In Tel Aviv of South America

Photos by Bentzi Sasson

It’s not for no reason that Cusco, Peru is known as the ‘Tel Aviv’ of South America. With tens of thousands of Israeli tourists visiting each year, almost every street corner is decorated with a sign in Hebrew – the city’s second language.

Last week the city played host to an event that will not be forgotten by tourists and locals alike, an event only Chabad of Cusco could provide; a Pesach Seder for close to 1000 people.

5 days before Pesach a group of bochurim, sent on Merkos Shlichus by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, came to help the local Shluchim Rabbi Ofer and Yael Kripor, with the preparations already underway for the Seder.

Despite the torrential downpour that lasted for days, resulting in the closure of world-renowned attractions, many tourists headed to the Chabad House to lend a helping hand.

With over 2 tons chickens slaughtered, 600kg of grapes bought and a container of Matzah sent from New York, the tourists and bochrim had their hands full.

As the Seder drew near, dozens of volunteers arrived at a rented sport stadium to help prepare and decorate it for the festive holiday.

After weeks of planning and non-stop preparing, the Seder night had arrived.

The roads nearby were closed as dozens of police officers and Peruvian Special Forces along with Israeli security guards helped to secure the area.

Entrance was only given to those who showed tickets and photo-ID.

Inside the atmosphere was electric. 10 tables stretching the length of the hall were filled to capacity. The warm and homey feeling permeating the room was felt by all as the crowd broke out in spontaneous song and dance.

As the clock reached 7 pm, more than 700 people had already taken their place. Rabbi Ofer then opened by welcoming all the guests from all corners of the world.

Each of the 10 bochurim spread out and led a table for a more intimate Seder setting. When the crowd reached the main sections such as Kiddush, the 4 questions or Dayanu, all 700 hundred joined in unison together.

As the Seder rolled on to Shluchan Oruch, a fleet of waiters served the delicious three course meal. The crowd joined together, arms around shoulders, singing traditional Pesach songs.

More than 3 hours later, the Seder drew to a climatic end with everyone up on their chairs singing ‘Who Knows One?’

The following night dozens of tourists again filled Chabad centers throughout the city celebrating the second Seder.

On Sunday of Chol Hamoed, most of the tourists would be continuing their travels or heading back home, but they were now leaving town enthused and inspired.

The shliach and his wife wish to thank all those who helped to make the Seders the success that they were, namely: Rabbi Kotlarsky, Rabbi Mendel Kotlarsky and Rabbi Shneur Nejar, together with the bochurim who flew out to help: Eliezer Gajar, Moshe Tzvi Holtzberg, Levi Chayo, Mendy Liberman, Shneur Kotlarsky, Moshe Klar, Levi Chein, Menashe Althaus, Yisroel Liberman and Rabbi Bentzi Sasson and his wife Devorah Leah.