By COLlive reporter
In time for Gimmel Tammuz, R’ Shneur Zalman Jerufi of the Chabad community in Rehovot, Israel, has unveiled a breathtaking miniature model of the Ohel of the Rebbe in Queens, New York.
Jerufi, who serves as Vice President of IsraToys LTD—a company known for its line of Jewish-themed games and educational toys—shared the story behind the model in an interview with COLlive.com.
The idea, he says, came about half a year ago when he came across a handcrafted model of a building that caught his attention.
“The artistry and detail were so precise and beautiful,” Jerufi recalled. “At that moment, the idea came to me: why not create a model of the Rebbe’s Ohel, complete with all its details?”
As Gimmel Tammuz approached, Jerufi commissioned a professional miniature artist to take on the task.
“I explained to him what the Ohel means to us as Chassidim, and how central it is to our lives,” he shared. “He was deeply touched and agreed to the project right away.”
The artist, known for his precision and craftsmanship, worked for an entire month on the model, which he created from a combination of 3D printed material, hard plastic, and other solid materials.
The model has been created featuring every detail crafted with stunning accuracy—from the pathway and black metal tzedakah box to the ripped panim, lighting, and even the interior flooring.
“When I saw the finished piece for the first time, I was overcome with emotion,” Jerufi said. “It felt like I was standing right there at the Ohel. The Ohel is a place of kedusha, connection, and also tremendous yearning for the day we will see the Rebbe with our physical eyes once again.”
The cost of the model came to several thousand shekels, but for Jerufi, it is a priceless possession. For now, the model resides in his home, though he says he is open to seeing where it may lead in the future.
As for others wishing to purchase one, he noted that the artist works by custom order and would likely accept such requests.
“This model is not just a beautiful work of art,” Jerufi concluded. “It’s a reminder that every talent and idea can be directed toward kedusha, toward strengthening our bond with the Rebbe. May we merit the Geulah Sheleima and the immediate hisgalus of the Rebbe, when this model will serve as a cherished memory of the days before.”
Every chossid needs to get one!
Why would you spend all that time and effort and not make 770
Wow so cool!!! I love it !!! The time and effort clearly paid off!!! It’s literally stunning!!
I get the point of having just the ohel part itself, but why all the graves sorrounding lol
At least make the shul and the ohel cookies area
I think this is absolutely ridiculous and a shame. I hope you print this so people can see that there are people with other opinions. This is not something that should be made a model of. It’s not who the Rebbe is. Hello, it’s a special place but we don’t make models of cemeteries
It’s a Cemetery
Find this sickening
If it would just be the Ohel might be excusable
פון וועלכע בית דין קומס’ט דו???
Interesting……
This is so golus mentality.
Really sad that this is an in thing now
As a chosid I think that a chosid effort should not be put into making a model of something that as chasidim we are not comfortable with and are beging that it end we should spend our time making 770, bais hamikdosh, and the like. Rebbe we need you
This is so incredible! It is so incredibly realistic! I am so impressed. It’s amazing how you were able to make everything miniature. Keep up the good work!
Could we see one on 770 also?
Thanks. Very talented.
Anyone know why the ohel is a tent not a beautiful building like haditch or uman…???
The ohel is a place every chosid must feel so so heartbroken every time we enter Wishing this is the last time we will ever be there!
Making a model out of it, is taking this to the next level!!!
What is going on?
Chasidim wake up this is completely the opposite of everything the Rebbe thought us!
Wake up!!!
We gotta get out of this terrible Golus, not stuck more and more in it!!!