61 Tefillin Surprise for Shliach’s 60th B-Day

A special gift for was arranged for Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin MBE, Head Shliach and Executive Director of Chabad N.E.London & Essex, to celebrate his 60th birthday.

The campaign was organised by his wife, Head Shlucha Mrs. Devorah Sufrin, along with their daughters, Chavi and Shterni , and stalwart friend and long-time supporter, Mr. Brian Mitchell. The Sunday morning shacharis service, a total surprise and secret kept from the Rabbi, with a target of 61 tefillin wearers for 60 years.

Surpassing all expectations, some 70 participants gathered together for this momentous occasion to the delight of the Rabbi.

Mivtza Tefillin is especially dear to Rabbi Sufrin, he as recently increased his involvement in the Mitvza, including initiating and leading a weekly Tefillah and prayer service in the local King Solomon High School. During the last academic year, tefillin were donned some 800 times.

“I could not have asked for a better gift in honor of my special birthday,” said Rabbi Sufrin. “Representatives came from our three Chabad Houses, Gants Hill, Buckhurst Hill and Epping as well as Southend on Sea. Many of the participants re-engaging with the mitzvah of tefillin after many years. My dear friends made a real effort this morning, leaving me feeling humbled and deeply moved. May the merit of this special mitzvah protect us all as we beseech Hashem for His blessings for the New Year and beyond.”