By COLlive reporter
Amid lively music and jubilant dancing in the streets of Jerusalem, hundreds of Jews and soldiers of the Israel Defence Forces celebrated a joyous Hachanas Sefer Torah.
The new Torah scroll was donated by philanthropist Alex Rovt to the Chayal-el-Chayal Center in the Nachlaot neighborhood in memory of his mother Leah OBM.
Rabbi Berri Spitezki of Chamah International—whose Adopt-a-Hero Program is run in conjunction with Chayal-el-Chayal, which is under the leadership of Mordy Botnick and Ari Abramowitz—introduced Mr. Rovt to the importance of bolstering the spirits of these “lone soldiers.”
These brave young men, 6,000 strong, voluntarily join the IDF and place their lives on the line daily to defend Israel against her enemies.
“Our Adopt-a-Hero Program is one of our new programs in Israel and in the U.S. focusing on our youth, who are the future of Klal Yisrael,” said Rabbi Hillel Zaltzman, President of Chamah.
Rovt and Rabbi Spitezki, along with 30 guests flew in for the festive celebration and were joined by dignitaries such as Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman and a special representative from the President of Israel.
The Sefer Torah was joyously installed in the synagogue of the Chayal-el-Chayal Center, directed by Mordy and Malkah Esther Botnick and Ari and Rochel Shira Abramowitz,.
More than 250 soldiers come through their open doors every Shabbos. There, among their friends and fellow soldiers, in a serene home-like ambiance free from any kind of pressure, these brave young men on various levels of Torah observance, thousands of miles from home, can choose to pray, relax, socialize and be inspired by the atmosphere of an authentic Shabbat celebration.
The soldiers know the center is open to them twenty-four hours a day, ready to help them with all their needs. Having their own Sefer Torah lends much positive energy and Jewish pride to the vibrant Center.
I spy Peretz Shuman
Mazal Tov to Mordy and Ari and the whole Chayal el Chayal Family!!!
yasher koach!
I spot Zevi Mann from Montreal
We are so full of gratitude to Chayal el Chayal for all they have done, for us and for Chaya. Having seen first hand what CeC is all about, it’s amazing work that they they do with these kids. Baruch Hashem they are around for them. The help is invaluable and the warmth that comes out of CeC is probably the only thing that holds a lot of these soldiers close to Yiddishkeit, especially when they’re away from home. Yasher Koach Ari & Mordy, Rochel Shira & Malka Esther, Levi & Shaina AND Shifra. You guys are the best. May… Read more »
wow this is so amazing thanks for everything u do , u guys are THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Most awesome person!! She is really kind, sweet and generous! Chayal el Chayal is one lucky organization to have her!! 🙂
Best girl out there!! Sweetest, most caring, super talented and dedicated person.