The young division of the Ichud Yeshivos (צעירים איחוד בני הישיבות) held a kenos in Yerushalayim on Thursday, the fifth night of Chanukah. Hundreds of bnei torah were in attendance in the Tiferes Yerushalayim Hall. Among the prominent rabbonim attending were HaGaon HaRav Reuven Elbaz Shlita and HaGaon HaRav David Yosef Shlita, members of the Shas Moetzas Gedolei Torah.

Opening remarks were heard from Rav Aharon Ben Adiva, who spoke of the importance of achdus among bnei torah. He was followed by Rav Yehoshua Veizgan, Rav Kehillos Chanichei Yeshivos Yerushalayim.

One of the other speakers was Rav Yosef, who called on talmidim to make a greater emphasis in their limud. He spoke of the amended draft law, exclaiming “the draft threat has passed” for now. Rav Yosef acknowledged he is aware that for some bnei torah, they have the feeling that they are insignificant and they do not matter, explaining this is not so and every ben torah should be proud of his status.

“We daven for the army to be victorious, and may late father and teacher made a mi’sheberach for IDF soldiers every Shabbos. On the other hand, it must be understood that without limud Torah there is no possibility of succeeding, there is no hope of existing for our entire future is dependent on limud Torah.

Towards the end, HaGaon HaRav Reuven Elbaz arrived. It was explained he was delayed because he was giving a weekly shiur. Some of the participants already left but this did not deter Rav Elbaz from being mechazeik those who remained. Rav Elbaz focused his remarks on Yosef HaTzaddik.

The head of the Shas Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita was supposed to attend as well, but he was not feeling well and he was compelled to cancel.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)