By COLlive reporter
Photos: Judah Harris & Joshua Fleisher
Video: Joshua Fleisher
Rabbi Nachum Stilerman, legendary fundraiser and founder of the “SMART” system, joined Chabad of Baka’s Annual Yud Shvat Melave Malka in Jerusalem to share his personal encounters with the Rebbe.
The Pninat Haosher Hall in Jerusalem was filled to capacity on the Motzoei Shabbos following Yud Shvat, as community members gathered to celebrate the auspicious Chassidic date, as well as Chabad of Baka’s 10th anniversary.
Chabad of Baka, directed by Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Dina Hendel, is an English speaking community, comprised of olim from around the world.
The Chabad house features daily and Shabbos minyanim, community kiddushim and meals, shiurim and farbrengens, a women’s circle, children’s programs, and a Friendship Circle.
The mood was festive, as lively, Chassidic music played in the background, and participants were able to mingle and enjoy the delectable dairy buffet from one of Jerusalem’s favorite caterers, Holy Bagel.
Alex Traiman, who serves at the devoted Gabbai at Chabad of Baka, was the charismatic MC of the evening. Rabbi Hendel shared a powerful Yud Shvat message, focusing on ahavas Yisrael and complimenting the community for exemplifying true care for one another.
Yitzchak Hurwitz, talented violinist and community member, graced the crowd with his uplifting music, and Mrs. Fleur Nachum, City Hall representative and friend of the community, shared her greetings and blessings.
The highlight of the program was the guest speaker, Rabbi Stilerman, who made aliyah to Har Nof five years ago and now studies full time in Kollel. He is well known for having raised over 400 million dollars for Jewish causes and for creating the “SMART” system for setting and achieving goals.
Going back 60 years, Nachum used to visit the Rebbe‘s house on a weekly basis, as a young delivery boy for his father’s kosher store in Crown Heights.
Rabbi Stilerman spoke of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin’s tremendous love and care, which uplifted him when he was 9 years old and a new immigrant to America. They encouraged him to read in English to learn the language, and the Rebbetzin arranged a subscription for him to Talks & Tales.
The personal stories which Rabbi Stilerman related were heartwarming, with pertinent messages for the audience. He offered the mesmerized crowd a rare glimpse into his childhood experiences with the Rebbe and Rebbetzins of Chabad, highlighting their exceptional devotion to every single Jew.
VIDEO: A Community of Individuals
The event concluded with joyous dancing and toasts to the building of a Chabad house, which the Chabad of Baka community is eagerly praying for and working towards.
VIDEO: Chabad of Baka, Jerusalem 10th Anniversary
Once spent a Shabbos at their Chabad House. Incredible experience- these shluchim are the real deal, warm and authentic chassidim, welcoming to all
May you go from strength to strength!
So heartwarming! So special!
What a wonderful community built by amazing and dedicated shluchim – Avremel and Nechama Dina Hendel
Chizku v’imtzu!
ND and Avremel hendel are most special shluchim!
They have transformed their neighbourhood into an oasis of spirituality and chesed!
BS”D Wow, R’ Hurwitz from Chevra Shaas, R’ Sender from
the Good old days, let it roll