Posted on 09/13/21
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 3, 2021 - The world stands on three pillars: Torah, Avodah, and Gemilus Chasadim. Previously, the world stood in merit of the Beis Hamikdash. The Beis Hamikdash was the source of knowledge, it was where Avodah happened, and it was the place from which all blessing was graciously given to the entire world.
In our times, the world stands on individual Mikdashei Mi’at, our Shuls and Batei Midrash. Shuls are a place where we strive to better ourselves in davening, it is where we have our chavrusas and sedarim, and it is where we can socialize and help others, whether it is helping someone out with parnassah, finding someone a shidduch, or even just being nice and saying hello.
For a shul to excel in these three areas equally is rare. To do so, the Rav must be a special person who has the time, skillset, and knowledge to give Torah over to the mispallelim in a way that is personal and allows each person to gain and grow. The Tefillah must be one that is growth oriented, with true kavanas haleiv and a desire to become closer to Hashem. The chevrah must be one that cares for each other, regardless of background, accent, or shirt color.
Kehilas Bnei Yeshiva (aka Rabbi Meister’s Shul) is such a Kehilla. It is a unique place where Torah, Avodah, and Gemilus Chasadim are all front and center of the shul’s focus. The members of the shul are drawn in by the Rav’s warmth, his intense Tefillah, and his tremendous breadth of knowledge in Shas and Poskim.
The Rav’s warmth spills over to the members as well. Any guest or new mispallel that shows up to shul is always greeted enthusiastically by the President, Vice President, and Gabbaim. All current members of the shul are consistently given opportunities to daven for the amud, and to contribute overall to the many activities and events that take place in the shul, like the weekly kiddush and the Avos U’banim.
In addition to the beautiful davening and warm ruach of the Kehillah, the shul has always expended extra energies to deliver learning opportunities, shiurim, Nshei events, and occasions for members to get to know each other better. All these efforts are geared to make the members of the shul better people; for the shul to grow in Torah, Avodah, and Gemilus Chasadim together.
Without a doubt, these efforts have borne fruit. Overall, the Kehilla is growing tremendously, both spiritually and in number. Shabbos morning davening is usually very full, and often there is literally no room.
About a year and a half ago members of the Kehilla decided to begin working towards building a new home. Efforts have been ongoing since, and many members have contributed a significant amount of money. However, there is still a long way to go. We are now asking the entire community to graciously join in and help support us in making this dream a reality.
Aside from being a budding shul, Kehillas Bnei Yeshiva is an integral part of the Baltimore community. The community has B”H grown and continues to grow. To sustain this growth, a shul like Kehillas Bnei Yeshiva needs the community’s backing and financial support.
May Hashem grant our Kehilla and all our Kehillos Kedoshos the assistance we need to carry out His will, to keep the world standing on Torah, Avodah, and Gemilus Chasadim. May we be zocheh to a Kesiva V’chasima Tova and a Gut Gebentsched Yor!
"Kehilas Bnei Yeshiva is a kehila made up of young men and women who are inspired and dedicated to growing in their yiddishkeit, both Bein Adam L'Makom and Bein Adam L'chavero, and who just want to be much better people than they are; it's just wonderful to see such a young and inspired community. For a young fledgling kehila to have such an exceptional Rov is most fortunate. Rabbi Akiva Meister is a true talmid chochom, humble, a wonderful human being and an exceptionally kind person. Let it be the will of the Ribono Shel Olam that this wonderful kehila flourish and continue to create a great Kavod Shamayim.This kehila is a bracha in our community and it's wonderful for you to support it." -Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer, Mara D’Asra Khal Shearith Israel, and Yoshev Rosh of the Vaad Harabanim of Baltimore
"Kehilas Bnei Yeshiva is a place where young families go to connect and grow in their Avodas Hashem, where they can forge a close relationship with the Rav, and be able to confide with Daas Torah. The members feel like Kehilas Bnei Yeshiva is their shul and their second home, and that the shul is there for them and their families. As the shul grows, the walls of our Bais Medrash must also grow to enable more young families to be a part of this great institution. Therefore, at this time we need to look into buying and investing in a place to reach and service more people in our community. We are ever so grateful and could not have gotten here without the support and effort from all of our esteemed members. We thank the Ribono Shel Olam for all His kindness until this point, and may it be His will that we continue in our growth and success." -Rabbi Akiva Meister
Click here or on the graphic below and help sustain our growth.
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