Fried Sings in Tel Aviv for Kfar Chabad Magazine’s Milestone

By COLlive reporter
Photos by Meir Dahan

A special event at the Tel Aviv University Smolarz Auditorium celebrated the weekly Kfar Chabad Magazine’s publishing its milestone 2000th issue, this past Thursday.

Chabad rabbis and Chassidim from around the holy land of Israel attended the evening saluting the Hebrew publication which brings Chassidic content to homes around the world.

The evening opened with a video recapping the early days of the magazine, as one which was called by the Rebbe “my shofar” for being his mouthpiece on communal matters and public affairs.

Speaking were the founder and editor in chief Rabbi Aharon Dov Halperin, long time writers Rabbi Moshe Marinovsky and Rabbi Yitzchok Holtzman, as well as Sholom Levenhartz, Nosson Tzivin and Menachem Gurevitch who were involved in administration and production.

The current editor Menachem Cohen detailed how the magazine has been adapting itself in the last decade to reach newer crowds.

Among those people were Rabbi Shimon Elharrar, the Shliach in the Dead Sea region who said he was inspired to go on Shlichus because of Kfar Chabad; attorney Azriel Karbachov said he become close to Chabad upon stumbling on the magazine; and writer Shaul Shiff said he began growing a beard because of the magazine’s content.

Another example was media personality Yedidya Meir who has been a subscriber of the magazine and can often be seen and heard quoting teachings from the Rebbe and stories he read the previous Shabbos.

The Rebbe was a regular reader of Kfar Chabad and has edited Sichos specifically for publication in the magazine, and even suggested sections and interviewees.

In the 1980s, the magazine was a bold voice to correct the Mihu Yehudi immigration law in Israel and follow halachic conversions, and for Shleimus Haaretz – against land concessions to Arabs. It also spoke out against the Haredi groups critical of the Rebbe and Chabad.

Rabbi Halperin has merited to receive guidance and blessings from the Rebbe on his work. When the Rebbe was once asked whether he was satisfied with the magazine, the Rebbe crossed out the word “whether” and wrote, “very much” (satisfied).

Kfar Chabad’s longevity is attributed to the blessings the Rebbe has extended to the magazine. The Rebbe congratulated the magazine on its “500th issue and beyond.” The Rebbe also called the staff and readers “Shlita” (may they live long and good years).

Another sign of how the Rebbe cherished Kfar Chabad was seen on video where the Rebbe instructs Rabbi Simcha Elberg, Chairman of Igud Harabonim, to be interviewed.

A special highlight of the evening was a performance by Jewish music star Avraham Fried who delighted the crowd with only singing Chabad Chassidic nigunim.

Organizers thanked philanthropist Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Gutnick for his sponsorship of the evening and his continued support for the magazine, following the Rebbe’s instruction for him to be involved in protecting the land of Israel.

Another supporter was Shliach Rabbi Yitzchok Mishaan, bringing the magazine to announce a special subscription drive to bring Kfar Chabad to people and homes.

Emceeing the evening was Ephraim Camissar and it was produced by Caplin Productions.

Many participants have been praising the evening and the magazine for its pure Chassidic mission.

“I go on Mivtzoim every Friday to the hospital,” one woman wrote, “and I felt additional joy doing so. As I was walking around the children’s unit, I had the idea of distributing them the ‘Kinderlach’ kids section of Kfar Chabad to bring more joy to their lives as well.”