Dushinsky chassidim in London are preparing with excitement for the Rebbe's visit this week, which will focus on raising funds for the chassidus's talmud Torah building in the British capital.
Talmud Torah Beis Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky in London was founded six years ago to serve the children of the chassidus's families in the city, which now number close to one hundred households. With the start of the winter zman, a sixth-grade class opened, and the talmud Torah now educates over 130 talmidim.
The institution runs al taharas hakodesh, accepting no government funding or support, in keeping with the tradition of the chassidus's founder, the Maharitz of Dushinsky zt"l, who refused government money for his yeshivos in Galanta and Chust.
As a result, the talmud Torah building was purchased entirely with private donations, without any assistance from the British government. The talmidim currently learn in temporary facilities, but the growing enrollment has created an urgent need to expand and acquire a permanent, spacious building.
With the Rebbe's blessing and encouragement, the talmud Torah administration completed the purchase last Elul of a large building in the heart of Stamford Hill on Fairholt Road. The down payment was donated by the family of the late Reb Moshe Eliyahu Schwartz z"l, head of the Dushinsky kehillah in London and chairman of the European Agudas Hatalmidim, in his memory.
In the coming months, the building is expected to undergo comprehensive renovation, along with the addition of several floors to make it fully suitable for the talmud Torah's needs. Future plans also include purchasing the adjacent building to further expand.
Last week, the Rebbe appointed the members of the Building Fund Committee, who will lead the major fundraising effort alongside the administration of the mosdos. The askanim have begun organizing parlor meetings and dinners, and opening fundraising channels among Dushinsky chassidim and supporters of the Torah world.
The Rebbe, who has been in New York in recent days for his grandson's wedding, will fly today (Sunday) from New York to London, where he will remain until Thursday.
The highlight of the visit will be a major gathering of all the chassidim on Tuesday at a hall in Golders Green. During the visit, the Rebbe will also meet with donors and supporters of Torah to advance the new building.
