First Smicha in Wilkes-Barre

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…”