By COLlive reporter
50 years of history came full circle at a joyous Chassidic wedding which took place in Moscow, Russia on Thursday night.
The wedding of Mendel Wilansky of Portland, Maine and Leah Lazar, daughter of the Head Shliach and Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, took place at the Music Media Dome in Moscow, with hundreds of family members, friends, community members and Shluchim, many of whom traveled from around the world, in attendance.
Among the guests who traveled from New York were Rabbi Don Yoel Levy, CEO of OK Kosher and a close friend of Rabbi Lazar.
Rabbi Lazar emotionally greeted Rabbi Levy, whose father, Rabbi Berel Levy obm, was from one of the first people sent by the Rebbe on missions to Russia to assist the Jews living behind the iron curtain, 50 years ago. His sacrifice to help build and encourage the Jewish community all those years ago, laid the foundation for the work of Rabbi Lazar and his fellow Shluchim, who have rebuilt a flourishing Jewish life in Russia in recent years.
“All of the vibrant Judaism you see here today in Moscow is due in part to the work of your father,” Rabbi Lazar said.
The hundreds of guests danced joyfully to the music of singer Benny Friedman, and videos of the Rebbe’s farbrengens and niggunim were projected across the exterior walls as well as the interior of the wedding hall.
Video: Benny Friedman sings “Charasho!”
Video: Videos outside and inside the wedding hall
A special gift from the Moscow community, an electronic exhibit, was prominently displayed at the wedding in appreciation to Rabbi Lazar.
The exhibit depicts a replica of the Beis Hamikdash, surrounded by many of the mosdos which have been built in Russia over the past 25 years – truly a testament to the dedicated work of the Rebbe’s Shluchim.
VIDEO: Gift to Rabbi Lazar
So beautiful and special. Mazal tov to the New Couple! Mazal and bracha for all the families!
wow Mazel tov only Simchas Benny Good job rabbi lazer you the man
menachem mendel and leah on this special occasion,wish i was there to share it with you.