s press release speaks volumes “It will be a passing from dear friend to dear friend and from one confidant of Gedolei Yisroel to another.”

While change is bittersweet, this is a moment to reflect on the past, show Hakoras Hatov and renew our lion- hearted communal spirit. Today’s turbulent times demands nothing less. It is to Rabbi Blooms credit that the Agudah finds itself well positioned to take on the new and complex challenges facing us.

As a genuine servant of the Klal –  Reb Shmuel is a Kohen, whose very being personifies Kedoshim Tehiu. Having the full confidence of Gedolai Yisroel, Admorim and Rabbonim from across the spectrum requires great intellect, keen understanding and wisdom.

As a trusted confidant and assistant to Rabbi Sherer Z”L , under Rabbi Bloom’s direction, the Agudah  implemented many now famous programs benefiting thousands including: project COPE, Keren Hashvies, Project YES and none more relevant or timely then PCS, the vaunted job procurement program. Relief projects like the Iranian Rescue Committee, Vaad L’Hatzolas Nidchei Yisroel, Operation Open Curtain and countless others were successfully created with Reb Shmuels imprint.

Standing at Rabbi Sherer’s side, numerous fights against indecency and intolerance, at home and abroad, were organized. Together with Rabbi Chaskel Besser, Jewish cemetery preservation across Eastern Europe became an American Government priority and Kavud Hamais found a champion in none other than Klal Yisroel’s dedicated Kohen.

Inyonai Hatzibur, Kedushas Eretz Yisroel and Kavod Habrios are the very essence of Agudas Yisroel and for the past ten years Rabbi Shmuel Bloom was at the helm, carrying on his mentor’s legacy.

Today, wearing a Yamulkah in the secular work place or leaving work early for Shabbos with no fear of retribution, is B”H taken for granted. It must be known that the Agudah fought and continues those battles every day with Rabbi Bloom and Rabbi Zwiebel leading the charge. Invented and pursued by Rabbi Sherer, the groundbreaking initiatives of government aid/school choice have become an important focal point and mission of the seven offices that the Agudah has opened in  California, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, Florida, Texas and  New Jersey- all to serve Klal Yisroel more effectively. These impressive activities and investments of resources have all come under the leadership and direction of Rabbi Bloom since Rabbi Sherers Z”L petira.

An organization that is 87 years young, the Agudah now looks to you and me for renewed vigor, vitality and strength. Public service is sadly viewed as old fashioned- yet the stakes have never been  higher or more urgent. Let us not bemoan the precarious state we find ourselves in, rather let us roll up our sleeves and get to the task of solving our problems- “TOGETHER” as Rabbi Sherer Z”L famously proclaimed.

Getting the job done and helping Klal Yisroel, was and is his only goal – a lesson that we all might learn better. The serene and knowing smile constantly displayed by Rabbi Bloom comes from his full confidence and experience that Gedolai Yisroel know better. Emunas Chachomim is no cheap slogan, it is simply his Metzious.

It is my personal hope that Klal Yisroel realizes just how special a role Rabbi Bloom and the Agudah has and continues to play in our development as a thriving community. Whatever your political or ideological persuasions may be, all of our lives are immeasurably better because of the tremendous Avodas Hakodesh of this dedicated public servant.

This week, we have an opportunity to salute Reb Shmuel’s decades of monumental accomplishments on our behalf.

I will be there – so should you.

Chaskel Bennett