Baltimore, MD - Nov. 28, 2016 - On Thursday morning, November 24, 23 Cheshvan 5777, when most businesses, institutions and government offices were closed for the Thanksgiving legal holiday, Kollel Nachlas HaTorah of Congregation Machzikei Torah of Baltimore held a special program for all men interested in utilizing the day to increase their limud haTorah.

The program began with a shiur by the Rosh Kollel of Nachlas HaTorah, HaRav Nechemiah Goldstein, who founded and leads the Kollel. Rav Goldstein discussed the halochos of Tefilas Haderech, covering a wide range of questions related to its status and the best way to perform it. Some of the issues included: Is it a bakasha or a beracha, a distinction which influences whether one must recite it himself or can allow someone else to motzi him; if it is a beracha, can it be recited by itself or does it have to follow another beracha; and if that is the case, after which other beracha is the most appropriate.

Following Rav Golsdtein’s shiur, the large and attentive crowd at the Kollel was addressed by HaRav Moshe Heinemann, shlit”a, Mara D’Asra of Agudath Israel of Baltimore. Rav Heinemann, a world-renowned posek, discussed halachic issues raised by modern technology. The wide range of subjects covered included new types of gas, electric and water meters, ways to use remote communication technologies to avoid yichud when one spouse is absent, and shabbos problems raised by appliances such as stoves and refrigerators with sophisticated electronic controls.

All men of the community are invited to discover how much they can gain from Kollel Nachlas HaTorah. They can expect to enjoy a warm, friendly and enlightening experience.The Kollel’s well-structured program runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every morning from Monday though Friday, following Machzikei Torah’s 8:30 Shacharis, with generous refreshments available. The learning program schedule begins with a half-hour shiur on Mishnah Berura given by Rav Goldstein from Monday through Wednesday. The shiur centers on Hilchos Brachos, interrupted when appropriate by topics such as Hilchos Yom Tov in the relevant seasons. On Thursday morning, the Halocho shiur is replaced by a shiur on Pirkei Avos during the summer, and on Friday by Parshas Hashavua.

The first shiur is followed by a short break and then a shiur on Minchas Chinuch. At which time, Mitzvos relevant to that weeks parsha are discussed at length including the reasons behind the mitzvah. At about 10:45 everyone breaks up into chavrusos or larger groups to learn Gemara at their own pace depending on the participants’ preferences regarding speed and depth.

The members of the Kollel come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and there is much wide-ranging and lively give-and-take between the participants. Rav Goldstein’s broad and deep knowledge enables him to expose everyone to a wide spectrum of halachic opinions and illustrative stories spanning periods from the Rishonim to current poskim.


The Kollel provides an opportunity to men of all ages who have time available in the morning which they would like to engage in the most valuable endeavor -- advancing their Torah knowledge in a structured way. It is particularly suitable open for men who are retired, between jobs or have flexible schedules. It is not necessary to attend every day, or to spend the full two hours at the Kollel. All shiurim are delivered on a level commensurate with the background of all the participants. And the Kollel beis medrash is available to anyone who wants to sit and learn or listen to a shiur in a beis medrash environment, whether on a regular or occasional basis.


For more information, please contact HaRav Nechemiah Goldstein at 410-358-1019 or Rabbi Yitzchok Neger at 443-803-0580.

Photo Credit: Reb Reuven Miller