Panama Jewry Unites in Honor of the Torah in Great Splendor and Majesty
Anyone strolling through the verdant streets of Panama in recent days could easily feel the wings of history touching the very soul of the local community. The Torah world, which in the past was forced to hide in the undergrounds of Spain or behind the Iron Curtain at the risk of life, now radiates its great light afar, crossing continents. Jewish communities worldwide, and particularly in Panama, have experienced a tremendous spiritual renaissance in recent years, as educational institutions, kollels, and yeshivas grow from the foundation up, taking shape and flourishing in the light of day.
Amidst this awe-inspiring flourishing, the masses of the House of Israel in Central America united this past weekend in honor of the Torah. They gathered for an event that was entirely a tribute to Torah scholars and a strengthening of the communities, marking the eternal victory of the Jewish spirit.
Great excitement enveloped the community with the arrival of the Guest of Honor, the Chief Rabbi of Russia, the Gaon Rabbi Berel Lazar, shlita, for an uplifting three-day journey of inspiration. This visit was initiated and organized by “Kollel Torah Panama,” under the leadership of the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Shuchat.
The elevated journey commenced with Shuchat prayers at the “Beth El” synagogue together with the students of the mesivta, followed by extensive tours of the educational institutions. At the “Torah Or” Talmud Torah, the excited students welcomed the Guest of Honor by singing the Russian niggun of faith, “Nyet Nyet Nikavo,” and merited to hear words of Chassidus as well as a passionate blessing for the dedicated educational staff. A special visit was also paid to the “Bais Yaakov” girls’ school, where the immense investment in pure education was highly evident. At the city’s large Talmud Torah, the distinguished guest offered words of inspiration and blessing to all the students gathered in the central hall. Later, a fascinating and in-depth class on the power of the Jewish woman was delivered to about fifty women—a select group of the community’s women—held at the home of the Dorenbush family, one of the founding and supporting families of the yeshiva and the Talmud Torah.
On Friday evening (Erev Shabbat), the students of the Yeshiva Gedolah underwent a rigorous examination on Tractate Bava Kamma by the Chief Rabbi of Russia, alongside the Mara D’Asra, Rabbi Aharon Leib Laine—the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach; Rabbi Avraham Farjun, Rabbi of the ‘Shevet Achim-Pacifica’ community; and the Rosh Kollel, Rabbi Shuchat.
The highlight of the visit took place on Motzei Shabbat, with a joyous and uplifting celebration of the Siyum HaShas and the awarding of Semicha certificates, which was also emceed by Rabbi Shuchat. The Siyum HaShas was made by the student Yosef Yitzchak Rabinowitz, who began his in-depth studies during his time at the Yeshiva Ketana in Moscow, and has now merited to complete the entire Shas in Panama, with his father, Harav Hachasid Rabbi Shalom Dovber Rabinowitz, a leader of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI), participating with him in the event. The students—whose diligence in their learning is apparent, as is their investment in additional studies through chavrutas with local baalebatim—demonstrated an impressive and awe-inspiring mastery of the material.
Prior to this, a magnificent reception was held for the Chief Rabbi of Russia, attended by the Chief Rabbis of Panama, community rabbis, community leaders, the Israeli Ambassador, the Israeli Consul, and public figures, all of whom expressed their appreciation and paid tribute to the yeshiva world in Russia and the Diaspora.
The entire Shabbat was accompanied by uplifting farbrengens and prayers, starting with Kabbalat Shabbat at the “Beth El” synagogue, and continuing the next day at the “Shevet Achim” synagogue, featuring sermons, classes, and concluding with a joint Havdalah alongside Rabbi A. Laine.
Earlier, during the Siyum HaShas ceremony on Motzei Shabbat, a historic moment of unity was recorded when all the community rabbis appeared together: the outgoing Sephardic Chief Rabbi, Rabbi D. Peretz, who delivered a moving farewell speech in his final community event of his tenure, alongside the incoming Sephardic Chief Rabbi, Rabbi A. Silvera, Rabbi of the ‘Shevet Achim’ community, who graced the occasion with his presence. Also present were representatives from across the community spectrum: all the Chabad shluchim, board members of the ‘Shevet Achim’ and ‘Beth El’ communities, and the Rabbis: R’ Gavriel Betesh, R’ Yitzchak Barylka, R’ Yosef Harari, R’ Yitzchak Shrem, R’ Eli Avraham and more.
The keynote address was delivered by the guest from Russia, who shared Torah insights he learned “in wrath” upon his initial arrival in Russia, during the difficult years under the Communist boot.
On Sunday, the distinguished guest was invited to the office of Rabbi Silvera, Rabbi of the Shevet Achim community and the new Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Panama, who is scheduled to assume his great role in the coming days. The Rabbi, blessed him with great success in his holy work, characterized by cooperation and brotherhood between the communities. Toward the end of the long and warm meeting, the Rabbi, shlita, presented his book to the host, who accompanied the Rabbi upon his departure with gratitude for the inspiring visit.
Dozens of students from the Ohel Torah Yeshiva in Boro Park, who are spending these weeks at a summer yeshiva program in Panama, enjoyed a truly uplifting experience as they sat for a Chassidic farbrengen with the educational staff. The gathering was led by the esteemed guest, Rabbi Berel Lazar, who showered the students with words of encouragement and inspiration, urging them to persevere in their studies with even greater dedication and vigor. He warmly blessed each and every one of them to soon find their proper match and establish faithful Jewish homes.
The glorious visit also combined personal and communal celebrations that transformed into a joy for the entire public.
On Sunday, the Chief Rabbi, shlita, officiated the Chuppah and Kiddushin for the son of his childhood friend from Italy, from the Chefez family, who married the daughter of the illustrious Azrak family, known for their extensive support of the Torah world and their close connection with the Gedolei Yisrael.
The historic journey to Panama City concluded with an immeasurable sense of exaltation and spiritual upliftment. The local community members and the guests returned to their homes charged with immense spiritual energy, determined to continue expanding the boundaries of holiness. It is evident that the world of Torah and Teshuvah in Central America is marching toward new horizons of blossoming, prosperity, and expansion. And as we approach the holy day of the Hillula on the 3rd of Tammuz, one can see and feel the great spirit of self-sacrifice—instilled by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory—continuing to beat in the hearts of all and illuminate the path for future generations.
Photography: Community Spokesperson
