Yeshiva Gevuras Ari is runningn their first crowdfunding campaign on March 9th – 10th titled “עוד ינובון בשיבה”. We sat down with the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Moshe Yaakov Edelman, to learn more about this fascinating new Yeshiva.
BJH: We’ve been seeing cute lion shaped lawn signs all around town, with the name “Yeshivas Gevuras Ari” on it. Can you tell us what is Yeshivas Gevuras Ari?
RMYE: Yeshivas Gevuras Ari was founded in January 2024 to provide retired or semi-retired men in Baltimore with a framework that mirrors a traditional Yeshiva setting, enabling participants to dedicate their later years to intensive Limud Torah and personal growth while fostering a sense of community and connection.
BJH: How is this Yeshiva different than many other learning programs for retirees?
RMYE: The idea of being in a “Yeshiva” implies the idealistic drive to Shteig in learning and Avodas Hashem. This is not merely about an increased “K’vius Itim”. Our Yeshiva is structured to be able to learn through Shas over 9-10 years, and at the same time grow in “Dikduk Halacha” and “Tikkun HaMiddos”. With the right mindset, one can become a real Talmid Chochom during these golden years!
BJH: What Rabbinical backing does the Yeshiva have?
RMYE: The Yeshiva is a division of Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah, so of course we have the blessing and encouragement of the Zidichov Rebbe, Harav Yissochor Dov Eichenstein Shlit”a. When the Yeshiva launched, we were also warmly endorsed by Harav Moshe Heinemann Shlit”a, Harav Yaakov Hopfer Shlit”a and Harav Beryl Weisboard Shlit”a.
Above all, the Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisroel, Harav Aharon Feldman Shlit”a, has thrown his full and vocal support behind the Yeshiva. I have the privilege of meeting with the Rosh Yeshiva once a week, and he provides constant Chizuk and guidance for the Yeshiva. In fact, the Rosh Yeshiva personally attended the launch event, our first Siyum and a recent parlor meeting to benefit the Yeshiva!
BJH: Does one need a particular learning background to join the Yeshiva?
RMYE: Absolutely not. Anyone with free time who wants to learn and grow is welcome! We currently have a wide range of backgrounds among the Talmidim of the Yeshiva, from Talmidei Chachomim who have authored Seforim to Baalei Teshuva who never went to Yeshiva. The common denominator is that all these people would like to utilize this late stage of life to push themselves further. All one needs is the will – אין דבר העומד בפני הרצון
BJH: You mentioned how the Yeshiva fosters a sense of community and connection. Can you give some examples of how this is done?
RMYE: Spending many hours a day learning together already provides a very strong foundation for meaningful friendships. But in addition to the learning, we have other social connection opportunities, such as our Rosh Chodesh Luncheons and periodic Melava Malka where we get together for good food, singing and Divrei Torah, and of course Siyumim on Masechtos we learn in the Yeshiva.
BJH: What is the Yeshiva raising money for?
RMYE: Our upcoming campaign aims to raise funds to support the growth and development of Yeshivas Gevuras Ari. Contributions will enable us to hire additional Rabbeim and Shoel u’Meshivs, which we desperately need more of as the Yeshiva grows. We want to ensure every Talmid is getting a proper Shiur, Chavrusa and tailored guidance according to their level of learning.
In addition, we want to launch a “Nshei” division to engage participants wives’ in the Yeshiva’s mission. The success of the husband in his learning is incomparable when his wife is fully bought in!
BJH: Can you explain the campaign tagline “עוד ינובון בשיבה”?
RMYE: This is a Passuk at the end of מזמור שיר ליום השבת which we say multiple times every Shabbos. The Gemara in the end of Kiddushin uses this Passuk as it so eloquently describes the impact of Torah on the golden years:
“אבל תורה אינה כן – עומדת לו לאדם בעת ילדותו ונותנת לו אחרית ותקוה בעת זקנותו… בזקנותו מהו אומר: עוד ינובון בשיבה דשנים ורעננים יהיו”
Translated: “But Torah is not so – It stands by a man in his youth and provides him with a future and a hope in his old age… Concerning his old age what does it say: Yet will they still be fruitful in old age, vigorous and fresh will they be”!
BJH: Wow. This is very inspiring! How can one get involved?
RMYE: The campaign website is stronglikealion.com (translation of “Gevuras Ari”). The official campaign dates are March 9th and 10th. We are very grateful for the community’s support. And keep in mind – you are helping to lay the foundation so that bez”H when you’re ready to retire it will be a given that you go right back to Yeshiva!
