Sunday, May 19th was a glorious day in the history of Yeshiva of South Shore-Yeshiva Toras Chaim Bais Binyamin, and a momentous occasion for the Five Towns community at large. Nearly 60 years after the dedication of the original building, in May of 1966 on 1170 William Street, the yeshiva celebrated the Chanukas HaBayis of their brand new Friedman Family Building that will house the elementary school division of the yeshiva.
The beautiful building, which stands on the footprint of the original smaller structure, is a two story magnificent building with 16 classrooms, five resource and enrichment classrooms a laboratory, art room, library and more amenities to enhance the educational experience of the elementary YOSS talmidim of grades 1-5.
The Chanukas HaBayis was graced by scores of Rabbanim, political leaders and hundreds of parents and supporters who came to celebrate the growth and accomplishments of the impressive development of the yeshiva, underscore the yeshiva’s connection with almost every shul and chessed institution in the Five Towns and Rockaways.
Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Rosh Yeshiva, was emotional, stating that almost seven years to the day, the community gathered to pay the kovod acharon to his father, Rav Binyamin Kamenetzky, zt”l, they now gather to celebrate a brand new building as a continuity of his legacy. “The building”, he explained, “is more than a learning center for the children’s future, it’s a center to explore their past”. The building includes much history that entails a wall of tribute to Rav Binyamin that contains moving images and photos of the world from which he came and of so many community members who stood by his side from the 1950s until his passing in 2017.
The guest speaker, Rabbi Shaya Kohn, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Zichron Aryeh, brought his extensive experience and innovative approaches to education to the forefront, enriching the event with his insights into chinuch, and melding them with an emphasis on the life of Rav Binyomin Kamenetzky.
A powerful speech by Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, decrying the rise of anti-Semitism, and an affirmation of his unwavering support of Israel, stirred the audience. The congressman was joined with other leaders, among them, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Supervisor Don Clavin, Ari Brown and many others, highlights the community’s strong support for the Yeshiva.
The South Shore PTA truly enhanced the celebration with a delectable dessert brunch, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.The beautiful morning ended off with a special sefirah-compatible accapella performance by renowned singer, Shulem Lemmer and the Zemiros choir, singing Mizmor Shir and other appropriate nigunim. The children attending the event after school were treated to creative gifts and tokens of remembrance, as well as fun treats like popcorn, fresh ice cream, slush, and snow cones. The festive atmosphere ensured that everyone had a delightful time and left with a tremendously uplifting feeling that the legacy of Rav Binyamin’s love for Torah and chessed will not only reverberate within the walls of the building, but in the spirit of their children as well.
