Mayanot Students and Rabbis gathered on Thursday for a heartfelt reception of the founding donorof their Jerusalem Yeshiva and known philanthropist Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Gutnick.
The evening focused on the theme of ‘the days of Sefirah’ as preparation for the ‘giving of the Torah’. Words of inspiration were delivered by the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yonah Metzger, Rabbi Gutnick and from the Mayanot Rabbis.
In attendance were Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yonah Metzger, Rabbi Y.Y. Havlin (Rabbi of the Ramat Shlomo Chabad Community), Rabbi Avremel Silver (Mashpia of the Mayanot Shul of Crown Heights), and Rabbi Eliyahu Stern (Rabbi of the Israeli Police Force).
Master of Ceremonies, Rabbi Shlomo Gestetner, Dean of Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies and the Rabbi of the Mayanot Community Shul in Nachlaot opened the evening by thanking the Chief Rabbi, and reminiscing about Rabbi Gutnick’s huge role and vision in founding Mayanot 12 years ago.
The Chief Rabbi expounded on the two ideas of ‘Torah’ and ‘Gedulah’ (greatness) explaining that not only does Rabbi Gutnick exemplify worldwide philanthropy and leadership but is also a man of ‘Torah’ as a Shliach and address for questions and words of advice.
Rabbi Braun represented the Rabbis of Mayanot and spoke about the giving of the Torah through the lens of one of the Rebbe’s talks.
Rabbi Gutnick spoke about the Rebbe’s views about the integrity of the land of Israel, and mentioned from one private audience the Rebbe’s comments, “It’s time for Lubavitch to have its own wealthy individuals” – then turning to the students, Rabbi Gutnick exclaimed, “and it’s time that Mayanot has its own wealthy individuals!”
One of the Australian students from Perth spoke about his close relationship with R. Gutnick’s son R. Mordechai Gutnick in Perth, about his warm and open home which ultimately inspired him to come to Mayanot.
Executive Director Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov relayed a talk of the Rebbe on this week’s portion from 1991. Where the Rebbe spoke about precious stones and diamonds which were found in a remote corner of the earth (a reference to Rabbi Gutnick’s finds at the time) – and that these precious stones were for “Kishutei Kallah” – to adorn the bride – the Jewish nation, who are verily “these young Mayanot students in front of you representing Jewish communities from all corners of the globe.”
Everyone was inspired and uplifted by the unique warmth and atmosphere of the Mayanot event.
rabbi shemtov and rabbi gestetner, your work in maayanot has changed the course of history for the jewish people. you have enabled a new generation of intelligent young adults to become actively part of the jewish community around the world. Maayanot students are the cream of the crop. Something very right is going on in Maayanot. kol hadovod!
nice sign, looks too professional
mlw
The one who started Mayanot was Rabbi Gestetner and Shemtov, with the help of Reb Yossil Gutnick.
Colel Chabad started Mercaz Gutnick, NOT Mayanot.
MAYANOT IS REALLY AN AMAZING PLACE.
Let us not rewrite history:
The founder of Mayanot was Colel Chabad / Sholom Duchman
You are very wrong! Rabbis Shemov & Gestetner kept up their relationship with Yossel all through the years & he mentioned it in his speech. They even visited in Australia w/o monetary requests. I think the same is true of Rabbi Yossel Aronov. But now we will see all those coming out of the wood work. BTW Rabbi Gutnick was a founder of Mayanot and even before that was instrumental in bringing Rabbi Gestetner to Israel.
mayanot has always supported r. y. gutnick throughout the years as he did them
rabbi gestetner and rabbi shemtov you guys do a phenominal job keep it up!
suddenly thay remember yossel……
Rabbi Braun is the greatest teacher ever.