Brest, Belarus
New Sefer Torah in Brisk after 75 years
FESTIVITIES IN BRISK –BREST
PRESENTATION OF A NEW SEFER TORAH AFTER 75 YEARS
Hundreds of citizens –members of the Jewish community in Brisk celebrated the presentation of a new Sefer Torah, the first after 75 years, to the Brisk-Brest Synagogue. This was presented by the Mizrachi, Leselbaum and Perrin families in the illustrious memory of their dear father Reb Pinchas ben Yitzchak Mizrachi of Blessed Memory.
The ceremony of writing the last letters was held in the Hall of the previous Great Synagogue where the renowned Rabbis of Brisk , amongst them the late Rabbi Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik ע"ה davened. This ceremony started with the showing of a video explaining the essence of the Sefer Torah and terminated when members of the Mizrachi family and honored members of the Community were given the Zechus of writing the last letters.
I then spoke and emphasized the historic occasion – using the Chabad expressions “דידן נצח ‘We have Succeeded’. In spite of the fact that both the Communists and the Nazis rose up against the Jewish people, and in spite of all that occurred in the past, we celebrate here today the writing and presentation of a new Sefer Torah which signifies that the Jewish people in Brisk are proud of their roots and reawakening their traditions. We are most grateful to the honorable Mizrachi Family and warmly thank them for their generosity in presenting this Sefer Torah, the Emblem of Judaism.
Mr. Yitzchak Mizrachi spoke warm words of encouragement on behalf of the family.
Among the participants in the festivities were Mr. Yitzchak Mizrachi the family representative, my father-in-law, Rabbi Zusha Goldstein and his family who came from Israel especially to participate in this historic occasion. The Chabad Shaliach from Grodna Rabbi Yitzchak Kaufman, Rabbi Moshe Fima from the town Pinsk who came with the students from the Pinsk Jewish School, the renowned Scribe the Sofer Rabbi Yosef Westman, and Mr. Shalom Milenkin, Director of the Jewish Congregation. Dignitaries from the Municipality including the Regional Ministry of Religion, the representatives from the Brisk Municipality, the Consuls of Poland, the Ukraine, Russia and Azerbaijan, were also present.
After the letter writing ceremony, a wonderful colorful and lively parade escorted the Torah throughout the streets honoring and glorifying in the name of the Almighty. The entire program was covered by the local newspaper and television, who were overjoyed to be able to report on such a unique occasion. The most lavish banquet thanking and giving recognition to the donators was held in the ballroom in of the community as befitting such an occasion.
With blessings
Rabbi Chaim Rabinowitz
If you wish to join and be a partner in the revival of the Jewish Community of Brest please press here.
--
Rabbi Chaim Rabinowitz
Chabad of Brest - Belarus
375-29-6102770
