By COLlive reporter
There’s unity and then there is state-wide unity.
Some 500 members of the Jewish communities in the Quebec province cities of Montreal, Chomedey and Laval recently gathered to salute the leadership of Rabbi David Raphael Banon.
The rabbi is marking 25 years since he has been appointed spiritual leader of Centre Communautaire Sepharade in Chomedey and subsequently Chabad Shliach of Chomedey, member of the Beth Din of Montreal, dayan of the Chabad community and head of Yeshiva Yavne.
From far and near, people came to show appreciation for Rabbi Banon’s wise counsel, his always comforting words and his vast knowledge in Torah and Chassidus.
But what was truly unique was the long dais filled with rabbis from all communities and the special trip Israel’s Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar made for the evening held at the social hall of the Baily Road shul.
Rabbis Amar and Banon enjoy a close working and personal friendship. They also have a lot in common as both were born and grew up in Morocco and studied at the Chabad educational institutions there, although the first left the country when the latter was a child.
In fact, Rabbi Amar flew in early to spend the Shabbos with Rabbi Banon and his community. He later toured the city’s other communities and institutions.
“It is an honor to see the advancement of Torah and Mitzvos in the Montreal community,” Rabbi Amar said. “And a lot of the credit goes to the city’s rabbis and the people that respect them. Over Shabbos I saw first-hand how a community is connected to its rabbi.”
In his soft-spoken remarks, Rabbi Banon thanked the community and made it clear that action is what is most needed in this day and age.
After opening a long-awaited Mikvah, Rabbi Banon opened a Kollel learning program 6 months ago which has local residents come mornings and evenings to study Torah and halacha. His son, Rabbi Avrohom Banon was also brought down to assist with the activities.
“We hope to celebrate the Yovel 50 milestone together as well, and until then, we have a lot to do,” Rabbi David Raphael Banon commented.
chazak ve-ematz! ad meiya ushmoinim, as the rebbe from lubavitch says! rabbi banon is very dedicated, sincere, and patient rav. he gives the time to everyone, and listens. we need more like him,mazel-tov and god luck!
WAS AMAZING EVENT.
ADD MEAH VESSRIM WITH MY SISTER AND YOUR FAMILY
may hashem bless rabbi banon till 120 in good health and happiness and we are truly blessed to have him amongst us as our rabbi. his modesty and patience is rare to find. kol hakavod to everyone who organized this evening it was very beautful.
We extend a Yasher Koach to Rabbi Bannon on his 25th Anniversary. And congratulations to my brother Leon and Mercedes for being on the organizing committee.
and you could already see then that this was someone special. Among other things, refined character radiated from him.
we as Montrealers are so blessed to have a Rav like Rabbi Banon. I have the highest respect for our humble and personable Rav.
The world needs more Rabonim like him. He has been the moihel for my 3 sons and I always felt so comfortable with them in his care. He is so aidel and mentchlich when it comes to shailos. He is a true chosid and leader. May Hashem bless him with many healthy and strong years!
Qu’elle belle photos. Chazak Ubaruch pour tous les grand.
A good man a good man!!!
i miss very much your wife rebecca,a friend from argentina
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Montreal needs more like him, a chassid and rav very approachable and bittul to Torah, not for the money or kavod. He did the bris for 2 of our sons. Chazzak Ve’ematz Kevod HaRav, Sh”Y S”T
A towering rov that is rarely seen these days
יאריך ימים על ממלכתו!
amazing keep up the good work