On Friday, November 14th, the students of RYNJ had the special privilege of hosting HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, one of the leading rabbis of our time, and Rebbetzin Temmi Kamenetsky for a historic visit to the school. Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky is the Rosh Yeshiva of the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia and is a member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah.

After being welcomed into the building by the students of grades 1-4, Rabbi Kamenetsky was escorted into the RYNJ Beit Midrash, where he addressed the boys of grades 5-8. With a warm smile, humor, and a unique sweetness, the Rosh Yeshiva began his remarks by commenting on how wonderful it was to see so many Jewish children who are interested in learning and drawing closer to the Ribbono Shel Olam. He then spoke to the students about the importance of hakarat haTov, appreciation for everything that we have. The Rosh Yeshiva described how we can express our hakarat haTov through reciting brachot and through recognizing all of the blessings in our lives–the opportunity to learn, having such wonderful teachers, and for having truly good friends.

Rav Kamenetsky concluded by telling the students about their important role as the future leaders of Klal Yisrael and warmly bestowed his bracha and best wishes. The message of Rav Kamenetsky and simply getting a glimpse of such a special tzaddik left a great impression on everyone.

While the Rosh Yeshivah was addressing the boys, his wife, Rebbetzin Kamenetsky, spoke to the girls of grades 5-8. When she walked into the lunchroom where all the talmidot had been sitting quietly anxiously awaiting their very special visitor, the Rebbetzin was overcome with emotion. She became visibly choked up and said that she was overwhelmed by the sight of seeing so many beautiful girls greeting her so respectfully.

Rebbetzin Kamenetsky, talking in a quiet, gentle tone, gave the girls words of chizuk and bracha, reminding them that they must never forget that they are the princesses of Hashem. She urged them to use the Torah as their guide and stressed that the importance of kindness to one another. Our students realized that this was the very first time that a Rosh Yeshiva’s wife came along when her husband visited RYNJ and appreciated that they had the opportunity to be inspired by such an amazing role model.

Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky’s remarks and photos of this special visit are available at RYNJ.org