The formal program commenced with greetings from Orot President, Rabbi Prof. Guttel, followed by warm words by the Chairman of Mercaz Yeshivot Bnei Akiva and recent winner of the distinguished Israel Prize, Rabbi Chaim Druckman. Rabbi Tzvi Neugershal, who was instrumental in helping Rav Felix establish the College and Mrs. Orly Weitzman, the principal of Ulpanat Tzvia in Kochav Yaakov and a member of the first Orot graduating class, both spoke about Orot's early days and the deep impact that Orot has made on religious education in the country. Guest lecturer, Prof. Y. Yeshurun from Bar Ilan University, formerly the Chairman of the Academic Council of Orot and an instrumental figure in helping Orot receive academic recognition, spoke on the topic of "Scientific Disputes and their Ramifications".
Rabbi Dr. Moshe Rachimi, Dean of Students at Orot, presented a leather-bound copy of the book published by Orot to Rabbi Felix. Mrs. Hadassa Feder, formerly the head of the Department of Special Education presented to Rabbi Felix a framed photograph of the campus.
Rabbi Felix in his words of summation thanked Orot for the generous gesture as well as the many people who came to this special tribute, who included Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, the Chief Rabbi of Ramat Gan, Rabbi Druckman, Rabbi Fogel, former MK's Nissan Smilansky and Shaul Yahalom, heads of Michlalaot, members of the Ministry of Education and Orot staff. Special mention was given to Devorah Felix by her husband and all the speakers, for without her ongoing support Rabbi Felix would have not been able to make the amazing contribution to Jewish education that he has made.
Without any doubt this was an evening to remember.
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