500 at Simcha Monica Memorial

A large Hakhel Dinner and Farbrengen was held in the Chabad House of Simcha Monica, CA, commemorating the second yahrtzeit of the Shliach Rabbi Avrohom Levitansky OBM, and celebrating 40 years of his dedication to Camp Gan Yisroel.

Over 500 people attended the event, including rabbis, Shluchim, Anash and Chabad followers.

The common denominator between those who attended, was that the Chabad House was filled with people whose lives have been touched by Rabbi Levitansky, and who came to pay tribute, to share memories and be inspired to continue in the ways they were taught by him.

Rabbi Eli Moshe Levitansky, one of his sons and the Shliach to S. Monica College emceed the event.

The first speaker was Rabbi Yosef Shusterman, a friend of the late Levitansky and a halachic authority to Anash and Shliach of the Rebbe to Beverly Hills, CA. He related some stories and brought out the practical lessons to be learned from Rabbi Levitansky, in the field of sensitivity and Ahavas Yisroel.

Rabbi Isaac Levitansky, another son who now directs the Chabad House activities in Simcha Monica, led the assembled in his father’s kapitel as well as some more kapitlach of Tehillim, which are customarily said in the Chabad House between Mincha and Maariv and then shared a few words with the assembled.

The youngest son, Zev Mayer Levitansky made a Siyum on the Rambam and spoke about Achdus Yisroel, one of the main things his father is known for.

This was followed by the Hascholo made by his brother-in-law, Rabbi Sholom Heidingsfeld.

The Guest Speaker was Rabbi Akiva Wagner, Rosh Yeshiva Lubavitch of Toronto, who spent many summers in Gan Yisroel Simcha Monica, as counselor and head counselor.

Wagner addressed the crowd, drawing upon stories and personal encounters with Rabbi Levitansky, stressing the idea that he was a “Chai Lehachayos,” a Jew that was one with and alive with his Torah and mitzvos, and inspiring the crowd to further their growth in Torah and Mitzvos, imbued with Lebedikeit.

A slideshow of pictures of Rabbi Levitansky throughout the years, which was very well received. The official part of the program concluded with bentching and Maariv. After Maariv, a big Kiddush Levana was held, outside the Chabad house.

After the formal part had concluded, the Farbrengen continued with Rabbi Wagner, Rabbi Shimon Raichik, Rav of Anash and of Congregation Levi Yitzchak, and many Shluchim and Temimim. The Farbrengen continued until about 3:30 in the morning.

A teshura was given out, including some of Rabbi Levitansky’s famous stories, answers from the Rebbe and more.

An appeal was made for the benefit of Camp Gan Israel which is starting this year’s session in a few week’s time. People were given the opportunity to sponsor different activities, or a day, week etc. in camp, and get the zechus of the Mitzvos and Brochos said by the campers during that time.

Those who wish, can still join in this opportunity, by logging onto the Chabad House’s website www.thechabadnik.org