By Rabbi Lazer Avtzon
People often ask me, why are we celebrating Hiloulot of other Tzadikim in Crown Heights, why do we need Sefardi Shuls here, and why can’t they all merge. Many also ask why I don the Moroccan “glima” by the Hiloulot.
As a Bachur in Oholei Torah, I was chosen and sent by the Rebbe on Shlichus to Morocco at the end of תשמ”ב and we arrived on ח’ כסלו ה’תשמ”ג.
On Parshat Vayeishev 5744, just after 19 Kislev and the חלוקת הש”ס, the Rebbe began speaking about the concept of learning Rambam with comparisons to the way the Shas is divided yearly.
As Talmidei Hashluchim in Morocco, the country in which the Rambam lived for many years, we took it upon ourselves to divide the learning of the Rambam between of the Rabnonim and teachers in Morocco.
Ultimately the Rebbe suggested that the Rambam be learnt by everyone, and I was instrumental in the preparation of the first מורה שיעור.
In 5785, after returning from Shlichus, we decided to make a Siyum Rambam for the Moroccan Jewish community in New York.
Wishing to connect this Peulah with my Shlichus, I signed my name to the Duch I wrote to the Rebbe, and then added the words שליח לשעבר למדינת מרוקו (previously a Shliach to Morocco).
The Rebbe answered by placing a huge X over the word לשעבר, and then added קדושה לא זזה ממקומו underlined 3 times, ימשיך לבשר טוב, אעה”צ (The Kedushah never ceases, may you continue to report with good news, I will mention this by the Ohel of the previous Rebbe).
This has been my mantra for the past 40 years, and this is how I came to establish the Merkaz Sefard Shul almost twenty years ago after receiving other answers from the Rebbe post 3 Tamuz.
This is not just a Shul, it is a 2nd home for local Sefardi Jews and a destination point for Sefardim visiting Crown Heights. There is no talking during davening, except for interactions with the congregation during my speech before the reading of the Torah, and the Kiddush after davening, when one truly feels family.
While we pray Nusach Sefardi in Moroccan tradition, the congregants are a mix of Moroccan, Tunisian, Iraqi, Syrian, Turkish, Persian, Yeminte, Israeli, and Americans, including some Ashkenazi Jews who enjoy our style of davening and connect more with Hashem here.
Despite being Ashkenazi, I am the Chazzan and Baal Koreh in Moroccan liturgy, teach Halachot from the Ben Ish Chay, Yalkut Yosef, and Seforim from Rabbi Shalom Messas.
Some guests have a hard time believing I’m actually not Moroccan.
Tefilot are sometimes sung with the customs and liturgy of other countries, depending on the origin of the Chazzan, but always in Nusach Sefaradi. People called up to the Torah are invited to read their own portion, if they are capable, and it can be done with any of the other Sefardic tunes such as Yerushalmi or Yeminite etc
Below are some quotes from current members of the Shul.
A. With a beautiful integration of the Rebbe’s Torah with the richness of Sephardic minhagim, Rabbi Lazer Avtzon builds a welcoming environment for regulars and visitors from a wide variety of backgrounds every Shabbat and Chag at the Merkaz Sefarad. This environment has been crucial for my growth in Yahadut, providing a space in which I could grow in knowledge and observance. I come from a non-observant background but have a strong connection to Sephardic minhag, and Rabbi Avtzon’s guidance and leadership have helped me learn, discover, and embrace Torah in a way that I can connect with. Crown Heights has so many beautiful synagogues, minyanim, and shteibels catering to unique needs and parts of the community, and Merkaz Sefarad fills a niche unlike any other. Please join me in supporting Rabbi Avtzon’s important work.
O. Merkaz Sefarad has been such an integral part of my experience here in Crown Heights. I’m a bochur who came in from out of town to study at a local Yeshiva, and even though I love Chabad, the movement, and what it’s doing for world Jewry, I wanted to stay connected with my heritage and minhagim. The Rebbe encouraged all of us to keep our traditions, and Merkaz Sefarad allows me to do that. Rabbi Avtzon, his family, and the friends I’ve made there have been a great source of support; the Chazanut has been so delightful, the Tefillah experience is soulful and moving. I’m so happy that this place exists!
O. Rabbi Avtzon welcomed me with open arms when we first moved here 7 years ago! The community has really given me a sense of belonging, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it!
The Rebbe wanted Sefardic Jews to hold onto their heritage and traditions. This Shul is extremely strong on this. At the same time, however, teachings of the Rebbe are taught with additional weekly Divrei Torah by Mashpia and Rav Kuti Feldman, and bachurim from 770. Additional classes in Ben Ish Chay are taught by Rav Daniel Mahpour.
There are two other Sefardi Shuls in Crown Heights who cater to different crowds. The early minyan at Netz is the Ner Menachem Shul on Empire. The Persian Shul at Hadar Hatorah davens at 10:00AM like at 770. Merkaz Sefarad starts Shachrit one to one and half hours before the end of Zman Tefilah, so that we can finish the Amida (Shmona Esrei) before the end of the Zman
The “glima” garment worn by many Sefardic Rabbonim and especially those from the Abuhatzeira family, are designed to protect one from seeing undesirable things. In fact, Baba Sali’s greatness is largely attributed to his שמירת עיניים, etc.
At the times of the Hiloula, I don the “glima” to remind people of their proud heritage and to help them reconnect to their roots.
Today is the 41st Hiloula of the Baba Sali, with a major Hiloula set to take place tonight at the Grand Ballroom of Oholei Torah, located at 667 Eastern Parkway, at 8:00PM.
A donation of $36 will be collected at the entrance to help partially cover the expenses of the evening.
For those who cannot attend in person, the Hiloula will be steamed live here:
Merkaz Sefarad is also holding its very first Charidy campaign to ensure it’s ability to remain open. Not only is it vital to the local people who daven there, but also for the hundreds and even thousands of Sefardi guests who come on their own or with their Shluchim, and who are looking for a Sefardi Shul that davens bizman.
Your participation in this campaign will be greatly appreciated.
Www.charidy.com/merkazsefarad/RabbiAvtzon
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