The halls of Mesivta Oholei Torah are once again filled with the vibrant sound of Torah as 225 talmidim begin a new Shnas Halimudim at the Greenwald Campus on Remsen Avenue, making it the largest Lubavitch Mesivta in North America.
Many of the bochurim arrived directly from a summer at Yeshivas Kayitz Program (YKP), Oholei Torah’s overnight summer program, carrying the energy and growth of the summer into the new year.
Led by Menahel Rabbi Moshe Silman, the Mesivta provides each talmid with the guidance and environment to grow in Nigleh, Chassidus, and Chassidishe hanhogo. Shiur Alef is guided by Sgan Menahel Rabbi Eli Oster, while Shiur Beis and Gimmel are led by Sgan Menahel Rabbi Zalman Laufer. With each division situated on its own floor and learning in its own zal, the bochurim benefit from a focused setting tailored to their stage of growth.
Joining the Mesivta this year is Rabbi Yitzchok Polter, who will serve as a Maggid Shiur in Shiur Gimmel. Rabbi Polter joins the Mesivta’s dedicated team of Mashpiim, Maggidei Shiur, and Mashgichim who devote themselves to the learning, growth, and wellbeing of every talmid.
The Mesivta also welcomed a large group of 17 shluchim, whose energy, warmth, and Chassidishe chayus contribute greatly to the atmosphere of the Mesivta. Through learning with the talmidim, arranging programs, and serving as positive role models, the shluchim play an important role in strengthening the spirit of the Yeshiva.
Located just 15 minutes from Crown Heights, the Greenwald Campus enables every bochur, including those who live at home, to experience a complete day in Yeshiva. Comfortable facilities, three daily meals, and all three tefillos on campus provide an immersive Yeshiva environment centered around learning and Chassidishe growth.
This year, 80 bochurim are residing in the Mesivta dormitory. On Shabbos, the Mesivta hosts sedarim in two locations: at the Greenwald Campus for the dormitory bochurim and those living in Remsen Village, and at Oholei Torah’s main campus at 667 Eastern Parkway for bochurim living in Crown Heights.
Throughout the summer, extensive preparations took place to ensure that every detail was ready for the arrival of the talmidim. Menahel Gashmi Rabbi Sholom Gordon invested tremendous time and effort coordinating the many practical needs of the Mesivta and preparing the campus for a smooth opening.
Director of Operations Rabbi Hirsh Meilech Rosenfeld, together with Rabbi Shneur Zalman Oster, Shaina Rosenfeld, and the entire operations team, worked diligently to ready the batei midrash, classrooms, dormitories, and campus facilities.
The financial office, led by Rabbi Dov Klyne, devoted significant effort to staff onboarding, payroll, and the many financial preparations required for the opening of the year. The registration office, led by Rabbi Sholom Rosenfeld, together with Rabbi Yisroel Cohen, worked closely with families to process registrations, organize student information, and ensure that each talmid could begin the year smoothly.
With spacious learning areas, a state of the art mikvah, a full gym, an outdoor sports field, and comfortable dormitory facilities, the Greenwald Campus offers an ideal setting for the complete development of every bochur. With the new Shnas Halimudim now underway, the talmidim are poised for a year of dedicated learning and personal growth.
Photos: Yossi Fajnland
