A Night to Remember: Harborside Kollel Opening Draws Over 150 Attendees

Sunday night, August 31st, the Bay Harbor Islands community gathered in force to celebrate the official launch of The Harborside Kollel, a project of the North Miami Beach Kollel. Over 150 people, men and women alike, filled the beis medrash, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation for this new chapter of Torah in our neighborhood.

The evening began with the Rosh Kollel Rabbi Reuven Cohen tasking the community to seize the opportunity and break their routines to come and join the Kollel regardless of age.

The keynote address given by Rabbi Joey Haber set the tone for what the Harborside Kollel represents. He spoke about the “gnats in our brain,” like the ones that tormented Titus, the constant noise and distractions that plague modern life, and how only Torah can quiet that noise and bring a sense of calm and clarity. Rabbi Haber also shared a powerful message about the two paths every person faces: one that seems sweet and easy at first but ultimately leads to emptiness, and another that starts with thorns but, once navigated, offers immense pleasure, meaning, and lasting fulfillment.

Participation by local rabbanim from across the distinct communities of Bal Harbour, Surfside, and Bay Harbor added a special sense of unity and significance to the event, signaling the communal importance and broad support for this new makom Torah.

The energy in the room was palpable, a clear sign that the Harborside Kollel has already begun to plant deep roots in the community. As the doors open nightly for chavrusa learning and shiurim, this moment will be remembered as the night the kol Torah in Bay Harbor Islands truly began to soar.

For updates and the full schedule of learning, visit hskollel.org or email office@hskollel.org.