A cross-section of rabbonim, community leaders and educators from Crown Heights were joined by representatives of other Brooklyn Jewish communities for a reception to welcome Chief Rabbi of Israel David Lau, Thursday night.
Hosted at the home of community activist Chanina Sperlin, the Chief Rabbi was seated alongside two members of the Beth Din of Crown Heights, Rabbis Yaakov Schwei and Yosef Braun.
Following the Rabbonim, participants had a chance to speak. One of them, Rabbi Velvel Konikov suggested that in the current difficult times in Israel, young children should be encouraged to gather and engage in Torah, Tefilla and Tzedaka.
Another speaker, Rabbi Yaacov Chazan thanked the Chief Rabbi for implementing something very dear to the Rebbe, namely that square luchos should replace the round ones in the symbol of the Chief Rabbinate.
In response, Rabbi Lau noted that he had seen to it that a large set of luchos should be displayed on top of the new headquarters building of the Rabbanut at the entrance of Jerusalem.
Rabbi Lau spoke of the close ties between the Israeli community and Crown Heights. He described some of the challenges that the Rabbinate faces in the sanctity and wholeness of Torah and the Jewish people and the holy land.
According to a participant, Rabbi Lau asked the community to help address current challenges in accordance with the Rebbe’s frequent prayer for Shleimus Ha’am, Shleimus Hatorah and Shleimus Haaretz.
It’s very nice to change the luchos to the correct way (as described in Gemara), but is that issues that we need to discuss with the Chief Rabbi?
What about serious discussion in halacha or community issues, collaborative programs for our youth, etc?
I spent an hour, watching and listening to everything that was going on, at the meeting.
My conclusion, after hearing Rabbi Lau, Shlit”a, speak.
He is a humble man, with a strong sense of Bitochoin and Emunah, he is a shining example of Ahvas/Achdus, Yisroel.
May we all merit to be that way.
Moshiach Now!
He carries himself with malchus, and he is treated as such. A beautiful reception.