This past Tuesday evening, Rabbi Menachem Genack was in Teaneck to address a meeting of local Rabbanim on behalf of Chinuch Atzmai. The meeting was hosted by Rabbi Michael Taubes in Cong. Zichron Mordechai.

The opening remarks were delivered by Rabbi Yosef Pollak, the Campaign Director of Chinuch Atzmai. He pointed out that Gedolim such as Rav Ahron Kotler and Rav Joseph Soloveitchik consistently placed the needs of Chinuch Atzmai before the needs of their own institutions. He cited verses from the Talmud showing that in times that the Torah is a danger of being forgotten, our sages have always placed the Torah education of children as their highest priority.

The Gedolai Yisroel of subsequent generations have learned from their lessons and followed in their footsteps. Thus, Chinuch Atzmai was established and maintained by all those that represent Orthodox Torah leadership.

Rabbi Genack reminisced about the willingness of his Rebbe, Rav Soloveitchik, to serve as the first guest of honor at a Chinuch Atzmai dinner. He related that the Rav recognized the importance of establishing a network of schools of this caliber. In addition, he had tremendous respect for Rav Kotler and all his endeavors.

A handwritten letter by Rav Soloveitchick endorsing Chinuch Atzmai was passed around. In it he appeals to his friends in the rabbinate to do their utmost to make the undertaking a financial success. He concludes by stating his opinion that “a school system of the type of Chinuch Atzmai is of the greatest importance for the survival of Torah Judaism in the Holy Land.”

Rav Hershel Schachter is scheduled to be in the Teaneck/Bergenfield community for Shabbos Parshas Ki Savo, Sep. 24, on behalf of Chinuch Atzmai.

By Avi Asher