Set of “Igrot Kodesh” given to the Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar שליט” א

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gluckowsky once shared at a farbrengen a story about Rabbi Avraham Elkana Kahana Shapira זצ”ל , who was appointed Chief Rabbi of Israel in 1983 (5743). Rabbi Shapira was deeply interested in the Igrot Kodesh and eagerly received each new volume that Chabad Shluchim would bring him.

When asked why he was so interested in the Igrot Kodesh, he explained that when he was Rosh yeshiva head, he had needed to acquire books on halacha and commentaries on the Talmud. However, as Chief Rabbi, he faced questions touching on all aspects of life, and only in the Igrot Kodesh could he find answers to such a wide range of issues.

A few weeks ago, Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar Shlita was also appointed Chief Rabbi of Israel. He attended the Kinus HaShluchim to support and encourage the work of Chabad emissaries around the world. While staying in Crown Heights, he came davening in “Getzel’s Shul” in Crown Heights on Motzei Shabbat.

One of the community’s active members who regularly attend the minyan, Yekutiel-Israel Allouche, approached him and reminded him of the above story, which he had heard from Rabbi Efraim Mintz, who had been present at that above farbrengen. Yekutiel then suggested organizing a set of Igrot Kodesh for him on behalf of the Getzel Shul community. Rabbi Bar gladly agreed.

After his return to Jerusalem, on the auspicious date of the 9th of Kislev, Michael Allouche of Jerusalem (Yekutiel’s father) went to the Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar’s office and presented him with the full 33-volume set of Igrot Kodesh, accompanied by a dedication letter from the Getzel Shul committee. The Chief Rabbi was very pleased and emphasized how much importance he places on these sacred books.

Another proof of the power of a farbrengen.