by Channah Magori
Photos by Meir Alfasi
Celebrating a decade of Chabad of Rechavia in Jerusalem, under the leadership of Rabbi Yisroel and Shoshi Goldberg, I was privileged to join close to one thousand people at the Yeshurun Central Synagogue for an evening of inspiration.
We gathered to hear the teachings of Rabbi YY Jacobson, one of the most sought after speakers in the Jewish world, to aspire to “think big and be a hero”.
The opening speakers, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Aharonov, Chairman of Lubavitch Youth Organization in Israel and Jerusalem’s Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar, both praised the steadfast dedication and extraordinary success of Chabad of Rechavia.
The Ramatayim Men’s Choir, under conductor Richard Shavei-Tzion, sang a medley of prayers and nigunim, inviting the audience to join in― one people, one voice, one song.
A promo film followed, encapsulating a decade of Chabad of Rechavia’s work. The personal interviews bore witness to the huge impact, betterment and outstanding growth of the community.
Finally, Rabbi Jacobson, taught us with his humor, his Torah, his passion and pathos for the human condition—instructing us how to create a paradigm of self-actualization and self-empowerment—how to be a hero, an Ambassador of G-d.
He challenged us to break barriers and rise up.
“Who am I to be an Avraham, or Moshe, or Yona; to be powerful and influential, to change the world, to leave a life of mediocrity and become a beacon of light? I’m afraid but I’ll do it anyway― me, a hero, an Ambassador of G-d.”
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I also attended and can personally attest to the special recognition that the event afforded to a couple who has literally altered the landscape of Rehavia in their dedication and individualized commitment to spreading the wellsprings of Chassidut and Chabad and given enormous nachat to the Rebbe in their leadership and role modeling of what is possible with a committed heart – of course I am describing the incredible work of Rabbi Rabbi Yisroel and Shoshi Goldberg. The attendance at the event reflects the respect and admiration which these dynamic couple have engendered. May they continue in good health and… Read more »
Mazel tov on your anniversary. We always enjoy davening with you when we visit and see the wonderful work that you are doing. The Rebbe would be proud