Yeshivas Lubavitch Toronto – More Than Just Alumni

I may be called an alumnus of Yeshivas Lubavitch Toronto. But I beg to differ.

To be an Alumnus of a Yeshiva, generally entails a certain pride, maybe a belonging to that Yeshiva and may often serve as a reason to give back to those who gave you that wonderful experience.

As someone that has been through Yeshivas Lubavitch Toronto though, it means so much more.

We weren’t just Bachurim which went through a Yeshiva – we were the Yeshiva. The Maggidei Shiurim, Mashpi’im, and most dear of all Rabbi Wagner A”H, were living an experience together for the years we spent there. An experience that still affects my daily life.

More then pride for being through such a wonderful Yeshiva, it is a feeling of אשרינו. How lucky we were to be gifted the opportunity to be through those doors, and experience the learning, davening, and most notably the Farbrengens of Toronto. Few words can describe just how unique the wholesomeness of a Toronto Motzaei Shabbos Slichos Farbrengen, or Chadaram dancing feels.

And over the last while that feeling of אשרינו has become ever more pronounced.

Everyone was pained at the news one short year ago, that the beloved Rosh Yeshiva rabbi Akiva Wagner A”H passed away the day after his 55th birthday. And as someone who was Zoche (- who wasn’t -) to have a connection with him, it was an unimaginable tragedy.

But in addition to this pain, for me it rung out the אשרינו – how lucky we were to live through the incredible Yeshivas Lubavitch Toronto experience. How rare it was to have a Rosh Yeshiva who was able to blend both immense chassidishkeit, incredible learning genius, and animated farbrenging, and be truly dedicated beyond limits.

While i may relish the past, looking at the Yeshiva today, though, i see that it has stood the test of time. The unbelievable energy and life that paints those walls, the heimishe chasidishe varemkeit is still ever present. It is a yeshiva that was built on those values through the vision and care of Rabbi Wagner, and it was built to last.

With the help of Hashem, the Yeshiva will continue to imbue each of it’s students with these values, and those who live through it will Bez”h realize it’s value and impact. The true life of Rabbi Wagner will be forever felt.

It is now in our hands to fuel this powerful engine. It is my greatest hope that together we help the Yeshiva continue to blossom to it’s fullest potential, and allow the vision of Rabbi Wagner to carry on.

Please take part at Raisethon.com/YLT