RIETS - Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary

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On June 3, RIETS held a reunion evening for almost 300 people at the Yeshiva University in Israel Gruss Campus, celebrating 50 years of the RIETS Israel Kollel and honoring Rosh Kollel Rabbi Dovid Miller, who has been with the Kollel since its inception.

Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Torah dean of RIETS, presented an award to Rabbi Daniel Mann and Rabbi Dr. Yisrael Levitz in recognition of their 25+ years teaching in the kollel. Rabbi Dr. Aharon Lichtenstein zt”l was highlighted for his profound impact on the kollel. In the morning, Rabbi Dr. Aaron Rakeffet-Rothkoff gave a special shiur in recognition of Mr. Joseph Gruss, followed by the presentation of an award recognizing his 50 years teaching in the kollel. Prior to the evening celebration, Rabbi Chaim Eisenstein and Rabbi Daniel Mann gave shiurim to the men and Rebbetzin Leora Bednarsh gave a shiur to the women.

The highlights of the evening included a communal Siyum HaShas and dancing in honor of Rabbi Miller and the 50th anniversary (learned in large part by many former talmidim of the RIETS Israel Kollel worldwide) and reflections by Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman as both a former member of the kollel and the current President and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva University and RIETS. The evening concluded with a panel discussion featuring Rabbi Berman, Rabbi Miller and Rabbi Assaf Bednarsh, moderated by Rabbi Dr. Adam Ferziger.

The event was extremely meaningful and inspiring for the alumni to return back to where they spent magical years learning in the RIETS Israel Kollel.