[Video below.] The holy air of Yerushalayim was thick with excitement last month as Aish HaTorah dedicated its spectacular-new educational center across from the Kosel. The dynamic week of activities included touring, lectures and meetings with Israeli officials.The festivities hit full stride on Wednesday with the ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Leslie & Anna Dan and Stuart & Andrea Hytman, patrons of the Aish World Center Dan Family of Canada Building. Mr. Dan is the founder of Novopharm, one of Canada’s largest generic pharmaceutical companies.
This was immediately followed by the dedication of a new Sefer Torah – amidst spirited singing and dancing – sponsored by the family of Rabbi Naftali Schiff, executive director of the Aish UK branch, in memory of his father.
“It was important that the Torah scroll dedication be the first official event in the new building,” explained Rabbi Hillel Weinberg, dean of Aish HaTorah. “This Torah symbolizes the entire purpose of the Aish facility – to spread the light of Torah to those who visit, and from there to inspire the entire world.”
This was followed by a gala luncheon featuring the Mayor of Yerushalayim, Nir Barkat, who spoke of how the new Aish HaTorah building will significantly upgrade the opportunity for Kosel visitors to explore the meaning of their Jewish heritage.
Wednesday’s festivities were punctuated by the unveiling of the “Rabbi Weinberg Tribute Wall” – an interactive display featuring short films and touch-screen access to all of Rabbi Weinberg’s teachings – in honor of the founder of Aish HaTorah who unfortunately did not live to see this building project come to fruition. “Rabbi Weinberg dedicated his life to showing Jews the beauty and wisdom of their heritage,” said Aish HaTorah CEO Rabbi Eric Coopersmith, “and this Tribute Wall will keep that message alive.”
The climax came on Thursday evening when hundreds of students and supporters gathered at the Kosel Plaza for the official dedication ceremony. With the six-story Aish building as a backdrop, Israel’s Chief Rabbi Yonah Metzger praised the new facility for combining Aish’s educational know-how with cutting edge technologies – all in the world’s most inspiring location.
The dedication ceremony concluded with the rousing performance of a boys’ choir and the premier of a new short film featuring the wisdom of Rav Noach Weinberg. With great symbolism, the film was projected onto a giant “outdoor screen” – the exterior of the new Aish building.
Following the ceremony, a gala banquet dinner was held in the building’s spacious dining room with its spectacular view overlooking the Temple Mount. Dr. Stuart Hytman spoke of how Aish HaTorah has personally influenced his family to Jewish connection and pride, and empowers the Jewish people to fight assimilation and to fulfill their destiny of Tikkun Olam (perfecting the world).
Click below to view a fascinating 6-minute film about the building’s remarkable history:
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