A wave of excitement swept through Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled 3 with the inauguration of a new branch of the esteemed “Teshuvos V’Hanhagos” Kollel, established under the direct guidance and leadership of Maran, Posek HaDor, HaGaon Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch Shlit”a.

For a rapidly growing Torah-observant community, the absence of a functioning kollel in the area was deeply felt. That void has now been filled — with a Torah institution built upon daas Torah, compassion, and vision.

“ויגדל משה ויצא אל אחיו וירא בסבלותם”
“And Moshe grew and went out to his brethren and saw their suffering.”
This poignant verse encapsulates the response of Maran Rav Sternbuch Shlit”a, who, recognizing the spiritual challenges faced by the local residents, took personal responsibility to address them.

A Neighborhood in Need

Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled 3 is experiencing rapid development, with over 7,000 housing units already occupied and an eventual capacity expected to exceed 11,000 homes — poised to become one of the largest Torah neighborhoods in the country. The population is beautifully diverse, comprised of Chassidim, Litvaks, Sephardim, and members of the “Yishuv HaYashan,” all united in their pursuit of a Torah-centered life.

Despite this growth, until now there were virtually no kollelim in the area. Many Avreichim were forced to travel long distances daily to learn, and tragically, some were even pushed away from full-time Torah study due to the lack of local infrastructure.

Upon hearing the community’s concerns, Rav Sternbuch — whose bond with Beit Shemesh runs deep, having previously established a yeshiva in the city — immediately resolved to act. He recalled how he had recently established a kollel in Ramat Beit Shemesh Hei to counter growing secular influences, and now recognized an urgent need in RBS Daled 3.

He promptly instructed his son, Rav Chaim Ozer Sternbuch, head of the “Teshuvos V’Hanhagos” kollel network, to bring the struggling local kollel under their auspices, ensuring its survival and future success. Rav Sternbuch emphasized that a Torah neighborhood without a kollel cannot thrive — and that the kollel would become the spiritual heart of RBS Daled 3.

A Historic Inauguration

On Sunday afternoon of Parshas Balak, leading Rabbanim and respected members of the Yishuv HaYashan gathered at the home of Rav Sternbuch to mark the kollel’s official founding.

Rav Sternbuch opened the event with a profound shiur on Maseches Sukkah, exploring the concept of “one who suffers is exempt from the sukkah.” He praised the Avreichim, referring to them as precious diamonds, and addressed the skepticism sometimes directed at those who dedicate their lives to Torah:

“Yes, the secular world mocks us and calls us ‘idle’ — but this is our pride. We are idle only from worldly matters, and it is through this Torah-focused ‘idleness’ that we uphold the world.”

He urged the young scholars to recognize their own greatness, reminding them that many of today’s Gedolim were once underestimated. “Time is like diamonds,” he said. “Use every moment to grow.”

Rav Chaim Ozer Sternbuch followed with words highlighting the timely nature of the kollel’s founding, during Parshas Balak, which speaks of “How goodly are your tents, Yaakov.” This kollel, he said, is a shining “tent of Torah” planted in fertile ground.

Spirited songs filled the air, expressing love for Torah and commitment to its values. The mood reflected the kollel’s mission: to cultivate both deep Torah learning and genuine Yiras Shamayim.

Gedolim and Brachos

Among the distinguished attendees was Rav Chaim Uri Freund, a senior member of the Badatz, who gave an impassioned address about the eternal merit of supporting Torah institutions. He praised Rav Sternbuch for his tireless efforts in spreading Torah, especially within the Yishuv HaYashan.

Following the formal ceremony, a deeply moving private gathering was held in Rav Sternbuch’s study. Together with Rav Freund and the renowned tzaddik Rav Shimon Galai, they recited heartfelt Tehillim on behalf of the generous donor who enabled the kollel’s establishment. Rav Sternbuch declared this tefillah to be a channel for divine mercy, a source of bracha for the donor, and a merit for all of Klal Yisroel.

A Vision Realized

Rav Moshe Freund, the appointed Rosh Kollel, concluded the event with words of gratitude and joy. He thanked Rav Sternbuch for entrusting him with this sacred responsibility and gave the Rosh Yeshiva a heartfelt bracha in return.

Those in attendance — deeply rooted members of the Yishuv HaYashan — left inspired, aware they had witnessed a pivotal moment in the spiritual growth of their community. They expressed hope that this kollel would lay the foundation for future generations of Torah greatness.

This new kollel is the latest addition to the expanding “Teshuvos V’Hanhagos” network, which flourishes under the wise and devoted leadership of Rav Sternbuch, who regularly delivers halachic shiurim to the Avreichim.

As the gathering concluded and the crowd dispersed, a sense of renewal was palpable. The attendees left with strengthened resolve and spiritual elevation, knowing they were part of an unbroken chain — one that spans generations, built by those who gave everything for Torah, and continue to do so today.

[Press Release]