Hakhel Torah Siyum Unites Chabad Houses of Quebec

By COLlive reporter

In a historic event, all Chabad houses of Quebec united for a mega Hakhel celebrating the 9th Siyum Sefer Torah Haklali, to which Montreal had many submissions.

The event was organized by Montreal area Shluchim led by their beloved regional directors of Chabad in the Province of Quebec and Tzeirei Agudas Chabad, Rabbi Berel and Rebbetzin Sima Mockin.

The event was attended by leading Rabbanim, elected officials, distinguished guests, and multitudes from the community. Thousands more watched the event live on COLlive.com and Chabad.org.

Rabbi David Cohen was the sofer and also inspired the crowd with Minhagim and instructions.

The event was graced by the inspirational Rabbi Manis Friedman and Israeli singing sensation Moshe Louk. Shliach Rabbi Getzy Markowitz served as the Master of Ceremonies. Rabbi Moshe Oirechman, who directs the Vaad of the Sifrei Torah Haklali, traveled from Israel to participate in the event.

Shliach Rabbi Ronnie Fine recited the Rebbe’s kapitel in the merit of peace in Eretz Yisroel and in the merit of the communities in Morocco where there was a recent devastating earthquake. Rebbetzin Raskin from Morocco was also present at the event. Shliach Rabbi Moshe New sounded the shofar.

The evening, hosted at Chabad Cote S. Luc Grand Chagall Ballroom, featured special presentations by JEM.

The Torah was brought out by the children and grandchildren of Julie and Yitzchok Gniwisch of Delmar Jewelers, who were principal co-sponsors of the event.

The event was also attended by Rabbi David Sabah, Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Quebec, and Rabbi Berel Bell, Mara DeAsra of Cong Lubavitch and a Dayan of the Vaad Hair. The Hagba was performed by Dovid Russ, Gelila by Meir Avner Kirshenbaum, Mantel placing by Gedalya Szenes, and Crown placing by Yair Szlack, President and CEO of Federation, Combined Jewish Appeal.

The final letter was dedicated for a refuah sheleima for Breina Bas Sima Alta.

In a surprise announcement, it was revealed that the tenth Sefer Torah would be begun during the event.

The event was coordinated by a Vaad of Shluchim: Rabbi Moshe New, Montreal Torah Center; Rabbi Ronnie Fine, Chabad Zichron Kedoshim; Rabbi Moshe Krasnianski, Chabad of the Town; Rabbi Mendel Raskin, Chabad Cote Saint Luc; Rabbi Getzy Markowitz, The Family Store / Chabad Young Professionals; Rabbi Levi Itkin, Chabad Nuns Island; Rabbi Levi New, Montreal Torah Center; Rabbi Tzemach Raskin, Chabad Cote Saint Luc; and Rabbi Levi Nepaestak, Chabad Cote Saint Luc.

“The power and emotion that was felt during the event was amazing,” one participant said. “You could feel the Kedusha – it was palpable. The entire community was talking about how special and inspiring it was to be there.”

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