An Encounter with Greatness: A Community Inspired (Photos)

By BJLife Newsroom
Posted on 07/31/25

Baltimore, MD - July 30, 2025 - This past Shabbos, the Baltimore community was privileged to host one of the great Torah leaders and halachic authorities of our generation, HaGaon HaRav Asher Weiss, shlit”a. From his arrival on Erev Shabbos through Sunday morning, Rav Weiss inspired hundreds across our community with his Torah, his warmth, and his unmistakable love for Klal Yisroel.

Over the course of the weekend, Rav Weiss delivered eight drashos and shiurim across multiple neighborhoods and venues.

The Rav began Friday morning by meeting with Baltimore’s Vaad HaRabbonim, followed by a gathering of leaders from the city’s schools and communal organizations. On Friday night, the Rav delivered a stirring address following Kabbolas Shabbos at Kol Torah.

Shabbos morning featured a powerful drasha at Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion, followed by an early evening address at Shomrei Emunah, and a Shalosh Seudos shiur at Suburban Orthodox.

Rav Weiss continued to spread Torah and inspiration on Sunday morning, delivering a shiur at Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah, followed by an impactful address at Derech Chaim. In addition, he gave a special presentation to a group of medical professionals at Shomrei Mishmeres Hakodesh, addressing complex and sensitive topics including end-of-life care, organ transplants, mental health, and therapy—all with halachic clarity and deep humanity.

Throughout every speech and encounter, Rav Weiss emphasized the centrality of Torah in our daily lives, the importance of caring for one another, and the dual reality we’ve faced over the past 22 months—the miracles we have witnessed alongside the profound suffering we have endured. His words resonated deeply, as he spoke not only as a posek but as a father figure to Klal Yisroel—one who feels their pain and shares in their joy.

His drashos weren’t only intellectual in depth; they were emotional in tone. Audiences were moved not just by his mastery of halacha, but by the compassion and sensitivity that permeated his every word. Rav Weiss reminded us that Torah is not just knowledge—it is heart, it is connection, it is caring.

Baltimore was uplifted, not only by the presence of one of the leading halachic minds of our time, but by a true gadol b’Yisroel who showed us how to live with purpose, empathy, and unwavering commitment to Hashem and His people.

To support Rav Weiss’s ongoing efforts in halachic outreach and inspiration, please visit the Minchas Asher Foundation at www.minchasasher.com.