First Sami Rohr Dedication

By COLlive Staff
Photos: Mendy Hechtman

Chof Av was celebrated early in Hevron-Kiryat Arba, where Chabad opened their new extravagant and regal Beit Chaya Mushka Center.

The gala event featured a Hachnosat Sefer Torah, the introduction of a new Shlichus couple, and the first dedication to the honored memory of legendary global Chabad supporter, Sami Rohr.

“Even though we did not know him and his family personally,” Hevron Shliach Danny Cohen told COLlive, “we felt the Divine Providence in his levaya being just before our event, and believed that it was most appropriate to pay tribute to a long-time pillar of support to the Rebbe’s Shlichus revolution.”

The new center’s massive gathering plaza, intended for children and community events, was named for Mr. Shmuel Rohr – the first dedication of its kind, only hours after his burial.

The building, which took six years to build, was inaugurated with a Hachnasat Sefer Torah donated by Ami Piekovsky in honor of his mother Shoshana.

The ceremonies included a welcome to Rabbi Refael and Muska Brod, the newest Shluchim in the city of the patriarchs. They will be tasked with managing and directing the new center.

The Beit Chaya Mushka Center is named for Chaya Mushka Atiya, who was killed in a tragic fire six years ago. Her father Rabbi Victor Atiya, was honored with installing the front door mezuzah.

“This incredible building was made possible by the generosity of so many friends and supporters,” said Cohen. The list included a large contribution from Mr. Levi and Olga Leviev which served as the seed money to start the project six years ago. Mrs. Leviev as in attendance as a plaque acknowledging their vital support was unveiled.

Speakers included Regional Director Malachi Levinger, Rabbi Yisrael Brod, Rav of Rechovot – Rabbi M.M. Gluckowsky, with musical accompaniment from brothers Asi and Dvir Shpiegel.

The ceremony was followed by a private banquet for friends and supporters in the new center’s events hall.