By COLlive reporter
Photos: Chlomo Masliah / hassidout.org
The Chabad girls seminary of Beth Rivkah in Yerres, France held its first graduation ceremony since the passing of its long-time and revered principal in the beginning of the 5772 year.
The name of Rabbi Ori Shonthal OBM appeared on the diplomas that were awarded to the 9 graduating students in front of a crowd that included the school staff, parents and family.
Alongside his name was Chief Rabbi of France Gilles Bernheim, who signed the diplomas, and in his remarks praised Rabbi Shonthal’s educational approach of living by example.
“He treated each student with personal care and worried for our gashmius and ruchnius,” one student recalled after his passing.
“Although he taught many throughout the years, he remembered everyone’s name. We all felt as if he was our father.”
Other speeches were given by Chabad Dayan Levi Cohen and Dr. Joel Mergui, President of the umbrella Jewish Consistoire organization of France.
