Prime Minister Bennet Hosted By Chabad Of Sochi After Meeting With Russia Runs Late

Due to the Friday afternoon meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Russian President Vladimir Putin running overtime, the Jewish community of Sochi organized to prepare all the Prime Ministers Shabbat needs, including a Sefer Torah, Siddur and Tallis. Food for Shabbat was also provided for his entire delegation and entourage.

The delegation’s Shabbat meal was held at a hotel, with the participation of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, which was conducted and hosted by the mayor of Sochi and the Chabad emissary, Rabbi Shalom Lazar.

Before Kiddush, Bennett thanked the entire delegation for the community’s effort put into the success of the meeting, and shared that the meeting with President Putin was warm and cordial. He also also went into detail on the mutual understanding and a desire to continue the cooperation of both parties. The Prime Minister continued his remarks from this week’s Torah portion and said “I want to thank Chabad, a Jewish organization for the warm welcome, and for their dedication and the sacred work they do here in Russia, and in every corner of the world.”

After Rabbi Shalom Lazar made kiddush and sat down to a meal, he delivered a Torah sermon on this week’s Torah portion and the importance of hospitality matzah, adding, “I want to thank the Prime Minister and the entire delegation for the great privilege of hosting you here in Sochi this special Shabbat.”

In a private conversation afterwards, the prime minister told the rabbi: “The president told me about the good relations here with the Jewish community. I want all Chabad emissaries to know – I adore you without limit, love you, strengthen and embrace, and continue to make a difference.”