t2 — THE BULLETIN — Thursday/September 14, 1978
JWB Staff
What has been termed "perhaps the most beautiful Beit HaMidrash in a Hebrew Day School in the world," was officially dedicated at a festive simcha in Vancouver Sept. 5.
Singing and dancing were prevalent — with a general feeling of ruach — as an estimated 700 persons attended the dedication of the new Yossi Wosk Beit HaMidrash at Talmud Torah. The project, carried out by internationally-known architect Ami Shamir of New York, was built by Morris and Dena Wbsk in honor of the recent Rabbinical Ordination of their son.
All segments and ages of the community were present for the dedication, which was attended by Rabbi Wosk*s, family: his parents; Mordechai !and Chana Wosk; Ken Wosk. His sister Miriam, waaflfln--able to attend.
Prior to Rabbi Wosk leading Maariv services in the new, Beit HaMidrash, the Torahs for the unique Ark were carried by Rabbi Wosk and Abrasha Wosk from the dedication ceremonies in Talmud Torah auditorium to the new prayer hall. The large crowd followed this procession^ singing in joyous celebration.
Rabbi Yossi (Jerry) Wosk, 29, commenting on the Beit HaMidr fash's inotif of'Jacob's Dream*, told the dedication ceremonies in the auditorium, "Jacob taught us that the Jew must be a cliniber, a dreamer. Let iis work' together to achieve our dreams and ultimately attain the cherished goal of peace in Israel."
He stated the Jewish people's gift to the world was Torah. "Each generation faces' the challenge of climbing towards the attainment of Torah knowledge and practice. There are sighs that many Jews today remain spiritually illiterate, the climb towards Torah being difficult, with the gravity of nature urging us down/to sink."
The native-bbrii • Vancouverite, who was ordained by the renowned Rav Joseph Soloveichik of Boston and New York, went on to point out that the "climb towards Torah" is aided in part by allowing oneself to dream. He noted his strong concurrence with former Israer Prime Minister Golda Meir's statement that "every Jew must be a dreamer."
Rabbi Wosk reflected that his personaljpurney had been a difficult one and he expressed his "sincere thanks" for the help given him by The Almighty, his family, teachers and friends.
He noted that his father, a few days earlier, had sat afohe in the extremely beautiful new Beit Hamid-rash and thanked God for the naches he felt.
Morris Wosk told the gathering that he was extremely proud that all his children were Talmud Torah. graduates. "Their education has given them a great start in life and I sincerely hope that Talmud Torah will continue to grow," he said.
Mr. Wosk, who has contributed substantially to numerous projects relating to Jewish education, Judaism and Israel over the years, stated that his wish is that the new Beit HaMidrash will be of good use to large numbers, of young people. ^
^ ^'I thank The Almighty for allowing me to be of help to Judaism and Israel," he stated.
Mr. )Vosk expressed his thanks to the architect; his wife Dena and their children; and to event organizers Reta Wolochow and Myrha Kol-berg.
Dr. Al Bogoch, former Talmud Torah president, opened the official dedication by noting that "the world rests on Torah, service and charity — and these three important factors apply to the life and practice of Morris; Wosk:"
He stated that Rabbi Wosk has ialso shown these characteristics, adding that they were first evident when he contributed money received for his Bar-Mitzvah towards the new wing ia^t Talmud Torah.
Dr. Bogoch said that he was delighted by the presence of such a large number of community rabbis, teachers, parents and, students. He added that "this is an occasion which will be remembered for many years."
Talmud Torah president Dr^ Joseph Bensimon stated that ;the opening of the Beit HaMidrash represents a wonderful beginning to the School year. "Let this new beautiful prayer hall be an inspiration to us all. We offer our heartfelt thanks," he told the gathering.
Tom Widrich, school vprincipal, pointed out that the idea for the new
UNUSUAL AjRK and stained-glass window. wail (photo above) highlight new TalniudToral\Beit HaMidrash. At right, procession of Torahs from auditorium to new prayer hall, Rabbi Yossi Wosk in foreground; dedication plaque outside the Beit HaMidrash door. Below, part of the estimated crowd of700 attending the dedication listen to Rabbi Wosk. (All Photos by Lindner.) '
Beit HaMidrash took root shortly after Talmud Torah; began its morning Shabbat programs last year. Mr. Wosk, he noted, Hkiizid the need for siich a sanctuary and the significance it would have for the school.
Mr. Widrich said: "We wish the Wosks nachas; Talmudl Tofah salutes you."
At the end of thcMaariv service, Mr. Wosk, with tears in his eyes, told those in the Beit HaMidrash and the huge crowd outside waiting to see the beautiful prayer hall, "My friends; we thought when we extended the invitation that possibly 100, 200 persons would attend. We are completely overwhelmed."
; The joyous celebration concluded with refreshments, singing^i^clancing and ruach to the music of *Elite,' performed by band members Baruch Kaplan, Sonny Wenger and Marvin Hubermanv with guest artist,.Rabbi Yiissie Lieber.
talmud torah - beit- ha-MmE'ASm--1: .dedicated to the CHlfeDREI^-i£7al \ of israel >. D^tt?^ DipD. 7Dn _ " - tn every place-of their ~ sojurn! -- 'by-mr.mrs. morris j. wosk
- in (;ratitude- to-the almighty c)n, the-occasion of their son ■ y
yostf becoming a bK1^^2' TMim '
--------RABBrTN-the' hquse-oe israel ■
by '-YESHIVA- university" june 1978 "