Close to 50 men and women gathered recently in Crown Heights to celebrate the Hiloula of the great Tzadik, Rabbi Yisroel Abuhatzeira za”l, also known as the Baba Sali, whose yahrzeit is the 4th of Shvat.
The evening was arranged and emceed by the dedicated and dynamic Rav of the Sephardic community in Crown Heights and Rav of Merkaz Sepharad, Rabbi Eliezer (Lazer) Avtzon.
The Seudah was prepared by the Rabbanit, Dr. Sarah (Abitbol) Avtzon, PhD, whose parents’ Shidduch was suggested by the Baba Sali and whose parents had the Zechut to host the Baba Sali for several months at their home.
Moroccan fish, couscous with vegetables, Ktzizot (Moroccan burgers), pashtida, Moroccan cigars, matbucha and plenty of Mahia filled the tables.
Piyutim were led by Yossi Sultan, Makhlouf Krispine, Yitzchok Fakiro, Chaim Shabtai and Adam Amsallem.
The famous writer and editor, Rabbi Hertzel Katsavshilli of Lod, Israel who is visiting New York with a group of 30 Avreichim and who regularly visits Merkaz Sepharad whenever he is here in New York, shared stories and Divrei Chizuk.
Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Rabbi Yaakov Bleich and Rabbi Aharon Chein of Queens honored with Divrei Torah and Chizuk.
Rabbi Chein, who had learned as a young Bachur in Yeshivat Hanegev in Netivot and who was very close to the Baba Sali shared fascinating stories of the Baba Sali and his connection with the Rebbe.
Merkaz Sepharad is located on the corner of Albany and Crown under BLY Shul and across from Lubavitcher Yeshiva. To get involved with the activities of the Shul please send an email to merkazsefarad@gmail.com
