Bais Menachem in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania marked the completion of its 11th year on Yud Bais Tammuz, with an awards banquet for students- and with the surprise participation of many alumni who drove down for the occasion.
The atmosphere was charged with energy as words of inspiration and good wishes were shared by members of hanhola.
A beautiful slideshow was put together for the evening by several talented students, as well as a journal sharing memories and laughs all around.
Awards of recognition were handed out to several bochurim who showed exemplary effort and commitment to learning and seder, and to personal growth and improvement.
The highlight of the evening may have been the very first granting of semicha to take place in Bais Menachem Wilkes-Barre. Led by Rabbi Mendel Zirkind, a select group of older bochurim joined the program to learn, as well as to serve as a positive influence on the younger bochurim in the program. The students met with tremendous success throughout the year, and achieved their goals, receiving their semicha certificates to the admiration of all present.
Below are some thoughts of one of our new Rabbis:
“…..the end of my first year at Bais Menachem I knew I wanted to do smicha. Other older students at Bais Menachem wanted to stay on to continue their Yeshiva education as well. I wanted to continue at Bais Menachem, to be able to have a good influence and be a good role model to the younger students. Rabbi Mendel Zirkind headed the older program which consisted of a Smicha program and an advanced Gemorah program. Both programs flourished under Mendel’s able and constant guidance.
I recall driving to Toronto a few days after Yud Shvat, for our first test by Harav Dovid Schochet on Basar B’cholov. During the 7 hour long trip we reviewed the material, continuously and throughly. The test was a 5 hour marathon of question, answer and discussion. Boruch Hashem we were all Matzliach. We returned with enthusiasm to continue our studies. Shortly before Pesach, Rabbi Zirkind proctored a written test on Taruvos. Upon which we once again were all successful. After an inspiring Pesach in S. Monica I was ready to resume my studies. The final test encompassing a wide spectrum of Halochos. Including, Pas, Bishul and Cholov Aku”m, Shabbos, Hagoloh and Melicha. Which was passed by us all.
Back to the present, I want to congratulate my fellow newbie Rabbis. Rabbi Mendy Baitz, Rabbi Yaakov Perlman and Rabbi Shimon Rosenthal. It was a pleasure and an honor to learn side by side with you guys. I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you Rabbi Mendel Zirkind for all the time and effort you invested in us. I would also like to thank the Hanholo, Uri, Pinye and Mendy for all you have done for us. Thank you to the Shluchim and the Bochurim for such an awesome year. Thank you Rebbe for watching and mentoring us throughout and making it all possible.
This is Newbie Rabbi, Rabbi Shimmy Wrightman, and they just called my name…”
Mazal tov Shimon oops ,Rabbi Shimon, we are sooo happy for you.We wish you continued success in all that you do
Go Mendel Zirgind – the best!
Mazel tov Shimon for all your hard work and success. Mazel tov also to your parents. They should always have much nachas from you and your siblings.
We are so… proud and happy for you on receiving your Smichas. Your parents have much to be proud of, and I’m sure your BubieRayzel, and Zaide Shalom and great-grandparents are “kvelling” fom nachas bashamayim.
May you continue to be a great inspiration for all the family.
Yashar Hoach! The Hakuk’s
where can one a picture of the kosel like the panoramic on the wall
So proud of you Mendy Baitch! You look great as a Rabbi 😉
Much success in everything you do.
to all fine peirois from toronto
mazel tov and continue meichayil el choyil AND
haTZLACHA IN ALL.
FROM SMICHA TO SUCCESS IN THIS ACHRAYOS AND ZCUSS OF LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE ON OTHERS
M.KORF
Mazel Tov to our Rabbi Shimon. Hard to believe all the years that have passed. May you continue to bring much nachas to your family, friends and community.
Go Mendy Baitch!!!!!!!!
From aha and sarah
Go Mendy Seewald, You Rock!!! The most amazing year ever…. Wilkes-Barre is the best school ever!!!!
Mazal Tov Guys.
You are truly a great inspiration. its so amazing to see the changes that happen to these great young men when they get to Wilkes. You guys have definitely discovered the right ingredients to bring out the best in your amazing students.
Yelchu mechail El Choyil and may you be an inspiration to all Yeshivas around the world to follow your fine example.
You are the absolutely best guy around! your an inspiration to everyone who knows you! keep us proud.
Go Uncle B!!!!
WAY 2 GO SHIMMMMMMMMMMMAYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maze Tov all the Toronto Rabbis Shlita!! – The Rosenzweigs
you guys rock im so proud of u all, even the ones that chickened out half way….i want to say a story i once heard about this choded from mizritch named who owned a tavern and was having a very hard time paying his rent…after being threatened by the poritz many times finaly the poritz locked him up….this story actualy reminds me of a nother story that has the same endidng so ill say this one too and then end it the same….this story is about moshele who for many years him a sarahle coupldnt have any children…basicly they both… Read more »
It was a pleasure to see you all grow Bgashmius and Ruchnius. We hope that the food for your soul was as good as the food for your bodies. Mazel tov to the staff, students and especially Rabbi Mendel Zirkind , and Rabbi Uri Perlman You made us very proud.
Your #1 fans ; The Rosenzweigs
Zalmy your looking good. Keep it up. (way to sneak into a picture Dovi)
http://www.baismenachem.com/donate
Avi ur the best guy around keep keepin me proud brother!!!
go pinny!!!!!!!!
way to go mendy and levi see you soon
Uri Perlman and the rest of the amazing staff inspire us and give us hope that there is ahavas yisroel for our boys and true emes is still alive. With your sincerity and deep respect and love for each tamim, you will change the world. THANK YOU WILKES-BARRE!!!
go aryeh laufer!!!!!!!!!!
Mazel Tov to all the boys especially Yank the Tank:-) Uri and Mendy and Pinny- you are such an inspiration to us “original” Kinsgstonians! What an amazing Chayos u all bring!
Wow look at all these stunning gentelman, gosh where does the time go folks? Wilkes had a great year guys everyone should be very proud of themselves! Mendy saacks looking great!
WHOOOO!
GO URI!
GO YANKY!
GO ZAIDY!
U GUYS ROCKKKKK!
–A nice/granddaughter in NY
go mendy baitz
Mazal Tov Mendy Baitz, congratulations! great to see you
Rabbi Uri–I am shepping such nachas from you and all your accomplishments–Mazal tov to you and all the new rabbis and my favorite ( for obvious reasons) Yock Dock
Mazal Tov Shimon and Shimmy…!!! Well done guys..I very proud of you…!!
Moishe Brunstein (Toronto)
ur awesome the best guy aroung!!!!
Mazel Tov Menachem Grossman kol hakoavod!!!!!!
Amazing accomplishment. Swimming upstream the whole way!
You boys bring so much light and life to Wilkes-Barre! May you all be zoche to go m’chayil el chayil till the coming of Moshiach. Every one of you is an inspiration to us!
Great job!
This is where the energy from the media and bloggers should be spent. Not on non-sence politics and everyone else’s issues with being too frum for crown heights and that garbage! These boys make me proud to be part of the community! It’s articles like this that give me hope for raising kids in Crown Heights. These are our Roll-Models! M’Chay’l L’choh’el. Way-to-go Mendy Baitz! (an old friend).
For all the naysayers on the Wilkes-Barre boys over the years, R’oo Gidulim Shegidlu.
U GUYS ROCK!
MAZEL TOV!
Great job guys! We are so proud of you!
The Brownsteins
This place it truly amazing!!!
Mazel tov Shimon…so amazing..from Mendel in toronto – who u shadowed!