Remembering Rav Aharon Kotler on His 64th Yahrtzeit

Today, 2 Kislev, marks the 64th yahrtzeit of HaGaon HaRav Aharon Kotler ZT"L, Rosh Yeshiva of Kletzk and founder of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, New Jersey.

HaRav Aharon ZT"L led the Kletzk yeshiva in Europe before coming to the United States in 1941. During the Holocaust, he devoted himself to the Vaad Hatzalah's efforts to rescue Yidden trapped in Europe.

In 1943, he founded Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, placing full-time Torah learning at the center of the new yeshiva. His work helped lay the foundation for the growth of Torah in America.

His leadership extended beyond the walls of the beis medrash. He chaired the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisrael and the rabbinical leadership of Torah Umesorah, and helped establish Chinuch Atzmai in Eretz Yisrael.

HaRav Aharon ZT"L was niftar on 2 Kislev 5723, November 29, 1962. His legacy continues through the yeshiva he founded and the generations of talmidim who carry his Torah forward.

May his neshama be a meilitz yosher for all of Klal Yisrael.