Photos: Shliach Crowned Chief Rabbi of Hamburg

Shturem

Rabbi Shlomo Bistritzky, the Rebbe’s Shliach to Hamburg, Germany, was officially coronated as the Rov of the city in an emotional and historic ceremony. An international contingency of Rabbonim and family members, including Rabbi Mordechai Bistritzsky of Kiryas Chabad Tzfas, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Rabbi Aryeh Goldberg, Rabbi Yonah Metzger and more, arrived in Hamburg for the event.

From there they continued to the Bais HaChaim, where they davened at the kvorim of Rabbi Yonoson Eybschitz and the author of the Oruch HaShulchan, who lived and served the Jewish community of Hamburg centuries ago.

The ‘hachtoro’ ceremony took place at the main shul, attended by community members and dignitaries. The guests visited the Jewish Day School, toured the museum, and continued on to attend the gala seudas mitzvah.

10 Comments

  • Looking to understand.

    I see that many of the Matzeivois are with Oisiyois Boiltois, the letters are not engraved rather protrude. I always heard that such letters are not to be on a Matzevoh as they are Koshe Lishikcho, cause one to forget their learning. Could someone please explain why they have such letters here.

    Not looking for an argument just a credible and learned explanation. Thanks

    PS Mazal Tov to the whole family and may the father, Levi O“H. have Nachas in G”E, and Arichas Yomim vshonim toivim to Reb Leibel Shy’.

  • maybe

    i think because there is a border on the edge of the matzeva its not like the letteres are protdruding off the stone. because the margin is the same level as the oisios.

  • Mazel Tov and a Status Q

    Mazel Tov to Bistritzky Family
    Stam Question:-
    After a Shliach becomes a Rov in a shule – what is his status ? no longer or still under Merkos ? Independent or still under the ‘Head Shliach’ ? A potential Nefka Minah is Can he come to the Kinus?

  • Out of Africa

    Shluchim remain official Shluchim after taking positions in non-Chabad Shuls, thereby widening their reach and influence, and remain under the local Head Shliach. There are hundreds of such Shluchim today.

  • ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS

    1) The oisiyois boiltois is not a problem for the tombstone. It is koshe leshikcha for the one who is to read it. That’s why we might avoid it, but it is not osur to make the stone that way.

    2) It is not just Reb Yoinoson Eibeshits but also Reb Yakov Emden that is buried there – just one row up. They were at loggerheads with each other in their lifetime but side-by-side in their passing.

    3) I do NOT understand how you have mixed seating at a hachtoroh. Inasmuch as we will have to assume there were no teffilois recited and only a speech, still, the talis etc. makes it all misleading.

    4) As to the corny question about Rabbonus and Shlichus – if Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky is invited to your inaugeration then you might be considered a shliach. If he attends then you are guaranteed banquet entrace for life. If you don’t invite him – bye bye.