Posted on 09/05/25
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 5, 2025 - On Labor Day, Monday morning, September 1, Agra D’Pirka Baltimore attendees were privileged to hear a special double shiur program at Khal Ahavas Yisroel Tzemach Tzedek (KAYTT), led by Harav Dovid Heber, shlit”a.
STAR-K Kashrus Administrator and Director of Special Projects, Harav Zvi Holland, shlit”a, delivered a truly captivating shiur on the intricate and fascinating halachos of Yayin. The shiur explored: clarifying the machlokes Rishonim; the three fundamental approaches to what constitutes contact that renders wine as yayin nesech; which wines are susceptible to becoming yayin nesech; when wine attains the status of mevushel; and the halachos of yayin mozug—diluted wine. This shiur was particularly appropriate during the week following ten days of discussion in the Daf Yomi being learned at this time in Avoda Zara.
Mentioned one Baltimore attendee, “The depth, clarity, and excitement of the shiur brought the halachos to life and left the chevra with a greater appreciation of the Torah’s precision and brilliance.”
Following Harav Holland’s shiur, Harav Mordechai Shuchatowitz, Mara D’Asra of Agudath Israel of Greenspring, inspired the chevra with the primary Avoda of Elul. With warmth and clarity, the Rav emphasized that the essence of Elul is not only about Teshuva, but about deepening our bond with Hashem. The days of Selichos, he explained, come only at the end of the month.
The Rav emphasized that the main Avoda of Elul is to focus on our loving relationship with Hashem—to feel His closeness, to rejoice in our connection with Him, and to strengthen the simcha of being His children. This message resonated deeply, setting the tone for the uplifting days ahead.
Boruch Hashem, this Labor Day marked the celebration of Baltimore’s seven remarkable years of uplifting Agra D’Pirka shiurim that have covered virtually every area of Torah! What an incredible milestone to look back on, and an even greater inspiration as we look forward!
In Lakewood, Khal Kol Chaim (Rabbi Zalman Raber, shlit”a) hosted back-to-back Agra D’Pirka shiurim, as well.
Harav Yerucham Olshin, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, spoke about “Hachana L’Yom Ha’din”. Quoting Rav Aharon Kotler, zt”l, Harav Olshin portrayed the month of Elul as a gift from Hashem. He quoted the gemara which tells us that the Bais Hamikdosh was destroyed “al shelo berchu baTorah techila”- because they did not make a birchas haTorah. This goes far beyond a lack of appreciation for the Torah. Neglecting to make a beracha on Torah is, in fact, a bizayon haTorah. Although they learned Torah, the “segulas haTorah” to prevent destruction was rendered ineffective. Similarly, the gift of Elul must be appreciated and utilized in order for it to be effective. Harav Olshin also retold a story of Reb Itzileh Peterberger opening the Aron Kodesh in front of his Kehila, thanking Hashem for the gift of Elul and being mekabel Elul b’ahava. One who scorns Elul will not reap the benefits.
Harav Simcha Bunim Londinski, shlit”a, Mara D’Asra, Khal Ohr Gedalia, discussed Halachic issues as they pertain to the minhagim of Elul. Among the questions answered by the Rav were: Since there may be various minhagim in various communities as to when “L’Dovid Hashem” is said, should one follow his own minhag or conform to the local minhag? Is the minhag of blowing Shofar during Elul an individual obligation or a communal obligation? Does one need to hear shofar if he misses it at shul? When to say Kesiva vechasima tova? Is there a kaddish before LeDovid?
Agra D’Pirka Administrator Rabbi Chaim Fuhrer notes, “The Lakewood Agra D’Pirka shiurim were both inspirational and informative. All participants were totally engrossed and thoroughly enjoyed both shiurim.”
These were but two Agra D’Pirka Z’man kickoffs around the country. Yet other Agra D’Pirka Labor Day shiurim took place in Knesses Bais Avigdor in Flatbush, where Harav Label Wulliger, Rosh Kollel Nachlas Dovid, Yeshiva Torah Vodaath, spoke on inyanei yomim tovim. He especially focused on inyanei of the shofar that we blow during all of Elul. Harav Noach Isaac Oelbaum, Mara D’Asra, Khal Nachlas Yitzchok, spoke about, “Preparing for the Yomim Noraim”. Harav Yonasan Millman, shlit”a, R”M, Mesivta Yesodei Yeshurun, gave his shiur, “Mitzvah of Simcha on Rosh Hashanah”, in Harav Hoach Isaac Oelbaum’s shul, Khal Nachlas Yitzchok, in Queens, where the Rav has been a leading force for the past fifty years. Rabbi Oelbaum gave a compelling drasha dealing with the special aspects of yamei Elul and the relationship that needs to be recreated with Ha-shem.
Indeed, Agra D’Pirka is proud to present its 5000+ annual shiurim to the Jewish public throughout the country at its almost 20 locations. Come and chap arein now before the Yomim Tovim for a true shnas geula v’yeshua.
For more information, contact cfuhrer@agradpirka.org, 212-661-9400.
Harav Zvi Holland delivering Agra D'Pirka Baltimore shiur on the halachos of yayin
Harav Mordechai Shuchatowitz delivering Agra D'Pirka shiur on the primary Avoda of Elul
