In commemoration of Yom HaShoah, Heichal talmidim, rebbeim and faculty gathered for a powerful and moving program. The morning began with divrei chizzuk from Heichal Menahel, Rav Dovid Goldman, who spoke passionately about the light that emerges after darkness. He drew parallels between this theme and the seder night, emphasizing Hashem’s promise to protect us throughout galus and ultimately bring about the final redemption. Rav Goldman stressed that the stories of survival are what inspire us to carry forward our legacy and ensure our continuity.

Following his powerful words of chizzuk, Rav Goldman introduced several talmidim who are descendants of Holocaust survivors, adding a deeply emotional and personal dimension to the program. Each talmid shared the miraculous survival stories of their grandparents and great-grandparents, highlighting Hashem’s guiding hand throughout their ordeals.

Mrs. Rena Zekter, a Holocaust survivor, then shared her personal story. She described how she and her family survived by hiding in barns, moving from haystack to haystack, constantly feeling protected by the hand of Hashem. Her moving words left a profound impression on everyone in attendance.

The program continued with the screening of several impactful videos and concluded with a two-minute siren followed by the heartfelt recitation of Tehillim, led by Heichal Rebbe, Rav Dani Staum.