By COLlive reporter
Photos: Itzik Roytman
Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Dovid Lau, who visited New York this week as a guest of Tzivos Hashem, toured the Crown Heights neighborhood, meeting with community leaders, mosdos and local residents.
Rabbi Lau was in town to attend the gala anniversary dinner for Tzivos Hashem on Tuesday night as a guest of honor.
Rabbi Lau, along with his wife, Tzipporah, spent two days touring local institutions, speaking with individuals, and giving words of encouragement to students in local schools.
He was accompanied throughout his visit by Rabbi Yerachmiel Benjaminson – Executive Director of Tzivos Hashem, Rabbi Sholom Ber Baumgarten – Director of Tzivos Hashem, and Sholom Loebenstein of Tzivos Hashem.
Rabbi Lau began his trip with a visit to the Rebbe’s Ohel in Queens, praying Shachris there and leaving a Pan – note at the Rebbe’s gravesite.
During his time in Crown Heights, Rabbi Lau visited Oholei Torah Beis Medrash, Bais Rivkah High School, and the Crown Heights Mikvah Mei Chaya Mushka.
He also paid a special visit to 770 Eastern Parkway, where he received a tour of the Rebbe’s room and the WLCC Offices. He also visited the Rebbe’s home on President Street where he received a special tour.
Rabbi Lau was hosted for dinner with a group of Crown Heights community activists at the home of Shloime and Chaya Drimmer.
Rabbi Lau and his wife also visited the landmark Jewish Children’s Museum on Eastern Parkway, enjoying a full tour of the 3 floors of exhibits.
While in New York, Rabbi Lau also made a point to stop at Chabad of Midtown Manhattan, where he enjoyed a special breakfast hosted by Rabbi Yehoshua Metzger. His father, former chief Rabbi Israel Lau was a ‘regular’ at Chabad Midtown for many years, Rabbi Dovid Lau noted.
