Posted on 12/20/23
Baltimore, MD - Dec. 13, 2023 - The Baltimore community has been fortunate in recent years to witness a tremendous proliferation of Torah and Torah institutions. The newest upcoming “Jewel in the crown” is Yeshivas Gevuras Ari, a first-of-its-kind full day Yeshiva for non-working men, primarily retirees.
The Yeshiva will be led by Rabbi Moshe Yaakov Edelman, a Talmid of Ner Yisroel with a rich career in Harbotzas Torah. The following is a brief bio:
Rabbi Moshe Yaakov Edelman was raised in Frederick, MD, under the late Rabbi Moshe Kosman ZT”L. After Mechina in Ner Yisroel, he learned in Yeshivas Toras Moshe, Yeshiva Gedolah of Passaic (Rav Meir Stern), as well as Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim. Rabbi Edelman was a Rebbe for 7 years in Yeshivas Beis Yisroel in Yerushalayim, followed by 12 years in the Johannesburg Cheder of South Africa. In 2010 he started his “Yeshiva for Businessmen” in Johannesburg, which he later exported to Baltimore at Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah (Rabbi Eichenstein’s) after his move back to Baltimore in 2019. In Johannesburg, he also developed his widely acclaimed organization “Rebbe’s Mussar Stories” (mussarstories.com). Finally, Rabbi Edelman has also authored 3 Seforim on a variety of Torah topics.
We sat with Rabbi Edelman to learn more about this exciting development.
Q: Why “Yeshiva” and not “Kollel”?
A: Like a regular Yeshiva, beyond morning and afternoon Seder, we are offering Tefillos, meals, Halacha Seder and Mussar Seder.
Q: How is this Yeshiva different than many other learning programs available for retirees?
A: Well, as I just mentioned, this is a full-service program. But more importantly, the idea of being a “Yeshiva” implies the idealistic drive to personally Shteig in learning. This is not merely about an increased “K’vius Itim”. With the right mindset, one can become a Talmid Chochom during these golden years!
Q: What’s in the name “Gevuras Ari”?
A: The Yeshiva is being called “Gevuras Ari” based on the idea that this stage of life is referred to as a period of “Gevurah”. As the Tiferes Yisroel in Maseches Avos explains – At this stage one’s Kochos HaNefesh are stronger than one’s physical desires, and it is therefore easier to learn Torah and fulfill the Mitzvos. And of course, the reference to the Gevurah of a lion is based on the well-known opening Halacha in Shulchan Aruch – “יתגבר כארי לעמוד בבוקר לעבודת בוראו”. It is a display of much strength, indeed, to take on a major Torah commitment.
Q: Where will the Yeshiva be located?
A: The Yeshiva will be located in one of the Batei Medrash at Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah (Rabbi Eichenstein’s).
Q: What Haskamos does the Yeshiva have?
A: The Yeshiva has the endorsement of the Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisroel, Harav Aharon Feldman Shlit”a (see letter below), the Mashgiach Harav Beryl Weisbord, Rav Moshe Heinemann (see letter below), and others.
Here is what Rav Beryl Weisbord wrote:
To the Blessed Community of Baltimore
It was a great Simcha to hear of the founding Yeshiva Gevuras Ari - a full time Yeshiva for retirees. With the help of Hashem we now have opportunities to learn in a way that previous generations did not have. Fortunate are the individuals that take advantage of the new Yeshiva & praiseworthy is the Rosh Yeshiva who seized the moment to make this possibility a reality.
Harav Moshe Yaakov Edelman has a reputation that proceeds him as a caring and very successful Rebbi & Mechanech… I feel confident that with the help of Hakodosh Boruch Hu that the Yeshiva will be successful in spreading our Torah to many more Bnei Yisroel & elevate the quality & quantity of Torah learning in our community."
With Birchas Hatorah
Beryl Weisbord
Q: Tell us about the Yeshiva Leadership.
A: The Yeshiva is under the vision and guidance of Harav Yissochor Dov Eichenstein Shlit”a. As the Rosh Yeshiva, I will be assuming the day-to-day leadership of the Yeshiva, including giving the daily Shiurim. And of course, we have the full support of the staff at Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah for all the logistical and technical needs, as well as use of their expansive facilities.
Q: What will the Yeshiva be learning?
A: The Yeshiva’s goal is to learn the entire Shas in 8-9 years. Morning Seder will begin Maseches Berachos - one Amud per day, six days a week. Afternoon Seder will begin Maseches Bava Basra – one Amud per day, five days a week.
Q: What is someone wants to join the Yeshiva part time?
A: Anyone is welcome to join for either 1 or 2 Sedarim. We purposefully are learning 2 different Masechtos in the morning and afternoon, to allow greater flexibility.
Q: Many retirees have already finished Shas with Daf Yomi. How is this learning going to be different?
A: The Yeshiva gives our Lomdim 3 hours to learn well each Amud, with Iyun Kal, and with built-in time for Chazara. This will be a whole different level of learning. Our motto is: אשרי מי שבא לכאן ותלמודו בידו
Q: Wow! This sounds incredible! Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
A: There are a few hundred non-working men today in our community, many of them the patriarchs of their own families. Imagine the positive impact on their descendants who can brag – “When my Zeidy retired, my Bubby sent him back to a full day Yeshiva!”. Those joining the Yeshiva now will be trendsetters, and my hope is IY”H that in the not-too-distant future this will become the standard!
To learn more about Yeshivas Gevuras Ari, please contact Rabbi Moshe Yaakov Edelman at 443-651-3088 or email gevuras-ari@mercaz.center
