Celebration brings a much-needed break for adults and children
More than 1,500 refugees from Ukraine who are sheltering in cities around Israel gathered earlier this week in Rishon Letzion to honor the 120th anniversary of the birth of the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory.
Working with Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries from cities around Ukraine, the event was organized by Kolel Torah—an educational organization with 120 chapters in 112 cities and towns across the former Soviet Union and Europe. Led by Rabbi Ben Tzion Lipsker and Rabbi Moshe Weber, attend daily classes in Talmud, Mishnah, Shulchan Aruch, the weekly parashah and Chassidic philosophy. Also helping to organize the event was the Chabad Youth Organization of Israel’s aliyah and absorption division, which provides Torah classes and programming in many languages to new immigrants to Israel from around the world.
The program opened with the recitation of Psalms in the merit of the Jews of Ukraine, Russia and Israel, led by Rabbi Yoseph Yitzchak Aharonov, director of the Chabad Youth Organization of Israel, and Rabbi Weber of Kolel Torah.
Rishon Letzion Mayor Raz Kinstlich addressed the crowd and expressed his admiration and support for Chabad’s work on behalf of the Jews of Ukraine. Speakers from Ukraine and Israel shared stories about their personal connection with the Rebbe and the impact of the Rebbe’s teachings on their lives.
Musical performances were provided by singer Pinchas Zinman, violinist Mordechai Brotzky and popular young performer Motti Greenbaum.
A separate program was held at the same time for hundreds of refugee children, featuring musicians, jugglers and other entertainers.
