K’hal Adath Jeshurun (KAJ/“Breuer’s”) of Washington Heights, in Upper Manhattan, is one of the most unique and iconic shuls in America. Founded in 1939 by German Jewish refugees as the continuation of the Frankfurt kehillah of Rav Shamshon Raphael Hirsch, and led by the legendary Rav Dr. Joseph Breuer (Rav Hirsch’s grandson) and subsequently by Rav Shimon Schwab, Rav Zechariah Gelley, and, most recently, Rav Yisroel Mantel, KAJ is about to install its next rov, Rav Liron Rogovsky.
On Sunday, 24 Elul/September 6, which is the first day of Selichos for Ashkenazim, KAJ will celebrate the hachtarah/installation of Rav Rogovsky with a spectacular program that will include addresses by Rav Yeruchom Olshin, rosh yeshiva of Bais Medrash Govoah; Rav Tzvi Berkowitz, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Ner Yisroel of Baltimore and rebbi muvhak of Rav Rogovsky; and Rav Asher Dovid May, rosh kollel and mara d’asra of Beis Tefilla in Monsey.
The program will commence with Mincha at 2 p.m., followed by an address by Mr. Alan Ettlinger, president of KAJ. The renowned KAJ choir, under the direction of Mr. Samson R. Bechhofer, great-great-grandson of Rav Shamshon Raphael Hirsch, will perform several times during the program. The program will be followed by a collation with refreshments, music, and dancing at Dr. Raphael Moller Hall, directly across the street from the shul.
Until now, Rav Rogovsky has been serving as rosh kollel at Kollel Tiferes Avrohom and as dean of Bais Yaakov D’Rav Hirsch, and has also been teaching halacha at various Bais Yaakov high schools, all in Monsey. Rav Rogovsky received semicha from Rav Yisroel Belsky, Rav Moshe Heinemann, and Rav Yechiel Steinmetz, and is known for his lomdus, vast Torah knowledge, masterful oratory, wise counsel, and his convivial, outgoing, and exceptionally warm personality.
When word spread that Rav Rogovsky was a leading candidate to be the next rov of KAJ, those who know him—and especially former students—were filled with palpable excitement. As soon as Rav Rogovsky commenced his relationship with KAJ, it was clear to everyone in the kehillah what the excitement was all about.
Even though Rav Rogovsky was not expected to start his rabbonus at KAJ until the installation, he and his family have demonstrated their overflowing commitment to the kehillah from the outset, stunning people by spending nearly every Shabbos in Washington Heights since the departure of Rav Mantel, even though the Rogovskys’ apartment was not even ready or furnished (!), and with Rav Rogovsky driving from Monsey every day — sometimes several times a day — to daven at KAJ and deliver shiurim on a regular basis.
Rav Rogovsky’s shiurim at KAJ have been a real hit from the start. They are deep, clear, and captivating, and demonstrate mastery of Torah on the profoundest of levels. Coupled with Rav Rogovsky’s contagiously friendly personality and his energetic and highly interactive style, when Rav Rogovsky speaks, people listen.
KAJ is publishing Rav Rogovsky’s first sefer in conjunction with the hachtarah. The sefer, packed with original chiddushei Torah, will be available in seforim stores.
The hachtarah will take place at 85-93 Bennett Avenue, New York, NY, and is open to the public.
{Matzav.com}
