A historic change will take place this Rosh Hashanah at Yeshivas Kol Torah in the Bayit Vegan neighborhood of Yerushalayim, as Rav Yeshaya Rothenberg, who has served as the yeshiva’s longtime baal tefillah for Mussaf on both days of Rosh Hashanah, will not lead the tefillos this year.

Rav Rothenberg, the rov of the Gra Shul in Bayit Vegan, has stood before the amud at Kol Torah for decades. His departure marks the end of an era for the yeshiva’s Yomim Noraim tefillos, with his voice, nusach and presence having become an inseparable part of the yeshiva and its uplifting Rosh Hashanah atmosphere.

Taking his place this year will be Rav Yehuda Wolpin, son of Rav Refael Wolpin, a ram at Yeshivas Kol Torah. Rav Yehuda is also a grandson of the yeshiva’s rosh yeshiva, Rav Moshe Yehuda Schlesinger.

The incoming baal tefillah, who comes from the world of Yeshivas Chevron, will bring his own distinctive style to the amud, while seeking to preserve the longstanding traditions that have characterized the tefillos at Kol Torah.

The planned nusach will combine elements of both traditions. Familiar and beloved portions of Rav Rothenberg’s nusach will remain, while niggunim and elements of the stirring style associated with Yeshivas Chevron will also be incorporated.

Extensive preparations have been underway in recent days to ensure a smooth transition and to familiarize the bnei hayeshiva with the new combination of styles.

As part of those preparations, Rav Wolpin held a special session with a group of bochurim from the yeshiva. Together, they carefully reviewed the finer details of the nusach, practiced the transitions between different portions of the tefillah, and prepared for the climactic moments of the Rosh Hashanah davening.

{Matzav.com}