The David and Eda Schottenstein Chabad Russian Centre in Montreal, led by Rabbi Yisroel and Chana Sirota, greeted newly arrived Jewish refugees from Ukraine at a Shabbaton on June 10.
The event started 2 hours before Shabbat. There were musical entertainment and greetings from Rabbi Sirota and volunteers who welcomed the newcomers to Montreal Jewish community.
At Shabbat lighting time women and girls lit shabbat candles, some of them saying the brocha on lighting shabbat candles for the very first time in their lives. Shabbat Dinner started with Kiddush followed by a festive Shabbat meal.
150 people attended the dinner. Rabbi Sirota spoke and invited people to come and join our Shul and the many activities of the Centre. During the meal people sang many Jewish songs and several of the refugees spoke.
They told the heart breaking stories of their homes destroyed and how they managed to escape. Some spoke of the heroism of Chabad Shluchim in Ukraine who are still there helping their communities.
At the end of the evening, people expressed their appreciation for a warm welcome and asked when we will do another Shabbat dinner.
R’Yisreol and Chana, May Hashem bless you with everything you want and need begashmius uvruchnius!! Your dedication, love and care is putting a HUGE smile on the Rebbes face!
Yasher Koach!!
May Hashem continue blessing you both with good health until 120+++
to continue doing the rebbes work. Such touching pictures !
A childhood friend.
M