[COMMUNICATED] Tens of thousands of Jews, in 700 far-flung locations across the globe, spanning sixteen countries. An assortment of backgrounds, varying cultures and value systems.

We may be different, but are all united by a common bond: our powerful, enduring relationship with our Creator, with the mitzvos He granted us, and with each other.

On Tisha B’av, as we mourn the churban and long for redemption, what better time to open our hearts and absorb the timeless words from some of the Torah world’s most powerful speakers?

Rabbi Ephraim Eliyohu Schapiro. Rabbi Eli Mansour. Rabbi Yisroel Reisman. Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein. Each will be speaking on one of two presentations, addressing the theme, “The power to Yield.”

Vatranus. Giving up one’s own comfort for the benefit of another. Forming a connection, Putting our friend’s feelings above the bottom line.

Pure and unprejudiced ahavas Yisroel. What better way to build bridges and bring the geulah that much closer?

In our highly competitive, self-centered world, vatranus may be mistaken for weakness.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Vatranus is the ultimate power. It taps into our natural drive to connect with each other and enhance someone else’s life. It inspires incredible acts of kindness and sensitivity to others, and can carry us safely to the end of our storm-tossed journey.

How effective are these presentations? Each year, after Tisha B’av, the phone lines are the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation are busiest during the week after the presentation. Participants call, write or email to share their epiphanies.

Shortly after last year’s presentation, a young woman called the office. She seemed a bit hesitant, but finally said, “I’ve been wanting to call you for a number of years, but never found the courage. You see, I’ve been dealing with an ugly secret—I’m actually very jealous of my sister, who’s way more successful and popular than me.

“And then, one year I went to the Tisha B’av event, and heard Rabbi Paysach Krohn speak about jealousy. There were thousands of people in the room, but I felt he spoke only to me. From that moment onward, I made a decision—jealousy has no connection with me! It was an uphill battle, and took a couple of years, but now I am rid of that constant desire to compare myself with others and find my own life lacking. Since then, I attend the Tisha B’av event each year and am inspired anew.”

This year, on Tisha B’av, Sunday, July 26, the achdus Hashem treasures will be on full display. Hashem will see His children gathering to learn how to perceive each other’s needs more clearly and respond more graciously. He will Observe tens of thousands of Jews around the world learning how to let go of their illusions and recognize His control of the world.

Because only once we absorb the realization of what truly counts, and learn to anticipate our fellow Jews’ needs, can we open our minds and hearts to the power of vatranus.

As in the past, the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation is offering two distinct programs for this year’s World-Wide Event. Each presentation features three dynamic speakers who will deliver inspiring insights on the power of vatranus.

Program A features the renowned Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Rav of Agudath Israel of Madison (Brooklyn, NY) and well-known lecturer on Navi and contemporary Jewish topics, who attracts a standing-room only crowd at his drashos; Dayan Yonason Abraham, founder of the Yeshiva at Kollel Beth HaTalmud in Melbourne, Australia, and currently dayan of the London Beth Din; and Rabbi Ephraim Shapiro, the Rav of Congregation Shaarey Tefilah in North Miami Beach, Florida, a mesmerizing and powerful speaker who is sought-after in venues around the world.

Program B presents Rabbi Eli J. Mansour, one of the most well-known leaders in the Syrian-Jewish community and Rav of Congregation Bet Yaakob in Flatbush, NY; Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein, founder of Ohr Naava, the renowned women’s learning institution in Brooklyn, whose shiurim have tens of thousands of followers; and Dr. David Lieberman, a clinical psychologist whose powerful books have been translated into 26 languages.

Both presentations feature a powerful message by Rabbi Gavriel Sassoon, who lost seven children in a devastating fire, and who spends his days imparting chizuk to children and adults in communities around the world.

On the day Klal Yisrael mourns the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, the golus and the suffering that followed, these star speakers will inspire us to tap into the power of vatranus. As we learn how to knock down the walls that divide us, we can show Hashem that we are ready to once again build the walls of the Beis Hamikdash – may it be speedily, within our days.

Go to https://powerofspeech.org/