Optimism in the Face of Adversity: Insights from the Rabbinical Alliance of America’s Rosh Chodesh Shevat Conference

Optimism in the Face of Adversity: Insights from the Rabbinical Alliance of America’s Rosh Chodesh Shevat Conference

Edited by: TJVNews.com

On January 29, 2025, the Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim gathered for a momentous Rosh Chodesh Shevat Conference and Seudah at Yeshivas Bris Avram in Monsey, New York, where Rabbi Aharon Mandel serves as Rosh Yeshiva. The event was a tribute to resilience, faith, and optimism, especially in times of uncertainty.

The conference, held in honor of the yahrzeits of esteemed leaders, featured powerful speeches and Torah insights from Rabbi Tzvi Mandel and Rabbi Aharon Mandel, who both paid tribute to their revered ancestors, including HaChasid Reb Pinchas Ben HaChasid Reb Zev Kehos Moshe Mandel, ZT’l, father of Rabbi Tzvi Mandel, Rabbi of Khal Bnai Yisraol and grandfather of our host, Rabbi Aharon Mandel. Reb Pinchas Mandel, ZT’L is well known as the innovator who made it possible after the establishment of Israel for diaspora Jews to have eternal rest and burial in Eretz Yisrael.

Also honored was Ha’isha Hatznuah Chanah Bas Rav Yoshua Mordechai (Sperling), ZT’L, wife of Reb Pinchas Mandel, ZT’Reb Michael ben HaRav HaGaon Dovid Donnenberg, ZT’L, father-in-law of Rabbi Tzvi Mandel and grandfather of Rabbi Aharon Mandel. Rav Dovid Donnenberg, ZT’L father of Reb. Michael Donnenberg, ZT’L served as Rav in Newark, New Jersey and founded the Shochtim Union in the United States and he was from the early masmichim at the Rabbinical College of New Jersey.

Ha’isha Hatznuah Sorah Malka Bas Haba’al Tzedakah Reb Chaim Tuvia (H. Jerome) Sisselman, ZT’L, Mrs. Donnenberg, ZT’L, mother-in-law of Rabbi Tzvi Mandel and grandmother of Rabbi Aharon Mandel was also mentioned. Mr. Sisselman, among his great contributions to Yiddishkeit in America, was serving as a founder of Torah Umesorah and the Olomeinu publication. He is also credited with helping to build communities in the United States and Israel.

The yahrtzeits of these influential figures were acknowledged along with their contributions to Jewish life in the United States and their impact on Israel. They helped pave the way for the strong Orthodox Jewish communities we see today.

Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Executive Vice-President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, spoke passionately about the tumultuous times facing the Jewish community. He highlighted the challenges Israel continues to face with ongoing threats, the tragic casualties since the ceasefire, and rising anti-Semitism across the globe. These events, Mirocznik said, have understandably caused feelings of uncertainty and frustration among Jews worldwide.

Yet, despite these challenges, Mirocznik emphasized the enduring spirit of the Jewish people. He noted that the Jewish community has long persevered through hardship and continues to do so through faith in Hashem. It is this unwavering belief, passed down through generations, that has enabled Jews to thrive even in the face of adversity.

Mirocznik drew on the examples of the individuals whose yahrtzeits were commemorated that evening, people who fought to preserve Jewish tradition even in times when assimilation was rampant. Their optimism and refusal to surrender played a vital role in shaping the Jewish community in the United States.

With this same optimism, Mirocznik expressed hope for the future. Looking ahead to the leadership of President Donald Trump, Mirocznik shared his belief that the 47th president of the United States would bring stability and peace to Israel and the Jewish community in America. He expressed hope that President Trump’s administration would combat anti-Semitism and promote love and justice for all people, both in the U.S. and around the world.

As the evening came to a close, the attendees were reminded of the importance of optimism, faith and community. The Rabbinical Alliance of America’s Rosh Chodesh Shevat Conference reinforced that, though the Jewish people face challenges today, they continue to draw strength from their faith, their history, their ancestors and each other.