Baltimore, MD - Oct. 23, 2025 : Dear TA Family, 

It is with great excitement and deep gratitude to Hashem that we share wonderful news for our TA family, the establishment of a Kollel at TA.  

Twenty-seven years ago, TA founded Kollel Birchas Shmuel, a transformative initiative that elevated the level of learning throughout our yeshiva and infused TA with an unmistakable ruach of Torah and simchas haTorah. The impact of that Kollel, led by Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt"l, was extraordinary. It strengthened the Mesivta, inspired our talmidim, and contributed immeasurably to TA’s growth. Remarkably, two members of that original Kollel, Rabbi Yisrael Lefkovitz, our Mesivta Menahel and Rabbi Moshe Kulik, are still part of our staff today, continuing to shape TA’s talmidim with passion and dedication. 

For several years, the idea of reestablishing a Kollel has been discussed with excitement and anticipation. A few months ago, when a potential Rosh Kollel was identified, those discussions took on new energy. With the enthusiastic support of our administration, Menahelim, Vaad Hachinuch, and Executive Board, we are delighted to share that this vision is now becoming a reality. 

This exciting initiative has been made possible through the vision and generosity of devoted friends of TA who took the achrayus to make this dream a reality. Their commitment reflects a deep belief in the power of Torah and in the impact that a vibrant Kollel can have on our entire yeshiva community. Their leadership and dedication opened the door for this transformative new chapter in TA’s history. We are profoundly grateful to Dr. Joel Pleeter, Chaim Wealcatch, Amiel Chichportiche, and Chemi Lefkovitz for spearheading the kollel initiative committee, and for their vision, leadership, and generosity in making this dream a reality. Their willingness to take achrayus for this initiative and their commitment to strengthening the Torah core of TA will leave a lasting impact for generations to come. 

The new Kollel will be led by Rabbi Yerucham Rothstein, an accomplished talmid chochom and a talmid of HaRav Shmuel Shapiro, shlit"a who is renowned for establishing kollelim that combine the highest levels of Torah learning with a deep sense of mission and influence. In the spirit of that vision, our new Kollel will be a group of seasoned, serious talmidei chachomim whose very presence will uplift and inspire all who learn alongside them. 

Their learning, their ruach haTorah, and their genuine simchas haTorah will radiate throughout TA, strengthening the Mesivta, deepening the atmosphere of Torah across the yeshiva, and serving as a living example for our talmidim of what true Torah dedication looks like. They will interact naturally and frequently with our Rabbeim, our bochurim, and our staff, creating a ripple effect of inspiration and spiritual growth. 

The Kollel will begin with four exceptional yungeleit, each of whom has already established himself in learning and avodas Hashem, and all of whom will have their children enrolled at TA, a beautiful reflection of the shared mission that unites us as one TA family. 

This is a moment of great simcha and tremendous promise. We look forward to watching the Kollel’s presence bring new depth, inspiration, and Torah energy to our yeshiva, continuing TA’s legacy as a place where Torah is learned with passion, warmth, and joy. 

With heartfelt excitement and gratitude, 

Rabbi Yaacov Cohen 
Executive Vice President 

Shmuel Luxenburg 
Chairman of the Board 

Rabbi Yehuda Lefkovitz 
President Emeritus