Preparations Complete in Alma-Ata as Thousands Expected for Chof Menachem Av at Reb Levik’s Ohel
Extensive preparations are underway in Alma-Ata ahead of Chof Menachem Av, the Yahrtzeit of Harav Hagaon Harav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, father of the Rebbe. Thousands of Anash and visitors from around the world are expected to travel to the Rebbe’s father’s resting place for the annual pilgrimage.
This year’s gathering is expected to be one of the largest in recent memory, with hundreds of guests arriving from Eretz Yisroel aboard a historic charter flight organized especially for the occasion.
To accommodate the influx of visitors, organizers have erected massive new hospitality tents adjacent to the Ohel. The specially designed structures were manufactured outside Kazakhstan and arrived in recent days, where they have now been fully installed to serve the thousands expected to visit throughout the Yahrtzeit.
The tents have been decorated with large displays featuring quotations from the Rabbeim about Harav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, allowing visitors to reflect on his greatness and enduring legacy.
Throughout the night and day of Chof Menachem Av, the site will host special minyanim, Torah shiurim, and farbrengens dedicated to the life, Torah, and mesirus nefesh of Reb Levik, whose unwavering commitment to Yiddishkeit under Soviet persecution continues to inspire generations.
Members of the organizing team expressed special appreciation to philanthropist Reb Avi Shaulzon, whose generous support has made the annual Yahrtzeit program possible in recent years. His efforts include funding and coordinating the large-scale hospitality arrangements, including accommodations for the many guests arriving in Alma-Ata.
Recognition was also extended to the Rebbe’s Shluchim in Alma-Ata, including Harav Shaya Cohen, Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach to Uzbekistan, and Harav Elchanan Cohen, for their ongoing work in organizing and facilitating the Yahrtzeit events for the thousands of participants.
photos by Akiva Scheinberger
