Congregation Anshei Chesed of Hewlett had the privilege of hosting Rav Ahron Lopiansky, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva of Greater Washington, this past Shabbos. Rav Lopiansky is the esteemed mechaber of several sefarim, including the highly acclaimed Ben Torah for Life and Ben Yeshiva, among others.
Rabbi Isaac Rice, Rav of Anshei Chesed, shares a warm relationship with the Rosh Yeshiva and recognized the tremendous benefit the community would gain from his presence over Shabbos. Rav Lopiansky spent Shabbos as a guest of the shul and addressed the kehilla multiple times. Both the shul’s members and the many visitors who walked in from afar, despite the unusually frigid temperatures, were inspired and uplifted by his derashos.
Throughout Shabbos, Rav Lopiansky delivered shiurim focusing on using Shabbos not merely as a day of rest, but as a transformative opportunity for deepening one’s connection to ruchniyus. He also spoke about the importance of making balanced, thoughtful decisions grounded in intellect rather than extreme emotion.
A highlight of the visit was a Leil Shabbos Oneg and Q&A session hosted at the home of Michelle and Jon Newman, which drew a large and enthusiastic crowd. At seudas shelishis, Rav Lopiansky offered meaningful reflections on the life and enduring impact of the Alter of Slobodka.
The visit concluded on Motzaei Shabbos at the Yeshiva of South Shore’s Father–Son Learning Program, where Rav Lopiansky was introduced by Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky. He delivered words of Torah and chizuk to an audience of over one hundred boys and their fathers.
This Shabbos will be remembered by the shul and the broader community. The chizuk and divrei Torah that Rav Lopiansky shared left a profound impact and will continue to inspire for years to come.