Ohr Torah Stone

משפחת אור תורה סטון אבלה על נפילתו של רס"ר (במיל') גלעד אלמליח ז"ל, 30, אחיה של אפרת שפיגל מחנכת ובוגרת של המדרשה התיכונית 'אור תורה' רמות, שנפל בקרב בלבנון. מחבקים וכואבים עם אפרת, אישתו שיר, חמשת ילדיו, הוריו דניאל ושרית וכל המשפחה.  מן השמיים תנוחמו. OTS mourns Master sergeant Gilad Elmaliach z"l, 30, who fell in battle in Lebanon protecting our land and our people. We extend our deepest condolences to Gilad's sister, Efrat Spiegel, educator and alumna of OTS's Ohr Torah high school in Ramot, Jerusalem; to his wife Shir and their five children, his parents Sarit and Daniel, and his entire family. May Gilad's memory be a blessing.

משפחת אור תורה סטון אבלה על נפילתו של סרן הרב אבי גולדברג ז"ל, 43' בוגר מכון שטראוס-עמיאל ושליח המכון בעבר בממפיס טנסי בארה"ב, שנפל בקרב בלבנון. בשם הרשת כולה, תנחומינו העמוקים לאשתו רחל, לשמונת ילדיהם: יהודה, בוגר ישיבת 'אור תורה נווה שמואל, שירה, טליה, הדס, אלישיב, הלל, רעות ונווה; ולכל המשפחה. זכרו יהיה עמנו תמיד.  תהא נשמתו צרורה בצרור החיים. The Ohr Torah Stone family mourns Captain (Res.) Rabbi Avraham Goldberg, 43, a graduate of our Straus-Amiel Emissary Training Institute and former shaliach to Memphis, Tennessee, who fell in battle in Lebanon. On behalf of the entire network, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Rachel and their eight children: Yehuda, an alumnus of our Neveh Shmuel Yeshiva High School; Shira; Talia; Hadas; Elyashiv; Hallel; Reut and Naveh; as well as to the entire family. May his memory be a blessing.

משפחת אור תורה סטון אבלה על נפילתו של רס״ב (במיל') מרדכי חיים אמויאל ז"ל, 42, בוגר ישיבת 'אור תורה נווה שמואל' באפרת (מחזור י"ד), שנפל בקרב בדרום לבנון. בשם הרשת כולה, תנחומינו העמוקים לאשתו רינה, לששת ילדיהם ולכל המשפחה. זכרו יהיה עמנו תמיד. תהא נשמתו צרורה בצרור החיים. The Ohr Torah Stone family mourns Warrant Officer (Res.) Mordechai Haim Amuyal, 42, a graduate of our Neveh Shmuel Yeshiva High School, who fell in battle in Lebanon. On behalf of the entire network, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Rina and their six children, as well as to Mordechai's entire family. May his memory be a blessing.

"I feel my fate is with the Jewish nation; it is my destiny." These words, spoken by a conversion student just after October 7, capture an extraordinary phenomenon: In a time of rising antisemitism and unprecedented challenges for the Jewish people, individuals continue to make the brave choice to join our nation. As we approach Shemini Atzeret, marking one year since the Hamas attacks, Rabbi David Kalb, director of OTS's Jewish Learning Center in New York, shares a powerful testament to how commitment to Judaism has only strengthened in the face of adversity. The courage and conviction of those choosing to join the Jewish people offer an inspiring reminder of our nation's enduring spirit. Read Rabbi Kalb's inspiring reflection on faith, courage, and the continuing growth of the Jewish people>> https://lnkd.in/eKnx9tKA

As we approach a brand new Torah cycle, we're honored to present our new series of Parshat Hashavua reflections which will be brought to you each week by alumni of the various OTS institutions. This week, MK Chili Tropper explores the concept of humanity created in God's image in Parshat Bereishit, reflecting on our capacity to choose righteous paths. He shares how his time at OTS's Neveh Shmuel Yeshiva High School shaped his understanding of balancing Torah study with broader societal engagement. As we remember the horrific, tragic events of last Simchat Torah, MK Tropper's message of unity and resilience resonates deeply. In these challenging times, may we find strength in our shared values and commitment to each other. Read his reflections here: https://lnkd.in/ddk5DweF

It’s difficult to even imagine celebrating Simchat Torah this year - one year since the horrific October 7 attack. Yet, “dancing is what we must do,” explains Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander, President and Rosh HaYeshiva of the Ohr Torah Stone. This is how we can process the past, cope with the present and create a hopeful future. Through dancing Hakafot this year on Simchat Torah, we will declare that Am Yisrael endures—Nezach Yisrael lo y’Sha-ker. Even through the darkness that surrounds us, we must continue with the mantra or the massacre’s survivors: "We will dance again". Read more: https://lnkd.in/dan_KBtQ

In this holiday season filled with uncertainty, we hope our entire Ohr Torah Stone community finds hope, comfort, and protection through the mitzvah of dwelling in Sukkot. May these Sukkot not only shelter us from the outside elements, but also from the hardships our nation is facing. Chag Sukkot Sameach.

Why does the Torah command us to take the Four Species as part of the customs of Sukkot? Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander, President and Rosh HaYeshiva of the Ohr Torah Stone, reminds us that according to Chazal, taste represents Torah study, while fragrance symbolizes the observance of mitzvot. The etrog possesses qualities that other species lack, just as some Jews have unique spiritual energies that others do not. It is only when we unite, like the Four Species, and focus on our shared purpose, mission, and identity despite our differences that we become deserving of the blessings that the new year holds. Read More: https://lnkd.in/d-eYRAhY

In these challenging times, our youth shine as beacons of hope and compassion. Every year, students from our six high schools in Jerusalem and Gush Etzion assist the community in building and decorating sukkot. This year, with many mobilized to the IDF and widespread overwhelm, they’ve risen to the challenge like never before. Despite the physical and emotional challenges that this year has brought, these inspiring young individuals are transforming difficulty into creative action. From constructing sukkot for elderly neighbors to crafting handmade decorations for Kiryat Shmona evacuees in Gush Etzion, they embody the spirit of chesed. Their unwavering commitment to making a difference illuminates our path forward, proving that even in darkness, our future shines bright. We couldn’t be more proud of their resilience, compassion, and dedication to tikkun olam.

This Yom Kippur, we are given the opportunity to reflect as one united nation on the challenges of the past year and seek communal forgiveness, strength, and comfort. May our prayers be heard by God and may He seal us and all of our brothers and sisters in captivity in the book of life and blessings. ביום כיפור זה, ניתנת לנו ההזדמנות כעם מאוחד להיזכר באתגרי השנה החולפת ולחפש סליחה, כוח ונחמה בקהילה. מי ייתן והקב"ה ישמע את תפילותינו ונחתם ביחד עם כל אחינו ואחיותינו הנמצאים בשבי בספר החיים, הברכות והכוח