It was a day to remember!
Following the Rebbe’s directive to organize Hakhel gatherings during Aseres Yemei Teshuvah, Beis Rivkah Montreal had an amazing Grand Hakhel Reenactment on Thursday, 4 Tishrei.
Over 500 students, from the age of 2 months – “taf” in the preschool – through Kindergarten, Elementary and High School were all gathered together with their Morahs.
The auditorium was decorated to have a resemblance to the Beis Hamikdosh. Many students were dressed “like in the times of the Beis Hamikdosh”. Each grade was assigned a costume to wear representing the concept of “Anoshim, Noshim and Taf”. There were mommies, taties, bubbies, zaidies, Sanhedrin and their wives, the Royal Family, Kohanim, Leviim, and even visitors from outside of Eretz Yisroel.
“Kohanim” blew real trumpets (“Chatzotzros”) throughout the school, to call everyone to come and gather in the “Beis Hamikdosh”. Upon everyone’s arrival, the “Leviim” sang Shira – a Hakhel song.
Rabbi Ariel Stern, Shliach in Westmount, made a grand entrance, dressed as a “king.” Wearing a royal robe, crown, and a Talis, he ascended onto the “platform.”
Rabbi Yosef Minkowitz, Dean of Beis Rivkah, shared the following experience of Hakhel by the Rebbe in the year 5748. At that time, Beis Rivkah, together with other Chabad institutions in Montreal, organized 10 busses for over 500 people who travelled to the Rebbe for a Shabbos. This never happened before or after. It brought great satisfaction to the Rebbe.
Rabbi Mendel Rosenfeld, Executive Director of Beis Rivkah, and the in-house Kohen, Bentched all the assembled with Birchas Kohanim.
For the Reenactment, a “Sefer Torah” was prepared. It consisted of Eitz Chayims and a Mantle, without a real Sefer Torah inside. This “Sefer Torah” was presented to the “King” by the “Kohen Godol”, after it was passed from the “Chazan Hakneses” to the “Rosh Hakneses” and “Sgan Kohen Godol” (as stipulated in the Rambam).
The “King” read various Pesukim from Chumash Devorim, including Shema Yisroel. He encouraged everyone to increase in Torah and Mitzvos, and make Hakhel gatherings throughout the year.
The students enthusiastically recited the 12 Pesukim. Different classes were honored to lead the recitation. The children then emotionally broke out singing “Rebbe We Need You”, and other songs.
Everyone watched videos of the Rebbe explaining Hakhel in English, and of the Rebbe turning towards all four corners of 770 during Kos Shel Brocho, in an extraordinary manner, directing the lively singing of “We Want Moshiach Now.”
The beautiful unique Kinus concluded with a Kumzits and spirited dancing.
The students received “Hakhel Buttons” and were treated to a special experience of an interactive visit in the Beis Hamikdosh, viewed on VR headsets, presented by “MikDash by TorahVR”, who came in from New York especially for this Kinus.
The unforgettable Kinus was organized by Mrs. P. Minkowitz, with support of the Beis Rivkah staff and students – in the true spirit of Hakhel.
Something the children will never forget
Hashem should bentsh u & the Rabbi with gezunte & freiliche yorren!!
Gmar Tov to all!
As a staff member, I was able to witness the energy first hand! Rabbi and Mrs. Minkowitz put so much effort into every detail! There was loads of achdus and the positive energy.
What a great way to start the year of Hakhel!
Thank you Rabbi & Mrs. Minkowitz’ and all the super devoted BRM staff.
The students truly had an immersive experience.
Rabbi and Mrs Minkowitz are the most incredible people!! They put their heart and souls into Bais Rivkah. They truly go above and beyond to make learning come alive. I am lucky to have personally experienced their formidable devotion and kindness that they do without any fanfare. Thanks for warming the hearts and minds of our girls and future mothers bh! Such nachas for our Rebbe!
Rabbi and Mrs. Minkowitz are the most amazing and devoted people. What an incredible program you organized for these girls. So impressive how you managed to include so many different ages and they all seem equally captivated and involved. Such a special interactive and memorable program. BRM is truly lucky to have you both!!
I remember 3 hakhel events like this when I was in BRM. Once in preschool, elementary and then again when I was in seminary we joined Beth Rivkah for this. Truly unforgettable. It really marked Hakhel very strongly in my mind. Every school should try to do something like this for the students. It’s a priceless gift.