By COLlive reporter
Keeping a secret is no easy task. Especially when tens of people are in the know and even more when it’s about a Chabad Shliach who communicates with people all day long.
In Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city, it is apparently possible.
The Mayor, his predecessors, members of the city council, employees of the rabbinate, heads of the police department, shluchim, businessmen and residents were all in on the surprise.
When Chief Rabbi Yosef Hecht was convinced last week to visit the Chatzar Hamelech hall, they were all there, greeting him with a “happy birthday” for his 60th.
It was over 30 years ago that the U.S. born rabbi and his family were sent by the Rebbe as Shluchim to the land of Israel.
In 5739 he was appointed Chief Rabbi of Eilat and a member of the Chabad Bais Din in Israel, infusing spirituality in a city that’s known as a popular beach resort.
After the initial surprise, Rabbi Mendy Klein, Director of Chabad of Eilat, invited guests to a full course dinner while public officials who have worked with Hecht were given the microphone.
The Sephardic Chief Rabbi Moshe Hadaya spoke about their working relationship and the Mayor Meir Yitzchak Halevi said they ended a city council meeting early not to miss the party.
Other speakers like former Mayors Gadi Katz and Rafi Hochman and chief of police Moshe Cohen spoke about the rabbi’s early days in the town and his constant advice and counsel.
The event ended with a night long Chassidic Farbrengen by Rabbi Hecht with the local Shluchim and friends.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mazl- tov reb yossi .. we used to go on a mivtza tank 2gether,
yes on tank # 21 you were the madrich and yossel brod was the driver , and mayer harlic brought mashka and mezzonos , wow those were the good old days 1974-75 ,, yossi may you live along health life and contiue to make the REBBA SMILE
MAZEL TOV !! HAPPY BIRTHDAY RABBI JOSEF HECHT!!
MUCH LOVE TO YOUR FAMILY TOO!!
NEW HAMPSHIRE
That Josef hecht like the other schluchim the Rebbe handpicked,proved himself worthy and was able to achieve great accomplishments.
may he have, as well as the others, continued success.
of course his saintly tatty- reb moshe yitzchok zatz’al is working great inyanim from on high!
I’m actually very impressed that the community, preparing the event for the Rabbi, actually had separate seating with a mechitza! He must have taught them well.
I’m also happy to note that there are only pictures of the men’s side, just as it should be. Kol Hakavod!
he looks as if he was prepared or sumthing – so rdy and chilled:)
moshiach now!
your nephew and niece in florida
yshuda lea and moshe
wow! that is sooo nice!
your daughter looks just like you!omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful and inspiring and a big Kiddish Hashem. Truly uplifting for Kovod Harabonus.
The Hecht brand of Rabbinic Leadership “even in Eretz Yisrael” tells us that Moshiach is very near indeed.
Mazal Tov and may you continue to go from strength to strength.
Your cousin Yehoshua in CT .
Mazel Tov!
Ad Meah Veesrim & in this zchus of such Ahavas Yisroel we should be Zoche to the Geulah NOW Mamesh!
This is so beautiful!! Hashem, Look at your devoted children, and what their work can inspire,, BRING MOSHIACH NOW!!