Benny Performs in Manchester

A sold out crowd of nearly 500 gathered at the Hilton Suite in Manchester, UK, for an evening of Torah, Tefillah, Tzedakah and Joy, starring singer Benny Friedman.

The event benefitted the Friendship Circle of Manchester, which provides programs for individuals with special needs and their families.

The evening began with the MC Mr. Avi Barr introducing local Manchester performers Avrumy Halpern and Buchi Glick together with the Sameach choir.

Rabbi Dovid Jaffe then gave a Dvar Torah on Parshas Pinchos, highlighting the importance of every Jew and their mission to change the world and bring Moshiach. Rabbi Dovid Eisenberg then led the crowd in reciting Tehillim.

Special Mitzvos and hachlotos were made in memory of the 3 teens who were recently murdered in Israel, and for the merit and protection of Jews everywhere.

Nearly 200 Mitzvah pledge cards were completed which were sent to Israel the next day to give consolation to the families of the 3 boys recently murdered. One 6 year old girl wrote, “I am so sad with you and I will say Shema every day to make you happy.”

Over £13,000 was raised including £1,500 of tzedaka on the night itself, to support the Friendship circle’s programs and services.

Rabbi Dovid Jaffe of Chabad of South Manchester and Director of the Friendship Circle said, “It was an incredible evening, it was like a musical Farbrengen, with songs like Hashem Melech, Tzomo Lechah and Achenu.

“The special stars, the atmosphere, the energy of hundreds of teenagers singing and swaying, many with tears in their eyes, was an inspiration beyond words,” he said.

Committee Chair Avi Barr said, “The event exceeded our expectations in every way, thanks to an amazing team and G-d’s blessings.”

The organizing team were Avi Barr (Chairman), Buchi Glick, Zevi Krauser, Serge Fagelman, Michoel Issler, Avrumy Halpern and Rochel Ganni.