Ever since Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah was established eleven years ago, the Rav, Harav Yissochor Dov Eichenstein Shlita, has been determined to create a center of Torah, Avoda, and Chesed for the greater Baltimore community. Mercaz provides minyanim around the clock, an array of Shiurim and Chaburos, various chesed initiatives, and its flagship Mercaz Daf Yomi with 14 daily Daf Yomi shiurim. Following the completion of each mesechta, the chevra of Mercaz Daf Yomi joins together to celebrate a lavish siyum. For the Siyum on Seder Moed, however, Rabbi Eichenstein made the decision that a siyum of this magnitude can only be celebrated in Eretz Yisroel! After much preparation and planning, around 50 ballei batim, some with their spouse, joined together for this historic siyum.
Everyone joined up this past Thursday in Eretz Yisroel and stayed through Tuesday evening. The motto of the trip was “Celebrate, Invigorate, Elevate,” and the itinerary had the perfect balance of variety within its activities. There was a little bit of everything. Learning sedarim in the Mir & Chevron, “Toiameha” on the spectacular rooftop of Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Wolasky in the Old City, Kabalas Shabbos at the Kosel, hearing Divrei Hisorerus from a long list of gedolim and admorim, visiting many of the Mekomos Hakedoshim, first-class meals and lodging, joining organizations that benefit from the generosity of Mercaz such as Laniado Hospital, the Chinuch Atzmai school in Ramla, and Keren Hashviis at Mercaz’s shmita farm, jeeping tours and a visit to a winery. The crown jewel of the trip was the Siyum in the picturesque city of Caesarea. A fabulous seuda took place with beautiful decor and a large band and a wide array of speakers, including various Roshei HaYeshiva and trip attendees, along with Rabbi Eichenstein. The dancing lasted well into the evening- until the last person departed for the airport to return home.
The trip accomplished its goal to “Celebrate, Invigorate, Elevate,” as the members of this trip are prepped and ready to begin Seder Nashim, and have returned to Baltimore with a renewed vigor. Mercaz Daf Yomi hosts 14 daily Daf Yomi shiurim, offering a shiur for everyone, day or night, according to your schedule and of course spectacular siyumim!
