Community Gathers with Guest

Over 600 people from across the spectrum of the S. Paulo Jewish community in Brazil gathered on Monday, Adar 25, for a grand event at the elegant Buffet Franca Ballroom.

Set up magnificently, the event celebrated 110 years of the Rebbe’s birth and the completion of the 30th cycle of daily study of Rambam and was organized by the Talmidim Hashluchim of the Yeshiva Lubavitch, and under the auspices of the Chabad- Lubavitch organizations of S. Paulo.

The emcee was Chabad Shliach Rabbi Danny Eskinazi. Greeting were given by Rabbi Yaakov Begun, Head Shliach of the Higenopolis area, who stressed the importance of Achdus.

The Rebbe’s and the Rebbetzin’s new Kapitel was recited by Rabbi Efraim Laniado oft the Sephardic Shul Beit Yaakov.

A video of the Rebbe addressing the last few laws of the Rambam was shown, along with a clip of the Rebbe making the first Siyum Harambam.

Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch, Rabbi Shamai Ende made the siyum, while sharing inspirational words the Rebbe pertaining to the last few laws of the Rambam discussing the times of Moshiach.

As he completed the Rambam the crowd burst into spontaneous singing of “Sisu Vsimchu,” accompanied by festive music.

As per the Rebbe’s Directive of immediately beginning the Rambam once more, Rabbi Hersh Leib Begun, Dean of the Lubavitch Education Institutions in S. Paulo, began the Rambams first few words about the foundational beliefs of a Jew, while adding from the Rebbe’s remarks on the subject.

The evening’s keynote address was given by Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, Chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad International and the Rebbe’s Shliach to Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

Rabbi Shemtov spoke with passion regarding the three unities the Rebbe created; Uniting all Jewish people, keeping the Land of Eretz Yisroel complete and united, and bringing a unprecedented unity in all elements of the Torah.

Speaking in English, his words were translated simultaneously into Portuguese and transmitted to the participants via FM transmitters. Organizers said the heartfelt energy Rabbi Shemtov put into his message touched the hearts of all assembled.

He brought out his message with many stories that he had personally witnessed or experienced during the many years he spent in close proximity to the Rebbe.

The crowd was later addressed by Rabbi Shmuel Havlin of the S. Paulo Beis Din, sharing some of his thoughts on the Rambam.

At the events conclusion people milled about, while coffee and deserts were served. A special memento was given to all those who participated in the event; a recently published book of the last few chapters of Maimonadies translated into Portuguese together with commentary by Rabbi Dovid Weitman.

News reporters and Tv stations who had come to cover the event interviewed the speakers, organizers and participants.

Following the event a festive Farbrengen was held in the Hall together for the students of the Yeshiva Lubavitch, and was joined by many of the Shluchim and Anash from across the city.

In conclusion, the event was a resounding success, and the hundreds of men, woman, and children who participated came away with a tremendous boost in there connection to the Rebbe, resoluting to do more to spread the Rebbe’s message and accomplish his Shlichus of reaching every Jew.

The organizers thanked the individuals that helped make this event the success it was: Rabbi Shabsi Alpern, Rabbi Yaakov Begun, Rabbi Hersh Leib Begun, Rabbi Dovid Weitman, Rabbi Yossi Schildkraut, Rabbi Shamai Ende, Rabbi Sholom Ber Gourarie, Alberto Milkewitz of the Jewish Federation.

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