Posted on 11/27/25
Baltimore, MD - Nov. 27, 2025 - Once again, with great Siyata Dishmaya, Agra Dpirka hosted an amazing legal holiday program which was very well attended.
Over seventy-five attendees gathered on this meaningful morning for an uplifting program of reflection, learning, and communal growth. The event was dedicated both to Divrei Zikaron for Rabbi Moshe Hauer ZTV”L and to an in-depth exploration of the foundations and function of a Beis Din, including the origins and development of the Baltimore Beis Din.
Rabbi Shraga Neuberger: A Moving Tribute to Rabbi Moshe Hauer ZTV”L
Rabbi Shraga Neuberger opened the morning with heartfelt and penetrating Divrei Zikaron on Rabbi Moshe Hauer ZTV”L. He portrayed a towering figure whose influence reached across the entire spectrum of Klal Yisroel—nationally and internationally—yet whose personal humility and unwavering devotion to Torah remained central to his identity.
Despite the immense demands placed upon him by communal responsibilities and myriad initiatives, Rabbi Hauer never allowed himself to drift from the Gemara. Torah learning was his lifeline, his guide, and the foundation of every decision. Equally paramount was his family—always his first priority, and the sphere in which his warmth, integrity, and dedication were expressed most intimately.
Rabbi Neuberger also emphasized Rabbi Hauer’s extraordinary ability to connect deeply with Jews from every background and affiliation. He was a Klal Yisroel Yid in the fullest sense—someone who embraced all segments of the community with sincerity, respect, and genuine care.
Rabbi Mordechai Shuchatovitz: A Captivating Shiur on the Essence of Beis Din
Following the tribute, Rabbi Mordechai Shuchatovitz delivered a fascinating shiur on the halachic structure, purpose, and inner workings of a Beis Din. He discussed the Torah’s mandate to establish a Beis Din in every city, ensuring proper halachic guidance and judicial structure within each community.
Rabbi Shuchatovitz stressed the critical importance of Jews bringing disputes to a Torah-authorized Beis Din—rather than to secular courts—to fulfill halachah properly and avoid the serious chillul Hashem inherent in turning to non-Jewish legal systems.
He delved into many compelling aspects of Beis Din procedure, including how cases are evaluated, how dayanim are selected, and the unique sensitivities required in halachic adjudication.
An especially meaningful part of the shiur was his recounting of the founding of the Baltimore Beis Din and the exceptional zechus he had to discuss its structure and operations at length with Maran HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv ZT”L. Those conversations formed the halachic cornerstone of the Beis Din as it functions today.
The morning concluded with participants feeling deeply inspired by the memory of Rabbi Hauer ZTV”L and enriched by a greater understanding of the halachic framework that supports Jewish communal life. It was a fitting blend of memory, Torah, and insight—an event that honored the past while strengthening the future.
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Agra Dpirka, founded by R' Ezra Klien from N.Y. about 15 years ago, branched out across the country and came to Baltimore in 2018. Agra Dpirka is unique as it hosts a Gemara B'Iyun shiur delivered by Rav Yankel Herskovitz followed by a guest speaker shiur from various Rabbonim from the community everyday.
The feedback of true appreciation is never ending as everyone who joins for the regular program as well as the holiday programs always enjoys the incredible experience.