(Courtesy of Anshe Chesed) On Shabbat Parshat Mishpatim, Anshe Chesed of Linden had the privilege of hosting Rav Assaf Bednarsh as a scholar-in-residence for an inspiring and uplifting weekend. The event was generously sponsored by the Gertrude Weil Institute, an organization dedicated to spreading Torah learning within the community.

Rav Bednarsh, who lives in Israel, further strengthened the connection between the shul and Eretz Yisrael. His visit was particularly timely, coming during a difficult week for the Jewish people. “Having Rav Bednarsh with us at this moment was invaluable,” said Rabbi Yosef Katz. “As someone who has lived in Israel for 20 years and has multiple children serving in the IDF, his insight and perspective gave us strength during this challenging time.”

The Shabbat experience included an uplifting oneg, where Rav Bednarsh spoke on “Living the Dream? The Challenges and Triumphs of an American Oleh.” A lively Q&A session followed, covering a wide range of topics, from the differences between Talmud Bavli and Talmud Yerushalmi to pressing issues such as Israeli unity and the draft law.

On Shabbat morning, Rav Bednarsh delivered a powerful drasha on finding Hashem in times of difficulty. Later, he led a special chabura for the teens, stepping into Rabbi Katz’s weekly learning slot. Rabbi Katz’s regular session focuses on developing Talmud skills, guiding students through a different topic each week and working through a halachic question using in-depth analysis of the text. Building on this foundation, Rav Bednarsh delivered an engaging lesson on how Talmudic study serves as the basis for Halacha. He walked participants through the decision-making process of a posek, demonstrating how a halachic question is analyzed within the Talmud and developed into a final psak.

Shabbat concluded with a fascinating shiur, in which Rav Bednarsh shared some of the complex halachic and ethical questions he has answered for his many talmidim, as well as his own children, during the current war.

But the inspiration didn’t end there. On Motzei Shabbat, Rav Bednarsh joined rabbanim from across the tristate area, for a special melave malka.

The shul extends tremendous gratitude to Rav Bednarsh and to the Gertrude Weil Fund for making this unforgettable Shabbat possible.