Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah held its inaugural “Ma’amad Hadlaka” on the 1st night of Chanukah. Simply put, the “Ma’amadHadlaka” is where the Kehilla came to participate in the personal Hadlakas Ner Chanukah of the Rav, Harav Yissochor Dov Eichenstein Shlit”a. The goal of this event was to give the Rav the opportunity to impart the Ruach and feeling of what an ideal fulfillment of this special Mitzvah should look like.
The event featured the “Chevraya” Choir who led the Zemiros and singing, both before and after the Hadlaka. In addition, the “Bachurei Mercaz” (Mercaz’s Shabbos group of 7th and 8th grade Bar-Mitzvah Bachurim) also formed a choir and sang select Niggunim together with the adult choir.
The Beis Medrash was setup with 6-row bleachers to accommodate both the choirs and many of the kids who came to watch. The setup also included a large “Tish”, where following standing by the Neiros for a half hour, Harav Eichenstein sat to share Divrei Torah, make a L’chaim and give out Chanukah Gelt.
All the participants received a beautiful “Mesivta” Seder Hadlakas Ner Chanukah, which they used to follow along with the choir as they sang the Zemiros. Everyone was encouraged to take the booklet home, to use for their own Hadlaka throughout the rest of Chanukah.
This Ma’amad is sure to become an annual highlight to set the tone for this most special Yom Tov of Chanukah!
