Wealthy Fly In For Selichos

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Itsik Roytman/COLlive

A group of wealthy Russian Jewish businessmen spent this past Shabbos Selichos in New York, an annual trip that was described as deeply inspirational and in preparation for the High Holidays.

After a spirited Shabbos at the Rebbe’s Ohel in Cambria Heights, Queens, the group joined for a Melava Malka at the home of Moshe Pinson, President of Bais Shmuel Chabad Congregation in Crown Heights.

Addressing them were philanthropist R’ Sholom Ber Drizin, his brother-in-law and the host’s father R’ Nochum Pinson and Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky of Bris Avrohom in New Jersey.

Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, who accompanied the group, used the opportunity to encourage participants to assist in closing the deficit in funds for the new local community Mikvah Mei Chaya Mushka.

Rabbi Lazar, who has been instrumental in helping with raising funds for the women’s mikvah, said it was a worthy cause to support and praised Moshe Pinson’s many efforts on its behalf.

If the remaining funds are raised, the mikvah is scheduled to open by 22 Shevat 5773.

The group then continued to Lubavitch Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway for Selichos in the main shul and the Rebbe’s room, praying for a sweet new year.