Book of Tanya Accepted Into Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

By COLlive reporter

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has accepted a special leather-bound edition of the book of Tanya, authored by the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, of sacred memory.

The library, described as one of the world’s most spectacular new libraries, is named after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, prime minister, and minister of defense of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as the ruler of Dubai.

The Tanya edition was presented by United Arab Emirates Rabbi Levi Duchman in a reception hosted by H.E. Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation and a writer himself.

Murr expressed appreciation to Rabbi Duchman for the special gift. In the ensuing conversation with Rabbi Duchman, he expressed extensive knowledge of Jewish history and literature and wanted to hear more about the Chassidic movement.

The timing of the gift last week was on the eve of Yud Shvat, the day the Rebbe accepted the leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, founded by the Alter Rebbe.

Present at the reception were also Rabbi Mendi Blua, Chabad Shliach for Hebrew speakers in Dubai, and Mr. Zechariah Daniel, a member of the Jewish community in the Emirates.

“This presentation is another important step in the relationship between our faiths,” Rabbi Duchman said. “We are witnessing a growing connection between the government and the Jewish people, and we greatly appreciate this.”