Rabbi Bentzion Butman got a royal welcome earlier this month when Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni invited the director of the Chabad-Lubavitch center in Phnom Penh to a ceremony in celebration of the Asian country’s version of Arbor Day.
Held this year at the Siem Reap farm of Butman’s friend, Israeli expatriate Kobi Simon, the ceremony saw the king plant a tree before embarking on a tour of Simon’s greenhouses with the rabbi.
Speaking on behalf of the Jewish community, Butman blessed the king, his family and kingdom, and thanked Sihamoni for Cambodia’s hospitality to the transient Israeli backpackers, Jewish tourists and industrialists who have called the country home at one point or another.
During their walk, the king presented Butman with a silver jewelry box.
“He has a very gentle, caring, and tolerant personality towards his people,” said Butman, who opened the Chabad House he directs with his wife Mashie in 2010.
“I sensed an intellectual person full of feeling. I hope that this is a beginning of a good relationship between the Chabad House and the monarchy.”
Bentche, you don’t cease to amaze us. You and Mashie have brought a truly Kiddush Hashem to Cambodia. Your dedication and creativity have brought great admiration for Chabad worldwide. May you go machayil el choyil.
Bentche and Mashie are true baalei mesiras nefesh and inspiring shluchim to meet in person. May their work be filled with hatzlacha ad bli dai and may they continue to be a source of inspiration for all those around them!
the world still has monarchy e.g. England (Great Britain)
the torah tells us to respect our monarchy
KIDDUSH HASHEM!!!
i have been there and this really is the most wonderful place and such a great environment
Sounds like the famous story of the snuff box that was given as a gift to the Alter Rebbe.
Is on the Shliach’s head !!!
Great stuff,the Rebbe’s Shluchim in a very remote area,where is his crown?
i never heard of kings now days and especially a king who gives gifts to chabad shluchim!!!!! hashem is with us!!!!