By COLlive reporter
Lyubavichi, the rural village in the Rudnyansky District of Smolensk Oblast, Russia, most commonly known as Lubavitch, is once again expecting visitors.
After a year of lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic during which foreigners weren’t allowed into Russia and global travel heavily restricted, the town is gearing up for guests.
Groups of Jews are expected to arrive in Lubavitch on Tuesday night and Wednesday day to mark Beis Iyar, the birthday of the Rebbe Maharash, Rabbi Shmuel of Lubavitch (1834-1882), fourth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, of blessed memory.
R’ Gavriel Gordon, the Shliach who oversees Jewish operations in the Lubavitch town, says there are a number of events planned, including davening and farbrengens for the visitors.
In honor of the auspicious day, a new paroches was installed in the restored Akeda shul which is located near the Ohel of the Rebbes in the local historic Jewish cemetery.
As reported on COLlive.com, the paroches was created by David Roytman, owner and designer of Luxury Judaica in New York, who drew inspiration from the Shaar Blatt – the illustrated frame that each Chabad Rebbe has for the seforim they wrote and published.
Roytman combined the Shaar Blatt of the Tzemach Tzedek and the one belonging to the Rebbe Maharash. The Paroches itself is made of skin of a kosher cow with an acrylic paint on it, which gives a special and rich look.
Roytman said this combination was a first and that it honored the special location of the shul near the Ohel of both Rebbes.
The shul was also furnished with new tables and chairs for the comfort of the visitors.
Requests for prayers can be emailed to mylubavitch@gmail.com
