Oorah Telethon 2011 Rundown + Pix

Oorah was abuzz with excitement as their annual Radiothon took place on motzei Shabbos, May 28, 2011 in their Lakewood, NJ headquarters. The evening kicked off with Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss, Country Yossi and Elchanan Schwarz, who hosted the event as in years past. After welcoming listeners, Shua Kessin sang a beautiful Carlebach havdala.

The evening included a special commemorative tribute to Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l, on his 25th yartzeit. Listeners were treated to stories, reflections and personal memories from talmidim who were privileged to be close to one of the greatest gedolim of our time.

There were several segments of members of the Oorah family who shared their stories, including two Torah Mates who expressed what makes their learning so special, TheZone girls division campers who shared the triumphs of their own personal kiruv journeys, and listeners celebrated with two campers from TheZone as they made a siyum on mishnayos that was completed with their Torah Mate.

Fiveish was also present, of course, and kept listeners amused with his unique sense of humor and endearing qualities.

The Dueling Rabbis brought together two of today’s top names in the chinuch world for a debate like nothing that was ever heard before. They tackled some of the biggest issues in kiruv, each rabbi arguing his view passionately.

Throughout the evening, there were ongoing performances by renowned Jewish artists, namely Dovid Gabay, Sruly Williger, Michoel Pruzansky, Eitan Katz and Lipa Schmeltzer.

The thrilling conclusion of the evening was the live drawing, where winners were informed by phone about their big prize. It was an exhilarating night that was both intellectually stimulating and fabulously entertaining. Can’t wait to see you again next year!