In the weeks that have followed the launch of Merkos 302’s Kollel L’lomdei Dach, the excitement and success of this new Chassidus learning initiative has become increasingly evident. The program has garnered widespread enthusiasm among The over 120 participants, who have dedicated themselves to structured, consistant and ambitious Chassidus study.
The Kollel, which began its virtual Beis Midrash on Hei Teves, has quickly gained momentum. The over 120 participants, committed to dedicating a minimum of three hours a week (ideally with a chavrusa), are finding the program not only enriching but also transformative in their connection to Chassidus.
The first Sugya covered the topic of “Birchas Hashem Hi Tashir,” that a Jew’s income is supernatural; the kollel’s curriculum included Maamorim of the Alter Rebbe, Derech Mitzvosecha from the Tzemach Tzedek, Kuntres U’Maayon from the Rebbe Rashab, as well as Igros, Sichos and Maamorim from the Rebbe, amongst many other sources.
“The learning of Chassidus is what drives everything we do as Chassidim,” says Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, executive director of Merkos 302. “The hustle of Shlichus and day-to-day life can make it challenging to maintain a consistent in-depth regimen of Chassidus learning. We are seeing the Kollel addressing that critical need.”
One of the key factors is the structured curriculum, comprising thirty fundamental topics in Chassidus, each to be mastered over six-to-nine-week intervals. The carefully curated approach has proven effective in guiding participants through the vast sea of material, addressing the commonly faced challenge of where to begin.
Rabbi Yosef Klyne, serving as the Rosh Kollel, continues to play a pivotal role in the program’s success. His weekly classes serve as a valuable roadmap for participants, providing clarity and direction in navigating the material. The “Blatt Shiur” by Rabbi Levi Paltiel, the Menahel Ruchni of the Kollel, further enhances the learning experience.
“I’m really enjoying Rabbi Paltiel’s blatt shiurim as well as those of Rabbi Farkash and Rabbi Klyne, shared Rabbi Peretz Shapiro, Shliach in Dallas, Texas. “It’s a well-balanced program that clearly has been carefully developed and designed!”
Guest mashpi’im regularly join the program, adding depth and insights through farbrenging sessions. A lively WhatsApp group is dedicated to discussions and additional learning, with Rabbi Dovid Markel as its designated shoel mashiv. The group chat has become a vibrant community hub, fostering camaraderie and helps participants gain additional understanding.
A standout feature of the Kollel remains the weekly shiurim delivered live on Zoom by two beloved mashpi’im: Rabbi Asher Farkash in Yiddish and Rabbi Yosef Klyne in English. These sessions have been transformative for many participants, with Rabbi Farkash’s ability to elucidate Chassidus and Rabbi Klyne’s unique skill in making complex concepts relatable earning high praise. The Kollel has a dedicated shoel u’meishiv, Rabbi Dovid Markel, available to talk in learning on the group chat or one on one,
“Thank you so much for all of the work with the Kollel. It is something that I look forward to, and I feel that it is changing my life for the better, said Mr Binyamin Levine from Baltimore, Maryland.
As the Kollel L’lomdei Dach continues to unfold, the success stories and positive impact on participants are becoming more pronounced. Rabbi Betzalel Bassman, the menahel gashmi of the Kollel, reflects on the program’s achievements, saying, “I have been inundated with messages from Chavrei HaKollel that the keviyus and the learning has literally changed their lives in a few short weeks”.
Rabbi Levi Paltiel, the menahel ruchnie of the Kollel has expressed the feedback he has been receiving “We are thrilled to witness the growing success of the Kollel. It serves as a practical means for individuals to maintain inspiration and immerse themselves in the study of Chassidus in a sustainable and enjoyable manner.”
The next sugyah will begin on the 9th of Adar I.
For those interested in joining Merkos 302’s Kollel L’lomdei Dach and experiencing the transformative journey of structured Chassidus study, more information is available at kolleldach.com Or reach out on WhatsApp +1 (732) 707‑7703 or email bml@merkos302.com.
You can see a preview of a week in the Kollel here
https://kolleldach.com/preview
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