At a deeply moving L’chaim celebration marking the publication of his 60th sefer, Mishmeres HaBayis on the halachos of challah, the renowned posek, Rav Moshe Mordechai Karp, was overcome with emotion and broke into tears as he began singing “Mah ashiv laHashem,” a moment that swept up all those present in heartfelt song and gratitude.
The event brought together rabbonim and dayanim of the Beis Horaah B’Yisrael, who gathered in honor of Rav Karp’s latest work. The sefer, a detailed and comprehensive halachic volume of more than 350 pages, offers clear guidance, lucid explanations, and illuminating psakim on topics relevant to the Jewish home. It also includes insightful notes on the Teshuvos Zeraim of the Rashba.
In his remarks, Rav Karp spoke emotionally of his formative years in the presence of the Steipler Gaon, author of Kehillos Yaakov zt”l. He shared that many of the halachos recorded in the new sefer were refined through discussions with the Steipler, who extended to him exceptional warmth and affection. Despite Rav Karp’s youth at the time, the Kehillos Yaakov greatly praised his diligence and talent, foreseeing in him a future vessel of blessing destined to illuminate batei Yisroel through Torah.
Rav Karp recounted how the Kehillos Yaakov would caution him that “sometimes stringencies can turn into leniencies,” reminding him that excessive chumros in one area could inadvertently lead to laxity in another. Those words, he said, continue to guide him in his approach to psak halacha until this day.
During the L’chaim, Rav Karp recited the berachah of Shehecheyanu, a practice he observes each time he completes and publishes a new sefer. In keeping with his view outlined in his work Yom Beyom (Hilchos Berachos, Volume 4), he donned a new garment beforehand, explaining that one who rejoices in wearing something new should bless Shehecheyanu upon it.
{Matzav.com}
MAZAL TOV !!!!!!