Fried, Lipa Perform in Brazil

Last week over 1,500 people from the Jewish community in Sao Paulo, Brazil, filled the Bradesco Bank Theater to mark the 17th anniversary of Yeshiva Ohel Menachem Lubavitch in Sao Paulo.

Hundreds of students from all over the world have spent time learning in the Yeshiva, which now has over 100 students, 10 of which are part of the smicha program which is celebrating its ninth year.

As part of the tribute to the yeshiva, two of the biggest names in Jewish music today gave a mesmerizing performance, superstars Avraham Fried and Lipa Schmeltzer appeared side by side in harmony accompanied by the Freilach band of New York, conducted by Mendy Hershkowitz.

“Our yeshiva in Sao Paulo is like an island of Torah and mitzvot,” said the Dean and Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Shamai Ende in his speech during the event. Rabbi Ende also announced the opening of a new Yeshiva Gedolah, with a group of eight students from Israel. At the conclusion of his remarks Rabbi Ende thanked all the donors and friends of the yeshiva.

“The activities of the yeshiva are not only within the Chabad community, but also reaching out to all the broader communities and Jewish institutions in Brazil,” said Rabbi Mendy Koncepolski, Director of the Yeshiva. “Our students and staff cater to the general community throughout the year, spreading the light of Judaism in Sao Paulo and throughout Brazil.”

Koncepolski noted that the large crowd in attendance is a real indication of the effect of the yeshiva and its students on the wider Jewish community.

The event was Produced by Yaron Levy of Pearl Productions NY.

Photos: Baruch Ezagui