Torah Jewry Plunged into Mourning on the Passing of HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon,zt’l , 86.
Torah Jewry around the world is in a state of deep mourning following the devastating news of the petirah (passing) of HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon ztl at the age of 86. HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon was widely revered as the mashgiach ruchni (spiritual mentor) of the renowned Beis Medrash Gevoha (BMG) in Lakewood, New Jersey. His profound wisdom, impeccable Torah knowledge, and unwavering dedication to Jewish education have left an indelible impact on tens of thousands of people.
Born in Gateshead, England, HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon ztl demonstrated his commitment to Torah study from a young age. He spent 16 years immersed in yeshiva and kollel, studying under esteemed rabbis such as Rabbi Chaim Kaufman and Rav Elyah Lopian ztl, who he considered his primary mentor.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Rav Mattisyahu served as mashgiach at Gateshead Yeshiva until assuming the position of senior mashgiach, providing guidance and inspiration to countless students for over three decades. In 1998, he was asked to succeed Rav Nosson Wachtfogel ztl as the mashgiach of BMG, prompting his relocation to Lakewood.
During his 25-year tenure at BMG, Rav Mattisyahu influenced a wide spectrum of individuals through his teachings on Torah, mussar (ethical conduct), and chizuk (spiritual encouragement). His profound grasp of chinuch (education) and hashkafa (Jewish philosophy) made him a sought-after advisor, with tens of thousands of people seeking his expertise and insight. Several books based on his shmuessen (lectures) have been published, covering a range of topics including Yamim Noraim (High Holidays), Moadim (Jewish festivals), hashkafa, and mussar.
The levaya (funeral) of Rav Mattisyahu Salomon ztl is scheduled to take place at 12 pm on Wednesday at BMG, where an immense crowd is expected to pay their final respects. Kevurah (burial) will then occur in Eretz Yisroel.
The passing of HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon ztl has left a deep void in the world of Torah Jewry. His boundless wisdom, unwavering dedication, and tireless efforts to inspire Jews to lead lives rooted in Torah and mitzvos will forever be remembered. As the global Jewish community mourns the loss of this remarkable leader, his teachings will continue to illuminate the path for generations to come.
In other news, close to 200,000 students in New York state have embarked on a boycott of standardized tests as a form of revolt led by parents who believe their rights are being infringed upon. The massive boycott, which encompasses a significant number of students, reflects the growing discontent among parents who feel that standardized testing places undue stress on their children and hampers their creativity and holistic development. This organized protest highlights the determination of parents to demand a change in the current education system and ensure that their voices are heard.
The boycott has sparked a broader conversation about the role of standardized testing in education and the importance of parental input in shaping educational policies. As more parents join the movement, it remains to be seen how education authorities will respond and whether there will be any significant changes to the standardized testing system in New York state.
The parents leading this boycott firmly believe that their actions are necessary to protect their children’s educational experiences and promote a more balanced approach to assessment. Ultimately, this revolt aims to establish a more holistic and student-centered learning environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and intellectual growth.
As the boycott gains momentum, the New York State Education Department faces increasing pressure to address the concerns of parents and reevaluate the role of standardized testing in the education system. It remains to be seen whether this movement will bring about meaningful change and pave the way for a more well-rounded educational experience for students across the state.
