During a visit to the newly rebuilt beis medrash in Kerestir marking the 101st yahrtzeit of Reb Shayele of Kerestir, several prominent negidim announced significant support for the ongoing rebuilding efforts.

Among those present was American philanthropist Yoeli Landau, who arrived shortly after landing nearby by private helicopter and toured the reconstructed beis medrash together with descendants of the tzaddik from “Reb Shayale’s Hoiz.”

During the visit, Landau was deeply moved as he stood in the very spot where his grandfather, Reb Mordechai Leib Deitch ז”ל, had once davened. His grandfather had served as a close meshamesh to the tzaddik. At that moment, Landau informed the descendants, including Rav Menachem Mendel Rubin and Rav Dovid Gross, that he is taking upon himself the full cost of building a second room and an ezras nashim in the beis medrash, l’ilui nishmas his grandfather.

Also participating in the visit were Avraham Yehuda Goldberger and David Gefner, who, inspired by Landau’s generosity, likewise committed to the project and acquired zechuyos in the new shul.

These contributions come as the historic beis medrash is reopened to the public for the first time in decades, following years of neglect and desolation. This past Shabbos, large crowds flocked to the site and davened in the very daled amos where the tzaddik once stood, after construction was temporarily paused to allow public access.

The beis medrash, rebuilt as a precise reconstruction of the original structure, is being led by descendants of the tzaddik, including Rav Menachem Mendel Rubin and Rav Yissachar Berish Rubin, who head the Reb Shayale’s Hoiz organization. For years, they worked to return the property to Jewish hands and restore it down to the smallest detail.

Originally built during the lifetime of the tzaddik after it burned down in 1919 and was reconstructed under his supervision, the beis medrash was later abandoned after the Holocaust and used for other purposes. It was eventually reclaimed through a complex process, paving the way for the current restoration, which included uncovering the original foundations and rebuilding accordingly.

In the coming days, workers are expected to return to complete the remaining construction, ahead of a full reopening planned for the upcoming Yomim Noraim, b’ezras Hashem.